Would you eat fried chicken knowing it came from a trash bin? In the urban slums of Manila, thousands survive on Pagpag—leftover food scavenged, recooked, and resold—every single day.
This dish is made from discarded food scraps, mostly collected from fast food chains, hotels, and restaurants. These leftovers are washed, recooked, and sold as street food to the poorest communities.
It’s cheap, widely available, and, for many, the only source of protein they can afford. But at what cost? 
The Reality of Manila’s Urban Poor
The Philippines has one of the largest wealth gaps in the world. In Manila, luxury skyscrapers and five-star restaurants sit just miles away from sprawling slums.
While the wealthy enjoy lavish meals, the poor scavenge for food—often from trash heaps near high-end districts.
This stark contrast has given rise to a unique but controversial street food culture.
What Exactly Is Pagpag?
Pagpag, in Tagalog, means “to shake off dirt.” That’s exactly what happens to the food before it’s recooked and resold.
How Pagpag Is Made
1、Collecting Discarded Food – At night, waste from hotels, restaurants, and fast food chains is dumped at garbage sites.
2、Sorting the Scraps – Locals pick through piles of trash, separating meat, bones, and leftovers that still have “some value.”
3、Cleaning the Food – The scraps are washed, often multiple times, to remove visible dirt, cigarette ashes, and other debris.
4、Deep-Frying or Stewing – To kill bacteria and mask any foul smell, the food is heavily seasoned and cooked in boiling oil or water.
5、Selling on the Streets – Once cooked, Pagpag is sold at makeshift food stalls for as little as ₱10 (about $0.20 USD) per serving.
For the urban poor, this meal is an affordable way to feed their families. But it comes with severe health risks.
The Hidden Dangers of Eating Pagpag
Food waste from garbage bins is not only unsanitary—it’s potentially deadly.
Health Risks of Pagpag:
- Bacterial Infections – Leftover food left unrefrigerated for hours can carry salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
- Food Poisoning – Cases of severe diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting are common among Pagpag consumers.
- Malnutrition – Despite being filling, Pagpag lacks proper nutrients, worsening hunger-related diseases.
- Parasitic Contamination – Some scraps may contain worms, maggots, or rotting meat, leading to intestinal infections.
Despite these dangers, many have no choice but to eat it.
Why Do People Still Eat Pagpag?
If Pagpag is so dangerous, why do people keep eating it? The answer lies in poverty and necessity.
1. Extreme Poverty
With an average income of only ₱3,500 ($60 USD) per month in some slum areas, many families can’t afford fresh meat.
2. Food Scarcity
The cost of living in Manila is high, and government food aid is scarce. For some, Pagpag is their only option.
3. A Thriving Black Market
A full supply chain exists around Pagpag. Trash collectors, vendors, and street cooks all make a living from this industry.
4. Cultural Acceptance
Over time, Pagpag has become normalized in slum communities. Many see it as just another local dish.
The Government’s Efforts to Ban Pagpag
The Philippine government has tried multiple times to stop the sale of Pagpag:
- Encouraging food waste reduction – Urging restaurants to donate excess food instead of dumping it.
- Sanitation campaigns – Raising awareness about the dangers of eating leftover food.
- Strict bans on selling Pagpag – However, enforcement is weak, and the trade continues to flourish.
Authorities understand that banning Pagpag won’t solve the root problem—poverty. As long as people are hungry, they will eat whatever they can find.
Final Thoughts: A Crisis of Hunger, Not Just Hygiene
Pagpag is not just about food safety—it’s a symbol of the deep poverty affecting millions in the Philippines.
For those in desperate need, a plate of fried leftovers is better than an empty stomach.
While banning Pagpag might seem like the solution, the real answer lies in long-term economic and social reforms. Until every Filipino can afford a proper meal, this grim reality will continue.
So, next time you throw away uneaten food, think about this:
Would you still waste it if you knew someone else might have to dig it out of the trash?
