BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles® ) – Baguio City, with its San Francisco-like weather, is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. Soon it will also be named “Barter Capital.” Yes, barter as in exchanging goods for goods.

Already, one can go into a boutique shop and pay for a nice blue dress with a leather handbag. Parking tickets can now be paid with a basket of fresh strawberries. Live chicken can now  be used to bribe politicians. No money for your jeepney fare? No worries, just hand the driver a fresh banana.

The city is leading the way for the return of the centuries-old barter system, the method of commerce before currency was invented.

Other cities throughout the country are now also looking to follow in Baguio’s footsteps, especially with recent developments in which the Philippine peso is losing value against the U.S dollar.

Even some members of congress are proposing that school education be provided free to all Filipino citizens in exchange for an unpaid employment in one of the call centers after they graduate.

Dollar remittances from overseas Filipinos are rapidly declining, while shipment of goods via balikbayan boxes are on the rise.

So who needs money when you have goods and services that you can use to maintain a happy, stress-free and comfortable lifestyle?

Thank you, Baguio City!