Why ‘bayanihan’ won’t work without you

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We’re seeing more people grow panicked as community quarantine continues in the Philippines. As we wait for the end of the worst health crisis in years, many of our countrymen have taken to social media and the news to share their stories of anxiety and loss amid these difficult times. This pandemic is proving to be more than a momentary obstacle—it’s a tragedy that will impart lasting repercussions on the economy and the lives of millions across the globe. 

This isn’t to say that we’re giving in to fear. The media is lighting up with reports of bayanihan, reminders to take care, anecdotes of simple joys. Isolation has brought our community closer than ever before. We’re reminded each day that we are not alone, and to continue holding onto hope and gratitude.

The reality is that today, thousands of Metro Manila’s poorest are finding it even harder to survive. Many have lost their main source of livelihood and are left with little to eat after floods of panic buying. All of this while hospitals are packed to maximum capacity as civilians and frontliners are increasingly affected by the virus. What’s unfortunate is that these issues won’t disappear when the pandemic does. This is only the cusp of the struggle to come.

There’s a plea going around Viber from a doctor on the frontline: “If you guys don’t win the battle out on the streets, we can never win the battle in the hospitals. Hospitals should not be the frontline of this fight. They are actually the last.” This comes amid reports of people violating quarantine guidelines in favor of personal interest.

While many of us are privileged enough to be waiting out the pandemic from the safety of our homes, it’s important to remember that others aren’t so lucky. Our task, more urgent now than ever, is to think outside of ourselves and act always for the sake of others. Healing is a goal we must aspire to as one nation, and hope the little things we do ripple out into waves. 

Here are simple changes we can make to become more giving in daily life and influence others to do the same:

Take care of yourself

It’s been said a million times: you can’t pour from an empty cup. But what many people forget is that prioritizing self-preservation isn’t necessarily a selfish act. Keep in mind that comfort is a privilege not widely extended, and that “self-care” is actually an exercise of reflection which empowers us to make choices for ourselves with others in mind.

Stay home and keep healthy to slow the spread of disease. Take only what you need, be it from the grocery store, government aid, and donated goods. Check in with your friends and family through online channels to keep all your minds at ease. If you’re working from home, take occasional breaks to ensure that you can operate efficiently without burning out. Doing simple things like this will ensure that your self-care won’t cause any harm, but instead serve as another means to help others out.

Share thoughtfully

Think about the most vulnerable in society today: the poor, the sick, the frontliners. They’re all in need of assistance, each in different ways. Time, money, information are things that many of us are willing to share, but we must remember that what we’re willing to share is not always what’s needed the most. It’s good to be proactive, but it’s better to be smart. 

Keep up to date using credible sources and only share verified news with your contacts. The coronavirus outbreak is a scary thing; let’s not cause harm by spreading misinformation on social media. This is very hard to clear up and will only incite panic.

You can also seek out and support initiatives that align with your values. Both corporate and citizen-led efforts are popping up on social media inviting us to contribute towards our countrymen’s daily needs. When circumstances allow, we can give even more by volunteering to help with relief operations and other charitable initiatives. But for now, we must do what we can from home.

Commit to positive action

Let’s not wait for the worst to get moving. The steps you take today will set your momentum through what could be another global recession. 

Start small by boosting your savings. Money will only get harder to come by, so now’s the time to start building a nest egg and emergency fund if you haven’t already. Once you’ve secured this, you can think about how to extend your efforts outward.

The upturn of the economy is essential to alleviating costs for the most vulnerable. This is why alongside supporting charitable causes, we must uplift good businesses and nurture the workforce that facilitates their operations. That said, while consumers rally to support businesses they love, employers must in turn empower employees with better policies and benefits to ensure their well-being even through the toughest times.

Today’s pandemic is an event for the history books. There’s a lot we can learn from the way we’re responding now, but here’s one key takeaway: coping and healing is an insurmountable task for a nation divided. We urge everyone to band together and act as one. 

This movement starts with you. Make ripples and all else will follow.

Photo by Leif Inge Fosen on Unsplash