Tayo'y Magtulungan: A phenomenological study on the presence of Bayanihan in the City of Manila

Abstract

This study is conducted with the primary objective of determining how the practice of bayanihan is seen, experienced and conducted in the city of Manila by its residents. This study takes place to provide information on how the traditional way of bayanihan has been urbanized to fit in the present society and to find out the present form in which it is now practiced by the Manila residents. This qualitative research is of a phenomenological design. Phenomenology was employed to understand the different perspectives of the informants on the phenomenon of bayanihan in Manila. Phenomenology was conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews and direct observation to document the lived experiences of the informants regarding bayanihan in the city. The 17 informants involved in the research were selected through convenience sampling. The results yielded from the data collection and analysis showed that bayanihan is perceived, practiced and seen by Manila residents as the following: (1) it practiced typically after the occurrence of natural or man made calamities, (2) it is seen as a means of communication, (3)it usually involves providing material (e.g. food, clothing, shelter) and financial assistance, generally donations, (4) it is positively experienced both by the benefactor and the beneficiary, and (5) it is a unique tradition and, in the form of helpfulness, is an inherent trait of Filipinos. And although bayanihan is generally regarded as a tradition that positively impacts Filipinos, there are some who see its negative side effects such as abuse of one's generosity, excessive dependence on other people, and the lack of willingness to help if being forced to help.