How the Past Shapes the Present

The history of the Philippines is one of the most controversial and climactic subjects on its own. For 377 years we were colonized by Spain. Spanish friars and missionaries settled into the country to educate Filipinos and convert indigenous communities to Catholicism. The language, lifestyle, and beliefs have changed throughout these years. After the Philippines declared its “independence” from Spain, the Americans took over. The Americans taught Filipinos the importance of education, particularly the English language. The Philippines eventually gained independence on the 4th of July in 1946. The 1935 Constitution was identical to the United States, allowing a President to lead for four years with a bicameral Congress, and an independent Judiciary. It was not until 1987, when the constitution was changed by President Corazon Aquino. The 1987 constitution allows the country to restore democracy by focusing on the civil and political rights of the Filipino people. But why did we need such a change?

In 1965, the Philippines elected its 10th President, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Unlike other leaders, Marcos Sr. seized full control of the Philippines. A year before his second term as president was due to expire, Marcos Sr. refused to leave his office and declared martial law. This meant that parliament was suspended, full censorship of the media and courts, and the army and police tortured people who tried to protest against the administration. This resulted in 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 77 'disappeared', and 70,000 incarcerations. By 1980, the Philippines’ debt reached US$17.2 billion–putting the country into recession. The Marcoses had stolen an accumulated wealth of US$10 billion by the end of the 1980's.

It's a big year for the Philippines as they decide to choose who's going to lead the country in the next six years. One of the running presidential candidates is former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. 's son, Bongbong Marcos. As of today, Marcos Jr. has gained over 31,104,175 votes--leading among the other candidates. At times like this, when the country has experienced such stress from the previous administration, it makes me wonder if the lack of education in the country played a huge role in this result.

Many Filipinos are known for their great knowledge of the English language-- to the point some locals would even joke around if they heard you speak in English, "Wow, spokening in dollar!" However, looking at the partial presidential results, it seems that not all Filipinos are aware of nor give importance to the country's history. A majority of the country's voters still choose to settle with political dynasties, bite into bribes, and be blinded by past leaders' mistakes. One of Bongbong Marcos' goals is to revise history by appointing Sara Duterte as the country's education secretary.

History revisionism meaning revising history textbooks in schools. We can already tell that this will create a huge impact on the next generations. This makes me rethink my job as an educator. Sooner or later, I'll be heading back home to teach my fellowmen. One thing I know for sure, I'll continue to keep my principles, keep my eyes wide open, and teach what's supposed to be taught.