Report of the governor general of the Philippine Islands. [1908]

6

REPORT OF THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION.

It is believed that such field days may be made very important
annual events to the wild man and that he will be more willing to
forego the excitement of a head-hunt and the feast which follows in
the event of success if he is given an opportunity to show his prowess
before a crowd far larger than any that would ever witness his exploits in war, and if he realizes at the same time, that by going out
on a head-hunt he will lose all chance of participating in the great
annual "cafiao."
Another advantage of these large gatherings is that it gives the
secretary of the interior a chance to meet and confer with all the important chiefs in the region in which they are held. The feasting
which accompanies them produces a general feeling of good will, and
an exceptionally favorable opportunity is afforded for exerting over
the headmen who are assembled a strong influence, which through
them ultimately extends to very remote regions.
THE BONTOC EXCHANGE.
The proposed government exchange at Bontoc referred to in the
last annual report of the secretary of the interior has been established
and has proved a very important factor in promoting friendly relations with the people, in facilitating the construction of public works,
and in the maintenance of public order. A small building has been
erected in which are kept for sale all of the necessaries and many of
the luxuries of the Igorot. They are sold at Manila prices, plus the
cost of transportation, plus 20 per cent, and the resulting prices are
lower than any of which he has heretofore dreamed. If he desires
to sell his lance, his shield, his highly ornamented rattan cap, his
smoking pipe, or any other article which would gladden the heart of
a curio dealer, he is paid a good price for it in cash. He then has the
satisfaction of carrying real money about with him, and he may also
experience the joy of spending it for some long coveted and hitherto
unattainable article.
Rice, dry grass for mats, hewn lumber, and various other products
are also purchased at the exchange by the provincial government,
which can readily use or dispose of them. A strong inducement is
offered to labor on trails, bridges, and other public works when the
laborer knows that without making the long and dangerous trip to
the coast he can immediately spend his wages to advantage and can
secure what he needs for himself and his family.
Within ten days of the opening of the exchange most of its stock
of goods was exhausted, and as the rainy season was at its height
some time necessarily elapsed before more could be brought in.
Nevertheless, sales have amounted to P9,000 in nine months and are
rapidly increasing.
Three sides of the small rectangular plaza on which the exchange
is situated are surrounded by a long building, divided into stalls in
which people from different rancherias may display their wares for
sale, and a conveniently situated rest house affords sleeping quarters
for visitors from distant settlements.
The Igorots of Bontoc are now themselves demanding that travel
on the trails be made and kept safe in order that they may be able
to get to the exchange and trade. They are thus becoming directly
interested in the maintenance of public order,