One of the Filipino cultures is the so-called BAYANIHAN, a core essence of the Filipino culture. It is helping out one’s neighbor as a community and doing a task together thus, lessening the workload and making the job easier. It is also called the ‘community spirit’ without expecting anything in return.
During this time that we are in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, bayanihan is very much alive among the Filipinos. Many are in need, many are also willing to help.
There are a lot of stories found on Facebook that shows bayanihan of Filipinos in Oman.
One netizen shared a photo of food pack given by unknown OFW who happened to see her comment in one of our posts asking for help, she doesn’t have food to eat anymore because of the no-work no-pay scheme that was implemented by her company.
A few days back when I posted pictures of food packs that are shared to OFWs who are in need and someone from Al Hail just contacted me through my inbox willing to share with three people who are in need. Then another one from Bausher who helped five Filipinos in one day, then ten Filipinos the next day.
OFWs in Ruwi, Azaiba, Al Khoud, Al Khuwair, Maabela, Qurum, Sohar, Barka, Seeb just to name a few locations, witnessed the same as they also received food packs from a good Samaritan.
Other Filipinos made a way to send cash via bank transfer to those who are out of reach because of the geographical location and to avoid going against the rules implemented by the Supreme Committee in dealing COVID-19 in Oman.
Church communities are also doing their part in helping our kababayans who are really in need of food.
Indeed, wherever we are, we Filipinos are always ready to extend help, especially to our kababayans.