Construction worker rummages through ‘pagpag’ to feed family, neighbors

A former construction worker in Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City, has been rummaging through leftover vegetables and meat at the market so he can feed his family and neighbors amid the pandemic.

According to a “24 Oras” report on Thursday, Marlon Gonzales would bike for hours every day to get to the market where he would ask for leftovers, also known as “pagpag.”

After rummaging through and sorting out the pagpag, he would wash it thoroughly and bring it to his family so they would have something to eat.

“Itong pandemya, mahirap lalo na wala kaming trabaho. Dito na lang kami sa bahay. Kaya naisipan kong pumunta rito,” Marlon shared.

Marlon used to work as a construction worker, but he lost his job when the pandemic struck.

Apart from feeding his family, Marlon would also share the food with his neighbors.

“Tinutulungan niya lang kami. Kumukuha siya ng mga gulay, karne, tapos pinapamigay lang niya. Salamat po sa kanya sa aming biyaya,” said his neighbor Rosita dela Cruz.
 
The Valenzuela City health department, however, warned residents of the possible threats of eating “pagpag.”

“Hindi po namin ina-advice po ito, pero wala po tayo magagawa dahil sa kakulangan ng pera at pagkain nagagawa nila ito,” said Dr. Marilyn Cleofe-Liwanag .

“Pwede namin i-advice sa kanila is to sort out, huhugasan ng mabuti and make sure na ’yung water na sinource out nila ay hindi contaminated. Kailangan lutuin ng mabuti para malaman natin na hindi ito mag-cause ng bacteria,” she added.

The Kapuso Foundation recently went to Arkong Bato and distributed relief packages to the residents. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News