Impact of Ukay-ukay in the Community

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY Janiuay Campus SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION Janiuay, Iloilo 1

Background of the study Among the many forms forms of expression, expression, fashion is a straightforward straightforward gauge gauge of one’s individuality. You are what you wear, but that is so much as the brand and price tag as the way you carry yourself. In search of value for money, many Filipinos turn to ukay-ukay stores or thrift shops for quality clothing at very affordable prices (entrepreneur.com.ph, 2012). Buying and selling of branded second hand clothes and apparels has become one of the lucrative micro-businesses in the Philippines today because many Filipinos love to enjoy these products which is sold on a price lower than the original price. The term “ukay“ukay-ukay” is a Visayan term to dig -up and later it has been known to refer to second hand clothes and apparels. These “ukay“ukay -ukay” products became one of the t he most sought bargain items in the Philippines. They had provided entrepreneurial undertakings to many Filipinos. This commercial network originated from the clothing capital of Asia, Hong Kong Abueg (2010). It could be recalled that “ukay“ukay -ukay” products entered the Philippine market as shipments in the form of donations from charitable groups to aid refugees and calamity victims. Later Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) saw its potentials as a business endeavor thus; they learned to collect used clothing particularly those with known brands and send it to the Philippines in” in ” balikbayan” balikbayan” boxes. boxes. Consequently, entrepreneurial friends and relatives would buy in bulk, and then sell by the piece to the public Zerrudo(2013).


Associated Associated to these these “ukay“ukay-ukay” products are some issues and disadvantages such as torn or stained clothes, shoes with no pairs, sizes which are hard to find and many more. Moreso, from the perspective of the buyers, shopping for these products could be tiring, thus, one needs patience and strength. On the other hand, the health of traders and consumers is also at risk because products came from different places and unknown owners. So, there’s a possibility that they’ll be able to get disease from the “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” products. products. As what researcher researcherss observed observed nowadays, “ nowadays, “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” became became the best bargain phenomenon to hit the Philippines. It serves not only the CDE markets, but also budget conscious, variety seeking AB customers who know that the stalls carry a wide range of used goods and export overruns, including toys, linens, handbags, shoes and clothes. Even the items are second hand, customers may prefer them to local markets because of their brand names and perceived quality, and feel like winners after a successful bargain hunt. Amidst the problems stated, some consumers continue to patronize these goods. This research was conducted to clarify the reasons and factors on why “ukay “ukayukay” ukay” traders traders preferred to engage in the said business. This study also aimed to widen the knowledge of all men about “ about “Ukay-Ukay Ukay-Ukay” ” . This also explained the meaning of “Ukay of “Ukay-ukay” and its history. It also gave emphasizes on how competitive “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” as as a business and how it affects the local economy. This research also wanted to determine the problems encountered by the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” entrepreneurs entrepreneurs and customers and the


benefits of the people from “ from “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay”. ”. This is also to also to inform the people about its advantages and disadvantages. “Ukay-ukay “Ukay-ukay” ” products products are beneficial to both traders and consumers because of its low price and good quality. Economically speaking, “ speaking, “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” boost boost the economy of Janiuay for it gives employment and produce taxes that are essential to the local government. Review of Related Literature The clothing industry is one of the leading businesses throughout the world. It is never out of demands since it is one of the basic needs of human beings. Due to this reason, the competition in the industry is really stiff from brand name, quality and cost up to promotion. Competitors never let themselves left out when it comes to innovation of their products. In so doing, their product would end up attractive and saleable to consumers. Economic difficulties pose challenges among consumers whose purchasing power is becoming low. They have to recuperate with little money to provide basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. Hence, they tend to look for low-priced clothes. Apparently, clothing and garment stores that sell affordable yet with high quality products grow almost anywhere like mushrooms in the market place. Typical of these clothing outlets are “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” stalls stalls which keep even the budget-challenged fashionistas. The term “ term “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” is is derived from the Filipino hukay, which means to dig up. “ up. “Ukay-ukay Ukay-ukay” ” , synonymous with “ with “wagwag wagwag” ” , which is the act of dusting off a piece of clothing by taking hold of one end and snapping it in the air.


“Wagwag “Wagwag” ” is is an Ilokano term synonymous with segunda mano (SM) or second hand, which unwittingly gives the stuff an air of elegance because SM stands for shoe mart, the foremost Philippine retail chain. Apparently, “ Apparently, “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” started started as a popular trade at the turn of the century. The term became vogue in Baguio City and later everywhere in the country and became a by-word even among fashionistas. Rummaging became popular that there come an array of suggested guides on the art of rummaging. For example, Ramirez wrote an article on tips and tricks of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” in in 2010. On the other hand, Constantino (2009) wrote an article on recessionistas’ insider tips on how to score in an “ an “ukayukay-ukay” ukay” . Rummaging through a big pile of smelly used clothing became an art. Many Filipinos now get used to shopping at “ at “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” stores stores all over the Philippines. This is not just a country-wide phenomenon, nor an Asian one, but a global trend competing with traditional department stores, boutiques and shopping malls everywhere on this planet. In fact, even these conventional stores selling only brandnew clothing, shoes and accessories are carried away by the crowd-drawing power of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” marketing marketing scheme that dumped the items in one place and put up a big “SALE” sign. sign. After deliberately deliberately messing messing up, tossing tossing up and mixing mixing up all the clothes clothes together, they make it look like an “ an “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” giving giving an impression (often wrongly) that the items being sold there are cheap. One can CVCITC Research Journal, 1(2): 2014; ISSN: 2362-9029 3 see this kind of selling even in shopping malls in big cities in the Philippines. However, the things one finds at real “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” stalls stalls along dusty side streets and often crowded alleys can be surprising. In “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” stalls, stalls, one can find expensive imported items like Armani pants, Louis Vitton bags, Charles Jordan shoes,


Burberry bags, Levis jeans and Nike shoes – shoes – all all genuine, original brands at 1% of their real prices. For example, an original Armani costing Php 20,000 would only cost for Php 200 at the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” . More often than not, one can find these items slightly used by their former owners. A customer can get lucky in getting these big bargains only if he mastered more or less how to deal with the ” ukay-ukay” ukay-ukay” store store keepers who sell these items and have no idea of how much they really cost before they were dumped there. For example, an office worker in Davao City, an occasional “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” found found genuine leather shoes he liked (fitted on his feet) and decided to buy. The price quoted to him first was Php 750. Bargaining that it was too much for second-hand shoes, the store keeper said his last price at Php 450, “take it or leave it.” The off ice off ice worker told the keeper that he only have Php 200 in his wallet and said goodbye. At his surprise, he was held back by the final offer. Php 200 was fine and the item was sold. It was found out later by the office worker that the original price of the shoes was Php 6,500. Hence, bargaining is a skill that would do well with the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay”” customer . When this kind of clothing store first appeared in the market, it was not so much noticed by consumers and there were only a few number of this clothing store. As time went by, together with lifestyle of Filipinos, “ Filipinos, “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” became became numerous anywhere in the country. As a matter of fact, Bench, Bonjour de corps and a lot more are readily available in “ukay “ukayukay” ukay” stores stores in a high demand. This is just a proof that “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” somehow somehow meets the standards of Filipinos when it comes to clothing. People who patronize “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” have have varied reasons and belong to various social classes. Most patrons belong to the low and middle classes whose reason is affordability. On the other hand, some patrons belong to


the high class whose reasons are originality, uniqueness and quality. These are the factors that justify the booming of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” business business nationwide. Some may not yet be aware but the growth of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” really really seemed to be indispensable especially now that most Filipinos experience economic downfall and low purchasing power. Aptly, consumers would definitely search for products like clothes that are affordable that meets somehow their standards ( Valdez, J.A.P., B.R.L. Acosta & B.V. Ramos (2014). There’s more to “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” than than the democratization of fashion. The industry that sprouted out of second hand clothes generates millions in income for sellers, and saves millions more for the people who buy from them. In a thesis titled Economics of Secondhand Retail Trade: An Analysis of the Market for “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” by by Luisito Abueg, the history of the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” , the policies that govern the underground industry, and what it all implies for the Philippines as s struggling economy are painstakingly discussed and dissected. According to Abueg, the market for secondhand secondhand garments flourished flourished from its considered capital, Baguio City, province of Benguet despite a law that prohibits the wholesale of second hand clothes. Although Republic Act number 4653 (ratified July 1966) has been enacted, there is no clear implementation of this law (e.g., confiscation and/or burning of such imported commodities). He said that “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” is a very affordable source of fashionable yet durable clothing material for those with relatively low incomes. It could be recalled that “ukay“ukay -ukay” products entered the Philippine market as shipments in the form of donations from charitable groups to aid refugees and calamity


victims. Later Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) saw its potentials as a business endeavor thus; they learned to collect used clothing particularly those with known brands and send it to the Philippines in balikbayan boxes. Consequently, entrepreneurial friends and relatives would buy in bulk, and then sell by the piece to the public Zerrudo (2013). Former President Macapagal-Arroyo banned the entry and sale of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” items in the market. This created discontent among its patrons, who look at “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay”” goods as the most affordable in the market. Without doubt, secondhand clothing and garments retail and trade have become a part of the domestic market. Abueg said the government’s main objective to protect local markets and industries has been set into law when Republic Act 4653 banned the importation, sale, and retail of “ukay “ukay-ukay” goods. Evidently, with the transformation of secondhand clothing and garments retail and trade into what it is today a solid, constantly growing industry the government has since opted to control and vindicate the market activities of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” , for instance, by imposing taxes. In September 2010, lawmakers went up in arms against the renewed proposal of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to tax “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” stores stores in Baguio City, Metro Manila and most parts of the country. Mr. Province Rep. Maximo Dalog and Baguio City Rep. Bernardo Vergara insisted that it will be the poor people who will be burdened by the proposed tax measure. They asserted that the imposition of new tax measure is contrary to the campaign promise of President Benigno Aquino III that he will not allow such move but will instead urge the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to intensify tax


collection. According to Rep. Dalog, the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” trade trade is a thriving business in the country because the prices of these goods are very cheap. He said that taxing “ukay “ukayukay” ukay” will will kill the business because of the consequent increase in their prices. However, Silverio,Alleco (2011) said that Filipinos everywhere protested against the ban, saying that it is anti-poor on so many levels. Those who sold “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” decried that many will lose their jobs and main sources of income – those – those who man the stores, who sort out the clothes, those who are into the transport of goods. Those who buy clothes from “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” cried out against the threat of losing a much cheaper, alternative provider of their wardrobe needs. A research research conducted conducted by Locsin (2007) in particular in in her paper – paper – Fashioning Fashioning a Culture through Baguio City’s “u kay-ukay” kay-ukay” had highlighted her observations on the trend about “ukay“ukay-ukay” industry in Baguio. According Baguio. According to her “these “these products products are articles on sale; which are randomly mixed up regardless of size, color, type and style in huge piles along sidewalk stalls. Buyers dig into int o the piles from all sides in a ‘contest’ to choose the ‘best’ item, adjudged by the the keen eye for its relative newness, newness, lack lack of damage damage or stains, or stains, and its fashion appeal. However, a research entitled factors associated with the patronage of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” products products in Davao city shows that respondents were more influenced by the product’s affordability which is within their budget. Traditional store is more favorable to them because they can negotiate for a lower price unlike in malls wherein prices are fixed. According to to the study study of Garovillas Garovillas (2009) (2009) entitled entitled “Retailing Management”, “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” nowadays nowadays is fashionable with durable material for those with relatively low


incomes. Even the items are second-hand; consumers may still prefer them because they feel like winners after a successful bargain hunt. Products are relatively homogenous with the new garments and accessories. A research research study conducted conducted by the students students of Cagayan Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College, Inc Inc stated that “ukay-ukay “u kay-ukay” ” , as art of rummaging second-hand stuffs, is wide-spread in the Philippines: a very trending act of shopping that made a strong impact on the textile and clothing industry. The tremendous growth of this business phenomenon is observed in Santiago City. It effected changes on the shopping practices, lifestyle of the masses, and supplemented the existence of the textile clothing industry. The presence of such business activity in the city gained attention from the different sectors – sectors – “ “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs, consumers, franchised clothing traders and government. The competitiveness and viability of the “ukay “ukay-ukay” business in the long run is an important concern. The study found out that “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” is not as preferred as department stores and other stores, but could be competitive based on the (a) consumers’ evaluation of the stuffs as passing the criteria on durability, prestige, originality and uniqueness, low pricing, and desiring to continue patronizing the ” ukay-ukay” ukay-ukay” stores, stores, (b) entrepreneurs’ perceptions percept ions on its profitability and long-term viability, high prospects of continuing their business in the next 5 years and becoming more knowledgeable while engaging in the business. The entrepreneurs’ leading problems are unsteady sale and the customers’ diff iculty diff iculty in rummaging while their needs include increasing their capitalization and making their stalls more spacious and


comfortable. The problems encountered by customers of the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” business business do not significantly affect the economic benefits they derive. A study by Muthiani, Matiru, and and Bii (2012) (2012) was conducted conducted in Kenya Kenya to examine examine the pathogenic microbial levels in second-hand undergarments such as panties, bras, socks, and towels. It compared the effectiveness of disinfection methods in reducing microbial load in undergarments using culture and biochemical tests. Several bacteria such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus, and fungi including Trychophytonmentagrophytes, and other more were isolated from these unwashed clothing. These pathogenic bacteria and fungi still remain in these clothes even after disinfecting. Another study was conducted conducted by Kabadil, Smith, Smith, and Gomez Gomez (2013) (2013) to 67 volunteer medical students of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine who had their laboratory coats swabbed during their time in Anatomy Laboratory class. Their samples were collected prior to the laboratory activity and another at the end of it. The researchers then found out those potential pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia faecalis were present on the laboratory coats of those students, with a significant difference between the results of the pre-swabbing and post-swabbing. These findings indicate that laboratory garments worn in the Anatomy Laborator Laboratory y setting setting were not not sterile after exposure exposure and thus harbor harbor potentially potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Hence, proper timely laundering of laboratory clothing is recommended Kabadil, Smith and Gomez, et. al, (2013).


Methodology The study employed the qualitative data through case studies. De Marrais, K. and Dapan, S. (2004) stated that case study research can involve the close examination of people, topics, issues, or programs. It was further stated that case studies seek to answer focused question by producing in-depth description and interpretations over a relatively short period of time. Further, the researcher develops category, themes, and sub-themes from the responses of the key informants. Further, the gathered data were transcribe, coded, interpreted, and analyzed. The methodology used in the study was a face to face interview with the respondents. In order to record the interview, an audio tape was used. The respondents of the presents study were the three (3) sellers and two (2) consumers of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” in in the public market at the municipality of Janiuay, who are patronizing the “ the “ukayukayukay” ukay” product. product. Each respondent was interviewed using the researcher made interview guide. They selected through purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria such as those patronizing the “ukay “ukay- ukay” ukay” product. product. The researchers established the informed consent from the participants. Likewise, the researchers observed ethical consideration in conducting the in-depth interview with the patronizers.


Figure 1: Site of Janiuay Public Market - Janiuay Iloilo The data needed in this study were gathered through face-to-face interview, audio tape recording and document analysis. According to Med (2003), interviewing involves asking questions and getting answers from participants in a study. Interviewing has a variety of forms including: individual, face-to-face interviews and face-to-face group interviewing. After collecting collecting the data, the researchers researchers analyzed analyzed and interpreted interpreted them by means of transcribing, coding, and developing themes. Transcribing, it Transcribing, it is the process of converting audio or video data text for analysis. The researchers transcribed all the data gathered from face-to-face interview, document analysis, and audio tape recording. Coding, it Coding, it is the process of reviewing notes and discussing common themes. The researchers identified the commonalities/ similarities among the data gathered. Themes, describe the pattern/ phenomenon as a result. It will serve as a basis to understand deeply the result of the study being conducted among patronizers of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” .


Findings and Interpretation An emergent emergent theme among among the traders and and consumers consumers of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” in in the municipality of Janiuay is reported in this section. The identified themes and categories were well discussed. Data generated from the research questions were further presented in this section of paper. Affordability Affordability and Quality Quality Affordability and quality were the emerging topic topic revealed revealed based on the transcribed data from the interview. Various social classes who patronize “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay”” had their valid reasons. Economic difficulties pose challenges among consumers whose purchasing power is becoming low. They have to recuperate with little money to provide basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. Hence, they tend to look for low-priced clothes. Apparently, clothing and garment stores that sell affordable yet with high quality products grow almost anywhere like mushrooms in the market place. “Sa ukay-ukay ukay-ukay makabakal barato na kag manamie ang quality. Halimbawa, mga studyante hindi ka afford brand new nga tag 200 plus gya sa ukay-ukay makabakal sanda blouse nga tag 50 or 35 asta sa 10 pesos dun ran namie pa ang tsura na.” (In “ (In “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” you you can purchase affordable and high quality of clothing. For example, students students can’t afford a brand bran d new shirt which costs ₱200 or more, but here they can buy a blouse for ₱ 50.00 or ₱ 35.00. Even clothes that cost ₱10.00 ₱ 10.00 were still in good quality.)


In connection with this, the needs for clothing were answer through the emerging of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” , thus: “Ang ukay-ukay ukay-ukay maka benipisyo gid sa tawo, parehas kanakun kay estudyante pa lang ako kag ang budget ko tight gid katama. Madamo abi ang garastuhan kag ang budget nga pangbakal gamit pareho sang bayo, mga short, dilargo kag tapos kis-a sapatos madalahig kabayad sa eskwelahan te para maka less gaukay- ukay ako kay namie man ang quality sang branded.” ( “Ukay-ukay “Ukay-ukay” ” is is beneficial to the people, like me as a student having a less budget, and a lot of expenses. The money that was intended for buying things such as shirts, shorts, pants and shoes was used for school fees. So for less expenses I used to buy in “ in “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” for for it also has a good quality.) Typical of these clothing outlets are “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” stalls stalls which keep even the budget-challenged fashionistas. Though the items are second hand, customers may prefer them to local markets because of their brand names and perceived quality, and feel like winners after a successful bargain hunt. Amidst the problems stated, some consumers continue to patronize these goods. Affordability and quality are some of the factors factors why Filipinos of all status status patronize the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” products. products. The “ The “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” markets markets provide various branded products that are sold cheaper than its actual price.


Besides the foregoing contentions, the respondents under study affirmed that the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay”” products is of great help to augment their expenses in financing their clothing needs. This is just a proof that “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” somehow somehow meets the standards of Filipinos when it comes to clothing. People who patronize “ patronize “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” have have varied reasons and belong to various social classes. Most patrons belong to the low and middle classes whose reason is affordability. On the other hand, some patrons belong to the high class whose reasons are originality, uniqueness and quality. These are the factors that justify the booming of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” business business nationwide. Some may not yet be aware but the growth of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” really really seemed to be indispensable especially now that most Filipinos experience economic downfall and low purchasing power. Aptly, consumers would definitely search for products like clothes that are affordable that meets somehow their standards, Valdez, J.A.P., B.R.L. Acosta & B.V. Ramos (2014). Beneficialness and Accessibility “Beneficialness “Beneficialness and Accessibility” Accessibility” is the persistent theme based on the answers of the patrons during the conduct of the in-depth interview. These patrons of “ukay “ukayukay” ukay” products, preferred staying and selling in their municipalities rather than going to other municipalities in order to lessen their expenditures. This decision made the local economy of Janiuay to improve as well as the other business sectors in the town. In connection to this, Former President Macapagal-Arroyo banned the entry and sale of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” items items in the market. This created discontent among its patrons, who


look at “ at “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay”” goods as the most affordable in the market. Without doubt, secondhand clothing and garments retail and trade have become a part of the domestic market. Abueg said the government’s main objective to protect local markets and industries has been set into law when Republic Act 4653 banned the importation, sale, and retail of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” goods. goods. Evidently, with the transformation of secondhand clothing and garments retail and trade into what it is today a solid, constantly growing industry the government has since opted to control and vindicate the market activities of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” , for instance, by imposing taxes. “Mas prefer ko gya gya magbaligya sa Janiuay kay gya ko gauli mo, lapit lang kag isa pa kun layo ang ulian mo magasto sa pamasahi. Sang una naga brobolante man ako asta nga nag settle down gya sa Janiuay.” (I preferred selling in Janiuay because this is where I reside. If I choose to sell in farther places, it will cost higher fare. I was once a merchant until I decided to settle down here.) Patrons often choose to buy and sell “ sell “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” in in the municipality of Janiuay to provide the citizens and the government the benefits of having cheap preferences and tax revenue. In addition, patrons contributed in the boosting of the local economy and lessen their expenses in trading. “Mas gusto ko mag stay di kay hindi ka hindi ka magastuhan pamasahi pakadto kag puli. Kun magkita 1,000 sa bolantehan, magasto eh. Plete mo pa kan an mo pa, pila nalang bilin kun diri kalng mag stay, ang sa 150 d ala ala dun pagkaon.”


(I preferred to selling here so it will not cost higher fare. If you are earning ₱1000 and you are spending for you fare and food, you will only earn less than you supposed to earn. In here, your ₱150 is enough with food already in it.) Despite challenges and harsh conditions, they remained committed and dedicated to their municipalities. The income they earn and the money they can save can be used in other needs like food and education. They remained faithful to their locality just as they have faith in God. Further, consumers and traders lived harmoniously and shared their blessings. Issues and problems “Issues “Issues and problems” problems” are are the recurrent theme arises during the conduct of the interview with the patrons. Like any other business, the “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” business business also has its disadvantages that may hinder its helpful benefits. This remarkably notable in the conditions concerning the business industry. This result is contrary to the findings conducted under case study. The key informants stressed that: “Ang reject namon di may gisi. Kun reject na sinako sinako na baligya namon my jan man nga pinanid. Pareho bi sa karnehan; mabakal sanda 20 pesos taw an namun na 10 kabilog. Balie tag dos(2) pesos baligya namun kay gina trapo da man lang mo.”


(Shirts considered as “reject” are are being sold as rags. For instance, the meet vendors, they are buying 10 pieces for ₱20.00,thus one piece cost ₱2.00.) The respondents under study just simply look at the bright side and not at the bad side of the business. They are often optimistic in the usefulness of a product before they disposed it. Traders tend to gain their loss by re-selling those with damaged but are still useful products. After all, consumers are satisfied by the quality and price they spent in an “ an “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” product. product. Accordingly, Accordingly, people are poor not just because because of lack lack of economic economic resources resources to satisfy basic needs, but also because they live in a social, economic, and political system which do not provide equality of opportunities among its citizens. The “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” business intends to provide the basis for the patrons of a fine quality yet affordable products. “Mga gisi-gisi gisi-gisi nga ran matimingan nga mabuol namun gina baligya pa man namun ah, pwede pa ran mahimo da nga trapo ukon doormat. Sinako run dan mag tingbanay nga baklahanay tag 200 kada sako.” (Those products with damages can still be sold as rags or doormats. Combining them together, you can come up with several sacks which can be sold for 200 pesos per sack.)


Summary of findings The local economy of Janiuay was affected by the “Affordability and Quality” of “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” products. products. Because of its low price and good quality, patrons preferred “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” rather rather than local brands. Accessibility on the market place was one of the factor why they chose to buy (consumers) and sell (traders) in the municipality of Janiuay. Hence, people of the said locality benefited in “ in “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” . The patrons should also take note of the different “Issues and Problems” regarding “ ukay-ukay” ukay-ukay ” products. products. Thus, to prevent further loss of profits, traders are still selling products with damages as rags and doormats. Conclusion The impact of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” in in the local economy of Janiuay has a great effect to both traders and consumers. Everyone has their access to high quality yet affordable products. This has become a trend-shopping district for low, middle and high earning classes. People preferred to buy in “ in “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” rather rather than buying in expensive boutiques or malls. The clothing, fashion, and household needs of every individual can be catered by “ by “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” . The municipality of Janiuay became well known to provide the consumers their needs and wants. Because of it’s affordability a nd accessibility, consumers preferred buying in Janiuay. For traders, it is convenient to sell in this municipality to lessen their expenses and the fact, Janiuay is the center of the 3 rd district which means to make it more popular to the people. This can help to improve the local economy of Janiuay trough the taxes impaired for the “ukay-ukay “ukay-ukay” ” products. products. Even


damaged ukay-ukay products can be useful to the traders and consumers; for traders they can somehow gain their loss of capital and for the consumers they can still use it as rags. The study showed that the ukay-ukay business have the impact in the local economy of Janiuay. Recommendations Government officials, through the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs personnel and staff, should review their policies and guidelines in administering the “ the “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” business business industry. Security measures should be established to ensure that the business traders follow their duties and obligation to the government and to the citizens. DTI should make sure that traders are not overlapping the consumers rights, the BIR should make sure that taxes are being paid on the time and are not that high for traders not to loss more of their profit, and the BoC, to ensure that products entering the country are all been taxed and that they are not receiving under the table transactions. We also recommend to abolish the R.A. 4653 (An Act To Safeguard The Health Of The People And Maintain The Dignity Of The Nation By Declaring It A National Policy To Prohibit The Commercial Importation Of Textile Articles Commonly Known As Used Clothing And Rags.) because even there is a law, Filipinos are still importing products from other countries. To the traders of “ of “ukay-ukay ukay-ukay” ” products, products, it is recommended that they make sure they all attend to their consumers’ needs without compromising theirs. Making sure of


their respected places clean and convenient to the consumers. We also recommend that the ukay-ukay traders or store owners must be careful because they might be sued even if the government government isn’t very active with regard to this law. To the consumers, they should also take concern for the trader’s profit. trader’s profit. “ “UkayUkayukay” ukay” does does not mean very cheap so they should not demand for lower price. For those buying in wet public market they should not complain of very hot surroundings, noise and smelly odor of products. They should also rewashed the products they bought to secure their health.


References Abueg, Luisito. Luisito. (2010). (2010). The Economics of Second hand Retail Trade: An Analysis of the Market for Ukay-ukay. Philippine Philippi ne Journal of Development (2005), Number 59, Volume XXXII 13 January 2013. Retrieved from: http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/r http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/pjd/pidspjd05is/pjd/pidspjd05-1ukay.pdf 1ukay.pdf Constantino , B. &Panutat,L.(2009). &Panutat, L.(2009). How to score in an ukay-ukay: Recessionistas’insider tips Retrieved from: from: http://www.spot.ph/index.php/shopping/16018/made-in

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Garovillas. (2009). Retailing Management 7th Edition Michael Levy and Barton Weitz McGraw-Hill/Irwin Retrieved from :http://www.amazon.com/Loose-Leaf-RetailingManagement-Michael-Levy/dp/0077494199 Kabadil C. J., Smith III C. R., & Gomez, F. (2013, May).Potential May).Potential pathogen transmission on medical student anatomy laboratory clothing. Medical Student Research Journal (MSRJ), 02, 1-5 Retrieved from :http://msrj.chm.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014 /05/MSRJ-Spring-2013-Potential-pathogen-transmission-on-medical /05/MSRJ-Spring-2013-Potential-pathogen-transmission-on-medicalstudent- anatomy-laboratory-clothing.pdf Locsin, R. (2007). Fashioning a Culture through Baguio City’s Ukay -Ukay. Ukay -Ukay. Paper from the Conference “INTER: A European Cultural Studies


Conference in Sweden”, organised by the Advanced Cultural Studies Institute of Sweden (ACSIS) in Norrköping 11-13 June 2007. Retrieved from :http://www.ep.liu.se/ecp/0 :http://www.ep.liu.se/ecp/025/039/ecp0 25/039/ecp072539.pdf 72539.pdf Muthiani, Matiru, and Bii (2012).Potential (2012). Potential skin pathogens on second hand clothes and the effectiveness of disinfection methods. Kenya Medical Re search Institute, Centre for Microbiology Research. Retrieved from: http://jour http://jour - nals.jkuat.ac.ke/index.ph nals.jkuat.ac.ke/index.php/jscp/artic p/jscp/article/ le/ view/688/634 Ramirez, J. (2009). The A- Z of Baguio “ukay” Shopping, Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 21:15:00 04/23/2009 Retrieved from: from: https://adventuresofitchyfeet.wordpress.com/tag/ukayukay-in-baguio-city/ R.A. 4653 (1996). An An act to safeguard safeguard the health health of the people maintain maintain the dignity of the nation by declaring it a national policy to prohibit the commercial importation of textile articles commonly known as used clothing and rags. Retrieved from :http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno 4653.html#.WAbc49SLTDc Silverio, I. (2011)The (2011)The Economics of Ukay-Ukay Retrieved from :http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/04/18/the-economics-ofukay-ukay/


Valdez, J.A.P., J.A.P., B.R.L. Acosta Acosta & B.V. B.V. Ramos Ramos (2014).Competitiveness, (2014).Competitiveness, viability, economic benefits anddifficulties of the ukay-ukay business Retrieved from :http://www.academia.edu/9665726/competitiveness viability _economic_benefits _economic_benefits_and_difficu _and_difficulties_of_t lties_of_the_ukayhe_ukay-ukay_busine ukay_business ss Zerrudo,M.R. (2013). Ukay-ukay, imported surplus: The skirt of globalization. Sunstar-Lifestyle. 17 July, 2013 Retrieved from :http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro /lifestyle /2013/06/29/ukay-ukay /2013/06/29/ukay-ukay-importedsur importedsurplus-skir plus-skirt-globaliz t-globalization-289 ation-289941 941

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