Bayanihan and corporate social impact
A stroll through Ayala Triangle Gardens on February 18, 2025 —situated in the heart of the country’s bustling corporate and financial district—might not immediately have brought “Bayanihan” to mind. “Bayanihan” is the spirit of communal unity and cooperation which is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. There, a lively assembly of volunteers, a veritable “United Nations” in diversity, could be seen crafting “Bokashi” balls, balls of mud infused with beneficial bacteria designed to ferment organic waste.
In collaboration with the Asian Social Institute (ASI), Hands On Manila introduced a local adaptation called “Mabuhay Balls” made from fermented local materials, which helps purify water by breaking down waste, reducing mud, and improving overall water quality. This initiative not only supports marine ecosystems but also uplifts the livelihoods of nearby communities.
Among the volunteers were members of the “Points of Light” organization, the world’s largest volunteer service network and a long-time partner of Hands On Manila. True to their description as a “veritable United Nations,” participants represented countries across Asia, Europe, North South America and the Middle East, with 50 executive leaders from 37 affiliates across 21 countries alongside local volunteers from Globe Telecom, Inc. Teams eagerly came together to mix, mold, and prepare 1500 Mabuhay Balls to aid in the clean-up of the Estero De Santibañez.
Later that afternoon, the day’s activities shifted to a more relaxed but equally engaging phase—one that was both educational and entertaining. Starting with a short talk by renowned author and historian, Professor Ambeth Ocampo, and ending with an insightful panel interview with several of Hands On Manila’s corporate partners.
Prof. Ocampo provided a unique take on defining “Bayanihan,” delving into its etymological roots. He traced the term to “Bayan,” which means country, nation, or community, and “Bayani,” meaning hero.
Rather than highlighting traditional notions of revolutionary heroism, Prof. Ocampo shed light on the lesser-known contributions of Jose Rizal, our national hero. After appreciating architecture in London, Paris and Madrid, he beautified his settings while in exile in Dapitan. He improved the landscape and planted Acacia trees in the town square (trees that are still standing today). He constructed a water system and built a dam to ease water collection for residents.
In these smaller ways, he exemplified the concept of “Bayani” by applying his knowledge to serve others, embodying “Bayanihan” through simple but transformative acts for the good of his community.
Back to the present; Ayala Triangle Gardens, surrounded by the headquarters of leading companies like Ayala Corporation, BDO Unibank, Metrobank, and PNB, might seem an unlikely backdrop for “Bayanihan.” After all, corporations are often seen as profit-driven entities, seemingly distant from communal ideals. However, as highlighted throughout the day, fostering employee engagement—both within the business and the community—plays a pivotal role in long-term corporate success.
Quantitative research on corporate volunteerism in the Philippines highlights its impact on business outcomes, including an 89% rise in employee job satisfaction, 32% lower turnover rates, and 70% of job seekers favoring companies with strong volunteering cultures.
One panel presentation by the LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), a global leader in finance infrastructure and data, demonstrated how its volunteer programs not only positively impact communities but also strengthen employee morale and connection to the organization, featuring insights from Deepak Verma, Ahmad Osama, Wilson Tajonera, and Che Dimaculangan, along with Archiebald Marchan from JP Morgan Chase Philippines and Monica Aclan from Project PEARLS.
In a second panel, Antonio “Tony” Lambino II, Ayala Foundation’s president and former Department of Finance Assistant Secretary, highlighted their pragmatic approach. To paraphrase, “Where lawyers can lawyer, where engineers and electricians can check fire-hazards in low-income communities”. With his financial background coming through, he explained how after studying the cost-benefit analysis of their programs, he and his team are taking a skill-based approach to volunteerism to maximize the benefit they can provide to the communities they serve. He was joined by Blanca Doria from Zendesk Philippines and Ten Bartolome from Inchcape Digital Philippines, who shared insights on how their organizations integrate volunteerism into their corporate culture.
Reflecting on the day’s events, it becomes clear that “Bayanihan” remains at the core of Filipino identity and extends beyond nationality and even business. It transcends individual interests, focusing on the collective good. Whether in 1892, with Jose Rizal planting trees, or today, with volunteers from around the world molding balls to revitalize bodies of water in another country: the essence of “Bayanihan” proves timeless. It reminds us that anyone can be a “Bayani” simply by giving back—whether a scholar, a corporate employee, or an ordinary individual looking to make a difference.
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