“The Filipino is worth dying for.”
- Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino How can patriotism be really defined? Some people may answer that it involves the deep love and desire to serve one’s country. Others may say that it involves sacrificing for the country and becoming a hero. But isn’t it enough to be proud of the country who gave you a nationality, a sense of identity as its citizen and living by the pledge to the country’s flag?
Patriotism does not require extreme accomplishments such as dying for the country or running for a seat in the senate. However, it does require an understanding about the deeds our national heroes have done. We must keep in mind the reasons behind the rebellions, the lives lost and the sacrifices made for the freedom we are currently breathing in. Those will serve as our inspiration or rather, a vision that will lead us to an innovative society that we were once.
One saying that he owns a Philippine flag in his home may imply that he acknowledges his country but it does not automatically imply that he is proud of it or that he values that he is a Filipino. Owning a Carabao or a jeepney figurine, a yellow shirt, a yellow ribbon, a statement shirt or a Philippine symbolic accessory is not equal to having a real sense of patriotism, especially when one does not uphold the vision of a true patriot. A vision where one loves his country enough to realize that he must change for the good of his country and that he is willing to throw out his selfishness and foolishness and cooperate with his fellowmen for the change that he wants for his country.
We Filipinos are known all over the world for our deep sense of pride for our country. This is mostly because of the thousands of overseas Filipino workers who are willing to leave their beloved country for the sake of keeping their families alive. It can be proven by the extent that even the Philippine team for the ASEAN Basketball League is named