The Filipino's Bayanihan Spirit

Difficult times can bring out the best in people and the Filipinos' Bayanihan spirit has been evident during this time of calamity. Last September 26, Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) brought record rainfall of almost 18 inches in 24 hours (the previous record was 13.2 inches in June 1967). This caused severe flooding in so many areas. It left lives lost and thousands of people homeless. Rich and poor were not spared. Houses in gated subdivisions were submerged and for many there wasn't even time to transfer their cars and possessions to higher ground. Others lost all their belongings as the flood just washed them all away. So many people who lived along the river banks lost not only their belongings but their homes as well. And all along the roads, expensive cars and SUVs were submerged in the flood, sometimes ending up one on top of the other when the floods subsided. And yet, those who lost their material possessions have still been able to be thankful that they and their families have survived the typhoon. So many others lost their lives.

Through all this, it is heartwarming to see how the Bayanihan spirit, where everyone lends a helping hand to those in need, is still very much alive in the Filipino. So many have helped clean up muddy homes, clear the streets of mud and debris, pack relief goods, and donate money, food, blankets, clothes and other goods. So many companies and individuals have done and are continuing to do their part to help out. There are drop off points for donations all over and people have been volunteering to pack and distribute goods. There are medical missions for those affected by the typhoon. Even students have volunteered to help in relief efforts. There are even ways for people to donate to Manila from abroad.

The origin of the term "Bayanihan" can be traced to the tradition which used to be very common in the rural areas. When a family was going to move to a new place, their neighbors would volunteer to help them. They would use a strong bamboo frame to lift the house stilts from the ground and men positioned at the poles would carry the whole house to the new location (the house was made of bamboo and nipa).

All over the world, not just in times like these, there are so many people in need. Let each one of us do whatever we can, wherever we are with whatever we have. Let each one of us, Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike have the Bayanihan spirit.