‘Before COVID-19, the Philippines was one of the most dynamic economies in East Asia’. However, when the pandemic began, Filipinos faced numerous challenges. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos still manage to smile. Despite the various struggles and problems that life throws at us, the Philippines had become witness to countless acts of kindness.


            When the pandemic began, schools were closed, and many Filipinos lost their jobs or other sources of income. During this pandemic, ‘Six out of every 10 Filipinos or 62.1% of Filipinos experience moderate or severe food insecurity or malnutrition’. This just shows that our government and the Filipino people were unprepared for this pandemic. However, no one in our world was prepared for this pandemic. We should not blame our government for this, because they are doing everything they can to help all Filipinos, especially those in need, during this pandemic. Instead, we should help one another. We should show even a small act of kindness, since that small act of kindness can be like a virus that spreads to a lot of people. During these difficult times, many Filipinos committed acts of kindness. Like the 'Maginhawa Community Pantry', which was started by a local entrepreneur on Maginhawa Street in Quezon City as a small food bank for her community. This community pantry inspired other Filipinos to start their own community pantries to help those in their community who do not have enough money to buy food. This merely goes to prove that even in the toughest of times, Filipinos still find hope.


            Even if our government has done their best, I think it is not enough to get us through these tough times. We Filipinos must find a way to help one another. Even the smallest things may be significant to others. So, it's not about how much you give, but about how much love you put into what you give. Apart from this, we must all work together since no one else will help us except we Filipinos. We must all work together to heal as a one.


References:

alcacia TV. (2020). We Heal as One - Ryan Cayabyab - (various artists) Lyrics [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Se73XXJzQA&ab_channel=alcaciaTV

FutureLearn. (2021, August 18). The Philippines Economy and the Impact of COVID-19 - FutureLearn. FutureLearn. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/futurelearn-international/philippines-economy-covid-19

Jove Moya. (2021). Modern-Day Bayanihan: Community Pantries, A Well Of Hope For All. Retrieved October 23, 2021, from Tatler Asia website: https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/philanthropy/modern-day-bayanihan-community-pantries-around-the-metro-amid-covid-19-pandemic

Fermin, M. (2021, May 3). Hunger among Filipinos increased due to pandemic | Philippines Lifestyle News. Philippines Lifestyle News. https://philippineslifestyle.com/hunger-filipinos-increased-due-pandemic/