AT LEAST 700 poor families who suffered from the destruction brought by Typhoon Ulysses became the latest beneficiary of aid and support from the ‘BayaNihao,’ a group of Filipino-Chinese volunteers who recently organized themselves to help the country’s marginalized communities, especially those victimized by calamities.
With the support from the National Press Club, reservists from the Philippine Air Force and after coordinating the with local officials in the province, two trucks of clean water, food packs, face masks and alcohol were distributed to the families.
The activity was part of BayaNihao’s larger and ongoing humanitarian and relief effort nationwide that brought help to the typhoon affected residents of Marikina, Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol and Cagayan provinces.
“No doubt, it has been a difficult year for the Philippines.
“Since the beginning of 2020, the country has experienced the Taal eruption, months of lockdown from the Covid pandemic, an uncertain economy, even numerous bankruptcies, and a slew of major typhoons.
“And at the receiving end of these tragedies are the most impoverished members of our Filipino society— this was the inspiration that sparked BayaNihao, a collective effort from our Filipino and Chinese friends who wanted to extend their help directly to the most affected areas” the group said in a statement.
The donors also include companies in China that are doing business in the Philippines, the group added. They include, the Association of Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs, China companies like China Harbor and Fiberhome, and education groups like IDSI Center and Philippine Studies Center of Jinan University.
During the most intense months of the nationwide lockdown due to the pandemic, Fil-Chinese and other Chinese groups donated more than P1 billion worth of medical and other assistance to the Philippines without asking anything in return.
“The number of assistance from the Filipino-Chinese community continues to grow, as a testament to the centuries of friendly and productive relations between the Philippines and China,” BayaNihao stressed.
Although ‘donor fatigue’ has started to be felt—due to the repeated number of times these donors had to give just for this year alone, BayaNihao said their willingness to help provides the “rainbow” amidst the “cloudy horizon” the country had faced this year.
“There are many more communities that need help. Collective efforts from everyone result in the overflowing of Bayanihan,” the group added.
“No matter how little we think we can do, it will make a positive rippling effect in someone’s life.”