Walking the streets of another country, I saw some children with their families proudly strolling around town in their national attire. I asked the tour guide if that day was a special holiday of sorts and he laughed saying it was not. He did volunteer the information that families often go out wearing their traditional garb “just because”. It had me thinking a lot and realizing that it might take some time before I see that same thing happen in my country to the tune of “just because”. So how do we love what is truly ours? This is something that needs to be taught by every family to their child early on. We, as parents and teachers carry the responsibility of passing on our love for the Philippines’ rich culture and values to the next generation. Below are my top 5 practical tips to encourage patriotism in our children.
1. Teach Respect and Gratitude
Begin by instilling in your children a deep respect for the Philippines, its culture, and its people. It can be as simple as showing them you stand up, stop everything you do, put your hand on your heart, and sing the national anthem with sincerity. Encourage them to sing the “Lupang Hinirang” with pride. Explain to them what the words mean. Share stories of our national heroes and the sacrifices they made for our country.
2. Embrace Filipino History and Culture
Expose your children to the rich tapestry of Filipino history and culture. Visit historical sites, museums, and art exhibitions that showcase our heritage. Have you been to the National Museum in Manila? It’s a fantastic place to bring children and just expose them to art and our rich history. You can also read to them stories about Filipino folklore, traditions. I remember as a child loving “alamat” (legend) stories about things very Filipino. Case in point is the story “Alamat ng Lansones” and why it has some brown spots on it’s skin. Do you know any “alamat”?
3. Celebrate National Holidays
Participate wholeheartedly in our country’s celebrations and holidays, such as Independence Day and National Heroes Day. Take time to explain the significance of these events and their role in shaping our nation’s identity. At school, we’ve pretended to be our favorite national hero and shared what made them a hero! Children understand universal hero traits like helping another person or being brave even if one is scared. These are things that make these Filipino heroes relatable. It’s important to expose our children to these noble virtues as it encourages them to be patriotic.
4. Practice Filipino Values
Teach your children the core values that define being a Filipino – hospitality (magiliw), respect (respeto), and the spirit of bayanihan. Encourage them to exemplify these values in their interactions with others. Do you have relatives from abroad visiting? Show your child that when you try to make their stay with your family as comfortable as possible, you are being hospitable. Remind them that when they take the hand of their lolo or lola to bless when they see them is a sign of respect that is very Filipino. Show them that when you gather things to donate as a family during a natural disaster to help people even when we are not asked to, that is the spirit of bayanihan. Remember, children follow what they see, so take the lead!
5. Explore the Beauty of the Philippines
Explore the natural wonders of the Philippines as a family. Visit breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant festivals. We have more than what we thought was 7,107 islands (it’s apparently at 7,641 now)! There will always be something in these islas to be grateful and proud of so help your children appreciate the diverse beauty our country offers.
We hope these tips can help families nurture patriotism in your children. We want to instill in them a deep love for the Philippines, our culture, and our people. Together, we can raise future Filipinos who are not only proud of their heritage but are also committed to upholding our nation’s values and contributing positively to our society. ❤️