The women behind Bayanihan

Organisational governance and structure
Bayanihan is a professional service institution with a formal organisational structure composed of a Board, paid part-time staff, a council of volunteers and two physical centres (offices). Bayanihan is composed only of Filipino women. All of us reside in the Netherlands, and have, in one way or another benefited from the services of Bayanihan. Some of our volunteers are former clients, while others are part of the Bayanihan network.

The structure of Bayanihan is organised such that there is full democracy with a minimum of hierarchy. Everyone – whether Board, staff or volunteer – has her own set of tasks and responsibilities and is directly accountable to the organization. Regular consultations in the form of meetings between the Board and the staff and volunteers provide opportunity for everyone to be heard.

Board and staff
As a foundation, Bayanihan’s Board is composed of Filipinas permanently residing in the Netherlands. Our Board is responsible for matters pertaining to the orientation and organisational aspects of the foundation. These include funding strategies, the organisation’s internal structure and policies, development and education of staff, the vision, mission and objectives of the organisation, and strategic planning. Together with the staff members, the Board formulates the main thrusts and direction of Bayanihan’s work.

At present, Bayanihan has three part-time staff (a coordinator, a Filipina social worker and a social cultural worker) and three regular volunteers. The staff members are responsible for developing and implementing the annual program of activities with the help of the volunteers.

Network of Volunteers
Our network of volunteers in major places in the Netherlands lies at the heart of Bayanihan’s ability to do its work and pursue its objectives. Our women volunteers provide the first level of contact for Filipinas in crisis situations needing direct assistance. Bayanihan has around 16 regular Filipina volunteers spread in a major areas in the Netherlands.