Foreigner notes Filipinos' lack of patriotism

Foreigner notes Filipinos' lack of patriotism

Inquirer
First Posted 00:59am (Mla time) 09/07/2006

Filed Under: Social Issues
Published on Page A12 of the September 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

AN Ivatan friend e-mailed me recently a copy of an essay written by a Korean. It is about his opinion why our country is not making much progress. The insightful essay should prod Filipinos to serious reflection.

He said we don't love our country. We are uncaring and unsympathetic to its needs. We don't seem to belong to our country, not knowing its tradition and history. Our sense of belongingness or national pride is truly wanting. We may be a talented people rich in God-given resources, yet we experience acute hardships and misfortunes. We exploit our natural wealth exceedingly and some of our best people are forced by circumstances to work abroad.

Are we still proud when we say "Ako ay Pinoy" ["I am Filipino."]? Does it elicit a sense of pride or is it a cause of embarrassment? Does it give us a sense of honor and pride or a feeling of being ridiculed?

Meanwhile, a TV commercial keeps on trumpeting the slogan "Angat ang Pinoy!" ["The Filipino stands out!"], citing Filipino feats in Mount Everest, in the boxing arena, beauty pageants, film festivals, dance contests, etc. The commercial does swell our pride as Filipinos but only momentarily. Filipino pride, it seems, is superficial; it is a living or driving force in this country.

How could the Korean or the whole world take seriously our word that we love our country when we are blind to its needs? We are more ready to see the feats of our national athletes but we are ill at ease to look at the poorest among our poor. We are more interested to listen to the cheers for our athletes and mountain climbers than to the stories of the downtrodden.

The Korean, I guess, is correct in his assessment. We don't love our country enough. If we truly love our country, we should not just celebrate our victorious athletes, we should perform our civic duty to rectify our political madness, social frailties and moral aberrations.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher may have given some tips on how we can show our genuine love for our country in these words: "Let us make this a country safe to work in. Let us make this a country safe to walk in ... And above all, may this land of ours, which we love so much, find dignity and greatness and peace again."

REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan