Even with the swine flu outbreak in other countries and numerous government warnings against imported merchandise, 'ukay-ukay' vendors in Baguio and Iloilo say customers have still been buying "pre-loved" clothes.

In a busy used-clothing store in Baguio City, known as the 'ukay-ukay' capital of the Philippines, customers were still seen digging into boxes or racks of imported second-hand clothes and other apparel, some of which came from countries affected by the A H1N1 virus.

"I think it's okay and [shopping at 'ukay-ukay' stores] is safe. I appreciate the merchandise here," said one customer named Cherry, who was sifting through a pile of dressy shirts.

Sanitized

Meanwhile, another 'ukay-ukay' shopper named Herkey said he was afraid of catching the virus but still ventured out to his favorite 'ukay-ukay' store in search of cheaper clothes. "May takot, pero okay naman. Wagwag pa rin kasi mas mura. At sa tingin ko, hindi naman 'yon nakukuha sa damit," he said.

According to the Department of Health and the World Health Organization, a victim can catch the A H1N1 virus if he or she comes in close contact to an infected pig or infected human (via sneezing, touching, or coughing).

Although there are still no cases of humans getting infected by touching clothes or other merchandise, health groups strongly urge the public to keep their hands sanitized.

Although there has been a slight downturn in sales this month, sellers like Ludy insist customers have not been buying as much because of the rains, rather than for fear of catching the A H1N1 virus.

"Tag-ulan kasi kaya mahina. Di kami magsasara ng paninda namin kung sakaling may swine flu na nakukuha sa damit. Malinis naman mga paninda. Wala lang pera ang mga tao," she said. She also said that their products, ranging from designer bags to underwear, go through a rigorous disinfection process before they are sold.

Still profitable

Elsewhere, in Iloilo City, vendors like Rosana del Rosario say that the 'ukay-ukay' business has been good despite the swine flu outbreak.

Del Rosario, who has been in the used-clothes business for almost 20 years, said she still earns up to P2,000 a day selling used shoes imported from the United States. According to several reports, the US has now had almost 2,500 confirmed cases of A H1N1 virus infections.

As an extra precaution, however, Del Rosario said she has been drinking multi-vitamins every day to ward off sickness.

The Department of Health has not yet issued any health advisories preventing the public from buying apparel from 'ukay-ukay' stores. With reports from Maria Bulaklak P. Ausente, ABS-CBN Iloilo and Kristine Addatu, ABS-CBN North Luzon.