I dropped my children to school and on the way, I saw soldiers in uniform and a young pupil who led the “Panatang Makabayan†during the regular Monday flag-raising activity in schools. I was touched by the scene and I likewise joined from afar. I felt proud and I promised myself I will be more aware of the affairs of our nation and even involve myself in activities, as well as my children, to make them understand their responsibilities as young Filipinos. I realized that at a very young age, they should learn to love their country to help them become productive citizens in the future.
Now I better appreciate the oath and that it is really a very important obligation for each Filipino to live what is said in the Panata, like the lines ……â€Iniibig ko ang Pilipinasâ€, which is a testimony of each Filipino’s love for his country. It is easy to speak the words, but what we need today and in this generation, is, “isabuhay ang nilalaman ng Panatang Makabayanâ€.
The task of being truly patriotic Filipinos is very simple and easy. We should only devote each of our efforts to improve ourselves, become better citizens and be responsible not only to our families, to others, but moreso for the welfare of our nation. Let us revive the spirit of nationalism in our hearts.