ERNIE E. MAIPID, JR.
My years of reaching out to the poor have taught me a few essential things. I learned to put the right words together and speak with sensitivity to them. I can touch their hearts. This important discovery is a result of my patience. I learned the wisdom of waiting for their response at their own pace and their own time.
Like Zaccheus
I was recently in a virtual exchange with some of our leaders on the ground in this mission to our country’s poor. I was touched in one off-video encounter. The leader could hardly get any signal. He climbed a tree to catch a clear signal for our exchange. The biblical Zaccheus came to my mind at that moment. He was a small man who was eager to see Jesus pass by a crowded pathway. Perhaps, this is the kind of zeal necessary to wind our way to the depths of the heart of the poor.
I listen to stories of people braving danger zones and far-flung places. These could be hostile and suspicious communities and mountainous rebel-places. Yet, they remain all fired up with the intent to reach out, extend friendship, and bring hope. They engage the idle youth into productive pursuits. This way, they prevent the youth from becoming delinquent or falling into despair.
People behind the poor
First is a 28-year old teacher who knows that he helps the student fulfill his potential. Given the opportunity, he realizes that what he teaches is a world beyond the schoolroom.
The second person is a newly-married 37-year old computer engineering graduate. First, he says that ‘the engineer finds solutions to the problems of the world.’ He talks about training farmers to manage their crop plots. He even oversees the management of community kitchens feeding public school children.
Third, a 33-year old single is in total amazement at how the poor cope with their circumstances. The latter can brush off missing a meal or not having electricity. It is as if these are no ‘big deals.’ To the other person, these represent life-threatening situations. It transforms him. He no longer feels alone in his work. As a team player, he is part of an exchange of ideas. He can get everyone to take part in finding solutions for the concerns and problems of the community.
Fourth is a 36-year old father of two who finds fulfillment in the communities. He feels his presence being felt and counted. ‘Making oneself available for the poor’s needs is not bound by an 8-hour schedule; you give your all! This is really giving’, he quips.
5th and final is an aspiring 31-year old teacher who lived a wayward life. Volunteering for the victims of the typhoon, Yolanda, changed him. He realizes that even in his own poverty, he can do much to help others. He now talks to mayors to coordinate community projects. In the feeding program, he addresses the parents of schoolchildren. He claims that his involvement is what is making him very happy.
Three formation talks
My heart overflows with hope as I end each hour of daily exchange with our groundworkers in this mission. The formation talks on ‘Bayan,’ ‘Bayani,’ and ‘Bayanihan.’ come to my mind. I have witnessed the concretization of these three laid-out plans.
It does not matter if I receive all the negative news about BAYAN in the media. I see a flicker of hope. BAYAN becomes alive in the little efforts of unsung heroes tucked away in the country’s hinterlands somewhere.
I have always thought of Bayani as a state of greatness in the hero. I am wrong! BAYANI is lived. It is shaped daily in every person who believes in the good of each one. With perseverance, he coaxes that good out, to shine, and give light.
BAYANIHAN realizes the depth, the width, and the height of what we can do together. This happens if we lay aside greed, pride, and self–interest.
We think we have the edge and that the poor have a lot to learn from us. Actually, we really have much, much more to learn from the wrinkled, tired, and calloused hands of the poor. The poor tug at heart!