The Spirit of Bayanihan

Bayanihan is a Filipino tradition of working together to help a member of the community. The word comes from "bayan," which means town or community. In the past, the most famous example of bayanihan was moving a house. When a family wanted to transfer to a new place, neighbors would gather, place long bamboo poles under the nipa hut, and carry the entire house on their shoulders. No one expected to be paid. In return, the family usually prepared a simple meal to thank the volunteers. Today, few people carry houses, but the spirit of bayanihan is still alive. It can be seen when neighbors clean the streets together, when communities collect food and clothes for typhoon victims, and when strangers help push a stalled jeepney. During emergencies, many Filipinos set up community pantries where people can take what they need and give what they can. Bayanihan reminds Filipinos that problems become lighter when they are shared.