Patriotism & Nationalism

The Constitution provides that all educational institutions should “inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country," said Escudero.
Section 3 of Article XIV of the Constitution also declares that schools should teach "the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency,” he said. (taken from Inquirer News: Include patriotism, nationalism in RP textbooks urges solon.)

This will be a great move para sa ating mga Filipino. All I see from young Filipinos, especially dun sa mga nasa college, they are eyeing to go abroad and once na nakarating sila they never look back. Their minds are set to settle abroad for greener pasture, it means what they earn stays sa bansang kanilang pinuntahan, maybe a little will go back to our country but definitely most of their earnigs will be spent on the same country. Even my little son, at the age of 7 he wanted to go to US when he grows up.

As a father, I am trying my best to teach him patriotism and nationalism at his young age. Even though it is too early to say that he will understand what I am trying to tell him. But I am not pushing it hard. Ito ang isang tungkulin ko bilang isang magulang at isang Filipino and I hope other parents will do their share.

Tulad na lamang ng isang kaibigan dito sa Israel, sinasabihan niya ang kanyang mga anak na mag-aral na mabuti upang pagkagraduate ng mga ito ay makarating agad sa ibang bansa. Naniniwala siya na tanging ang pangingibang bansa ang paraan upang mabago ang takbo ng kinabukasan. Madami din dito ang nagnanais makalipat sa Canada or London dahil they have a chance to get an immigrant visa after a few years of staying in that country. And they are planning ahead to get their whole family to settle abroad.

Hindi ko naman masisi ang mga kabataang ito, they are losing hope sa mga kaganapan sa ating bansa. But instead of looking for an answer, they are running away from the problem. Working abroad and settling abroad are two different things. I hope young Filipinos will see it the way I see it.

As a parent, we can help and make it happen. Ituro natin sa mga ating anak na stepping stones lamang ang pangingibang bansa dahil kahit anong papel ang ipagkaloob sa atin bilang pagkilala as immigrant sa ibang bansa, Filipino pa rin tayo at panghabang-buhay na magiging isang dayuhan sa bansang ating titigilan.

"There is no place like home."