Solidarity: our weapon against the pandemic

Around the world, people are facing a common crisis aggravated by COVID-19 pandemic. We hear stories of hunger, suffering and injustice everywhere: peasants, indigenous peoples and workers losing their land and source of livelihood and taking risks to provide for the needs of their families; women and children enduring more abuse and violence even from their homes; the homeless becoming more vulnerable to the virus and all kinds of diseases; progressives and activists being silenced, detained and even killed for courageously exposing and criticizing the authorities’ neglect of responsibilities and abuse of power.

Amidst the uncertainty, solidarity never fails to give hope to humanity. Even when everyone is affected and at risk, we are witnessing various acts of generosity. We hear stories of solidarity baskets displayed in streets so that people passing by can leave food for the homeless. We learn about solidarity kitchen initiatives where people in the food industries are mobilized to feed the hungry. There are teachers who bring food for their poor students. Tailors and others voluntarily work at home to produce face masks and face shields. Frontliners continue to perform their jobs despite the shortage of protective equipments and insufficient support from the government. Even those who are already in their senior years and have retired from work took the courage to volunteer as healthworkers despite the threat of exposure. Everywhere, individuals and people’s organizations are collecting and facilitating all kinds of support, making sure that the most vulnerable are receiving aids to be able to carry on.

Even in third world countries, outstanding efforts of progressive governments dedicated to the principle of international solidarity earned the respect and recognition of all nationalities. Many are moved when Cuba sent and continue to send doctors and medicines to different countries, including the rich ones, in its effort to help them combat the crisis. Many are also grateful for Vietnam’s donations of masks, protective suits and testing equipments to show its “spirit of mutual support to partner countries.”

In the Philippines, the culture of bayanihan* remains prevalent even in poor communities. Community kitchens are organized in urban poor areas to provide food for all community members. Mobile markets are arranged to support the farmers by purchasing and delivering their products to buyers. Feeding programs were held, as well as distribution of relief goods, for the homeless and stranded workers.

Even in other parts of the world, bayanihan culture is widespread. We receive news of Filipino-based organizations and communities organizing donation drives for our compatriots who have lost their jobs, providing them emotional and psychological support to make them feel that they are not alone in this struggle. While we fully understand that all nationals are affected and also suffering, our hearts lift every time we learn about people of other countries showing unwavering support for our fellow Filipinos both here and abroad.

While we deal with this pandemic in different circumstances, solidarity keeps us strong and united. It is with utmost sincerity that PSET expresses its warmest appreciation and solidarity for friends, partners, and everyone who are keeping up in this struggle. Together, let us stand and move forward to overcome the situation we are in. While we do our best to contribute in this battle, let us also not lose hope to win our fight for a just and humane society. Let us continue to aspire for a society where public healthcare and other social services are highly prioritized, where peoples’ rights are respected, where no one is left behind especially in times like this. In this challenging period, let our solidarity keep us strong and resolute to carry on and continue to build a better world.

*Bayanihan refers to the Filipino culture of collectively helping one another in times of need.