In the past, when a family decided to settle in another area, they didn’t need to hire movers. All the family had to do was gather the townsmen, who would move the entire house.

Known as bayanihan, this age-old tradition shows how united and determined Filipinos can be in achieving a common goal.

In 2011, a group of Bayer Young Environmental Envoys (BYEE) in the Bicol region envisioned a “bayanihan society,” wherein everyone makes an effort, specifically in protecting the environment.

Thus, they launched BYEEnihan, a one-day environmental event which features various organizations implementing simple and relevant environmental activities.

With the theme “Every Juan for the Environment,” BYEEnihan’s simultaneous environmental events across Bicol proved that everyone is capable of doing simple yet impactful activities. In its first installment, BYEEnihan marked the commitment of every Bicolano to create ripple effects and change the local environmental landscape and mind-set.

In a day, the event saw 6,501 individuals all over the region, four times bigger than the expected turnout, taking action for the environment. It was able to mobilize 165 youth organizations, SK federations, government agencies, academic institutions and businesses, a huge and surprising number compared to the original four organizations that started the process.

With the success of last year’s BYEEnihan, it has become an annual event held beyond Bicol.

Set for Nov. 10, BYEEnihan will again be a one-day simultaneous environmental celebration that taps the bayaning Pilipino all over the country.

BYEEnihan 2012 is a search for true environmental heroes.

Call Jonathan Jaime Guerrero at tel. 0917-5928610 or e-mail [email protected]. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BYEEnihan) and follow us on Twitter (@BYEEnihan).