| Sad about RP democracy, But proud to be Filipino By Jose Abueva June 11, 2002, Philippine Daily Inquirer WHILE most Filipinos are dissatisfied with the way democracy works in the country and are not proud of our political system, the great majority of them are quite proud to be Filipino. This was the most outstanding finding of a recent University of the Philippines survey conducted nationwide. It�s an important fact to know and appreciate as we celebrate the 104th anniversary of our declaration of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and the 56th anniversary of regaining our independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. ***** Another significant finding of the survey is that Filipinos consider being God-centered, industrious and faithful to service, work or country as the most important traits they identify most with �being a good Filipino citizen����� (The survey) asked respondents, �How proud are you to be a Filipino citizen?� Much pride was evident in the responses nationwide: 57% for Very Proud; 34% for Proud; and only 9% for Not Proud, and one percent for Not at All Proud���.. The margins for national pride (Very Proud plus Proud, less Not Proud, less Not at All Proud) were rather high: 82% in the entire Philippines and even 91% among Metro Manila respondents. The relatively greater national pride of Metro Manilans, who are usually better informed and more critical than the nation as a whole, made the findings more remarkable. In general, national pride was lower though still high in the rural areas (79%) than in the urban (86%). Net pride in rural Visayas was 74%; in urban Mindanao, 71%; and in rural Mindanao, 74%. The net pride scores did not differ substantially across income classes or genders. Notably, in the age groups, pride was greatest in the two youngest sets: plus 93% for those aged 18-24 years, and plus 87 for those aged 25-34 years��� Contrast this with a study of schoolchildren in Metro Manila during the later years of the Marcos dictatorship, in which most of them said they would rather be foreigners than Filipinos. (But this is comparing bananas with lanzones. The opinions of adults and young adults cannot be compared with the opinions of grade schoolchildren who were at that time caught up in the hysteria over the Japanese-made Voltes V toys. The children�s opinions were probably not influenced by the kind of government in power then. ACA)���. ***** The survey investigated the importance of certain characteristics that �good citizens� possess as respondents were presented a list of traits. They were asked to rate each one as Very Important, Somewhat Important or Not Important. The summary indicator would be the margin of importance: percentage of Very Important minus percentage of Not Important����. The following were the margins of importance: God-centered, 92%; industrious, 91%; faithful to service, work or country, 88%; has convictions, 86%; responsible, 86%; peaceful and law-abiding, 85%; loving and caring, 84%; Concerned with the common good, 83%; wants to learn, 83%; nationalistic, 81%; sociable, 80%; free, 80%; civic spirited, 76%; assertive, 76%; willing to unite with others for a common purpose, 73%; thrifty, 72%; democratic, 70%; competitive, 57%; and courageous, 57%����. ***** The survey then proceeded to explore the meaning of �nationalism.� Interviewers presented a menu of nine meanings for defining nationalism. Respondents could choose as many as five meanings to reflect or explain their understanding of nationalism. Here is the ranking of definitions, by percentage: *Loyalty to and service to the country, 72%. *Being proud of our own history, culture and customs, languages, literature, music, art, and products, 72%. *Promoting freedom, justice and democracy here in the Philippines, 63%. *Promoting the common good and the welfare of all the people, 62%. *Patriotism and love of country, 58%. *Asserting our independence, 50%. *Promoting nationhood, national identity, and national unity, 48%. *Opposing foreign domination of our country, 30%. *Promoting the nation�s goals and national interest, 30%. ***** The survey looked into heroism by asking an open-ended question, �Who do you think are the Philippine heroes from the past until the present?� Then the follow-up question: �Who else?� By far the top-of-the-mind hero from history named was Jose Rizal, cited by 75% of the respondents. Andres Bonifacio was a far second, at 7%. Other heroes from history cited were Apolinario Mabini ( 1%), Manuel Quezon (1%), and Emilio Aguinaldo (1%). The top-of-the-mind heroes cited from more recent years were Ninoy Aquino (3%), Ferdinand Marcos (2%), Ramon Magsaysay (1%), Diosdado Macapagal (1%), Corazon Aquino (0.3%), and Joseph Estrada (0.26%)���.. When asked, �Who else?� after the top-of-the-mind question, some respondents gave their answers. Here are the 12 most prominent names mentioned: Andres Bonifacio, 44%; Apolinario Mabini, 19%; Emilio Aguinaldo, 14%; Jose Rizal, 12%; Ninoy Aquino, 8%; Gregorio del Pilar, 6%; Ramon Magsaysay, 5%; Melchora Aquino, 4%; Lapu-Lapu, 4%; Marcelo del Pilar, 4%; Juan Luna, 4%; and Manuel Quezon, 3%���. ***** For citizens who affirm much pride in being Filipino and otherwise affirm their national identity, only 25%, who are 18 years or older, know the �Pambansang Awit� (or National Anthem) in full���.. ***** |
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