National Pride: Our Identity’s Foundation as a Nation

by: JESUS V. SISON, PTRP (Deputy National Director, CRFV)

​“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This week, we celebrate National Heroes Day. We pay tribute to all the sung and unsung heroes, known or unknown heroes, and dead or living heroes. Such iconic men and women who sacrificially perfected their craft and selflessly laid down their lives for the nation zeroes into having “National Pride.” It is not only motivated by collecting milestones or establishing their name for fame. We can only highly imagine the likes of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. They did what they have done for them to become famous, but we would rather not because we don’t think they did it for fame, money, or material rewards. The dream of freedom, lasting peace, and progress for their fellow people fueled them to act. They were inspired by national pride in the struggle for national identity and independence.
National pride triggers a strong will and determination to pursue a greater purpose and larger-than-life aspirations like the shared vision and dream for the nation. Under one God, one flag, and one name, it creates a strong sense of unity among citizens, bringing people together for an enduring relationship for a shared resolution. Just look at when we recently celebrated our Olympians and national athletes. The nation rejoiced as one beyond and above our diversified opinions, traditions, and ethnicities. The feeling of pride that we are Filipinos. National pride initiated an immense sense of national unity. Further, it became a catalyst for having a heart of greatness.  Filipinos and those with Filipino blood or hearts around the world embraced an unprecedented admiration of who and what our nation is.
National pride plays a role not only during times of triumph and festive mood but also during times of crisis and adversity. When difficult situations face us as a nation, the people turn to our country for comfort and care.  We find solace in the thought that we endure because we stand and believe in our nation’s continuing pursuit of a glorious future. More so, we harness the power of every shared Filipino value to support each other. This sense of shared value, identity, and culture comes with national pride. It provides a powerful source of strength and resilience. It helps in sustaining morale and keeps spirits stirred with hope.
Above all, national pride is derived from our national identity, which shows that we are a godly nation in this region. This nation was built on the foundation of values derived from the One and True Almighty God. These values identified us in Christ that a “Bagong Pilipinas” was born. We boast in God that we are His handiwork fashioned according to what He has declared concerning us as a people and a nation. A genuine national pride is not just a brand of government but our distinct character of who we are. We pride ourselves on being a nation with enduring values, and we are called a holy nation and His special possession.
Mabuhay ka Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang ang bawat Pilipino. At ang bawat isa sa atin ay bayani ng ating bayan.