Compassionate neighbors risked their lives to save the house of their fellow neighbor when a tropical storm hit their village. More than 40 men picked up and carried the stilt house to safety.
Compassionate neighbors
In Negros Oriental, Philippines, locals in a small village considered each other as family. In times of trouble, you can count on them for help.
That is why Jessie Mae Lalamonan was more than grateful that her family belonged to a caring community because she did not expect that they would literally carry her “everything.”
On October 18, 2022, a tropical storm hit their community. The non-stop rains caused flash floods and damage.
The rushing waters increasingly rose, and Jessie and her family had to evacuate. But, she was able to ask for help from her neighbors for their threatened home.
The 40 men did not hesitate to work together and carry Jessie’s stilt house. The brave group even crossed a river to move the house to higher ground.
“They knew how dangerous it was, but we care for each other here. We are a small village, and we treat everyone like a family,” Jessie said.
True enough, the men went through the trouble but did not ask for something in return. Jessie and her family’s concerns are their concerns as well.
No one was reportedly hurt, and everyone was safe.
Bayanihan
Carlo Durian commented about the Filipino’s kind gesture. He wrote, “We Filipinos call it ‘Bayanihan’ which is an actual practice of moving houses and the whole village helps out in the heavy lifting… it has become the symbol of Filipinos’ strong sense of community spirit.”
He added, “Because houses nowadays are made of concrete, the practice of ‘Bayanihan’ has become less widespread… but the strong sense of community among Filipinos still endures.”
Indeed, the essence of “Bayanihan” can be seen in the Bible. In the early church of Acts, families hold the value of sharing, care, and love.
Reference: South China Morning Post