What does it mean to love the Philippines?
Some would say that to do so is to practice our culture and perpetuate our traditions. Others would suggest that it’s about promoting our cuisines, tourist spots, and local products. There are various ways to love the Philippines and that also includes being proud of our history, supporting iconic Filipinos, and making our skills and strengths known to the world.
However, when the tourism department released “Love the Philippines” as a slogan, some expressed their distaste and some showed aversion to it. Of course, there are also people who liked the idea. So, again, what does it mean to love the Philippines?
It is high time for us to ask this because we are aware of the increasing number of Filipinos talking about leaving the country and expressing their disappointment for being born here. Many Filipinos have declared: “Ang hirap mong mahalin, Pilipinas.” I know we are inclined to ridicule the people who say these but we have to view them with rationality, understanding, and kindness. It is necessary to look deeper into their reasons.
There’s a simple answer to the question though: To love the Philippines is to love the Filipino people.
This message may be simple but it carries weight because it calls us to do at least three things:
To hold our government accountable for its decisions and actions;
To embrace the challenge of being accountable ourselves;
To rise above our personal lives so we can extend love to our countrymen.
In our attempts to solve problems, we often miss the basics and lose sight of the immediate reality around us. One can say that to love the country is to step back and analyze how we can work together so the government will understand more about our lived experiences and act accordingly. Another can argue that to love the country is to build a good life for his or her family. Whatever the answers are, they are all valid.
But I hope we all strive to live out the third point. Let us look around us, see the people we sit with in jeepneys and at restaurants, and smile at them. Talk to the vendors, cleaners, and guards, and show them that they are not just the work they do. These are the least we can do to show our fellow Filipinos that we love them. After all, to love is to go beyond oneself.
HAYDEE DUCAY-FAJARDO