If your knowledge of Philippine history stops at "Rizal was executed" and "Bonifacio had a bolo," you’ve barely scratched the surface. Nationalism starts with understanding who we are as a people.

What You Can Do:

• Read beyond your school textbooks—explore primary sources, critical essays, and works by historians.

• Study the ideas of Renan, Anderson, and Recto, and apply them to the Filipino context.

• Learn about pre-colonial Philippines; our culture existed long before Spain arrived.

• Understand the struggles of past generations to appreciate the freedoms you have today.

Activity:

Organize or attend history and nationalism forums in your school or community. Create a book club focused on Filipino history and nationalism. Write a short reflection on how learning history has changed your perspective on being Filipino.

Why It Matters:

If you don’t understand where we came from, you won’t understand where we’re headed. A strong nation is built on shared knowledge and collective memory.

Why do we celebrate international brands more than our own? The Philippines has world-class talent, products, and businesses, but they struggle because Filipinos tend to prioritize imported goods.

What You Can Do:

• Buy from local businesses, craftsmen, and farmers instead of always opting for foreign brands.

• Support Filipino films, music, literature, and art—our stories deserve to be told.

• Promote Philippine tourism by exploring local destinations and appreciating our diverse culture.

• Stop looking down on Filipino-made products. Quality exists in local brands; you just need to look.

Activity:

Challenge yourself to buy only Filipino-made products for a month and document your experience. Host a “Support Local” fair in your school or community where entrepreneurs and artists showcase their work.

Why It Matters:

A nation that doesn’t support its own industries will always be dependent on foreign economies. Economic nationalism leads to progress and self-sufficiency.

Complaining online is easy. But nationalism isn’t about ranting on social media—it’s about getting involved and making informed decisions. Your voice matters, but only if you use it productively.

What You Can Do:

• Stay updated on national issues. Read reliable news sources, not just viral posts.

• Participate in meaningful discussions—encourage dialogue, not just arguments.

• Vote wisely. Elections shape the future of the nation; don't waste your vote on popularity.

• Support initiatives that improve the country, whether in governance, education, or local communities.

Activity:

Join local forums, attend town hall meetings, or volunteer for civic organizations. Conduct voter education campaigns or create content that spreads awareness of national issues.

Why It Matters:

Change doesn’t happen just because you complain—it happens when you take action. Nationalism means being involved, not just being opinionated.

Loving the Philippines doesn’t mean ignoring its flaws. Blind nationalism is dangerous—it leads to complacency. True nationalism means acknowledging our country’s problems while actively working to fix them.

What You Can Do:

• Recognize both the strengths and weaknesses of our country. Celebrate progress, but demand better.

• Don’t fall for misinformation—fact-check before you share.

• Encourage critical thinking, especially in political and social issues.

• Represent the Philippines with integrity, whether abroad or online.

Activity:

Host a debate or discussion about contemporary Philippine issues. Encourage research-based discourse and critical thinking. Create fact-checking campaigns to combat misinformation.

Why It Matters:

Nationalism isn’t just about pride; it’s about responsibility. Loving your country means wanting it to improve—not just defending it unconditionally.

One person’s nationalism isn’t enough—it has to be a collective movement. If we want to revive nationalism, it has to start with conversations, influence, and daily actions.

What You Can Do:

• Share what you learn with others—help raise awareness.

• Encourage young Filipinos to embrace their identity and culture.

• Take pride in your language, traditions, and history.

• Teach the next generation that nationalism isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life.

Activity:

Start a mentorship or advocacy group that educates younger generations about Filipino identity and history. Organize cultural immersion trips or community events focused on heritage appreciation.

Why It Matters:

A nation only thrives when its people are united in purpose. The moment we forget our collective responsibility is the moment we lose our identity.