Bayanihan

In the Philippines, the concept of bayanihan is one that represents communal unity, helping one

another without expecting any sort of reward, to achieve a certain goal. In the earlier days, when

houses were made from wood and coconut trees, bayanihan meant helping a neighbor in

moving their house by helping them carry it.

While this type of bayanihan is less common nowadays, the core concept of helping one’s

neighbors is still alive, even among millennials. Some of them, like Kesz Valdez, came from

underprivileged backgrounds, rose to success, and decided to use that newfound success to

give back to the community and help those who are underprivileged like he was.

As the pandemic continues, many people are forced to stay at home, with varying effects

depending on their socio-economic standing. While there are many people who are lucky

enough to keep their jobs despite restrictions, others were forced out from them, such as those

working in small-scale businesses. Many of them lost their livelihoods, and as a result, their

lives have become harder as they struggle to put food on the table for themselves or their family

members. A particular photo caught attention online of an elderly teacher selling her snacks due

to school closures in the middle of the pandemic.

Others turned to social media for help, spreading information and urging online communities to

take action. Others staged campaigns throughout the country to let their voices be heard by

authorities and officials.

During the eruption of Taal Volcano, displaced residents were met with numerous donations

and feeding initiatives, as well as psychosocial support for traumatized victims, and volunteer

efforts to help save stranded animals. These people who volunteered to help came from

different backgrounds, with vendors sacrificing a day of their income to help feed the displaced

victims. Others assisted using social media and digital platforms to organize information, such

as creating a map where the donations can be delivered, and showing locations of evacuation

centers.

The spirit of bayanihan even continues to this time in the midst of the pandemic. The Philippine

government has lagged behind in terms of offering help, saving the economy, and in trying to

reduce the rates of infection that the country underwent since the year before. Throughout this

time, citizens joined together and decided to look for solutions themselves. This included relief

drives for those in need and online campaigns for mass testing and establishing temporary bike

lanes. Restaurants donated food, relief packs, and health kits to frontliners and affected

families.

There were also those who initiated sharing transportation vehicles for free with the hashtags

#pickupCOVID19PH and #INeedARide after suspension of public transportation made it difficult

for employees and hospital workers to go to work.

Even the youth are taking part in their initiative to help their fellow Filipinos. Many students

brought to light the sexual harassment in schools, called out red-tagging officials, and the flaws

in the country’s shift to remote distance learning. Many students joined together to help provide

laptops for the online learning initiative in schools, with MovePH raising up to more than P1

million. By October, they were already able to support more than 70 students. Several students

also helped through Internet and radio initiatives they have started and are leading.
The enactment of the Anti-Terror Law has garnered great controversy, especially in regards to

concerns over the dangers of red-tagging. As a result, several student activists joined together

to protest against the bill and ask for it to be repealed. Many led online petitions such as on

change.org calling to #JunkTerrorBill, collecting over 940,000 signatures. Others used emails to

senators and officials to protest, and rallies nationwide were started.

Despite the Anti-Terror Law still being passed in July, the strength and unity of the Filipino

people was still very evident in their actions to fight for what is right. Through those actions,

Filipinos showed that they are very capable in being innovative and resourceful to help others,

even in severe crises. The spirit of bayanihan that was exemplified by the Filipino people also

show that more can be done to make sustainable solutions and for the government to learn

from, and listen to, its own people.