Integrating the Spirit of Bayanihan in Teaching Contemporary Issues

Abstract

As the world is constantly changing, one cannot control what is going to happen in the
society. Things might go different in just a split second. Philippines has always been a target by
the nature, it is prone to natural calamities and disasters like typhoon, earthquakes, and
volcanic eruptions. However, there is something in Filipinos that these phenomena cannot take
away, and that is the spirit of “Bayanihan”. Meanwhile, from time to time the spirit
of “Bayanihan” is being forgotten and neglected by the people, especially the younger
generations. The purpose of this study was to document and assess the integration of the spirit
of “Bayanihan” in teaching contemporary issues, to develop lesson exemplars as
recommendation, and to re – set up and reaffirm the spirit of “Bayanihan” to its previous
radiance. Through the utilization of the locally constructed Informant Interview Guide with the
process of interviewing, information and data were gathered simultaneously. Thematic analysis
was also used and maximized to unravel several underlying themes and codes behind the
foreshadowed problems. The researcher found that there was a lack of integration between the
teachers and the students, the informants’ perceptions about “Bayanihan” revealed that it is
too low and too shallow and will fall into the concept of synergy. However, the teachers’ put the
spirit of “Bayanihan” in the concept of heroism. The study also revealed the different strategies,
techniques, and approaches used and suggested by the teachers as part of the integration
process, such as the use of personal experiences, valuing, and art of questioning. The study also
showed the understanding of both teachers and students about the essence of “Bayanihan” in
teaching and learning. The data showed that the teachers understand the importance of
integrating it, because of its spirit. The teachers justified it as the reason to revive and to
preserve it as one of the Philippine’s cultures, while the students understand the essence of
learning “Bayanihan” for the formation of one’s whole characteristics. It is evident that the
integration of the spirit of “Bayanihan” must be done in teaching contemporary issues. More so,
the study also prevailed the opportunities of integrating it in teaching, based on the gathered
data, the teachers saw it as an opportunity for unification. In addition, the study revealed that it can make the next generations cooperate with their fellowmen, making the society united by
helping each other, contributing to the community to make a better nation. Furthermore, the
students saw it as an opportunity for progression. The findings revealed that the students
focused on the benefits of it, and it is about the development of a person and one’s relationship
in the community. More so, the findings also revealed that the teachers experienced hindrances
in terms of attitude, attention, personality, awareness, and understanding of the students
regarding of the spirit of “Bayanihan”. As regard to this, the researcher proposed lesson
exemplars that can be used in integrating the spirit of “Bayanihan” in teaching contemporary
issues. Based on the conducted interview, the researcher developed lesson exemplars that
follows the strategies, approaches, and techniques shared by the teachers. Most importantly,
the lesson exemplars were also created to address the challenges in integrating the spirit of
“Bayanihan” in teaching contemporary issues.
KEYWORDS – Bayanihan, Contemporary Issues, Integration, Heroism, Techniques, Strategies,
Opportunities, Unification, Progression, Hindrances, Lesson Exemplars, Revive, Preserve