Forum 2

1.       What is a citizen? Use your own words to describe your understanding of what a citizen is.

Citizens are members of a community who are given the rights and protected by the laws of that
community. In return, citizens have duties they owe to that community. Citizenship builds the
relationship among the citizens and the leaders in a community. The citizens are what makes up a
community. As part of a community, we can influence it, participate in its growth, and contribute to its
well-being. Citizenship is also understood as playing an active role in the community. A citizen is
identified by the community in the same way that a community is identified by the citizens.

2.       Recall what you learned in Module 1 about Filipino communities and values.

To what extent do the values described in the Preamble of the 1987 Constitution reflect the values of the
original barangay communities and the “essence” of the Filipino communities that you identified?
Are the values and characteristics in the Preamble being embodied by Filipinos today? In what way? How
about our public officials? Do you think they uphold these values?
How about you? Do you think these values are important? Why or why not? Which ones are you able to
apply in your daily life?

The ancient barangays embody the first four words of the preamble – “We, the sovereign Filipino
people” since barangays were made up of family units and were described as free and not subject to
one another. Sovereignty lost its meaning when the Spaniards took possession of these barangays and
enforced unfair rules. I believe that the values in the Preamble are embodied by Filipinos today. The
Filipino community especially during challenging times proved to be in unity in helping each other for
the common good. Filipinos also will not remain passive and are known to be in solidarity in fighting for
democracy when at stake. I still have faith in our public officials although some are known to abuse the
authority given by the people. The preamble encourages love and passion for the country. I do take
seriously my role in the society by being active, responsible and law-abiding member of the community.

3.       What do you think of the specified articles of the 1987 and 1973 Constitutions?

Which parts or specific provisions did you find interesting and important for you to know?
Which State Policies do you think are well-implemented? Which provisions need more work?
What do you think are the implications of having no bill of duties and obligations in the current
constitution?

Which parts or specific provisions did you find interesting and important for you to know?
In my opinion the most important provision of the 1987 is Article 2, Section 11, "The State values the
dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights". It is of utmost importance
that the state has full recognition of the inherent dignity of every human person and his human rights.
In a democratic state an individual enjoys certain rights which cannot be modified or taken away by the
lawmaking body which gives an individual the protection that he will not be treated unfairly.

Article5, Section 3 in the 1973 constitution, "It shall be the duty of every citizen to engage in gainful
work to assure himself and his family a life worthy of human dignity" also states a very important point
that an individual is responsible for his well-being and his family and must not rely solely to the
government to provide for his needs.

Which State Policies do you think are well-implemented? Which provisions need more work?
Section 19, “The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports
to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and
development” I believe is well-implemented specifically on giving priority to education. The government
is trying its best to fulfill Filipinos rights to education. Public school education is free, subsidies are given
to underprivilege and all sorts of scholarships are offered to those deserving.

Section 27,” The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and
effective measures against graft and corruption” is the section I believe that the government is doing
poorly. The Philippines is consistently perceived as a corrupt country as evidence by its low ranking in
the global index on corruption perception (source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1389549/ph-drops-to-
115th-place-in-global-index-on-corruption-perception). The Philippines has gone through so many
leaderships but graft and corruption still persist.

What do you think are the implications of having no bill of duties and obligations in the current
constitution?
Jose Abueva, as adviser to the Citizens Movement for a Federal Philippines (CMFP) proposed a new Bill
of Duties and Obligations to complement the Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution. I strongly agree
with his reason and of his statement, “Therefore, as citizens in a developing democracy I argued that we
should balance our emphasis on individual rights and privileges with a much stronger sense of
individual, collective and communitarian duties and obligations. In this way many more citizens can
become patriotic, responsible and effective in solidarity with our kapwa Pilipino” (source:
https://www.boholchronicle.com.ph/2015/09/06/our-duties-and-responsibilities-as-citizens/)

I believe that whatever privilege that we were handed to, like equal rights in the society should never be
exploited. The Bill of Duties and Obligations will ensure a better accountability for our actions. In a
democracy, equal rights entail equal duties and obligations.

4.       Think back again to how the original barangays were consolidated by force into bigger governing
units—into pueblos, provinces, and a whole nation—by the Spaniards, and not by the people themselves.
Compare this with the case of the US, whose founding fathers took it upon themselves to come together.

Do you think the manner of how the Philippines was “born” as a nation has anything to do with the way
Filipinos view, understand, and embody Philippine citizenship today? In what way?

I think the manner of how Philippines was born as a nation initially affected the view of the Filipinos.
We put so much importance on our sovereignty because we know it was not easily achieved. It is
instilled in us and passed through generations as the history is incorporated in our curriculum. Majority
of citizens patronize local products and the “bayanihan” spirit is also very much alive. But just like
anything else, the perception of the new generations evolved. Some of the Filipinos today may just see
our history as stories of the past. Filipinos nowadays are more likely to choose to migrate to another
country for a better life and better opportunities but not to turn away from their being Filipinos. On the
other hand, there are still Filipinos who continue to be of service to their country and are ready to die
for their country.
5.       Do you know anyone (family, relatives, or friends, or maybe even you) who experienced martial
law? What do they think about it? How was their experience of it, and on which side of the narrative are
they?

(Must ask Papa for it)

After watching the videos and hearing actual stories from people you know (if any), what do you think
about martial law? How relevant is knowing about this chapter in our history to you now as a citizen?  

Knowing about this period in our country's history teaches us to be responsible and knowledgeable
citizens who oppose evil and work for the greater good. It also aids in the identification of patterns of
less-than-ideal behavior among public officials. This chapter in our lives is significant in building our
community in the Philippines. It makes us think about what we can do to help our citizens from evil.

6.       In a country such as ours, how important is active citizenship? Would you consider yourself an
active citizen in terms of civil participation and civic engagement? Why or why not? Are there ways that
you could be more active in your community? What are these?  

It is common knowledge that citizenship cannot be gauge by singing the national anthem and reciting
the patriotic oath. A citizen must be responsible and law-abiding subject of the country and uphold the
nationalistic values and morals of the country. More importantly, a citizen must be an active citizen.
Active citizenship is getting involved in the community at all levels local or national, political and non-
political to promote the quality of life in the community. I consider myself an active citizen. Since I am
now eighteen years old and qualified to vote, I’ll make time to look into the current voter’s registration
process and requirements so I can participate in the 2022 elections. Fulfilling my duty and right to vote is
I think an utmost proof of being an active citizen.

7.       Based on your own observations, experiences, and in the light of the resources you read in the first
and second modules, do you think Filipinos understand and value their citizenship? What is the meaning
of citizenship to Filipinos today? What does your citizenship mean to you today?

In my opinion, the meaning of citizenship for Filipinos today evolved into a non-restrictive definition and
acceptance. In this generation, there is greater acceptance of Filipinos who are not full-blooded
Filipinos. A person may be Chinese-filipino, Indian-filipino or American-filipino as long as he made the
choice to be a filipino, he is treated as one. Citizenship today is no longer determined by the color of skin
or the language that one speaks. Citizenship for me means being a part of something. It is like an
invisible family who always looks out for each other.

8.       Summing up what you have learned in Modules 1 and 2, do you think these are important to
know? Why or why not? What are the most important things you have learned so far?   (These may be
facts mentioned in the resources, or realizations and insights you gained while you were reading or
discussing.)  

The readings made me aware of the value of being in a community and the concept of a real
community. At certain times, I did feel that I am a member of a community but failed in being in the
community because I was passive. I initially felt that being a student, there is little value I can bring to
the community but accomplishing the project to complete my requirements for the course made me
realized that no matter how big or small there is value in anything that you bring of good intention to
the community. The readings also revived the importance of being a Filipino and to value it not just
being a citizen but being an active citizen.