Kapit-Bisig | #7

7:58 AM Eunnah 0 Comments

Whenever I think about volunteerism in the Philippines, the first concept that comes to mind is “bayanihan.” As Filipinos, it is in our blood to help our brothers and sisters who are in need. It is our natural tendency to help. It is in our culture. And I think this is what keeps us apart from other countries. One sad thing that I could notice about the concept volunteerism in the Philippines is that it differs depending on whether the place is urban or rural. Usually, the concept "bayanihan" as volunteerism is only apparent in the provinces. In the urban cities, volunteerism is usually signified by community immersions and donations to the less fortunate. There is nothing wrong with these two views. It is just that volunteerism in the concept of "bayanihan" is more natural and in a sense, promotes equality. Meaning, you do "bayanihan" because you wanted to help. Volunteerism as helping the less fortunate, on the other hand, simply spells out that you are helping because you have more, and others have less.

My point here is that I hope there will be equality in all the faces of the earth. So that when we volunteer, it is because some people need some kind of assistance, and not some kind of charity.