Bayanihan Pronounced like "buy-uh-nee-hun," bayanihan is a Filipino word derived from the word bayan meaning town, nation, or community in general. "Bayanihan" literally means, "being a bayan," and is thus used to refer to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation. “Bayani” as part of the word bayanihan also means “hero”. This heroic philosophy of the Filipino refers to the fundamental value of service through united cooperation.