Barter part of ‘new normal’ in Bontoc

FEATURE

BONTOC, Mountain Province: A modern style of barter through social networking site Facebook is becoming a new norm in this capital town.

The Bontoc Barter Community Facebook Page was created by Pharisia Gail Leyaley Tudlong, who said she was inspired when she saw on Facebook how the modern barter system is making a great impact in Davao in helping citizens amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

In a Facebook conversation with Tudlong, she also said she encouraged others on her personal Facebook account to create a Barter Community Facebook Page in Bontoc.

No one responded to her post, but this motivated her to create the Bontoc Barter Community Facebook Page.

A friend of hers in neighboring Ifugao province responded to her post, saying a barter community Facebook page is also now part of the “new normal” in their place.

Her friend Carol from Davao included her in the group Davao Barter Community for her to observe how it is done while her friend in Ifugao sent her a sample of items that were being bartered.

“To foster love was the intention when I created the group, to hopefully bring out the good in everybody,” Tudlong said.

Since she created the Bontoc Barter Community on June 6, 2020, the members quickly peaked as they posted brand new and old items in exchange for goods and basic commodities or grocery items.

As of this writing, the group already has 1,198 members.

Tudlong said she had tapped the help of Jovelyn Acoking, Jenny Clyde Wangwang, Gomer Padong and Tyrone Glenn Lawey as administrators and Dublyne Claire Langbao and Aubrey Pat-o as moderators.

According to her, they prohibit the bartering of the following, among others: liquor; cigarettes, vapes and ashtrays; gambling materials; personal protective equipment; cars; condominiums; contraceptives and sexually related supplies and accessories.

Also, the members are advised to wear a face mask and observe social distancing during meet-ups for barter items.

Tudlong said the group was now open to residents from other municipalities of Mountain Province.

Members of the group have to post, also among others, the actual photo of the item they intend to trade and are reminded to be specific and honest with the item if it is brand-new, “pre-loved” or with defects.

“All transactions have to be transparent,” Tudlong said.