Is the Filipino worth dying for?

May 25, 2009

I was walking along the footbridge crossing EDSA from Ortigas when I saw the inscription at EDSA Shrine. “The Filipino is worth dying for” was Ninoy Aquino Jr.’s immortal words. I, like, totally get his point. Filipinos are special. We have a unique history filled with terrible trials and tribulations. We have fought against the three-century rule of the Spaniards and won. We have been bled dry by the Japanese during the war, but survived. We have co-opted with the Americans and are still paying the price with fresh sweat and even fresher blood. We have fought two bloodless wars against tyrants and succeeded. We have done all of these things together and through the centuries of threats, almost-freedoms, love, sacrifice, life, death, we have grown stronger as a people.

 

Our culture is rich with beautiful songs, complex dances, powerful stories, and lovingly preserved customs and traditions. Filipinos are special in so many ways. Our worth as a people is immense—which is why I believe that the Filipino is worth dying for.

 

However, there are greater things worth dying for. There are lesser things worth dying for. People die for money, food, water, shelter, envy, misery, insanity, love, hate, among myriad other things. The Filipino is worth dying for but worth, of course, is subjective.