In the face of adversity, Filipinos have always risen above every challenge by fostering the spirit of bayanihan. This spirit of community and togetherness is what Shopee recognized and strived for when it first launched Shopee Bayanihan — its umbrella CSR arm that aims to harness the power of technology to serve its customers, sellers, partner riders, and all Filipinos across the country.

Today, Shopee Bayanihan continues to evolve as a multifaceted program with various initiatives that cater to the needs of Filipinos. Each of these initiatives are grounded in its main mission to better the lives of the underserved through technology—to be there for every Filipino through every hardship and victory.

In line with these efforts, Shopee highlights the inspiring stories of five individuals, and how Shopee was able to support them in their time of need and help improve their lives. Watch the full video here.

Roel, Shopee Xpress Partner Rider (TransOrient Agency): A hardworking father who strives to provide

Roel’s journey with Shopee Xpress started when he joined the TransOrient Agency and was placed in the Bacoor Hub. Prior to that, he admitted that he was struggling to make ends meet. By becoming a Shopee Xpress partner rider, he was able to provide for his family and send his children to school. “Kapag ako sumuko pa, paano na sila? Wala namang lalaban sa pamilya natin kung hindi tayo,” Roel says.

Roel shared that one of his happiest moments was when his son asked him to wear his Shopee Xpress uniform at his graduation ceremony. He realized that his son was very proud of him, and appreciated everything he had done. “Nabago ng Shopee ang buhay ko at ng pamilya ko. Ako ay isang proud Shopee Xpress rider!” says Roel.

Virginia, Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Beneficiary: Conquering fear as one community

Virginia is one of the many beneficiaries of Shopee Bayanihan’s Typhoon Odette Support. She shared that her experience with the typhoon left her frightened and worried about the future of her family and her home. “I was shivering at the thought of what could happen because both my husband and I are sick. I didn’t know what to do. All I could do was pray for the strong winds to stop.” she says.

When Shopee Bayanihan’s Typhoon Odette Support rolled out to affected areas in Cebu, Bohol, and Surigao, Virginia and her fellow residents of Tinago, Cebu, were one of the beneficiaries that received relief packs and other essentials. “We’re grateful that help came to our community. We were not really expecting this, and had no idea that Shopee was going to be there in our time of need,” she says.

Mark and Angel, Shopee Sellers: Fighting for their family by driving their business forward

Mark and Angel nearly lost their daughter to biliary atresia, a rare condition that affected her liver and required her to undergo an expensive procedure abroad. In order to provide for their family and help pay for Avery’s maintenance medicine, the couple decided to start their business, Live Pillow. Before taking their business online, they struggled to generate sales. “May mga araw po talaga na wala kaming benta, at sobrang lungkot po namin ni partner nun,” shared Mark.

When they put up a store on Shopee, they were able to reach new customers, generating thousands of orders. Now, Mark and Angel were able to expand their business by having their own staff and warehouse. “Dahil sa Shopee, nagkaroon kami ng pangalawang pamilya at ang staff po namin ‘yun. Lahat kayo, lahat tayo dito, pamilya.” says Angel.

Jocell, Shopee Girl ng Pook Dagohoy: Finding the best deals to support her family

Known as the “Shopee Girl ng Pook Dagohoy”, stay-at-home mom Jocelle shared that it was hard for her to find a way to save due to her family’s debt. “Nalubog kami sa utang. Nung nagka-pandemic, nawalan ng trabaho yung asawa ko. Nangungutang na lang ako ulit para may maibayad sa utang din namin,” says Jocell.

Through Shopee, she was able to save on all her essentials and bills. “Na-diskubre ko na pwede akong umorder ng mga diaper na naka-sale sa Shopee, kaya sobrang nakakatipid ako. Yung ShopeePay bills payment naman po doon po ako nagbabayad ng ilaw at tubig para makakuha ng cashback,” she shares.

Today, Jocelle is able to manage her expenses better, as she is able to get better deals on her family’s needs on Shopee. “Parte na talaga si Shopee ng buhay namin,” says Jocell.