Tatak Filipino: Taking care of our own

Centuries back, the Lord Jesus asked when he saw the large crowd in the mountain: “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?”

Apostle Philip immediately answered negatively: “Six months' wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.”

In contrast, Apostle Andrew brought to the Lord five barley loaves and two fish of a small boy.

“Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost. So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.” (John 6:1-15)

Centuries back, Jesus distributed the small boy’s loaves and fish that fed the thousands who took as much as they wanted -- the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish that fed thousands.

 Fast forward.

“And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts of the Apostles 2:44-46).

Centuries back, the believers were sharing property and possession with all as anyone might have need.

April 14, 2021.

Ana Patricia Non filled a bamboo cart with free goods -- rice, vegetables, milk, coffee, soup, vitamins, face masks, soap -- for give away for all: “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha ayon sa kailangan (Give according to ability, take according to need).

Since the Maginhawa Community Pantry opened, there have been 350 community pantries across the Philippines and counting as of April 21.

From north to south, in various parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Filipinos are setting up their community pantry where they are.

What a beautiful gesture of unity, of mutual aid, of kindness!

And Filipinos are sharing! The farmers who received support in the past are now sharing their produce so the hungry can eat. The drivers who begged for donations out in the streets during the pandemic are also sharing.

Young and old, poor or rich, regardless of religion and ethnic background, all throughout the country, the Filipinos are rising up to the call to share what they can for those in need especially during this COVID crisis.

Proudly Filipino. Filipinos are mutually assisting each other, mutually taking care of one another.

A very simple act of sharing allows the hungry, to finally be fed. Even just for a meal, even just for a day, for the multitude or even just one. “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”(Mother Teresa)

A beautiful testimony as well of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. Gifted to give, however they can, Filipinos are sharing their gifts with those in need.

Sharing and kindness. Ageless values about loving our neighbor as ourselves, about mindful care for another in need.

Tatak Filipino. Our people are rediscovering the noble in themselves, the good that is in everyone, God in each one and in all.

The best/good in people, in our people is another proud gift, handog ng Filipino, not only to ourselves, to fellow Filipinos but to the world.

Beautiful. Padayon ta.