APPLIANCES in exchange for “iba” fruit? Yes, the growing barter community in Bacolod City has made this possible.
This act of kindness of an optometrist has gained praises from the netizens.
Dr. Jessica Atas, 28, of Bacolod City bartered a new electric fan to a handful of averrhoa bilimbi, locally known as “iba”, with 62-year-old Aurora Sarcos Dela Torre of Barangay Estefania.
Dr. Atas told SunStar Bacolod that she saw the post of Nanay Aurora’s daughter at the Bacolod Barter Community Facebook page.
Nanay Aurora was offering their electric fan, which is already used and with defect, in exchange for rice.
Many netizens have positively responded to her daughter’s barter post, giving Nanay Aurora and her family packs of rice and other food products.
So, Dr. Atas decided to buy a new electric fan and gave it to Nanay Aurora recognizing that the weather is hotter these days.
When asked what the family can give in exchange, the doctor said a plant or anything would do.
“Nanay Aurora said she will give their stuffed toy to me but I did not accept thinking that it can be used by the kids in their house. So, she said they only have ‘iba’ and I said it’s okay,” the doctor said.
Dr. Atas personally delivered the electric fan to Nanay Aurora and received also about 50 pieces of “iba” on Wednesday afternoon.
She hopes that other netizens would also extend some help to Nanay Aurora and her family.
This barter story of Dr. Atas and Nanay Aurora posted on SunStar Bacolod News Facebook Page has gained thousands of likes, comments and shares.
It has touched many hearts as shown in positive comments of the netizens.
Wella Octava commented that “God bless sa imo kag sa family mo doc. You’re a kind hearted person damu ka gid ma-inspire. Have a blissful life doc.”
For Ang Emperador, “generosity does not only measure on the amount you give. But the happiness of a giver. More blessing to come doc.”
Richie Modesto wrote “such a good samaritan. God Bless you more doc” while Honey Grace Buenaflor said “you’re such an inspiration to everyone, beautiful inside and out.”
Indeed, kindness is alive in the thriving virtual barter platform that is now connecting people across communities.
It has become an effective tool in upholding the “bayanihan” spirit.
Since its inception last May 8, the page now has over 150,000 active members.