The birth of Ukay Ukay

Every Sunday in Oroquieta City, about 15 minutes from where we currently live is a local gathering called “tabo” (in the Visayan dialect it means “to meet”). This is where farmers are able to sell their produce at a low price. Consumers, usually after hearing mass, go straight to the place to buy their food for the week.

Ukay Ukay started out in a small street during “tabo”. When I went there last Sunday, I was surprised to see that what I saw before as a single strip had already evolved into this long and vast space of used clothing on tables. Everything from baby’s clothes, to adult’s clothes, to bed sheets, bags and shoes, caps, and yes even underwear! Prices differ based on the item, whether it’s a newly opened bundle or already chosen from that the seller would just like to dispose of. I looked around and what caught my attention was the variety of people rummaging through all the clothes; some well-dressed, some in their house clothes, some rode in cars and the others were just walking.

So I went and experienced for myself the pleasure of finding a good buy and amidst all the dust and a distinct smell of the medicine they put to disinfect the clothing, (so I’m told) I found my treasure. Among my purchases was a Benetton dress for my little girl that cost 80 pesos and a Mossimo shorts for my little boy that was only 10 pesos! A Liz Claiborne bag for myself that I bought for 100 pesos and Jockey boxer shorts for my husband that was priced at 35 pesos. I am told these items that I bought were even priced high because they were “branded”. As I looked around some more, clothes were being sold for as low as 5 pesos and to my amazement people would haggle their heads off until they were almost given for free!

Ukay Ukay started out as relief goods sent from other countries to the Philippines during calamities or for just giving out to the less fortunate. It turned into a lucrative business when they discovered a lot of branded items in the pack that people were eager to buy at a low cost than to buy it brand new at ten fold for the original price. Plus it was much cheaper than the new clothes being sold even in Divisoria or Baclaran!

There is a law however that prohibits this type of business which is Republic Act 4653. Under this law, the commercial importation of textile articles which is commonly known as used clothing and rags is prohibited. A law that is necessary because of sanitary and hygiene concerns, but these Ukay Ukay clothings are just everywhere! With the times being rough and the economy unpredictable, it’s no wonder why there is a growing market for this industry. What used to be a no-no activity for the socialites is now turning into a treasure hunt even for those who can afford to buy otherwise.

So you decide, would you rather go naked but save the dignity of our nation? Or be realistic, practical and fashionable? I know where I’ll be next Sunday. I’ll just show patriotism in another way.