PATRIOTISM is one citizens’ love for his/her country; it is also seen and considered as national loyalty. It’s easy for most of us to say that we love our Country and we are even ready to debate and argue on related issues.
We feel strongly about our perceptions and ideas of how the nation should be ran by our leaders; some of us opposes and some agrees; some just rant about their ideas and some takes action.
With such differences, we may agree that one thing we have in common is our passion to see the Philippines free from every form of corruption and oppression.
Incidentally, the nation is currently facing with a major problem no other than the Marawi crisis. We are aware of the reports over television and radio broadcasts, including those from the newspapers and social media. The sudden increase of terrorists in the city resulted to a massive devastation. Local residents lost their houses and their livelihood. There were major casualties among the uniformed personnel and civilians. Facilities for evacuees were insufficient.
The economic and educational situation was uncertain in the city. Putting back order in Marawi and bringing it back to its original and beautiful state is indeed a huge challenge which may take some time.
The situation, however, became an avenue for us to demonstrate the value of patriotism. Many of us sent their contributions and support for the evacuees. Concerned government agencies did and still doing their part. Volunteer and religious organizations keep providing assistance. Neighboring cities, municipalities, and provinces acted to the extent of their abilities. Patriots naturally rose and proclaimed their love for the Philippines.
Salute to all present heroes who are willing to lay down their lives for the country, Sacrifices and toils will never be in vain. Let us keep fighting for our nation. Fighting for our nation, nonetheless, is not only enlisting in the military. Battlefield is not only the actual combat where ammunitions and armaments are fired. Our country is still stricken with the bondage of corruption and societal ills.
This war has not yet ended and we have to liberate our nation. We can do it in the small or big things we do. We can start by becoming honorable Filipino citizens who are able to establish family and other relationships, sincere and strong; by being active in the issues of the community and becoming servant leaders exuding excellence in our workplaces; by praying and being concerned in national issues, big or small; by supporting causes and advocacies close to our passion and interests; and without letting go of every opportunity to help and show charity and kindness. In short, if we obey, national freedom can be attained.
Finally, let us be clear about why we fight. In 1320, in an effort to explain why they had spent the previous 30 years in bloody battle to expel the invading English, Scottish leaders ended their Declaration of Arbroath with this line: “It is not for honor or glory or wealth that we fight, but for freedom alone, which no good man gives up except with his life.” Let us understand also, that patriotism, as Lawrence W. Reed has said is “Freedom—understanding it, living it, teaching it, and supporting those who are educating others about its principles.”