Bayarán

Bayarán, also spelled Bayaran, is a Tagalog word in the Philippines that historically referred to a system of debt peonage or indentured servitude. It describes a relationship where an individual becomes bound to another, typically a wealthier person or family, through debt. The indebted person works for the creditor until the debt is repaid, often with interest accruing, which could result in the debt becoming difficult or impossible to pay off, effectively trapping the person in servitude.

The Bayarán system predates the Spanish colonial period, existing within pre-colonial social structures. It was a complex arrangement, sometimes arising from genuine financial need, but it could also be exploitative. The extent to which it was purely voluntary varied depending on specific circumstances and the power dynamics involved.

While the term is less commonly used in contemporary Philippine society to describe formal labor arrangements, vestiges of similar patron-client relationships, rooted in historical power imbalances, can still be observed in some rural areas. The practice is generally considered exploitative and is inconsistent with modern labor laws. Contemporary usage of the term often carries a negative connotation, implying unfair or coercive labor practices.