No Cash? No Problem in This Facebook Barter Group in Bacolod

Since the community quarantine started, the internet has become the new meeting place. Virtual meetings, online payments, and deliveries have become the new normal. And since activities have become limited for most people, access to goods like food, house necessities, and mediums for entertainment have become hard to acquire. Scarcity in cash brought by the community quarantine has also became a challenge. From this problem emerged a unique solution: the Bacolod Barter Community.

On May 8, Lawyer Jocelle Batapa-Sigue founded the Facebook group page Bacolod Barter Community. It becamse an instant hit as the group attracted and gained almost 100,000 members in two weeks. The group page was created for the purpose of exchanging cosmetics for food, but it has since become a popular platform for both men and women. In a short time, it transformed into a place for people to find what they need and let go of things they no longer use.

The barter system began as early as the 15th century. It is a form of trade where two parties exchange goods or services without any money involved. People barter goods based on value rather than the price. In Bacolod, with the online bartering community still growing, rules were set to maintain order and keep the platform a safe place for trading.

• The medium of exchange is items and services. Food, ingredients, edibles, cosmetics, appliances, and toiletries are mostly encouraged. Harmful, unlicensed, and expired items are not allowed.

• Cash is prohibited. Posting of the item’s price is highly discouraged as well.

• Buying and selling is a big no-no within the group.

• Minors are not allowed to join the bartering community.

1. Approved members can post pictures of the item they want to trade. They must include the details.

2. They can also mention the things they want in exchange for the item they posted.

3. Other members who are interested can comment offers on the post. Offering items in private messages is discouraged since it is better to see the things up for barter as well.

4. Once the owner of the post chooses from the thread, both parties are asked to comment “deal”.

5. The owner must edit the post and indicate that the barter is done, completed, or closed.

6. Members are encouraged to keep their details like address and contact numbers private. They can continue the transaction in private messages.

This brilliant idea is now being adopted by other cities in the country. Though the place is all for business, it’s also a fun way to meet new friends and share heart-warming barter stories amid the crisis. To join the group, head to https://facebook.com/groups/BacolodBarterCommunity/

Go to Yoorekka for more useful local information in Bacolod during this pandemic.