Teachers oppose recital of Bagong Pilipinas hymn

CEBU, Philippines — Teachers are opposing Malacañang’s directive to require schools, national government agencies and instrumentalities to recite the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge in weekly flag ceremonies, calling it a move “reminiscent of the political propaganda tactics seen during the Martial Law years.”

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Monday said the directive is impractical, unnecessary and has nothing to do with educating students about nationalism and patriotism.

“This initiative is a superficial attempt to instill a brand of governance that, instead of genuinely educating schoolchildren about nationalism and patriotism through the exemplary lives of our national leaders, resorts to mandatory recitations and songs,” TDC said in a statement.

“True nationalism and patriotism cannot be enforced through hollow rituals or the blind worship of national symbols, let alone a piece of propaganda,” the group added.

Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed last week Memorandum Circular 52, as approved by President Marcos, which aims to instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance of the administration.

TDC said the administration does not need to force its own brand of governance and should instead work genuinely in the interest of Filipinos to “truly inspire and educate the youth.”

“The people in power have a duty to be responsive and responsible, exhibiting genuine love for the country through their respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law, and an active fight against corruption,” TDC said.

“They must foster social justice through meaningful actions and legislation, not through the forced singing of a propaganda song and the recital of a pledge that appears redundant. The best way to teach our children about nationalism and patriotism is to show them leaders who lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to the country through their actions, policies, and dedication to public service,” it added.

The group also stressed that the National Anthem is sufficient to remind students of their duties to the country.

“The most fitting song for our children and people to sing is our national anthem, especially its final line, ‘Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo,’ which embodies true love and sacrifice for the country-qualities that are unfortunately absent in many of our government officials,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said it saw nothing wrong with the directive as, aside from Marcos’ having the prerogative to enforce his policies within the executive branch, instilling “positive values and virtues” to ensure everyone in government is aligned with the administration’s goals.

“If this is tied with the new Philippine Development Plan, then I don’t see what is wrong with ensuring that everybody in government is aligned with the goals and principles being pushed for by the administration,” CSC chairman Karlo Nograles said in a press conference on Monday.

While the CSC is not required to follow Malacañang’s directive on the hymn and pledge recital, Nograles said he would speak with the rest of the CSC commissioners about implementing it.

“We will have to discuss and talk about this, but reading the lyrics and the words in the hymn and pledge... it shows the principles and aspirations the administration wants government workers to internalize,” he said.

“It’s something that is positive and could help in the service of our government employees and workers for our citizens, so there’s nothing there that indicates any wrong principles and aspirations,” he added. — (FREEMAN)