THE “BAYANIHAN” SPIRIT is manifested through how acts of kindness are shared together and how collective efforts bring light to a community. Its essence goes beyond the physical act of assisting or helping. It creates a spirit of solidarity, generosity, and hope that echoes the sentiments prevalent during the holidays.  

Whether in grand or small gestures, Bedan bayanihan is one that is grounded by a shared humanity, closing gaps between people and, therefore, fosters a culture of compassion and mutual support. Bayanihan becomes a way of life that rings deep inside every willing heart. 

These values take the forefront during the Christmas holidays. Christmas outreach activities—such as aiding the less fortunate and organizing festive events for children in impoverished areas—showcase the alignment of the Bedan identity with the season’s call for giving. Witness the acts of service by the Bedan community as they beautifully embody the essence of this generosity. 

Oplan Relief: A Bedan’s Liwanag sa Dilim 

The non-professional organization that centers around the very essence of exemplifying bayanihan among Bedans, the Bedan Volunteers (BV), had conducted two community engagement activities that prioritized giving aid to those who were victims of Typhoon Kristine in Batangas. BV President, Quency Queen Lee, often highlighted that it was their mission to always inculcate the spirit of bayanihan among Bedans, especially during the nation’s crises.  

In their Batangas Relief Operation, Lee stated that the collections of donations from the students, such as canned food, clothes, and blankets, really “showed that we, Bedans, always have time to support one another in times of calamities like this.” The said donations were then sent to Batangas. In the latter part of their operation, Lee recalled how they were supposed to conduct a clean-up drive in Batangas, however, they were met with internal challenges, causing them to not push through with it.  

Lee also shared that one of the challenges they had encountered was the “manpower,” affirming the struggles of having to properly execute their programs as an “organization from scratch.”  

Despite the challenges, their hearts persevered, finding strength in the resources they had allocated for their clean-up drive which were instead offered to street sweepers and the homeless around Mendiola, as their “pamaskong handog” to them. “Nakakataba ng puso to see a smile on their faces,” Lee articulated.  

Ho Ho Hope: Bringing solace to needy souls 

The Repvblic (TR), the professional organization of the Department of Political Science, hosted two community engagement activities this month, whose beneficiaries focused on both ends of the life spectrum.  

In light of the holiday spirit, they delved into an opportunity to help increase skills available for the elderly, fortifying their livelihood and fostering a green and clean community all at once with “ChristMasaya sa Repvblika: Ligtas at MaLinis Na Pamayanang Luntian,” a community engagement event for the residents of Barangay 869 in Pandacan, Manila, conducted last December 14. The program was themed to be a Christmas party including raffle prizes and games. 

Its purpose was to teach the residents of Barangay 869 sustainable but effective means of developing income for the locals, also incorporating values of Laudato Si’ in teaching them sustainability. Merjane Pomoy de Guzman, a guest expert in bag and wallet creation, taught everyone how to create these accessories with sachet packets. 

“Nagturo siya kung paano gawin ang mga ito, at hands-on ang mga participant sa paggawa ng output,” said Xyruz Serrano, TR’s first year level representative and in charge of the event.  

On the other hand, TR touched on a deeper advocacy, being put into action by hosting a beneficiary event for the Laura Vicuña Foundation as part of their program’s anniversary celebration. The event became an avenue for serving the youth with its main event grounded on “community service assimilation,” encouraging developing solutions whenever a problem was presented to the children, which gave students a sneak peek on how to pay it forward soon.  

The children’s expression of gratitude through a performance was the most touching moment for Rhonna Mae Cusi, co-Activity Chairperson for the event, as she recalls, “I was teary-eyed kasi I can feel na na-appreciate nila ‘yung ginawa namin.” For Cusi, this event was not only about giving but also about creating memories that would last in the youth’s hearts. 

Reflecting on the event, Cusi expressed her commitment to community engagement. Originally, the event was supposed to be conducted last school year, but with the activity finally being pushed through, Cusi said, “I’m really lucky that we get to conduct it. It was really special din and close to my heart,” expressing her heartwarming gratitude on how the program was able to bring light to children’s eyes. 

Mothers and miracles: Guiding lights para sa mga ilaw ng Tahanan 

It’s easy to overlook the trying times of our own mothers as their resilience shines brighter than their struggles. In recognition of their efforts and own initiatives to empower themselves, the Social Awareness and Community Involvement Committee (SACI) of the San Beda Student Council (SC) spearheaded the community engagement program “Kabuhayan Para Sa Mga Ilaw Ng Tahanan: Building Sustainable Livelihoods in the Spirit of Christmas” at Brgy. Anahaw Dos, Silang Cavite last December 11. 

SACI and its collaborative partners San Beda Junior Marketing Association (SBJMA) and Community Engagement Center (CEC), chose Sikap 3K as their partner community for the event to empower women and mothers.  

This was an effort to uplift mothers and women by enhancing their knowledge and skills in sales strategies. Participants engaged in activities focused on improving their marketing approach while experiencing the warmth of the season. 

In the spirit of Bayanihan, we continue to celebrate their strength and resilience as they bring light and after all, supporting as we mothers we nurture the heart of every home and community. 

These initiatives from Bedan organizations are living testaments of how a lot of great things start with just one push, like “one little candle. All you need’s a tiny spark!” 

These moments of shared humanity with different communities are not just activities and mere paperwork, but an exchange of life-changing lessons, creation of memories to look back, and ignition of hope for our future as Bedans empower not just these communities, but also themselves.  

The Bedan bayanihan spirit remains steadfast, unbound to specific seasons throughout the year as these initiatives prove that learning from each other is a lifelong journey, and love as a fuel of all great things is the greatest Christmas gift for all. 

Small things done as a collective are the heart of it all, like how “if everyone lit just one little candle, what a bright world this would be!” 

 (with Dianne Radel Magallon, Paris Isaac Falcone, and Nityananda Dasi Santos