Name:

Section:

GEC105

Assignment No. 6

1. My Homeland Philippines: What shall I like to be. Discuss. (60 pts.)

The colonialism in the Philippines has greatly impacted our culture,

economy, government, religion, and customs. I, a 21st-century learner
envisions the motherland to be great again. In the sense that we will
cultivate our own cultural identity, cultural expression, etc. In addition, I
hope that Filipinos will elevate their standards during the election because
it is evident that a great leader can the nation to greatness. 

We already had our indigenous culture, which began with our forebears
and was neither developed nor influenced by our country's conquerors.
Being knowledgeable of our pre-colonial past is useful. What if other
civilizations did not attack us? We might as well have developed it more, in
my opinion. The cultural diversity created by the cycle of colonization
involving Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese resulted in a weakened
sense of Filipino identity, leading to a culture of cultural heritage
conservation neglect. As a Filipino, it saddens me that this happened.
However, I understand the concept of globalization wherein we can
collaborate or exchange products and ideas with other countries. But what
happened in the Philippines is different because we are still developing and
this development was halted by colonizers. That’s why I want the
government to help indigenous people to develop, advertise t, and their
products. As well as the indigenous people themselves. Where the youth
will have the initiative to learn and advocate their culture. In addition, the
elders would guide them in learning. On the other hand, the elderly people
would also be open-minded to the changes brought upon by globalization.

Second is the economy; The Philippines' economic history can be

traced back to pre-colonial times. The administration, which was made up
of several kingdoms and thalassocracies at the time, was in charge of
regulating the large migration of merchants to the islands for trade.
Merchants from India, the Arab world, China, and Japan were largely
concentrated around riverbanks, coastal ports, and the central plains.
However, it was again halted because of the colonization. Instead of
working on their land, Filipinos were forced to work for the colonizers.
During the Spanish occupation, all-male Filipinos between the ages of 16
and 60 were required to work for the government for a few weeks each
year. Polo was the name given to this type of forced labor. They lasted for
40 days at first. It was decreased to 15 days in 1884. The polistas (forced
laborers) were employed in a variety of public works projects, including the
construction of roads and bridges, the harvesting of timber in the forests,
and the participation in military expeditions as sailors and soldiers. Again, if
the colonizers didn’t disturb the economic activity we might have different
or improved economic activities in terms of skills, ethics, etc. In relation to
this, we were perceived by writers from the colonizers' country as lazy.
Like, what can they expect they are working for other people and these
people even take a part of their land. What would be left but pain, despair,
disappointment, and anger? That led them to revolt. During those times
they would have used their time on things that will better their economic
status. That again was disturbed by the colonizers. But then again we also
have adapted good things from them however it is not worth it for the pain
and deaths they have caused. That’s why I envision that the Philippines
would still have the resilience to bounce back even after many challenges.

Lastly, a leader is important. Leaders give direction by fostering

creativity, motivating individuals, constructing a nation, cultivating
innovation, and influencing society. If our leaders don’t have our best
interest in their mind. Then our country will definitely fall. For example, the
colonizers came here to exploit us and let their religion and culture to
prosper neglecting the feeling and opinions of the people they colonized. In
the 2022 election, I hope that my fellow Filipinos will elevate their
standards in voting. As a Filipino student, I have learned that I can choose
the quality of life that I desire for myself and future generations. Voting also
allows us to advocate for important topics, such as public transportation,
raising the minimum wage, and funding local schools. Friends, loved ones,
neighbors, and children make up our communities. Some people may be
unaware of the importance of voting, while others may not have the
opportunity to do so. So that we can choose to vote for ourselves and
those around us.

In conclusion, I believe that colonization has harmed the Philippines

significantly. Not just physically, in terms of land slash and burns, resource
exploitation, but also in terms of the development of cultural activities and,
most importantly, human dignity. As a Filipino I want the Philippines to
progress in every aspect. In terms of cultural expression, economy,
government, etc. As well as the Filipino resiliency to continue for
generations to come.