As in anywhere, "ukay-ukay" is everywhere - so it is here in Malaybalay too . . .

The continued existence of "ukay-ukay" ( this is the term for so-called "relief goods" that come in bundles) is something only a very strong "political will" can stop. For how can you stop its existence at the rate it has flooded every corner of our towns and cities? Yet, we ask: where do all these used clothing and "ukay-ukay" goodies come from? Are they really used and are for sale or somewhere along the way, people threw their clothing because it is already out of fashion and anything from their shelves because it is time to refurnish or completely overhaul? As if to say, our garbage out and we do not care if it goes to the third world countries for definitely they can still use it and give business to those who have the stamina to go through the bundles.

As in anywhere, "ukay-ukay" is here too in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines. So every night, the vendors station themselves in dark corners and display their wares. Curtains, clothes, pants, shoes, sandals, bras, panties and briefs (yes and some are not even washed, agghhh, yucks). Once in a while, some of us or our friends are able to buy the "best" at the lowest prices of what their patience and perseverance of "swimming through" the bundles gave to them.

Still, Malaybalayan wishes that "ukay-ukay" will not be around for good. Every filipino deserves better than "ukay-ukay" know.

This new year, 2010, hopefully brings greener pasture and better times to each one of us.