PPhoto by sandevil sandh on Unsplash
As children, lessons on nationalism begin in grade school where we are taught to sing the “Lupang Hinirang”, to declare the “Panatang Makabayan”, and to memorize the national fruits, animals, heroes, and dances, all in two lines according to height, arms-forward-raised.
As we grow older, loving our country takes a whole new meaning as we live with the challenges and stresses of being Filipino. We feel it in the weight of our tax deductions, in the price increases and peso-inflation, and in the long lines and processes for basic public services. We feel it in the unpredictable weather, in the EDSA traffic, in the news headlines, and in the chaotic political climate.
Being a Filipino is stressful. But stressing over the Philippines can actually be a good thing, because it points to a discontent for how things are and proves one’s sense of concern and accountability for the nation. For the young generation of Filipinos, it isn’t so much a question of love for the country but a question of where to actually start.
How do we translate our idealism into action? What can we actually do?
Be truth-seekers. In the age of fake news, we cannot afford to let our guard down when it comes to the news and information we read. Being a truth-seeker means more than just being updated on current events and social issues, it means exercising our fact-checking muscles, being critical, and being responsible for what we share.
Here are practical ways we can be truth-seekers online:
- Read the whole article before you share. (Don’t be too excited about the headline.)
- Verify the credibility of the news website and source.
- Be a compassionate keyboard warrior. If you really want to change someone’s mind, message them privately rather than engaging in comment section-debates.
Being a truth-seeker does not only mean knowing the facts but also understanding their contexts. When we actively listen to the stories of our countrymen, we are able to empathize with their plight.
Being a truth-seeker means advocating for the education and enlightenment of everyone. Take the time to share what you know.
Speak up in real life. It’s easy to follow causes online. For Millennials and Gen Z-ers, it’s almost instinct to share and retweet posts with the relevant hashtags, but our newsfeeds can only accomplish so much.
To speak up in real life is a different ball game and takes more courage, but when done right, it can reap rewards.
Is there a problem or concern at school? Gather your classmates, meet and consult your organization’s leaders and student councils. Talk to your professors and department heads. Write letters and petitions.
Is there a problem or concern at the office? Direct them to your team leader or supervisor, bring it up to HR, or the department head, decide on action points and calendar them.
Speaking up is called for when there is a wrong that needs to be addressed or if there is a great need to act. Remember that while freedom of speech and expression is a right of every citizen, not everyone has the chance to be heard. If others are being oppressed and treated unjustly, speaking up for them is the highest form of empathy.
Whether it’s a private conversation between two people or a mass action protest on the streets, speaking up in real life can make significant differences.
Choose your weapon for change. In the days of the Philippine revolution, the Katipunan would train and fight with whatever weapons they had at their disposal. Men (and some women) of the revolutionary army used handguns, rifles, bolo knives and balisongs.
As Filipinos, we have a responsibility to build up our country, and we use whatever weapons and resources we have at our disposal. We can use our unique positions in school or in the office to effect change. We can use our unique skill sets and talents to forward our advocacies.
Are you an event organizer? Are you great at media and digital communications? Are you a programmer? Are you an engineer, scientist, or mathematician? Are you a government worker? Are you an entrepreneur? It is important to be both mindful of one’s strengths and aware of peoples’ needs. So much can be accomplished when people strategically match the service to the need.
Seek out volunteering opportunities. Participate in outreach activities in your barangay or city. Support local and indigenous arts, music, and culture.
If you feel frustration over an issue that no one is addressing, lead the way and mobilize people to work towards solutions.
Of all the countries in the world, it’s a wonder why we were born to be Filipinos placed in a country made of 7,641 islands (yes that’s the updated number from our grade school days). But one thing is for sure: there is so much that needs to be done and there is no better time to start than today.
Micah M. Nazal is a freelance writer and digital content producer pursuing a masters degree in public administration at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance. She worked as a community researcher in PHIVOLCS and plans to continue in the field of disaster risk reduction management in the future. You will likely find her studying in the library or drinking her second cup of coffee.
