Bautista, Gwen Harriet R.

PI 100 (TTH 10:00-11:30 AM)

Reaction Paper 8: Prehispanic trade and industries (gold mining, gold working, textiles, farming, etc.)


Trading of the Early Filipinos

In this chapter, it discussed the trading industries that happened during the time of the early Filipinos.
During the protohistory period in the Philippines, it was said that there were no written documents that
was written. So the discovery of the shipwreck in Pandanan Island was indeed a great discovery for the
archaeologists to get a glimpse of what happened before the arrival the Spaniards. But as they begun to
uncover remains, it brought further more questions than getting clear answers from it.

It was believed that there was a strong relationship among Southeast Asian nations for the purpose of
trade. And further proof, the discovered shipwreck in Pandanan Island is concluded to be a Vietnamese
boat. However, the remains of the shipwreck revealed that there were various pieces found from different
parts of Asia that belonged to the different dynasties. It was just sad to know that not all the remains can
be recovered since through time the parts may disintegrate due to weathering.

Also, the geographical locations have brought both positive and negative sides for trading between
nations and our country. It is easily located and can transact with other countries easily. However, our
country has also been challenged with the climatic conditions existing in our country, specifically the
hanging amihan and hanging habagat. The traders have to be guided by these winds and understand them
to protect not only their goods but also their lives.

Moreover, the reading also shows the everyday scene in the market during those times. In fact, a
marketplace is a conglomeration of cultural and social activities which revolves during those times. It was
even said that, once you join a market, you become part of it. There were even mentioned scenes that
even the practice of selling used clothes or ukay-ukay was even practiced before. Also, the traders also
practiced selling from one place to another since there was an established day for selling in each place.
Even before, we realize that there is a market day established every week.

Indeed, the practice of trade in the country has been a great contribution to the development of the society
of the early Filipinos and how could they manage to survive even without the arrival of the Filipinos.