Reflection # 2

Reflection Paper about the situation in our society

The Filipino term, “pagpag” refers to the act of shaking off debris off something, but in poverty-stricken
areas, it refers to dishes composed of half-eaten leftovers thrown out by fast-food chains, eateries, and
ordinary households. Even chicken bones, which most people consider garbage, become a source of
sustenance. Very cheap, very delicious and easily accessible to the poor—these are a few reasons why
people continue to search for pagpag, not fully knowing the chances of ingestion of poisons, toxins, and
food-borne illnesses. With the “right to food” as a universal human right that protects the right of people
to eat in dignity, the State must be able to enforce quality standards to safeguard against adverse reactions
to food. The presence of pagpag shows that the Philippine government failed to implement effective
measures to remove threats and hazards to food safety. Others might think it is cruel to let people
consume the disposed food of others, but that’s the way it is in the poorest areas of the Metro. The issue
of pagpag is an issue beyond survival: it is a reflection of the country’s level of poverty. The day less
fortunate people will have complete and healthy meals on their plates, without the need to rummage
through garbage, will be a day of victory for all Filipinos.