Iloilo residents turn to online barter to acquire goods amid quarantine

Residents of Iloilo have brought back the barter system to acquire goods amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In Oscar Oida's report for "24 Oras," Hector Angeles and Charity Delmo founded the Iloilo Barter Community (IBACO) to help others exchange pre-loved items for products that they need every day.

The Facebook group quickly became popular and has attracted over 45,000 members, as people who lost their incomes try to find a way to feed their families.

"Ang maganda dito, mayaman pala tayo sa mga gamit, mayaman tayo sa prutas," Hector said. "Biglang nakita namin, 'Ay mayaman pala tayong lahat.'"

Charity said members must post the items they wish to let go along with an estimated depreciated value. Then, they must indicate the product they want in return.

Private or secret transactions are not allowed and violators will be prohibited from posting or commenting for 12 to 24 hours.

The group also bans the exchange of face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and alcohol.

One member traded a car for 250 sacks of jasmine rice, while another traded a gold ring for squash and other food.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) does not see any issue with the direct exchange of goods but reminded the public to be careful in making transactions.

"Sana hanggat maaari kilala natin or alam natin kung saan manggagaling 'yung mga products that we exchanged," said DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.

"Hindi natin alam if it's safe, if it passes quality standards, or if it's smuggled to begin with, kung anong source niyan," she added. 

Aside from Iloilo, other barter communities have been established in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Cavite, Pampanga, Baguio, Pasig City, Quezon City, and other areas. —MGP, GMA News