Oriental Mindoro Philippines
OPINION
Of Media and Social Amnesia
The role of Philippine History in critical stances
With the elimination of Philippine History as a dedicated high school course last 2014, it is no surprise that the recognition of Filipino youths on important historical contexts has flopped. Seven years has passed, and scholars remain staunch in advocating for the reinstatement of the subject in the national education curriculum.
LEO MANALO
Published 4:00 PM,
May 31,2021
Questions then began to resurface: Is there really a need for a dedicated history subject or will it be just a misspend of academic time? Most importantly, does the lack of one have something to do with students getting less critical and more apolitical?
For what is obvious, history subjects are inherent avenues of patriotism and consciousness. Former President Aquino’s K-12 implementation, however, redesigned the state education scheme to be globally competitive — to the extent where local appreciation has been sacrificed. The absence of Philippine History program in the high school landscape not only dulled out nationalistic views of Filipino students, it more so alienated them to a nation’s past worthy of the admiration. DepEd Order 20, 2014 (removal of Philippine History subject) shifted the focus of the curriculum to cater the Western competence.
This gave birth to another setback yet to be resolved. In a third digital generation where almost every information is made accessible within easy reach, it has also become simpler to propagate historical distortions in the mainstream media. Baseless contexts like Rizal being the father of Adolf Hitler, or the Marcos regime being the pinnacle of our country’s age, uncontrollably thrive on various social media platforms today. What made it worse is the lack of fact-checking among media users, and the even greater lack of a corrective subject to get the facts straight.
Because there is no certain foundation for nationalism and historical intellect, more naive and apolitical teenagers grow in number. The distortions from the Marcos regime up to Duterte’s administration subliminally produce blind Filipino followers. The High School Philippine History Movement, according to its President Jamaico D. Ignacio, is endorsed because it is imperative in improving critical thinking skills among students in the academe. By imposing a news learning system away from typical memorization, the effort eyes to breed more analytic Filipinos, as how our pedagogical system should be in the first place.
It is only safe to say one history subject goes a long way in shaping the nationalistic and critical character of an individual. In the dire times of historical distortions and misinformation, perhaps the High School Philippine History Movement’s thrust is what the archipelago needs in battling social amnesia.
Stray Privileged
With the elimination of Philippine History as a dedicated high school course last 2014, it is no surprise that the recognition of Filipino youths on iWith the government pushing for charter change, a part of it was pushed to the light. On the tenth of March 2021, the house approved House Bill 78 or the 100% foreign ownership on telecommunications, transportation, and the power industry. A hundred percent of foreign ownership will render more loss than gain to our country.mportant historical contexts has flopped. Seven years has passed, and scholars remain staunch in advocating for the reinstatement of the subject in the national education curriculum.
LEO MANALO
Published 4:00 PM,
May 31,2021
In the national scale, local market seems to thrive barely. As foreign giants are to enter our economy, these local markets may not survive. The competition is high and our business landscape is not that stable and competent. Our economy may regress totally, thus affecting a lot of Filipinos.
In the contrary, foreign ownership may boost the economy. The reason why they are not attracted to pursue our country lies on the weight of our laws. With 100% ownership, a lot of foreign companies may put up their stations in our country. Thus, aiding in the flow of money in the market and providing employment opportunities.
Still, a hundred percent seems a bit risky with our political system being unstable. Politics affects businesses a lot. The repatriation of profits might not bounce back to the host country. With this, there will be a large outflow of capital from our country. Instead of gaining assets, we might lose a lot. Also, the government might use this to let other countries creep into our sovereignty, rights, and wealth.
On the other hand, it might be still essential. Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) might sky-rocket. Our telecom, transportation, and power industry may thrive as they are to push state-of-the-art technologies into our soil. People may now enjoy a progressive state of living. Our country will cling onto the spirit of development.
Despite such refutes, 100% foreign ownership is erroneous. It may only lead to unsustainable resource use. Foreign companies are to handle our natural resources, and this may affect our national security. Scarce resources are meant for the Filipino people and not to those who are just visiting our lands. The public cannot always secure and control their operations, and this seems harmful.
All in all, 100% foreign ownership does not suit our country. We have local markets barely thriving, unstable politics, and limited resources. This is our only safe space and we cannot let others snatch it from us. The constitution provides that we have the sovereignty and rights to every resource along our soil. We should not let this privilege be a stray one.
WRITEfully
Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. YouTube. And so many other social media platforms represent the multimedia 2.0 in this era where anyone owns a smartphone and has access to the internet can be called a ‘writer of his own will’ by freely expressing opinions in any kind of pressing issue available for the majority to feast in a day-to-day basis. Be it in a form of a controversial Facebook post, a viral Twitter thread, a trending photo from Instagram or the rise of famous YouTube content and vlogs, the internet generation has taken over the world.
LEO MANALO
Published 4:00 PM,
May 31,2021
It is considered as an old song already that black and white journalism has been engaged with a losing and never-ending battle with the internet over the years. Looking at these as a way to inform the general public of what is happening in our planet, both mediums share the same goal, and they just simply differ on the scale of audience, regulations and boundaries each type stands.
Although both are cliché empowered by freedom of expression, internet journalism does not hold limitations and promises immediate feedback to its readers the moment it gets uploaded. On the other hand, conventional or paper journalism, more specifically campus journalism, is still stuck with textbook restrictions on how general audience define the word ‘freedom’ and makes sure that it will not be detrimental to any party or offending the public’s eye.
It might sound like internet journalism sounds easier and freer compared to campus journalism but the fact that writing news and conceptualizing ideas academically provides opportunities for student journalist to improve their skills with the assistance of their teachers, support from the administration and with the existence of national competitions, gives them chances to be given constructive criticisms in case they would like to go with this track in the future.
But what make student journalist different? Which brings us to the dilemma of whether considering both student writers and keyboard warriors hiding from their VPNs at home the same or of the same level since basically they just simply both write? Of course, we do not.
Campus journalism should maintain its legitimacy and its sole obligation to the student body to write and publish articles that will protect the welfare of the students and will voice their opinions while observing limitations that will not harm anyone of any sort with bias.
Precisely, anyone could be a writer on his own will regardless of the mediums being used or whether feedback is not that promising as compared to online posts, memes and vlogs yet a student journalist encourages students to express in the most appropriate, knowledgeable and creative possible.
Campus journalism, and by extension student journalist should remain their stance bounded by these criteria and still observe authenticity
When the Mangyan
meets the Lowlander
The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) promulgated by the Office of the President in 1997, legitimized the idea that “the diversity of culture should be encouraged and fostered with openness” (National Commission on Indigenous People). Also, the same statute affirmed that the inherent character, human dignity, and unique identity of indigenous people shall be respected through the practice of cultural sensitivity (IPRA, Sec. 4).
LEO MANALO
Published 4:00 PM,
May 31,2021
From the implied matter on cultural sensitivity which should be bound in every member of humanity, the question is why do the Mangyans, as the most prominent indigenous group in Oriental Mindoro, have been fostered with discrimination and segregation? Do the Tagalogs lack knowledge on interculturality and dialog? Or are they just ignorant and ethnocentric in nature?
The Mangyans of Mindoro belong to an ethnolinguistic community who are known to be the first inhabitants of the Mindoro, the seventh largest island in the Philippines. The term “Mangyan” is a generic name for the proto-Malayan minority groups who mastered the art of weaving, pottery, farming, and script writing.
The problem of cultural sensitivity among the Mangyans is not as pronounced as before. Verbal classism has been an evident barrier for the Mangyan group to communicate with the Tagalogs (or lowlanders). The American local regime deepened the division labeling Mangyan as inferior to other Filipinos and designating Indian-style reservations for them. Christian Filipinos have continued to exert pressure on the Mangyan since then.
To dock in the port of intercultural praxis is a collaborative effort. Both the two sides of the coin must negotiate and form a bond that will light the beacon in the hopes of a harmonious community. For starters, we can uphold Sorrel’s first point — inquiry. The lowlanders must take interest in the rich culture of the Mangyans, and the Mangyans should reciprocate this interest towards the mainstream Mindoreno. Several researches in my former campus revolve around delving into the lifestyle, customs, and even hardships of the said indigenous faction. With more studies like these in the academe, the major population will be influenced to engage themselves in the spirited Mangyan principles.
It pays to mention, too, that dialogue is a significant means in connecting these two distant societal poles. We must never forget to see situations through the lens of others. Fact, the Mangyans do not live an easy life. With limited electric supply and restricted job opportunities because of racism, it is no wonder that they distance themselves away from our common plane. To wear their shoes and to reach for dialog will hurt no fly.
Lastly, no advocacy is won with all talks. What we have to bear in mind is that the humanitarian actions we do for a cause are the main signifier of an interculturally progressing community. Through youth camps, appreciation events, outreach programs, and long-term educational events among others, we can realize that marriage of the Mangyans and the lowlander Mindoreno is nothing but a possibility. It takes a common mindset, a common heart, and a common cause to kindle a common effect — the third space. A space where the concept of “others” does not exist — only “us” and nothing more.
After all, what is Mindoro without the Mangyans who cultivated the land to what it is today — an avenue of both economic and cultural success.
Fanaticism, Films & Hegemony
How did “Fan Girl” (2020) leave such a notable footprint on the Philippine cinema?
LEO MANALO
Published 4:00 PM,
May 31,2021
How did “Fan Girl” (2020) leave such a notable footprint on the Philippine cinema?
The 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, as one may dare say, is a mile distant from what we normally spectated for the past years. Typical comedies and rom-com recipes always made it to the blockbuster, reaping millions and bagging awards. This year, Director and screenwriter Antoinette Jadaone strayed away from this common formula to give us an awakening masterpiece that is “Fan Girl”.
What truly made her MMFF entry a talk of the town is not Charlie Dizon’s acting alone, or Paulo Avelino’s frontal nudity. It is as if something within the almost 2-hour movie intentionally disturbed the comfortable, as how artistic films should. “Fan Girl” redefined what it takes to meet the MMFF standards, or simply what it means to be a film with an in-depth meaning.
“Fan Girl”, despite its countless number of signifiers, connotes a single obvious explication — to critique the faces of cultural hegemony in the Philippine context.
One hegemonic facet that “Fan Girl” destabilizes is the Filipino patronage or the “artista” complex. In a country where the common belief is that celebrities are immaculate demigods, “Fan Girl” stands as a significant critique. The patronage for celebrities and rich people roots out from the power equated with money. The hierarchal mentality sewn deep in our country influenced our thinking that those who sit at the top of the pyramid own the lives we should dream about. This problematic view of celebrity superiority has long been thriving in the Philippine landscape to the point where kids say “Paglaki ko, gusto kong maging artista” not because they found love in acting, but more so because they realize that to appear on the national television gives influence, power and money.
The ending scene of “Fan Girl” shows Jane’s desperate travails to her house while she is surrounded by the busy realities of the city. On several parts, posters and tarpaulins of President Duterte can be seen plastered in the walls of the walkway as a subliminal reminder for those who worship him that he can be like a real-life Paulo — a masked personality with shady intentions. “In a post-Duterte Philippines where celebrity, influencer culture, fanaticism and social media are all effectively used and weaponized by the current regime, Fan Girl is undoubtedly a product of its time (Mendizabal).” Every second of the film’s concluding salvo tries to tell the dire side of blind devotion implored by hegemony, capitalism, and politics.
Lastly, “Fan Girl” is a critique to itself — to the film industry and the media hegemony. Karl Castro and his controversial yet critically praised thesis production, “Manwal sa Paggawa ng Pelikula” (2007), stated how “Fan Girl” is a creative mock to the status of film in our archipelago. How the film industry keeps artists’ careers afloat with love teams and fake romances, how it feeds on stan culture, and how the media immediately turn a blind eye on public scandals”: these are what Jadaone’s craft tries to challenge.
“Fan Girl” is not just a regular popular culture text, nor is it just another MMFF entry that will soon lose its value in the coming years. It is, without budging an inch, a work of a genius that will go down in history as one of the best — a wakeup call amidst a pandemic.
True, the production’s artistic nature propelled “Fan Girl” to the recognition it deserves. On a critical lens though, all these are secondary. “Fan Girl” will never be a stellar piece if it was not for the multiple significations it established, and the strong call of its rudiments to challenge an existing cultural hegemony. We need more stories in this formula. Now more than ever.
The Mangyans of Mindoro belong to an ethnolinguistic community who are known to be the first inhabitants of the Mindoro, the seventh largest island in the Philippines. The term “Mangyan” is a generic name for the proto-Malayan minority groups who mastered the art of weaving, pottery, farming, and script writing.
The problem of cultural sensitivity among the Mangyans is not as pronounced as before. Verbal classism has been an evident barrier for the Mangyan group to communicate with the Tagalogs (or lowlanders). The American local regime deepened the division labeling Mangyan as inferior to other Filipinos and designating Indian-style reservations for them. Christian Filipinos have continued to exert pressure on the Mangyan since then.
To dock in the port of intercultural praxis is a collaborative effort. Both the two sides of the coin must negotiate and form a bond that will light the beacon in the hopes of a harmonious community. For starters, we can uphold Sorrel’s first point — inquiry. The lowlanders must take interest in the rich culture of the Mangyans, and the Mangyans should reciprocate this interest towards the mainstream Mindoreno. Several researches in my former campus revolve around delving into the lifestyle, customs, and even hardships of the said indigenous faction. With more studies like these in the academe, the major population will be influenced to engage themselves in the spirited Mangyan principles.
It pays to mention, too, that dialogue is a significant means in connecting these two distant societal poles. We must never forget to see situations through the lens of others. Fact, the Mangyans do not live an easy life. With limited electric supply and restricted job opportunities because of racism, it is no wonder that they distance themselves away from our common plane. To wear their shoes and to reach for dialog will hurt no fly.
Lastly, no advocacy is won with all talks. What we have to bear in mind is that the humanitarian actions we do for a cause are the main signifier of an interculturally progressing community. Through youth camps, appreciation events, outreach programs, and long-term educational events among others, we can realize that marriage of the Mangyans and the lowlander Mindoreno is nothing but a possibility. It takes a common mindset, a common heart, and a common cause to kindle a common effect — the third space. A space where the concept of “others” does not exist — only “us” and nothing more.
After all, what is Mindoro without the Mangyans who cultivated the land to what it is today — an avenue of both economic and cultural success.
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A Hurdle to Herd Immunity
At a time of great peril in the middle of the worst health crisis in a hundred years, there is a beaming hope after science advanced and researches occurred. With the pandemic threatening the public health all over the world and claiming the lives of many, a light has been turned on. Coronavirus Disease 2019, a fatal and contagious disease, has finally met its end. Or so it seems
LEO MANALO
Published 4:00 PM,
May 31,2021
Philippines, a country already suffering right before the pandemic, has its state worsened after several fails from the national government. Its lacking response and measures then, and now, a vaccination system where citizens have no choice but to say yes to. A herd immunity is what they are trying to achieve, but the sense of security towards the citizens and population is something they have overlooked.
It all started on the 21st of January wherein a woman from Wuhan, China arrived at the country, tested positive, together with two more carriers of the virus, and the Department of Health together with the ‘father figure’ saying we still got this. While after exactly 35 days after, a 62-year old man was brought to Cardinal Santos Medical Center, tested positive, confirmed of the first local transmission with the same words coming from the seated, ‘we still got this’. And after a month, there were already 34,000 positive cases in the country, over a thousand piled dead bodies, and overwhelmed healthcare facilities, slapping them with the fact that this is a national emergency and it needs urgent, feasible, and effective plan, measures, and actions because in the first place, we don’t get it, we are lacking, and we will never get this because of the consistent incompetency.
On the 26th day of March, Rappler reported nine deaths of doctors because of COVID-19. This symbolized the lack of support and priority to the medical field. Instead of providing personal protective equipment, help in improving the health system, and compensate the overworked and underpaid staffs, the government chose to shrug their shoulders off, continue their businesses, give attention and importance to other irrelevant and unnecessary matters, and give credits to the doctors and nurses once they lose their lives – pure clout and clownery.
On the 25th of March, the Department of Health started an “I’m In” red ribbon campaign to show support to the front liners. And while it shows recognition to the hardworking medical personnel, the same show exhibits oxymoron. The salary of nurses and doctors, their allowance, and financial support they receive are far from what they deserve. Would the red band compensate the deprived payment, and bring back the lives the medical field has lost already? Not in any way.
And now, when the vaccine is right before our eyes, available, and ready to be administered through different sectors, comes another hurdle. It was when the Department of Health announced that the local government units would not be allowed to announce the vaccine brands they will be distributing through their constituents. DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje even mentioned, “if they do not like the vaccines that are given during that time, then they go to the end of the line”. Pushing a movement they call “brand agnostic” would not only cause another fear towards the already discouraged Filipino spirit among the citizens, but also deprives their right to choose which would be going through their bodies and knowledge about the expected outcomes of the vaccine administration.
With vaccine brands such as Pfizer, Sinovac, Astrazeneca, it is not shocking that Filipinos have their own biases and choice – bottom line is, it is their bodies – and their preferences is something we should respect. Even the former senior adviser of the country’s Inter-Agency Task Force said that it’s the track record of American drug companies with proven quality medicine efficacy and safety being the main reason the population has their own say with regards to the vaccine they are eyeing to get. As he added, “Their product is a result of excellent research and development”.
It is not that the Filipinos are not considerate or do not respect what is available or what is being given. It is the fact that the DOH does not even respect the Filipinos by not giving them the proper system and procedure in the procurement of the supposedly only pill in this ill state of the country.
If the main goal is to heal, then let the country heal holistically. Without any fear, with ample information, educated about the content of the syringe which would dig deep through their skin, and confident that we are indeed healing as one. If the government’s main duty is to protect its people, then they must also protect their health, their well-being, and their choices. If they would put a gag to the mouth of the citizens with regards to this situation, then they are putting a barrier towards the public trust and the population’s sense of security. Because prickling them with a needle blindly, with no rights of commentary, is giving a pill – towards public distrust, and not towards herd immunity.