Together We Rise: Bayanihan of the Psychology Department

After the big earthquake, many people were scared and sad. Some lost their houses, some had no food or water, and others stayed in open areas because they were afraid of the aftershocks. Even when everyone was tired and worried, there were still people who wanted to help. One of them was our Psychology Department from Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges.

They started gathering donations from many kind people. Some gave food, water, and other things that families needed. Then the students and teachers from the Psychology Department worked together to pack all the relief goods. They were so busy, but they still smiled and helped each other.

What made me proud is that they also had their own families and problems after the earthquake, but they still chose to help others first. They didn’t just stay in safe places — they went to the mountain areas where many people hadn’t got help yet. The road was not easy, but they still went because they wanted to make sure that everyone would receive something.

Even though I couldn’t join them because I had to stay with my family — since the aftershocks were still happening — I was really proud of them. I saw how hard they worked, and it made me feel happy that our department did something so kind. They showed what bayanihan really means — helping together, even if things are hard.

They didn’t do it for praise or attention, but because they truly cared. The smiles of the people who received the goods were the best reward. Some people even cried because they didn’t expect help to reach their place.

When I saw the pictures of my classmates, schoolmates and our dean helping, I felt so proud. It made me think that kindness is stronger than fear. Even if there was an earthquake, there was still hope because of people like them.

The bayanihan of the Psychology Department of Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges will always remind me that helping others makes your heart happy. Even small things — like packing goods, sharing food, or just saying kind words — can make a big difference. I hope more people will do the same, not only during disasters, but every day.