The “Bayanihan Spirit” is a Filipino trait that has been ingrained in our culture for the longest time. Ever since we were kids, it has been taught that coming together and helping others in times of need without expecting anything in return, speaks to our true value as a Filipino citizen. We find that the most concrete example has always been portrayed as Filipino men carrying a kubo (Nipa Hut) to help a neighbor move to a different location.
But in these modern times, how are we living up to this value?
It is an understatement to say that COVID-19 has been the primary stressor for 2020. It has affected our lives in ways we did not, and cannot imagine – from our daily activities such as a leisurely walk in the morning, a weekend in the beach, even a quick run at the groceries, to the basic necessities such as job stability, health conditions and the basic need for human interaction.
Everyone has made sacrifices during this pandemic but our soldiers during this crisis – our front liners, our health workers, have been working double-time to take care of us and beat this invisible enemy. And as part of this community, we the SFCSB, wants to support and let our front liners feel that they are a part of our Filipino Bayanihan. The Surrey Filipino Canadian Society of BC has extended assistance to our kababayans in the Philippines where basic goods were provides to families to sustain them during the extended community quarantine on May 14,2020 and donated items to the 24/7 Snack Bin Program of The Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation last June 26, 2020 to assist our front liners and health workers who tirelessly cares for the sick during this unprecedented times.
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” – Mark Twain. As this saying goes, being kind and helping out others transcends language differences, cultural diversity, and nationalities.
We are all a part of this community, and as Filipinos, we embrace you as part of our Bayanihan System and truly live up to our vision and mission of ”Connecting and Engaging the Filipino-Canadian Community in Surrey about Issues that matter to them and their Families through the Spirit of Good Will, Friendship and Multiculturalism.”
Engage. Mobilize. Help. Connect. We are here for you.
Post by Volunteer Blogger: Anjel Reyes
Photo credit: http://mattersmost.deviantart.com