User:Honsool1/sandbox/Bayanihan

= Bayanihan =

Bayanihan /ˌbʌɪəˈniːhan/ according to the Oxford Dictionary is a term used among Filipinos to signify a spirit of civic unity and cooperation as a country, it is a more specific and contextual approach to nationalism -- and significantly, a Filipino thing. In a recent study on Filipino traits, Bayanihan was one of the cultural traits that Filipinos identify themselves with.

Origin
The term Bayanihan derived from the word "bayan" meaning country, town, or community (the word Bayanihan literally means "part of this country). The concept of Bayanihan originated in the form of the Philippine tradition of helping other families in a community move by having the men in the village carry the houses themselves. This is done by carrying the house via bamboo poles tied under the house as 15 or so men carry the house to a new location.

Another perspective of Bayanihan is its other derivation, bayani, meaning "hero" which associates Bayanihan as helping others heroically. Hence, the spirit of Bayanihan is usually used to symbolize the Philippines' National Heroes such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and such.

Bayanihan in the Modern Age
The concept of Bayanihan has now expanded into more than just carrying houses nor is it a word limited to historical national heroes. The term Bayanihan is now used to promote the country's unsung heroes who contribute to the country -- most specifically, the country's overseas Filipino workers and, currently, the Philippine health sector.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
With the increasing modernization of the country, expanding the Filipino reach to other countries were one of the ways the Philippines had become a more globalized country. Initiatives such as state-sponsored labor export programs initiated by Marcos which was continued by Corazon Aquino's administration were created to promote the Philippine political, social, and economic context, thus deeming such workers as "heroes."

In 2013, OFWs were officially recognized as bagong bayani due to their emotional strength, resilience, perseverance and self-sacrifices for their families and for their heavy contributions to the country's Gross Domestic Product through their remittances.

Frontliners for COVID19
In 2020, the country's health sector was highlighted due to their vital importance in the battle against COVID-19 to the point that they were officially hailed by the Malacañang as 'beacons of hope to a people weary and fearful.' Despite their servitude to the country, front liners also display a sense of self-sacrifice and resilience as their jobs entail possibly getting sick and have them constantly working despite the long hours. Hence, the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act was created in the means of giving financial support to front liners in honor of their modern day heroism.

Others
Bayanihan is not only exhibited in officially recognized modern day heroes but is portrayed in even the most mundane aspects. For instance, cleaning the streets as a barangay after a fiesta, a band entertaining the people during a celebration, and normal villagers who offer their help to rice farmers during harvest season -- these are just some instances that sprout from a community that aims to motivate and help each other in situations whether good or bad. Thus, fiestas, national health crisis, and such would not be addressed if not without the presence of the spirit of Bayanihan amongst the Filipino people.