Ways to Promote Filipino Nationalism
Nationalism, a word which means ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion or allegiance to a nation and holds that such obligations outweigh other individual or group interests (Britannica.com). It is relevant that we learn from our past to explain the present and to imagine our future as Filipinos. A lot of Filipinos, especially our heroes, devoted and risked their lives to achieve the freedom which we have long been enjoying. It is duly rightful to know the different ways which we can express Filipino Nationalism during the present time. As published in scribd.com, there are 10 modern ways to do this as listed below.
- Respect the Philippine Flag and value the Filipino identity
- Be a productive citizen
- Be aware of the issues in our country
- Stand proud for every Filipinos achievement
- Patronize and support our own products
- Preserve the Filipino culture
- Respect everyone and value our traditions
- Speak out our own language
- Remember and commemorate our heroes’ sacrifices for our country
- Love our family, our neighbors, and our compatriots
These are the basics and simplest ways that we can do to promote Filipino Nationalism.
The Mustaqim community takes pride in being one with the Filipinos in upholding our values and preserving our culture.
Spark of Hope in the Bangsamoro Region during the Pandemic
The Bangsamoro region is among the poorest in the Philippines and as the number of COVID-19 cases continuously increase, the disadvantaged families are more exposed to the negative effects of this pandemic. As what Dr. Alicia Macmac, rural health unit officer in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur said, “We are in a different war with COVID-19. This is not like ISIS where we can see the enemy”.
It is during these times of uncertainties where the Filipino resiliency is being tested. The following are some of our countrymen who went beyond the call of duty as published in Unicef Philippines.
Nuriel Haron is a midwife for almost a decade in the BARMM Ministry of Health and works with communities that are mostly in isolated areas. This pandemic has been a challenging one but she will be of service no matter what. It may be risky to herself and to her family, but she couldn’t bear seeing the Bangsamoro people being helpless. “If I don’t do my work, who will? I am an instrument to extend God’s grace through helping others in the area of health. I believe that by doing good to others, it will come back to you a hundred fold,” she said.
Abdul Rauf Lumabao proved that even a young normal citizen can do their part in saving lives during these trying times. Together with his friends, he volunteered to be a part of the checkpoint in their Barangay in Cotabato City. Their role is to check the quarantine passes of people who are passing through their barangay. Rauf initiates discussions on COVID-19 and helps fight fake news by using U-Report, a UNICEF youth engagement tool where young people get and share information on important issues. “Young people have to take this situation seriously. We should instead use the power of social media to challenge stigma, share positivity and make sure that messages about health tips get through. We need to inspire and drive action among the Bangsamoro youth while in home quarantine,” he said.
Ais Abas-Sambolawan is a journalist in the BARMM Bureau of Public Information. Her main task is to ensure that the Bangsamoro people are well informed of the dangers of COVID-19 and how to prevent the virus from spreading. As a mother and a wife, she also worries about the safety of her family whenever she goes home from work. But for her, this is her way of helping the Bangsamoro people. “My role as a writer and journalist in this time of the COVID-19 crisis is crucial. Aside from working round the clock to keep people up today with the status of COVID-19 in the Bangsamoro region and the government’s response to the virus, my life is at risk as I am exposed in the field too,” Ais said.
Filipino Nationalism awakened by COVID-19 Pandemic
The healthcare workers have always been in the frontline when COVID-19 initially struck the Philippines. But each and every Filipino has their fair share of battling the said virus. The frontliners face the risk of infection as they continuously go to work while the rest are required to stay at home. COVID-positive patients outnumbered the healthcare workers. It has been a challenging role for frontliners as not only were they exposed first-hand to the virus but there was also a lack of medical supplies including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
It is in the innate character of the Filipinos to lend a helping hand especially during trying times. Staying at home doesn’t stop our Kababayans in searching for ways to help win the battle. As published in asiasociety.org, different groups and individuals have used their platform to help raise the necessary funds and medical supplies needed by our healthcare workers and frontliners.
Darwin Mariano and Harvey Keh (Asia 21 Young Leaders) - Helped raise funds to purchase medical supplies, PPEs and food packs through their platform, Ticket2Me - The Kaya Nation! Movement in coordination with the Office of the Vice President.
Below are the other organizations that cater to raising donations for our frontliners:
- Tulong Kabataan (UP Manila) - asking for masks and alcohol for patients, health workers and interns of Philippine General Hospital
Contact Details: 09082111437
- Philippine General Hospital - asking for PPEs and other medical supplies for healthcare workers
Contact Details: Dr. Mia Tabuñar (Coordinator for Resource Generation) 09193506917
- Ospital ng Muntinlupa - asking for medical supplies such as N95 masks, face shields, 70% ethyl alcohol, surgical gown, clean/sterile gloves for healthcare workers
Contact Details: Dr. Edwin Dimatatac 09176294301
- Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) - asking for N95 masks, face shields, 70% ethyl alcohol, surgical gown, clean/sterile gloves for healthcare workers
Contact Details: PAMET Secretariat (02) 8817-1487/ 09178901118
- National Children’s Hospital (NCH) - asking for PPE, N95 masks, face shields, 70% ethyl alcohol, surgical gown, clean/sterile gloves for frontline government workers and healthcare workers
Contact Details: Dr. Jennifer Gianan, Chief Resident - National Children’s Hospital 09176392278 or at 264 E. Rodriguez Ave., New Manila, Quezon City
- #ProtectTheFrontline - asking for surgical masks, surgical gloves, surgical caps, PPE set, N95 masks, protective goggles, plastic boots, plastic aprons, disposable gowns, face shields, scrub suit, alcohol, soap, food, hazmat suits for frontliners
We at Mustaqim salute all the people involved in these movements. Aside from these platforms, let us all remember that Staying at Home is one of the best way that we can do to fight the virus.
Salam Community Muslim Affairs COVID-19 Volunteers
With the worsening onslaught of COVID-19 and loosening of people’s attitude towards safety protocols, the Muslim Tribal Leaders of Salam community convened the Salam Community Muslim Affairs COVID-19 volunteers last May 2, 2021 to formally reboot the volunteers' organizational structure.
These volunteers, who were composed of different Muslim tribal affiliations, discussed some pressing issues more relatively to COVID-19 safety measures and shared constructive ideas for the betterment of Masjid Salam community and its people. Amongst the highlighted agenda were the preparation for upcoming Edl Fitr prayer and strengthening the security of the community.
The unexpected attendance of new volunteers gives additional thrust to Masjid Salam Community personnel to better serve its people both on their safety protocol and economic matters.
During the Duterte’s drug campaign, the Salam community was once listed as one of the worst drug breeding compounds in Barangay Culiat, and presently, it was listed as one of the drug-free and peaceful compounds.
The Rise of Community Pantries in Mindanao
Community pantries have been popping out across the Philippines to help aid the economic impact brought by COVID-19. In an article published by Rappler, University of the Philippines (UP) physics instructor Rene Principe Jr. initiated the first Cagayan De Oro community pantry located at Pasil Road, Barangay Kauswangan. On April 20, four new pantries were started wherein one of which offers halal food.
Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong, restaurateur, set up the first halal pantry in the city which was situated just outside her halal-certified restaurant, Babu Kwan, and near the Masjid Oro Jamah mosque on Aguinaldo Street.
“The halal community pantry is for everyone in need, Muslims and non-Muslims. There’s emphasis on halal so that Muslims can freely get supplies without fear of getting haram supplies” a statement she gave Rappler on April 21.
Halal food adheres to Islamic law while Haram food is prohibited.
Aside from this, three other pantries were set up at the the RVS Plaza in Barangay Bugo, at Holy Rosary Petron gas station on CM Recto Avenue, and at Aurora Street in Zone 3, Barangay Agusan.
Having these in place, let us not forget to follow the safety protocols and ensure social distancing at all times.
The Mustaqim community is truly grateful and inspired with these initiatives!