The Bayanihan spirit in action

Recently we have been battered by disasters, both natural and man-made. The landslide in Naga City, Cebu, has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and displaced many families. The fire in Hipodromo, Cebu City, has equally strewn uncertainties to a number of families.

But just like previous calamities that shook our place, and even in our neighboring provinces, we are quick to extend a helping hand, be it financial, moral, and or psychological. And because of the popularity of social media, people from as far as Luzon and even abroad are swift to help, regardless of whether or not they have a relationship with the victims.

And this is owing to the fact that we don’t know if similar misfortune will happen to us in the future. We don’t want to be left dejected and unaided. And so for sure there are hands ready to pick us up and help to stand once again. We feel assured, and this makes our agony bearable, knowing that there are munificent hearts whose intentions are pure, innocent, and sincere.

Enormously manifested in rural communities where they form associations that would merge resources, especially money, so when a member is in need, like the passing of someone in the family, a member can make use of the pooled resources. And this practice is still prevalent nowadays among our brothers and sisters in far-flung areas.

On a larger scale, foundations with bigger and wider membership have well-established mechanisms that are ready to respond in times of need. They have bank accounts that anybody, anywhere can just send in financial support. These organizations have trusted officers who have established a track record of untarnished accountability.

Nowadays, the Bayanihan spirit may have evolved to a higher level but its core remains unchanged. This is out of our need to respond to those who are crying for help. After all, no matter how independent we may feel the truth is we have certain needs that cannot be fully responded to by our immediate family alone but beyond. And this includes the bigger community whose general strength or weakness is a conglomeration of the individuals.

Personally, I feel assured when someone makes my load bearable. When my commitments are overlapping, I feel I can fulfill because someone is on my side. And one person that I would truly miss is one good friend and former member of UPSTAGE (UP Students Arts Guild for Education). Argie, who succumbed to lung complication after staying in the hospital for months, has been an epitome of courage and determination who was able to coalesce academic rigor and artistic passion by graduating cum laude in BS Mathematics and an undoubtedly a very active member of UPSTAGE during his entire stay at UP Cebu. When he proceeded to UP Diliman for his masters, we continued to get in touch watching plays at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His appreciation for artistic undertakings is beyond question. There was never a dull moment with him every time we saw each other in Manila.

Be it personal or collective, the spirit of Bayanihan is borne out of one’s goodness and the purest intention for others by making their despondent lives bearable in the middle of challenges and trials.