The Filipino bayanihan was depicted in a masterpiece by National Artist Francisco "Botong' Francisco displayed at the UNILAB Manlla Office. It has been a favorite subject among artists and shown here is Blanco's Bayanihan displayed in Angono, Rizal
Men joined forces to carry a nipa hut to move from its original spot to another area. This could be a short distance to over a few kilometers years back. Those days’ big trucks were not readily available and homes were mostly built of light materials. Now that most Filipinos reside in urban areas and in more durable homes, seeing a nipa hut being moved is no longer a common sight.
Will the bayanihan spirit remain? Bayanihan overlaps with other Filipino traits like 1) malasakit (concerned), 2) matulunging ( helpful) and 3) makipagkapuwa tao ( human relations),
It should remain and must be strengthened.
For Filipinos abroad the Bayanihan spirit thrives in ways more than one:
In Ithaca New York, it seems like we have a tiny barangay where Filipinos and Filipino Americans help each other 1) sharing basic starter stuff for new students in town who wants them 2) moving homes or apartments 3) raising money for charity, sick and those in grief , and 4) promoting Filipino art and culture through regular conduct of events and performances.
Others all over the world have a special community away for the motherland. Many would say, para ka ring nasa Pilipinas (it’s like you are also in the Philippines).
We live in great times because most off us don’t have tragic memories of wars like our forefathers did. Technologies have allowed easier access to our basic needs although sadly many still remain very poor. There are only few careers that will allow us to be heroes and other don’t even consider being a fireman or police heroic because it is part of their job and means to live to protect the citizenry.
The way to go is to inculcate bayanihan spirit and join forces with people who share our common love for the country and our communities.
LIBRARY MAKEOVER AND GIFT GIVING IN A PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MARIKINA CITY 5 Dec 2009
With some members of CORNELL CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES
Each of us find organizations we are comfortable with but signing up for activities in service oriented or volunteers oriented groups for specific durations is another. It means one can even just be transient or a guest in the area but be able to share his time like what people do in Gawad Kalinga and Operation Sagip Pasig.
What activities need more volunteering?
1) Environmental, educational and nutritional programs
2) Building of schools, homes, gardens and parks
3) Cleaning of waterways and natural areas
4) Reforestation
5) Conduct of cultural events
6) Health and sports programs, and more.
I have seen big gardens abroad, which are manned by lean staff but are made to respond to the public’s need through an army of unpaid volunteers.
Subic is a place where volunteerism allowed for the faster recovery from a catastrophe and closure of the American military base. So how can we teach those with time esp., the youth and the ageing population do more volunteer work?
Glad to get your inputs my friends.
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