The 12 Little Things

1. Be on Time, Honor Your Commitments. This 1st Little Thing may sound very
simple. But it addresses one of the most noticed and talked about negative
traits of the Filipino – that of always being late for something. Filipinos are
known for always being late and some make fun of it and say the “Filipino
Time”. Being late is a sign of a lack of discipline. It shows a lack of
responsibility. To be punctual, to come on time for a meeting or commitment,
takes only a little discipline from each one of us. Let’s make “Filipino Time”
mean being on time, all the time.

2. Fall in Line, Respect Others & Follow the Law. This 2nd Little thing also
sounds very simple and ordinary. It is not only in big situations and crises but
also through simple, seemingly ordinary situations that the character of a
person is tested and revealed. This simple act of falling in line or following
traffic rules reflects on our character and reveals our discipline and level of
education as a people. It is an indication that the person knows what is right
from wrong and what is good from the bad. 

3. Sing our national anthem with pride and honor. One of the simplest acts we
can do to honor the Filipino and our Motherland. Singing our national anthem
with pride is honoring all those of our people who fought and died to make us
a nation of free people today. What is being asked of us is really very simple –
to stand up, put our right palm over our chest, and sing the anthem with pride. 
4. Study well. Give your best in everything you do. Dream big! Study and educate
yourself. If you are educated, even if you are poor, the high and mighty will
listen to you and the most powerful men/women will think a hundred times
before violating your rights and liberties. Educate yourself so you become part
of the solution. Learn the true essence of education, that is, to know the good
from the bad, the truth from the falsity, and may you prefer the good and the
truth. 

5. Be Honest. Do not cheat, lie or steal. Report any crime or illegal act. The
biggest problems in our government today and in the past are all about honor,
or the lack of it. They are all about cheating, stealing, and lying. It is a
challenge for us to promote a “Culture of Honor”. Our youth should learn not
to cheat, steal or lie and to report people who do so we may have a better
tomorrow. By doing so, we become part of the hope of our nation.
6. Conserve water, plant a tree and dispose of your garbage properly. Our
country is a hotspot for climate change and clearly, there are indications of
changing climate patterns around the world. In our own little way, we can
reverse the trend of degradation and save our environment by conserving
water, planting trees, disposing of garbage, and even lobbying laws to protect
and preserve the environment.   

7. Be an ambassador of the Filipino. Speak positively of the Filipino & Country.

We need to be careful with the words we use to call and describe ourselves.
The words we use to call and describe ourselves if we keep on repeating them
someday soon would become our reality. Using “Ay naku, only in the
Philippines!”, “Naku, Pinoy na Pinoy talaga!”, “Pinoy kase eh!” or the label
“Juan Tamad” by the Spaniards is used in a negative way and creates a
negative image of Filipinos. Let us try to develop a beautiful and positive way
of looking at the Filipino. Speak positively of the Filipino and our country
before our family, friends, and other people, especially foreigners. Let us be
models of what an educated and dignified Filipinos is. And lastly, let us
support Filipino talents and products wherever we may be. Our challenge is to
build a positive and healthy image, a wonderful view of ourselves as a people.
Our children, our youth, our future, need to believe that there is greatness in
our race.

8. Buy Pinoy. Do not buy fake or smuggled goods. Why buy Filipino products?
Because whenever you buy a Filipino product, wherever you may be, perhaps
at least 40% of the price that you pay for the product will go back to the
Philippines. Part of the money that you paid will support the business and
employees of the company that manufactured the product. It will nurture the
talents and skills of Filipino. And some part of the money you paid would also
go to the government by the way of taxes. Our simple act of buying Filipino
products supports our Motherland, especially in these times when our country
needs every little bit of help from each one of us. It is an act of patriotism. It is
an act of Bayanihan.

9. Save, plan ahead and learn business early. To get a head start on the life you
must also become financially literate. Simply put, you must learn not only how
to make a living, but also, more importantly, how to save, invest and manage
your money. Save and invest early.

10. During elections, vote for and support candidates who stand for what is right
and good. The youth has the biggest voting number in the country. But do
 they have the strongest voice in the country? Do they also have the biggest
influence on the government and in society as a whole? Do they have
appropriate representation in the government? Do they exert their power in
affecting change in society? If we want to see progress in our country, we
must start with the way we perform our duties as citizens. As a people, we
must be involved. 

11. Respect our elders, practice mano po. There is nothing like “Mano po” in the
rest of the world, especially in these modern times. It is uniquely and
wonderfully Filipino. Our “mano po” is a habit and tradition that truly
captivates the hearts of foreigners who come to our shores. Our respect for
our elders is truly one of our best traits as a people.

12. Pray for our country and our people. The Filipino is essentially a person of
faith. He believes in a creator, although the name may vary among religions.
When we pray together, we become one people. But prayer without action or
charity is nothing. Even if we pray to God in church every Sunday, but fail to
see Him in every person we meet in the street, there is something wrong with
our faith. We must pray as people, but we must also act to help one another,
as one people.

Volunteer Act of 2007

Some Important provisions of RA 9418:

 It shall be the policy of the State to promote the participation of the various
sectors of the Filipino society, and as necessary, international and foreign
volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs and adopt and strengthen
the practice of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national
development and international understanding [Section 2]. 

 The inculcation of volunteerism as a way of life shall rekindle in every Filipino

the time-honored tradition of Bayanihan to foster social justice, solidarity and
sustainable development [Section 2]. 

 Volunteerism in the Academe includes, but is not limited to, provision of

technical assistance and sharing of technology within the academic circle,
target communities and other clienteles and the upgrading of the quality of
education and curriculum methodologies while providing career enhancement
and exposure to the volunteers. b) Volunteerism in the Corporate Sector as an
expression [Section 5a].
  The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) shall integrate volunteerism as part of the curriculum in
basic and higher education to raise the consciousness of the youth and
develop the culture of volunteerism among the citizenry [Section 12b].

Underlying Principles of Citizenship

1. Good citizenship is the duty of every Filipino.

“Our Constitution mandates every citizen's obligation to love the country.

Nationhood requires that its citizens agree on forms of expression that symbolize
respect, patriotism, and love for this country. 

Every nation articulates itself through these symbols, rites, or ceremonies. Our
national symbols, such as the national flag, the anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and
other heraldic items and devices not only link our collective consciousness to
history, but also serve as a reminder of how we, as a nation, must continuously strive
for justice, equality, and freedom, which these symbols signify. Thus, the respect
accorded the use of these symbols form the base of good citizenship and must be
reiterated and strengthened. 

Republic Act 8491 or the law that prescribes the Code of the heraldic items and
devices in the Philippines, is intended to invigorate love of country and underscore
the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for our national
symbols.” 

http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/98958917!.pdf 

2. Good citizenship actions proceed from the following good citizenship values
which is also the National Motto of the Philippines as stated in Chapter III,
Section 40 of Republic Act 8491 [Annex 1]:

1. Pagka-Maka-Diyos 2. Pagka-Maka- III.  Pagka- IV. Pagka-

1. Faith in the Tao Makabansa Makakalikasan
Almighty 1. Love
2. Respect for Life 2. Freedom 1. Unity a. Concern for
3. Order 3. Peace 2. Equality
 3. Respect for
4. Work Law and
5. Concern for the 4. Truth Government
the Environment
Family and 5. Justice 4. Patriotism
Future 5. Promotion of
Generations the Common
Good

3. The building of a strong, peaceful, progressive nation of the just and humane
society envisioned in the Philippine Constitution requires that every Filipino
citizen makes his unique contribution thereto. 
4. Citizens are called to help, affirm, and reinforce one another as they seek to be
good citizens.
5. Good governance and good citizenship are inseparable.

Ethical people are good citizens. They go beyond their own interests, demonstrate a
concern for the needs of others and recognize their obligations to make their home,
school, neighborhood and country the best they can be. There are many ways to
express good citizenship. For some people, citizenship means performing public
service such as volunteering, serving in the armed forces, running for elective office
or campaigning for a candidate. For others, citizenship is holding a job, paying taxes
and obeying the law still to others, citizenship just means being born as a “citizen” of
the country.

Citizenship is not passive. Citizenship demands participation, involvement and

contribution. No one can make a difference without being involved. A good citizen is
not content to be just an anonymous face in the crowd or a non-participating member
of a group.

Citizenship Do’s

 Being a good neighbor. Caring about and pursuing the common good.
 Giving the share to make the school and community better, cleaner and safer
 Conserving resources by practicing the three R’s: reduce, re-use, and recycle
 Staying informed, voicing your opinions and voting on issues affecting the
community.

Citizenship Don'ts
  Looking out only for yourself
 Littering and waste resources
 Leaving all political matters to the “experts”

Digital Citizenship

The Internet as we know it now began to take shape in the early 1990s, and since
then the digital world has become increasingly integrated in our daily lives. Whether
they’re surfing the web on a computer or playing games on their parent’s
smartphone, many children use technology on a regular basis. That’s why teaching
digital ethics is so important: to make sure students know how to use the Internet
responsibly.

A broad definition of digital citizenship is the ability to use technology and the
Internet in an appropriate manner. As technology continues to advance, so does the
potential to abuse it (intentionally or otherwise). Digital citizenship skills give
students the right tools to engage with the digital world in ways that promote healthy
online communities.

Because digital citizenship is such a wide-ranging topic, it can encompass a variety

of concepts and actions. A few examples of digital citizenship include:

 Learning to type, use a mouse, and other computer skills

 Avoiding harassment or hateful speech while conversing with others online

 Encouraging yourself and others not to illegally download content or

otherwise disrespect digital property

9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

These elements help students navigate online resources. They form a guide for
teaching students what they need to know to be safe and informed digital citizens.

Digital Access

Digital access involves the ability to connect with others or access information using
technology. As a teacher, you can instruct students on how to find valuable and safe
information on the Internet. You can also help children from disadvantaged
communities use computers or other resources at school to increase their digital
access.

Digital Etiquette

Digital etiquette is just what it sounds like: treating other Internet users with respect
and avoiding inappropriate behavior. For elementary students, one of the most
important digital etiquette principles is understanding the consequences of
cyberbullying.

Digital Commerce

Digital commerce refers to buying and selling electronics responsibly. For the most
part, elementary students do not need to learn or practice this element of digital
citizenship. For middle or high school students, however, discussions around digital
commerce can help them learn how to be better consumers or consider career paths
related to digital sales.

Digital Rights and Responsibilities

Digital rights and responsibilities refers to the privileges that all students have while
using the Internet, like freedom of speech. It also involves a student’s duty to make
sure that these rights remain available for everyone by treating other users fairly and
respecting their privacy.

Digital Literacy

The definition of digital literacy is the ability to learn how to use technology and
access information online. A few examples of digital literacy include knowing how to
use a mouse or how to find answers on a search engine. Not all students start school
with the same technological ability. Teaching Internet skills in class can help bridge
gaps in digital literacy.

Digital Law

Digital law encompasses the rules or guidelines set within an organization for using
the Internet. In your classroom, you could talk about preventing plagiarism or putting
phones away in class to teach digital law.

Digital Communication

The options that students have for communicating online are greater than ever. Text,
email, social media, and online games are all ways that children might digitally
interact with others. For this reason, it’s important to teach your students how to
communicate safely and effectively online.

Digital Health and Wellness

This element of digital citizenship involves teaching students how to protect their
psychological and physical well-being while using the Internet. This could include
practicing how to sit correctly in a chair while using the computer and avoiding too
much screen time.
Digital Security

The ninth element of digital citizenship—digital security—involves teaching students

how to take steps to stay safe online. Although the Internet can be an excellent
resource, students need to know how to avoid viruses, scams, or strangers online.
Internet safety lessons for children could include anything from why privacy online is
important to what to do if they encounter a cyberbully or stranger.

Why Teach Digital Citizenship with Technology in the Classroom?

The benefits of digital citizenship for kids extend far beyond the individual.[8] When
we help students develop healthy practices on the Internet, we’re also creating a
better space for everyone they interact with. If your students use technology in class,
a digital citizenship curriculum is one of the best ways to help everyone make the
most of their time online.

Because technology is so prevalent in schools, teachers often have to worry about

how to prevent cyberbullying, cell phones disrupting class, and plagiarism. Teaching
digital citizenship can be one of the best ways to decrease these and other
inappropriate behaviors at school. As they become good digital citizens, students
can use the Internet with a greater sense of self-awareness and better understand
how to best use technology.

Teaching digital literacy and other citizenship skills can also help bridge digital
equity gaps (or the “digital divide”) between students. Not all students have the same
level of access to technology at home. Students from low-income or marginalized
communities often have fewer digital experiences in comparison to their peers. When
digital literacy is a core part of their education, the technological resources and
lessons in school can help these students catch up with their classmates.

5 Digital Citizenship Activities and Tips [for Elementary Students]

Use these digital citizenship games and lesson ideas to help elementary students
develop essential skills for the wise and effective use of technology:

 Digital safety is important for everyone, but especially for young students.
Teach your students internet safety tips, like how to keep personal information
private or avoid talking with strangers online.

 The earlier students learn to use a keyboard and mouse, the better! Use your
school’s technology lab to play typing games or teach students how to use a
computer.
 Show students the variety of free resources they can use online, like Wikipedia
or Google. Teach them not only how to access these resources but also how
to use them safely.

 Cyberbullying can affect anyone, [even elementary students]. Brainstorm with

your students how they can be respectful on the Internet and what to do if
someone is bullying them.

 To avoid plagiarism, teach older [elementary students] how to cite information

that they find online.