Community center brings Filipino idea of 'Bayanihan' to Portland

Portland's Filipino community launched a bayanihan response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing food kits and personal protective equipment to support their fellow countrymen. Under the leadership of Nikki De Leon and with assistance from organizations like NAFCON, this initiative led to the opening of the Filipino Bayanihan Center in 2021. Located at 1537 SE Morrison St, the center features a food pantry stocked with Filipino foods and a Community Health Based Program offering medical screenings and natural remedies. Pedro Neri, a student at Portland State University, highlights the importance of the center in fostering community and cultural engagement. De Leon notes that the bayanihan spirit, which describes collective action in Filipino culture, is alive in the U.

S. The center also advocates for the rights of migrant workers and engages Filipino youth in cultural activities. Each week, they provide a 'lutong bahay' meal kit, emphasizing traditional homecooked meals. The efforts not only address immediate needs but also strengthen community bonds and cultural identity among Filipinos in Portland.