The Filipino word bayanihan is derived from the root word bayani (hero) plus the suffix “-han,” and roughly translates to a “heroic group work.” It signifies the spirit of helping each other, a culture of sharing, unity and cooperation.
It has been a long-held belief in the association community that associations and bayanihan are synonymous. Here are aspects of bayanihan found in the work and advocacies of associations:
Volunteerism. Volunteering, generally considered an altruistic activity, is where an individual or group provides services for no financial or social gain to benefit another person or group. Associations in the country, be it a trade or industry association or professional society, are mainly volunteer-driven organizations—providing continuing education, codes of conducts and standards, and emergency relief such as in response to a disaster, among others. Needless to say, many nameless associations are now doing bayanihan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Resource sharing. Associations share information, knowledge, talents, networks, and even funding. My organization, the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), as the “association of associations,” provides a common platform where associations and association leaders and professionals share problems and solutions for the betterment of their members and constituencies.
Partnership and collaboration. Working together and leveraging each other’s strengths are hallmarks of bayanihan. Associations realize that they are not alone entities and do not have the mastery of everything, hence they partner and collaborate with other associations to fulfill and advance their missions. A PCAAE-member and LandBank’s flagship CSR (corporate social responsibility) program for the environment, the Manila Bay Sunset Partnership Program Inc. is a collaboration of 28 organizations to help implement a sustainable approach to clean and protect Manila Bay.
Adherence to democratic principles. Associations are democratic institutions that allow members to be treated equally, to be involved in making decisions, and to abide by the rule of law. As in a democratic system, members elect their own representatives to a governing board which looks after their welfare and interests. Consensus building and working for the common good are also part of this bayanihan component.
Collective voice. Associations are defined as “organizations or groups of individuals affiliated with one another who share a common purpose, interest, or mission and exist for the mutual enrichment and advancement of their membership.” In essence, they speak with one voice because their aspirations, hopes, dreams, challenges and joys are the same or at least, similar. The voice, therefore, of the association is also the voice of its members and vice-versa. Unity of purpose is an essential component of bayanihan.
It is no wonder that 22 associations and business organizations here had earlier written an open letter urging the government for the immediate passage of a special law to address Covid-19. This has led in part to the enactment of “The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” or Republic Act 11469, a law granting the President additional authority to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Bayanihan and associations in this country are indeed alive and well!
The column contributor, Octavio “Bobby” Peralta, is concurrently the secretary-general of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific and the Founder & CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives. PCAAE is holding the Associations Summit 8 on November 25 and 26, 2020 at the Philippine International Convention Center which is expected to draw over 200 association professionals here and abroad. The two-day event is supported by Adfiap, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the PICC. E-mail inquiries@adfiap.org for more details on AS8.