A MINDANAO Barter Council (MBC) will be created to facilitate barter activities in Mindanao as the government revives barter system, a government official said.

Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority deputy executive director, said this establishment of the barter council is part of the Executive Order (EO) No. 64 or the “Reviving Barter in Mindanao.” The EO was signed last October 29, 2018.

Based from the EO, MBC’s primary role is to formulate and issue regulations on the registration or accreditation of qualified traders authorized to engage in barter within the Barter Ports yet to be established. The council will include imposition of reasonable registration fees and facilitation of all documentary requirements necessary for them to avail of the zero-tariff benefits under the Asean Trade Goods Agreement. MBC will also issue comprehensive guidelines governing barter, a list of allowable barter goods, and measures to prevent smuggling and circumvention of customs laws.

The MBC will be composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary who will act as the MBC chairperson; Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) and Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) who will act as MBC’s vice chairpersons; and representatives of the following agencies: Department of Finance (DOF); Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); Department of Agriculture (DA); DTI- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm); Maritime Industry Authority; Philippine Coast Guard; and Philippine Ports Authority.

As stated in the EO, the MBC may call or invite representatives from among the major Muslim ethno-linguistic groups such as Tausug, Maguindanaoan, Maranaw, Yakan, and Sama.

Meanwhile, Montenegro said the creation of the MBC is an important aspect in showing recognition of the historical barter trade system in Mindanao.