Bringing Light to Liloan: A Small Trip With a Big Heart ( Bayanihan )

Early in the morning, we packed the all we needs and left the Bogo City with boxes of relief goods / donations. We brought rice, canned food, snacks, clothes and water. “This will help many families,” someone said as we started our trip. Our only goal was so simple: just bring the donations to the station in Liloan Cebu where the volunteers would give them out to the each family.

When we reached Liloan,Cebu the streets looked very sad. Mud covered many parts of the road. Fallen branches and scattered things were everywhere. Some cars were damaged and washed with dirt. You could tell that Typhoon Tino was very strong. But even with all the damage, we saw something more powerful people helping together.

The donation station was so busy. Volunteers were arranging goods, sorting water bottles, and packing food. They worked quietly and also quickly, helping one another like one big team. This was bayanihan in action. No one needed to be asked; everyone just helped. We carried our donations to the station. “Daghang salamat kaayo,” ( thank you very much ) one volunteer told us with a tired face but a warm smile. Another volunteer said, “These will reach many families today.” Hearing those words made us feel happy. We didn’t stay long, but we knew we were leaving something helpful behind.

As we stepped back, we saw people walking near the road, waiting for news or updates from the volunteers. Some carried small bags, while others held their children’s hands. Even though they looked tired, their eyes showed hope. Nearby, neighbors were helping one another clean fallen branches and mud in front of their homes. A young boy carried a broom while his father lifted a heavy piece of wood. A woman shared a snacks to his neighbour. Even after the storm, the people of Liloan were strong and caring.

We didn’t get to hand the goods directly to the families, but we knew the station was organized and ready for it. They would make sure the right people would get the help they needed. That is the beauty of bayanihan everyone has a role. Some collect, some deliver, some pack, and others distribute. But all are working together.

Before we left, we took one last look at the donation station. Volunteers were still busy, still smiling, still helping each other. “We will rebuild,” one man said as he lifted a box. And we believed him. Driving back to Bogo City, we felt grateful. We might have only dropped off the donations, but we became part of something bigger. Something important. Something Filipino. Typhoon Tino may have caused a lot of damage, but it could not break the spirit of bayanihan that lives in every Cebuano heart.

In times of storms, we learn that strength is not found in buildings or cars, but in people who choose to help, share, and also to stand together with us. Even a small act of kindness becomes a light for someone who has lost so much. This is bayanihan ordinary people creating extraordinary hope. Liloan will rise again. And we will continue to help, support, and love each other because that is who we are. BANGON CEBU