What is the true mark of a nationalist?

The young men of the 44 Special Action Force killed during an armed encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters at Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 showed us the true mark of a nationalist. They sacrificed their lives to protect our country from one of the world’s most-wanted terrorists.

I would like to quote Philippine National Police-Special Action Force officer-in-charge Chief Supt. Noli Taliño’s eulogy at the necrological service for the elite policemen killed in the Mamasapano clash: “While you enjoy the laughter of family and friends, and the safety and comfort of your homes, there are men and women who sacrifice time, effort and their very lives in the fulfillment of their jobs and duties to give you normalcy. These are the men and women in the Special Action Force, dedicated officers, dedicated troopers who know how to die.”

Let us never forget the Fallen 44’s courageous act of love for our country and instead may each of them be our inspiration on how to truly love and serve our beloved country, the Philippines.

Gang Badoy, writer at large for politcal affairs, Esquire; founder, Rock Ed Philippines

A nationalist is someone who, when asked, “May pag-asa ba ang Pilipinas?” replies, “Meron, kasi nandito pa ako.”

Rhea Santos de Guzman, broadcast journalist

A nationalist never gives up on his country. It starts with living a life of discipline and responsibility.

Juno Henares, theater actress

A nationalist is one who identifies strongly with the foundation upon which a nation is born and the people to whom it applies.

Yvette Tan, lifestyle/horror writer

For me, a true nationalist is a person whose love for country is not colored by his/her personal bias. His/her goals for the country transcend administrations, leaders, class, fads and personal gain, with the hope of benefiting, as much as possible, the entire nation.

Charisse Chuidian, vice president for public relations, City of Dreams

It’s a nationalist who not only appreciates Filipino culture and traditions, but also does his or her amazing best to preserve them, i.e. those behind Habi, and the book Kulinarya, to name two. And count as well our talented Filipino master chefs now making waves in Madrid Fusion to showcase and prove that Filipino cuisine deserves a worthy place in global gastronomy. Saludo!

Sec. Kiko Pangilinan, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and  Agricultural Modernization

One who loves his or her country deeply and contributes as best he or she can in ensuring that the welfare and interest of the nation and its citizens are upheld and defended consistently and passionately.

Atty. Lorna Patajo Kapunan

Nationalism for me as a lawyer is safe-guarding the rule of law to ensure achievement of a regime of social justice and economic prosperity for the good of all, transcending private, personal, political and vested interests.

Jason Tan, TVC director

A nationalist sees the country as he would want it to be, not necessarily accepting what it is.

Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno

The true mark of a nationalist is when you can put the interest of others above yours. I think that is the real essence of being a nationalist, being able to uphold the nation’s interest first and foremost.

Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel

A true nationalist cares for what is good for the nation, not for only parts of it. Thus, he or she cares about the way the government is being run; the integrity of the country’s sovereignty; how law and order are implemented so that peace could be attained, and ensuring the progress and development of the country for the good of the people. Also, the true nationalist will not only talk about it but lay his or her life on the line for the attainment of those ends.

Koleen Davila Palaganas, SWM Foundation, VP for internal communications

For me, the mark of a nationalist is having a vision for the good of the country. He is committed to place the country’s interest as top priority, possesses genuine love for his people which is evident in one’s deeds; and passes this legacy through generations.

DILG Usec. Edwin Enrile

Nationalism begins with a keen awareness of your national identity, which coincides with pride in your national identity, and entails translating such consciousness and pride into some form of action.