What was a nations wealth measured by under mercantilism

Mercantilism is an economic system that dominated the major European trading nations during the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries. This "mercantile system" was based on the premise that national wealth and power were best served by increasing exports and collecting precious metals in return

At long last the Philippines has its independence. After two separate occupations by the Spanish and Americans, we are now finally free to rule our own nation. We are a poor country, with one of the largest populations on the planet, but I feel that if we trust the right politicians then we can become a truly great nation. Already there are rumors of corruption and bribes within government, but I hope they are not true. Finally we can create a democracy that benefits our people rather than foreign nations.