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Historically, Bambang rose to prominence in the post-WWII years as a center for medical and laboratory supplies, with rows of specialty stores catering to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare workers from across the country. Over time, it has evolved into a dynamic market area that includes secondhand clothing (ukay-ukay), surplus goods, and wholesale fabric stalls—positioning it at the intersection of formal and informal economies.
Bambang Public Market's ukay-ukay attracts commuters, students, and low-income residents seeking imported secondhand clothes, shoes, and accessories at bargain rates. These goods often arrive in bulk shipments, sorted and sold in open-air stalls or tight storefronts alongside other surplus items. This business not only offers income opportunities for small vendors but also underscores the Philippines' role in the global flow of discarded clothing—raising important questions about sustainability, regulation, and the material afterlife of fashion.