All names of minors have been changed at their request to protect their identities. Manila, Philippines —

A boundary wall separates Baseco’s residents from Manila Bay, a natural harbor in the heart of the Philippine capital. Over 64,000 people live in the densely packed compound, their homes made of concrete blocks and scrap materials, covered by corrugated roofs reinforced with tarp, making them prone to flooding.

Among the residents is 14-year-old Clara, who lives towards the periphery of the informal settlement. Wearing an oversized black T-shirt with graffiti prints, Clara’s small frame subtly reveals the bump around her waist. Now six months pregnant, the young mother-to-be hopes of having a boy. “I want him to be like my older brother. I don’t want him to end up like me,” sh

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