I’ve witnessed the good things that the filipino community has taken part during this crisis particularly to those international students who are struggling. This is where FASTCOVic Execomm decided to share the organisation’s funds to students, gather other donations through our survey conducted and work hand in hand with other organizations including the Philippine Consulate in Melbourne. It was overwhelming and many have donated food packs, adopted international student (those who cannot pay their accommodation) and provided financial help to struggling Filipinos. It was inspiring and very heartwarming to see many people making a difference no matter how small their deeds are.

We have provided immediate emergency assistance to those Filipino students who are most in need through the provision of $30 grocery e-vouchers that can be used for food. It is heart-warming to see firsthand how the uniquely Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan – virtual and physical - works.

In these trying times of COVID-19, various stories of Filipinos helping Filipinos cope with this global pandemic, in whatever way possible, have been a testament that bayanihan spirit is very much alive. Filipino students and the Filipino community here in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and in Australia show that bayanihan should not stop when you leave the Philippines, instead bayanihan is an opportunity to come together for our kababayans in these challenging times. In my university, the Australian National University (ANU), the Australian National University Filipino Association (ANUFA) Executive Committee has organised Bayanihan Para sa Bayan project and raised a total of AUD 1,570 from the donations of students and Filipino community in ACT. The fund was used to purchase 35 boxes of three-ply face masks for the healthcare workers of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center.

Australia Awards Scholar Kate Diane Ortega is one of the Filipino scholars who completed her postgraduate studies during the unprecedented time of COVID-19. She was chosen to deliver a graduation speech during the Carnegie Mellon University’s online graduation rites. In her speech, Kate shared her Australia Awards journey in CMU and underscored her commitment to contribute to reforms in the Philippine Government as a returning scholar, through her organisation, the Department of Budget and Management.

“There is so much work to do as there is so much hope we place into our beloved country, Pilipinas.”

As Secretary of the Filipino Student Council (FSC) – NSW, Sherwin Verdun is at the frontline of providing support to his fellow students. His organisation launched Support a Student program that provided various support to students in need – from groceries and accommodation to mental health services. They also partnered with various organisations including TFC, Gawad Kalinga Couples for Christ and other individual sponsors, which allowed them to provide $1,600 worth of gift cards to students.

“The Filipino Student Council (FSC) - NSW launched Support a Student Program, which supported 32 students needing groceries, temporary accommodation, financial assistance, and mental health services. Currently, the FSC-NSW is in cooperation with the Australian Philippine Business Council and Gawad Kalinga Australia for the Student Relief Program which will be giving $100 worth of grocery vouchers to Filipino International Students from TAFE, colleges, vocational schools or other non-university tertiary institutions.”