The Philippines was colonized by various countries such as Spain, Japan, and America. This proves that Filipino culture and identity are unique on their own, as their colonization shaped what we are embracing right now.
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As such, the pervasive and far-reaching system of education, along with the widespread use of the English language in the Philippines, was influenced by Americans. Christianity became the dominant religion, and Western social organizations were established due to the influence of the Spaniards. Additionally, the improvement of infrastructure, including the construction of major highways, bridges, airports, railways, and ports, was a result of Japanese influence.
Being a Filipino citizen is something spectacular to be proud of. Our bravery and purity in history, the values we hold, the products we create, and the priceless magnificent destinations make me proud to be a genuine Filipina. It is poverty and corruption that drive some to engage in unpleasant and immoral actions. Despite turmoil, we are naturally unbeatable. Our humor, flexibility, adaptability, creativity, hard work and industry, faith, religiosity, and ability to survive define us.
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However, we possess characteristics that also define us in an alarming way, such as extreme personalism, excessive family-centeredness, lack of discipline, passivity, lack of initiative, colonial mentality, "kanya-kanya" syndrome, and a dearth of self-analysis and self-reflection.
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These alarming characteristics often consume us to the point where we forget the true meaning of being Filipino. These traits are also evident in me, particularly as a teenager who still has much to learn about life, thus, I am reminded of my duties and responsibilities in my own country. I was so self-absorbed in my own dreams that I rarely involved myself in government programs aimed at the progress and development of the country. Thanks to the education system we have, I was able to study Philippine history and learn more about our language, which is 'Filipino'.
As of today, I will start to encourage myself more to respond to those responsibilities while I am working towards achieving my dreams, including supporting our own local products.
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