Barter in the Philippines had first been recognized in the lower regions such as Zambonga, Cebu and Tawi-Tawi. The Filipinos there would encounter numerous people from around the world but most commonly would be the Chinese and the Muslims. The Muslims would often be known to be trading spices and silk to the Filipinos for fruits and rice, which became a very common trade throughout time. With this more and more Muslims even styed and taught many Filipinos the concepts behind Trade and Commence between countries and cultures.
Barter trade was an Islamic influence towards the Filipinos as it was a very common practice within the Middle East. Spices, Silk, Fruits, and Cattle were commonly traded among travelers in order to refill their stocks or to try new items. More so, Barter was a way of life in the early civilizations due to the fact that it allowed surplus foods and items to be traded for more useful items.
In modern day Tawi-tawi, Zambonga and Cebu, barter trade practices can still be seen throughout the shores and towns along the coasts. Many countries such as the neighboring Malaysia have found these cities to be a well loved tender to all their needs for trading. Studies show how even families have relatives from both the Philippines and Malaysia due to the trade industry between relationships of the trading parties.
The mutualistic relationship of the neighboring countries has brought many influences into the Philippines. Barter trade being one of the many, such as the