Of Patriotism, The Bonifacio Monument and Public Holidays

In 2006, there was a survey done by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago in the United States about which country is most patriotic and the Philippines ranked number seven while the U.S. on top.

People were asked how proud they are of their countries in 10 areas such as history, politics, sports, economy, social security, the way their democracy works, science and technology, military and fair treatment of all groups in society, arts and literature.

It was learned that ex-colonies like the Philippines and newer nations are more likely to be patriotic, while Western Eropean countries and former Socialist countries like some in the East Asia ranked near the bottom.

1. USA
2. Venezuela
3. Ireland
4. South Africa
5. Australia
6. Canada
7. Philippines
8. Austria
9. New Zealand
10. Chile
11. England
12. Israel
13. Uruguay
14. Finland
15. Spain
16. Denmark
17. Switzerland
18. Japan
19. France
20. Portugal

I have no idea how we rank now or if there are similar survey done today. But I agree that Filipinos can be really patriotic especially during pride moments like of that Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao keeps on reminding us when he has a fight that he emerges as a winner.

However, our patriotism are somewhat shelved most of the time especially with a president like Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose respect for the important dates in Philippine history is blatant. Eversince she grabbed that high chair in Malacañang Palace all she did was move the dates of public holidays not thinking of the exact dates significance. As a result, the younger generation become less and less patriotic and they can no longer recall the important dates in Philippine history that our national heroes fought for with pride and dignity, including their lives.

Like today, its a holiday but most don’t really not know its a holiday. School kids may find the holiday favorable for them because there is no school, some employees may rejoice about it because there is no work while some felt they’ve lost income for a day. Whichever, a significant date in history is only reduced to that — no school, no work, period.

Why is it a holiday today? Because of 1986 EDSA Revolution anniversary which is actually February 24, but since that’s a Wednesday Arroyo moved the date (again! her common practice) so that workers will have longer weekend.

Another blatant disrespect of this present administration is also visible at Caloocan City where the famous Monumento stands. “The Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City is considered by many Filipinos to be the greatest monument to valor and to love of freedom on earth honoring as it does the Philippines’ greatest revolutionary hero, Andres Bonifacio, and the brave band of selfless men and women who joined him in igniting the firestorm of the Philippine Revolution in August 1896.”

“Today, the integrity of the Monumento, as the Bonifacio Monument is fondly called, is under threat with the closing of the loop of the LRT and MRT. It is ironic but the greatest monument to freedom faces the risk of being imprisoned by the light rail ring of concrete and steel that is steadily going up around it. Today, giant billboards have sprung up around the Bonifacio Monument thereby unduly diminishing its stature and importance.”
There is now an online campaign to make the Monumento a World Heritage. If that historical landmark made any significance in your life please sign the petition there. As of today there is 675 who have signed the petition from different parts of the world.

“The Monumento World Heritage Global Campaign and this online petition signing effort are part of the year-long commemoration of the diamond jubilee (75th anniversary) of the Monumento which was completed by renowned Filipino national artist Guillermo Tolentino in 1933.”

5 thoughts on “Of Patriotism, The Bonifacio Monument and Public Holidays

  1. I will sign for the petition. They should not removed that historical landmark or else maraming mawawala yan ang landmark nila eh.

    In Spain they have a lot of monuments even our dear Rizal even with the onset of infrastracture development they make tunnels under the important landmarks.

    All Filipino should voice out sign the petition.

  2. I will sign for the petition. They should not removed that historical landmark or else maraming mawawala yan ang landmark nila eh.

    In Spain they have a lot of monuments even our dear Rizal even with the onset of infrastracture development they make tunnels under the important landmarks.

    All Filipino should voice out sign the petition.

  3. No problem Rolly I hope they preserve that monument. Good luck! I signed the petition already.

  4. No problem Rolly I hope they preserve that monument. Good luck! I signed the petition already.

  5. Thanks a lot for the post Earth.

    The beleaguered Bonifacio Monument needs all the help that it can get. This ongoing sacrilege of the Monumento has not happened since 1933. We should not allow this monumental desecration to succeed.

    The online petition is at: Monumento World Heritage Global Campaign

    Hope to see your signatures there. Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

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