In the time of our grandparents, this was the trend. They work together to promote their wants and help those in need.
Now, up to just picture these scenes or if there is a storm or tragedy. We are forced to be reminded of this but some of our compatriots are only pursuing their own interests. It is rarely seen, maybe only in the countryside.
Bayanihan, how can we show this to a society that does not care what they do? Bayanihan, a Filipino brand work that the world can be proud of. But it can only be shown every time there is a hurricane or disaster that seems to count as many times as we see it. Institutions are almost ready to remind us of this work and to let the next generation know what it means.
Bayanihan is a Filipino custom derived from the word “bayan” which literally means “to belong to the same community”, which refers to the spirit of communal communion, work and cooperation to achieve a particular goal in community.
The Bayanihan concept was originally practiced in rural areas, where men were asked to help build a traditional house called a “hut house”, by a family who would move to a new place. Moving involves not only the personal belongings of the family but also the moving of the whole house. About 15-30 men typically carry the house, using bamboo tied under the vertical and horizontal, until together they lift the house in slow and continuous steps until they reach the new location. As a token of gratitude, the family serves food and drink to the men, and often continues with a little fun called "cheers" which is a common gathering of Filipinos.
Although today, in addition to changes in our environment, more rural areas are adapting to infrastructure developments, at the same time many modern machinery is being used to facilitate human work. Also, we cannot deny the changes in people's behavior and behavior, perhaps also because of the inevitable challenges we face in the world today. In short it is more difficult to create and maintain a community that is united and has a common destination in life.
However, the spirit of Bayanihan is still alive and is manifested not only by lifting one house but by other activities. This image of Bayanihan may not be literally practiced, but the word has grown itself into a modern sense of cooperation, kindness and pure work of humanity that is very common for Filipinos. The meaning remains with most Filipinos not only here in the country but in other parts of the world. It is manifested in many forms especially in times of disaster and catastrophe. Filipinos will come and go to help their countrymen and anyone who needs help.
The definition of Bayanihan is one of the many good qualities of Filipinos that we should be proud of. We just need to take it to heart and prove its true meaning.
I admire the people who still try to live the bayanihan because for them, this is the key to change. Only in the self-interest society is the priority, the bayanihan can still show and change the course of their lives. Because social media is in vogue today, we will spread it through this communication in a way that will attract their attention such as trivias, pictures and stories related to bayanihan. We can also teach them what this means in schools. In subjects with discussions about cooperation and unity, we can spread the word about the importance of bayanihan to students. Or showing bayanihan in real life such as associating with groups helping those in need or even just yourself, by simply obeying the law and helping others you can show this work.
Filipinos are known in this field, hopefully they will continue to show and maintain this good work because it is the key to improving the lives of everyone. Every change starts with ourselves so let us help the people before ourselves.
