MAYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar minced no words in declaring that she supports 101 percent the revival of barter trading, a centuries old business practice and a tourist attraction in Zamboanga City.
“Barter trading is a big boost to our economy. Tourists and visitors coming over will never miss going to the barter trade where they can buy imported goods at cheaper prices. So, we support its revival 101 percent,” Salazar said.
Salazar said barter trading will also bring about more livelihood and even job opportunities for the people of the city.
Bureau of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon announced during his visit to the city last week that he was instructed by President Rodrigo Duterte to study the possibility of reviving the conventional barter trading in this part of the country.
Faeldon was urging the local business sector to revive the barter trade, believing that it will suppress smuggling of goods from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Zamboanga City was the center of barter trading among Chinese, Malays and the native Tausugs, Samals, Subanons, and the Badjaos as early as the 13th and 14th centuries. (VoxPop Philippines)
