31/08/2026
A HEART TO SERVE: KARA DAVID-CANCIO ON LEADERSHIP, MALASAKIT AND BAYANIHAN
Leadership is not always found in positions of power. Sometimes, it is found in the quiet generosity of an indigenous leader, the compassion of an embalmer, or the collective strength of a community carrying a patient through mountains and rivers.
This was the powerful message shared by journalist and storyteller Kara David-Cancio as she inspired parishioners and visitors with stories of leadership, malasakit, and bayanihan.
She shared the story of Mang Zacharias, an indigenous leader who demonstrated that leadership begins with sharing. With only ₱500, he bought food and chose to distribute two cups of rice to every member of his community. It was a simple act, but one that showed how even limited resources can become a source of hope when shared with others.
Kara also highlighted the malasakit of Kuya Joel, an embalmer who goes beyond his profession to serve families in remote communities in South Cotabato. Coffins are transported by motorcycle to areas where difficult roads and terrain make access challenging—a powerful example of compassion reaching even the most isolated communities.
And then there was the story of the Mangyan community, whose spirit of bayanihan is reflected in their determination to bring patients to healthcare facilities. Using rattan hammocks, community members carry patients through difficult mountain terrain and across rivers—sometimes enduring arduous journeys simply to reach a hospital and obtain the medical care they need.
Through these stories, Kara emphasized that we do not need to be millionaires to help people in need.
We only need a heart willing to share what we have, hands ready to help, and a community willing to stand together.
Because leadership is not about how much we possess. Malasakit is about how much we are willing to give. And bayanihan is about how far we are willing to go for one another.