In 2017, the Barter trade in Gov. Gutierrez, Rosary Heights 7 in Cotabato City was built by the 52 members of the Cotabato City Barter Trade Association. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
In the business industry, starting a venture is challenging due to factors such as financial requirements, choosing the right location amid high competition, attracting customers, and ensuring smooth operations.
Business is something individuals can rely on for financial support and additional income.
Let us learn how the barter trade evolved into modern barter.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines in 1521, early Filipinos engaged in barter trade with people from China and other neighboring countries. It was essentially a cashless system used during the 15th century.
To explain, barter trade is the oldest form of commerce where two or more parties—such as individuals, businesses, and nations, exchange goods, products, and services evenly without using a monetary medium.
In the Bangsamoro region, Dulawan now known as Datu Piang, became the center of trade and commerce in Central Mindanao after its establishment in 1936.
As one of the first-class municipalities in the former Cotabato province, it encompassed much of central Maguindanao and northern Sultan Kudarat, making it the most populated and developed town by 1939.
One of its methods is bartering, the easiest way of trading in the past.
How barter trading began
The barter trading was declared to the areas of Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga Area, Basilan, and Cotabato City under the Philippine Memorandum Order No. 24, July 24, 1986, during the time of President Corazon C. Aquino.
Southern Philippine Development Authority (SPDA) is given the authority to approve and certified all Filipino resident traders in the Barter trade areas may sell, barter, or trade any merchandise, and goods or articles imported.
Following the memorandum order, the first barter trading outlets for merchandise—such as textiles and food products imported by Moro merchants from Malaysia and Indonesia—were established in Cotabato City. Businessmen made a good sale and good profit in the said trade fair.
Modern day barter trading
On September 23, 2013, the said barter was razed by fire destroying hundreds of stalls and products. The incident caused significant hardship for the businessmen, with some losing their goods and capital.
To continue selling, traders organized the Cotabato City Barter Trade Association.
The association has 52 members from various tribes, including Maguindanaon, Tausug, and Meranaw.
One of the members is Suharto Abobakar, 54 years old and hails from Cotabato City.
His interest in business began at a young age, strongly influenced by his mother, who is a businesswoman.
“Nagsimula talaga akong magbusiness nong 1986 pa kami ng nanay ko at nooong nakapag-asawa na ako saka ito na-improve talaga. Yung dating old barter trade ay hindi sa amin ang lupa kumbaga pa walang future na nakikita since nagre-rent ang karamihan sa amin,” Abobakar said.
The New Barter Trade
The barter trade, located along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue in Rosary Heights VII, was established by the 52 members of the barter trade association. They own the 2,700 sq. m. of land and stalls where the sales take place.
“While waiting na matapos itong pinapatayo naming na barter trade, lahat ng sales namin every month dito napupunta sa pagpapatayo ng building na ito.Alhamdulillah at sa loob lamang ng isang taon natapos ito, mga 2017,” he added.
Antique items and the unique, elegant design of the ‘Inaul malong’ still exist and can be quite expensive. Inside the barter trade, you can also find modern items such as ready-to-wear (RTW) dresses, hijabs, abayas, thaubs (loose, comfortable garments for both females and males), and prayer garments, among others.
The city traders were also established by the association, which includes a food court offering unique cuisines from different tribes, coffee shops, biryani (an Arabian dish), and local foods.
Abobakar owns a store inside the barter trade that sells ready-to-wear (RTW) items from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, as well as local food delicacies.
However, maintaining the business is always a challenge, especially during financial crises. He recalled how sales slowed significantly during the pandemic.
During the pandemic in 2020, traders adapted to online selling to support and sustain their businesses.
“Isa talaga yun sa challenges na dumating sa aming mga negosyante kasi wala masyadong benta. Noon magaan masyado ang challenge kasi direct na ang pagkuha ng stocks at goods at wala masyadong kalaban pero ngayon madami ng challenges kasi kahit sino pwede ng magravel para kumuha ng goods at ibenta online,” he added.
Looking at how barter trading has evolved significantly into the modern practice of online selling, adapting to changes in technology, consumer behavior, and economic conditions, owning a small business and becoming an entrepreneur nowadays is more achievable as long as you have the right tools and a strong-determination amid risks.
The businessman also hopes that the regional government will continue to support the business sector to thrive and become more competitive, helping to maintain the identity of the Barter Trade. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO)
