TACLOBAN City – With about 251,000 people rendered jobless, and many businesses shuttered by the restrictive quarantines imposed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Leytenos have found a way to generate economic activity without the exchange of cash, and share their blessings along the way.
People here have revived the barter system to exchange unused items for food and other essentials, while decluttering their houses that they usually could not attend to in the past.
Some groups such as Tacloban Barter Community and Leyte Barter Community have provided the avenue for home-based entrepreneurs to trade whatever they have for other goods they may need.
It could be vegetables and other plants for milk and diapers, or artwork for food.
The barter system is an ancient method of exchange used without using money in the transaction.
Tacloban City Vice-Mayor Jerry Yaokasin, an active member of two barter communities, shared that barter has also been a way for people to help those who have no source of income during the crisis through the so-called “good deeds barter”.
"In a time of pandemic, most people are affected by the financial crisis due to loss of income. With no more cash to buy necessities, the barter allows people to trade their unused or used items. It is a welcome relief for cash-strapped individuals and families," he said.
He added that it also provides emotional support, and creates a strong sense of community among the members of the barter group.
"I saw at least two groups in the bartering community: one with unused or extra items they no longer need. So they trade them for something they need or want. The other group is families who are desperately searching for anything to barter. And what they thought were items without worth turn out to have monetary value," he narrated.
The official has been known for bartering antique items such as cameras, old furniture, and weighing scale in exchange for rice, egg, and gadgets, which could be used for online class.
Another member of the Tacloban Barter Community, which promotes bartering with kindness, also shared her story of how she was able to barter guava fruits in exchange for a half-sack of rice and groceries she sent to her uncle.
"We went in at first to lend support to the community as other places like Iloilo have vibrant barter community. But more importantly, it allows public officials like me to be in touch with our constituents. To be one with them. And allowed us to extend assistance by way of bartering. It encouraged them to be entrepreneurial rather than wait for dole-outs," Yaokasin added.
Rhoel Ladera, one of the administrators and founders of the Tacloban Barter Community, also shared his barter experience for a brand-new adjustable hospital bed for her grandmother bartered with a few decorative plastic plants.
"This is what barter with kindness is all about. I guess he did it because he knew that our Lola needs it. Seeing the smile on our Lolas face upon using her new bed, this will be my most memorable barter," he recalled.