Pungko-pungko continues to thrive in Cebu’s streets

CEBU, Philippines - Pungko-pungko or small self-service eateries are among the favorite food stops in Cebu City. This type of food retailing along the streets of Cebu, has flourished over the years because of its affordability and accessibility. In other words, it’s “patok” to the mainstream market.

Sandy Casul, a student who frequents pungko-pungko for lunch said, “affordable ra man ug lami pud kaayo,” she said.

With only P30 as her regular food budget, Casul can now have bola-bola (meatballs), lumpia (spring rolls with bean sprout), and puso (hanging rice) for lunch.

Jimboy de los Reyes, a pungko-pungko owner near the local university, shared that their business flourished since 1998. Their regulars are mostly students and walk-in customers.

“Dali ra man ma-afford sa estudyante ug unique pud ba,” he said when asked why they have chosen the kind of business.

Moreover, their lumpia, which is in demand among their patrons only costs P3 each; while ngohiong, longganisa, squid, hotdog, chorizo, and egg are sold for P10 each. Other food such as beef loaf, bola-bola, and relleno cost P10 each, shrimp is at P15 and ginabot or chicharon bulaklak is for P20.

However, De los Reyes stopped short of revealing their actual daily income because according to him, just like the weather, their daily sales is also unpredictable.

Health concerns

But while many enjoy eating in pungko-pungko, the health hazards that this type of business entail have always been a top concern of the Department of Health.

DOH 7 Regional Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas said food peddlers and the food item sold down the streets have always been the subject of warnings by the health sector. “Foremost is the legitimacy of the food handlers. From foodstuff to preparation or cooking to storage is a concern,” he said.

Dr. Bernadas also said that unlicensed food retailers or vendors are incompetent on food safety, they are considered at risks or health hazards given these inadequacies, and could result to food contamination along the way.

From the food handlers who may harbor transmissible diseases to actual contamination from the environment; such as the dust particles or organisms suspended in the air, carried by insects and rodents, to actual food adulteration, or intentional sabotage, are always a threat, he said.

Serious health problems can be obtained from bacterial contaminants, like typhoid fever and food poisoning.

“Serious health problems are avoidable when food is prepared, processed, and stored safely and adequately,” Dr. Bernadas said.

He also added that legitimate food establishments who apply for license to operate, undergo food handling seminars, conducted by the local government through its health units, before they will be issued with health certificates.

Tax issues

Conrado Lee, Assistant Regional Director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue describes sidewalk vendors as Marginal Income Earners (MIE). MIEs refer to self-employed individuals who earn through gross sales or receipts that do not exceed P100,000.

Back in 2014, Sen. Bam Aquino filed a bill exempting MIEs from payment of income tax. Just like minimum wage earners, Aquino said MIEs or self-employed individuals who are earning below P150,000 annually should be spared from paying income tax.

Aquino pushed for the tax exemption after the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 7-2014 requiring micro entrepreneurs to pay income tax returns.

According to the circular, MIEs include agricultural growers/producers such as farmers and fishermen selling directly to consumers, small sari-sari stores, small carinderias or pungko-pungko and drivers/operators of a single unit tricycle. (FREEMAN)