Independence day in the Philippines is the day we commemorate every hero who fought, bled and died for the freedom we currently enjoy. Under normal circumstances, this day would be celebrated with a yearly flag raising at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence. In some years, a civil military parade is held in the capital of Manila. Symbolically, the day represents the centuries of Filipino resilience and nationalist pride that shaped our history.
However, since the country is still on lockdown due to the pandemic, these celebrations have been cancelled to keep close contact as minimal as possible. Moreover, the dire state of the economy combined with the perceived mishandling of the situation committed by some government officials may make one feel that there is nothing to be proud of. Be that as it may, actions do speak louder than words, and Filipinos can do just that in the new normal. In fact, nationalist pride is something that is necessary to pull the country out of its current state. By showing nationalism in another, more timely and practical way, Filipinos can not only overcome the pandemic, but also push the country in the right direction towards progress.
Follow health protocols
One way of expressing nationalism under the new normal is to simply follow health protocols. One may feel that wearing a mask is uncomfortable and having not seen people for such a long time is isolating, but at the end of the day, these health protocols were put in for a reason. According to the Center for Disease Control, masks, when worn properly over the nose and mouth, serve as a barrier to help prevent diseases from reaching others. In this manner, disease is less likely to spread and infect more vulnerable members of the population, but it must also be paired with practicing social distancing to further prevent spreading. So while wearing a mask feels stifling, it actually saves people from getting infected. By observing these health protocols, one ensures the safety of both their loved ones and their community.
Support Local Businesses
Another way of expressing nationalism in the new normal is by supporting local businesses. Since many businesses have suffered during lockdown, the importance of every sale is suddenly magnified, especially for small and medium enterprises.
Therefore, if one has the means, it is only right to help these SMEs by patronizing their goods. If one cannot purchase, then you can direct others who can to that business. Through the power of the Internet, people have been sharing and creating posts of businesses and individuals who have been defying the odds to survive in the hopes it will bring awareness towards them. In this way, many Filipinos will be able to lend a hand in helping the economy get back on its feet faster.
Vote Wisely
It’s been all over social media to the point of exhaustion, but it still holds true-vote wisely. Government officials should be elected because they share the values and the drive of the common people. They should not act based on their own selfish needs, but rather they must work with the people and use their platform to create laws that would benefit everyone. They should not be voted in based on name recognition or connections, but based on their integrity, work ethic and credentials. The Philippines cannot expect progress if the government is constantly at odds with the population. At the same time, people cannot expect any positive changes when they do not elect people who embody the change they want to see.
Nationalism under the new normal does not have to die even in the most dire of circumstances. Rather, it should be a driving force towards a brighter, better future for the Filipino people.
Image courtesy of Nonoy Lacza
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