The real disaster

Super typhoon, earthquake, terrorism, civil war and political instability are just among the current calamities/crisis the world is in.  While unaffected countries may just have to sympathize on their fate, we, as a nation, just couldn’t.  For one, we are directly crushed by some of these tragedies.  Secondly, as the world’s second largest exporter of labor, we all know that somehow, our countrymen, more likely, are in the other countries also affected by these crises.

However, it isn't at all bad for these maladies we are directly in right now.  As we start rebuilding, we shall see a lot of opportunities we've never seen in normal times.  For instance, amid heaps of debris, clearing operations present countless of chances even to those lacking in skills or inadequately educated.  Home repairs provide great prospects to our carpenters who, for decades, have been begging for jobs.  Construction workers will be in demand as the government speeds up the restoration of school buildings as well as stretches of roads and bridges.  Then, expect a surge in demand for construction materials, medicines and death-related activities like funeral services.   As demand increases the need for more workers follow.  In all, these activities shall address employment concerns on the deprived sector, and shall, somehow, contribute to the dreamed inclusive growth. 

While it is true that these tragedies present decent opportunities to some, a handful of  selfish individuals may also take advantage of  this situation we are badly in.  Remember, we are in a calamity.  Such word alone can be used unethically.  It has been used before and the possibility that it shall be used again presents itself.  Truth to tell, as clear as daylight, we are witnesses as to how the sale of “ukay-ukay” (used clothing) proliferated in both the metropolis and the countryside.  Done in broad daylight, it is seemingly enjoying a reasonable amount of  legitimacy. 

Though it appeared legitimate, importation of  used clothing is illegal by virtue of  Republic Act No. 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 or  rags”.  Surprisingly, despite its seeming abundance, we haven’t heard of anyone fined or, worst, imprisoned.  By its (ukay-ukay) sheer volume, it is unthinkable that these will go through the piercing eyes of  the men and women of  the Bureau of Customs (BOC) unnoticed.  Unless one shall opt to go blind, the much ballyhooed state-of-the-art X-ray machines positioned at the international ports could have easily detected them too. 

Unfortunately, however, Republic Act No. 1937 (in particular, Sec. 105 paragraph v.), allows importation of these stuffs for relief work or for non-for-profit relief organizations.  Thus, through this small window (such as the situation we are in right now) of opportunity, some “ukay-ukay” importations have been made legal.  Suspiciously, however, through devious means, it went to the mainstream not to the intended beneficiaries like the earthquake and typhoon victims.  Thus, the used clothing business flourished.  

Reportedly, these are items dropped off at charities in wealthy nations but are often sold to third world countries like the Philippines.  Every year, over US$1 billion worth are sent to these countries and are rummaged through by prudent shoppers in search of a bargain.  Apparently, with our insatiable desire couple with the relative ease in importing, these quality used items have glutted the market like never before.     

However, before the euphoria each time we rake in heaps of ukay-ukay at dole-out prices subsides, let us revisit our garment manufacturers, especially the home-based ones.   These manufacturers are situated in the countryside.  Some of them are based in Loon, Bohol, a small town recently ravaged by an earthquake.  While they truly need help now, through the years, this town helped propel their local economy.  They also help decongest the metropolis by employing their immediate relatives and neighbors. 

However, while their contribution to the economy is crystal clear, their businesses’ and their employees’ future remain blurred.  The liberal entry of “ukay-ukay” crippled this home-based industry.   Unregulated, this is the best recipe for the home-based garment industry’s demise.  Ironically, the government that is harping about employment generation in the countryside, decongestion of the metropolis, etc., is the same government that can’t put even a very thin shield enough to protect them from their hand-to-mouth existence.  Truly, that is the real disaster.

For your comments and suggestions, please email to [email protected].