The Nationalism in the Philippines
The nationalism in the Philippines
By Paolo Codilla Laquian
In one of the most stunning display of nationalism in the world, the revolution known as the “People Power Revolution”, a series of popular demonstrations against the Marcos regime began in 1983 and culminated in 1986, set a new standard for displaying love of country whose example would be followed by multitudes of people all desiring change in their country. Nationalism is defined by Duhaylugsod (1999) is love of country with the advocacy of national interest, unity and, independence. The revolutionist of the People Power certainly thought they were acting in the best interest of the country, believed in the power of a united nation forwarding a certain advocacy, and desired independence from the yoke of tyranny, imposed by the iron fist of the Marcos administration. In conjunction with the definition provided by Duhaylungsod, the People Power was certainly a demonstration of nationalism. Before, in the ages of colonialism, our idea of nationalism, Filipino Nationalism, was itself largely a response to colonialism (Campomares and Virtucio, 2004) Opposing the foreigners was a clear and simple way to demonstrate your love of country. It is ironic then, that we became a Filipino through colonial exploitation (Benigno,2003) Filipino nationalism then was built on the aspiration of the illustrados, the wealthy and European – educated mestizo whose lack of political power circumscribed their further ascent in the late 19th century Spanish ruled Philippine society (Campomares and Virtucio, 2004) It was through fire and steel that one most often demonstrated nationalism, though writers and intellectuals like Dr. Jose Rizal often fought more with pen than sword. However, as the decades come and go, and the march of progress steadily goes ever onwards, Nationalism, along with ideas that have stood the test of time, often slowly change in order to fit into present society. Though the core ideas are still
By Paolo Codilla Laquian
In one of the most stunning display of nationalism in the world, the revolution known as the “People Power Revolution”, a series of popular demonstrations against the Marcos regime began in 1983 and culminated in 1986, set a new standard for displaying love of country whose example would be followed by multitudes of people all desiring change in their country. Nationalism is defined by Duhaylugsod (1999) is love of country with the advocacy of national interest, unity and, independence. The revolutionist of the People Power certainly thought they were acting in the best interest of the country, believed in the power of a united nation forwarding a certain advocacy, and desired independence from the yoke of tyranny, imposed by the iron fist of the Marcos administration. In conjunction with the definition provided by Duhaylungsod, the People Power was certainly a demonstration of nationalism. Before, in the ages of colonialism, our idea of nationalism, Filipino Nationalism, was itself largely a response to colonialism (Campomares and Virtucio, 2004) Opposing the foreigners was a clear and simple way to demonstrate your love of country. It is ironic then, that we became a Filipino through colonial exploitation (Benigno,2003) Filipino nationalism then was built on the aspiration of the illustrados, the wealthy and European – educated mestizo whose lack of political power circumscribed their further ascent in the late 19th century Spanish ruled Philippine society (Campomares and Virtucio, 2004) It was through fire and steel that one most often demonstrated nationalism, though writers and intellectuals like Dr. Jose Rizal often fought more with pen than sword. However, as the decades come and go, and the march of progress steadily goes ever onwards, Nationalism, along with ideas that have stood the test of time, often slowly change in order to fit into present society. Though the core ideas are still