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=  Filipino Trait: Bayanihan Spirit  =

A. Definition of Bayanihan
Bayanihan (/ba.jɐˈnɪ.han/ or “buy-uh-nee-hun”) is a Filipino word that symbolizes the spirit of kinship, unity, and camaraderie, which is exuded by Filipinos through kawanggawa or acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.

B. Etymology of Bayanihan
Bayanihan is derived from the word bayan (i.e., a town, nation, or community). It literally denotes “being in a bayan,” as it is often used to describe the “spirit of communal unity and cooperation.” Moreover, it is derived from the word bayani (i.e., hero), as it happens when heroic acts are voluntarily performed by Filipinos, either individually or collectively.

A. Historical roots of Bayanihan
Due to the Filipinos being descendants and part of the Malay race, bayanihan or the “spirit of kinship and camaraderie” is assumed to come from Malay ancestors. Moreover, close family ties is assumed to be a characteristic from the Chinese, while piousness may have been from Spanish influence.

B. Examples of Bayanihan in Philippine history
This concept is often symbolized by images of Filipino townspeople who work together in carrying and moving a bahay kubo (i.e., nipa hut) of a family needing to move into a new location. This is due to it being a rural tradition in the Philippines, where relocation, aside from moving the belongings, also involves “the transfer of the family’s entire house to a new location.” The townspeople (i.e., approximately 15 to 20 volunteers) who volunteer to carry the bahay kubo do so by using lengthwise and crosswise tied bamboo poles in order to create a strong frame, which they use in order to carry the house. After exuding this bayanihan spirit, the family graces the volunteers with food—usually a small fiesta—as a sign of their gratitude.

III. Modern-day examples of Bayanihan in the Philippines
At present, the Bayanihan Spirit of Filipinos is showcased in various circumstances. Although, it is most evident during challenging times, specifically, during natural or man-made disasters. Here are some of the many examples of the bayanihan acts of Filipinos.

A. Bayanihan amidst the pandemic
During the peak of the pandemic, Filipino designers, artists, and entrepreneurs used their skills to help the frontline health workers. Designers, like Guela Ampong, used their shears, measuring tape and fabric to produce Philippine flag-inspired PPEs for the country's frontline medical personnels. Moreover, community pantries, which offer food and other necessities for free, sprouted in various parts of the country, showing how the bayanihan spirit of Filipinos is still alive and burning amidst the challenges they face.

B. Bayanihan after the onslaught of typhoons
Living in a country prone to typhoons, Filipinos exemplify their bayanihan spirit during these times. For instance, when the nation was pounded by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, a number of residents of Metro Manila volunteered to repack relief supplies for distribution to individuals affected by the typhoon.

C. Bayanihan for Taal Volcano Victims
During the 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano, Filipinos displayed the bayanihan spirit by offering aid to victims, including distributing free food and face masks. Some street vendors even chose to forego a day's income to provide meals for evacuees at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

D. Bayanihan transcends borders
In addition, the bayanihan spirit of Filipinos extends beyond the Philippines and is evident in overseas Filipino communities. For example, in the Netherlands, Filipino migrant communities provided significant support to their undocumented compatriots that are excluded from formal social protection mechanisms. Moreover, these undocumented migrants themselves are actively involved in initiatives for mobilization and empowerment, including organizing fundraisers for disaster relief, providing school supplies for children, and undertaking other community projects in the Philippines.

IV. Significance of bayanihan
But why is bayanihan spirit an important aspect of Philippine culture in the first place? CBN Asia enumerates the reasons as to why bayanihan is still relevant at this time. First, bayanihan alleviates suffering. Living in the Philippines is already hard, and the typhoons that hit the country makes things even worse. Fortunately, with the bayanihan spirit alive through activities like relief operations, donations, and rescue operations, the victims receive the help that they need. Second, bayanihan sparks hope. Various bayanihan efforts amidst challenging circumstances showed how this aspect of Philippine culture gives hope to its citizens. Last but not the least, bayanihan rebuilds lives. Through bayanihan, Filipinos help their kababayans get back on their feet amidst these trying times.