WHEN A FOREIGN SCHOOL DISPLAYS THAT CLASSIC ‘BAYANIHAN’ SPIRIT

“Bayanihan” is among the most important Filipino values.

Derived from the Tagalog word Bayan (people or community), bayanihan means “to be in community” and is the center of the Filipino culture: working together as a community to achieve a common goal. It is deeply rooted in Filipinos, especially in times of crisis.

It can be experienced in times of natural calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, and even during man-made disasters.

It’s the same bayanihan spirit that united the students of Stockbridge American International School (SAIS) and turned them into little heroes as they pitched in and gave whatever they can for the fire victims in Barangays 21-C and

22-C, Davao City.

Last week, student leaders of Stockbridge Pride Student Council led the relief operation dubbed Rise Boulevard Relief Operation Drive for the affected families.

The students distributed rice, canned goods, bottled water, noodles, toiletries, biscuits, and used clothing.

“The program is initiated by our student council. They were moved by the situation in Brgy. Piapi and immediately initiated the relief drive,” said Walter Valencerina, school principal.

Valencerina said the activity materialized the school’s LIONS Core values of Leadership, Integrity,

Open-mindedness, Nobility, and Stewardship, which ensures students become leaders who are global-minded, reflective, positive, and ethically responsible.

SAIS students are committed to band together to assist individuals in need, regardless of who they are or how they identify themselves.

SAIS is the first and only American international school in Davao City and Mindanao offering a DepEd (Department of Education) recognized curriculum and following American state standards.