LIFE SCAVENGING
Uncovering the Untold Truth of Food Insecurity
LIFE SCAVENGING: Uncovering the Untold Truth of Food Insecurity
“Anak, pagpagan mo iyang kamay mo dahil marumi.”
1 This phrase, often heard from Filipino mothers urging their children to clean up, takes on a more somber meaning in the context of food insecurity and hunger. Let’s look into the harsh reality of food scavenging as it serves as a reminder of the difficult circumstances faced by the most vulnerable members of our society.
2 The term “pagpag” might sound casual, but it represents a harsh reality. Imagine walking down the street and seeing someone rummaging through garbage cans, searching for edible food scraps. This is “pagpag”—collecting and eating leftover food found in the trash. However, it’s not just about finding leftovers; sometimes, it involves salvaging food that has already spoiled. This situation highlights a deep-rooted problem: food poverty.
What exactly is “pagpag”?
3 Pagpag is a symptom of a far more serious problem. When people lack reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food, they resort to desperate measures like scavenging food from the trash and attempting to make it edible again.
4 There are health risks associated with consuming food from garbage cans. While pagpag is a lifeline for the poorest Filipinos, it comes with serious health risks. Consuming food from the trash can lead to food poisoning and other illnesses, including typhoid, hepatitis, and diarrhea. Reheating the food may not eliminate these dangers, especially if the food has been in the trash for a long time.
5 Poor sanitation practices among those who collect, resell, and cook pagpag further intensify these health risks. Even if the food appears edible, there’s no guarantee of its safety. It’s simply a formula for disaster and potentially fatal consequences.
Other food substitutes
5 On one hand, “pastil,” a traditional Filipino dish offers a more hygienic yet still affordable alternative to those facing food scarcity. Pastil consists of seasoned shredded meat served over steamed rice and wrapped in banana leaves, prepared under sanitary conditions. While it may not be a gourmet meal, pastil provides much-needed relief to a hungry stomach. Promoting such alternatives can help ensure everyone in the community has access to safe food, even on a low budget.
What young people can do
7 So, what can young people do to address this issue? Firstly, we must raise awareness about the dangers of food scavenging and the broader issue of food insecurity. Supporting initiatives that provide affordable and nutritious meals to those in need is another option. Additionally, advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of agricultural support is essential.
8 By advocating together, we can create a society where no one needs to resort to scavenging for food to survive. It’s time to change the narrative and build a world where all families and individuals are food secure.
SOURCES [1] Ventura, V. (2023, May 30). Pagpag: The Controversial Survival Food of the Poorest Filipinos. HNL. https://healthandlifestyle.ph/article/pagpag-the-controversial-survival-food-of-the-poorest-filipinos/#google_vignette [2] Sturrock, T., & Sturrock, T. (2019, July 30). In Philippine slums, meat scavenged from dumpsters feeds those short of meals and hope. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/3020306/philippine-slums-meat-scavenged-dumpsters-feeds-those-short-meals
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