Introduction

(HISTORY)
The New Society Era, also known as the Martial Law period, is a significant chapter in
the history of the Philippines. It is a time that has left a lasting impact on the country and its
people. From September 21, 1972, to January 17, 1981, the Philippines was ruled by the
authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. During this time, the country
experienced a distinct shift from democracy to dictatorship, resulting in the suppression of
individual civil liberties and freedom of the press.
The start of the New Society Era was marked by a declaration of martial law by
President Marcos. The official proclamation justified the move to maintain peace and order in
the country amidst growing political unrest and Maoist insurgency. This led to the creation of
a military government, with Marcos assuming absolute control over the government and
suspending the constitution.
One of the significant impacts of the Martial Law period was the widespread human
rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and unlawful
arrests. The fear of retaliation from the government led to mass censorship, with many media
outlets closed down, and journalists arrested, killed, or exiled. The government's suppression
of civil liberties also fueled the proliferation of underground political movements that sought
to overthrow the Marcos regime.
The New Society Era also saw significant economic developments. As part of an
ambitious economic program called the "New Society Blueprint," President Marcos
implemented a series of reforms aimed at increasing private sector investment, promoting
industrialization, and modernizing the country's infrastructure. The government also
implemented agrarian reform measures, allowing farmers to own the land they till and
establishing cooperatives to help them improve their livelihoods.
However, these economic gains came at a great cost. The Marcos government's
rampant corruption and crony capitalism led to gross economic disparities and wealth
inequality. Many of the gains made during this period were limited to a few wealthy families
supported by the Marcos regime.
The New Society Era went through several stages of political and economic evolution.
In the early years of the Martial Law period, the government focused on consolidating power
and suppressing political opposition. This led to further radicalization within leftist
movements and the emergence of underground organizations such as the Communist Party
of the Philippines and the New People's Army.
The mid-1970s marked the beginning of the economic reforms and the shift towards
modernization. The government's large-scale infrastructure projects, including the
construction of highways, bridges, and airports, signified a move towards industrialization.
However, the scale of these projects, combined with the rampant corruption, led to high
levels of debt that would burden the country for years to come.
The late 1970s was characterized by rising levels of civil unrest, fueled by allegations
of election fraud and growing discontent with the Marcos regime. This led to a wave of
student demonstrations, labor strikes, and acts of political violence. The government
responded with greater force, further curtailing civil liberties, and escalating the level of
violence in the country.
The New Society Era came to an end in 1981 with the lifting of martial law, although
Marcos continued to rule until 1986 when he was ousted in a popular uprising now famously
known as the People Power Revolution.
The legacy of the Martial Law period continues to be felt in the Philippines to this day.
The suppression of civil liberties and human rights abuses have left deep scars in the country,
making it difficult for citizens to trust their government. The debt incurred during this period
has contributed to economic stagnation and a lack of funding for essential public services.
The Philippines has made significant strides towards achieving a more democratic and
prosperous society since the end of the Martial Law period. However, the country still faces
political challenges, including corruption and political dynasties that hinder significant
economic and social progress.
The New Society Era was a tumultuous period in Philippine history that left a profound
impact on the country and its people. While this chapter was marked by significant economic
development, it also highlighted the dangers of an authoritarian regime that curtails basic
human rights and freedoms. The Philippines has come a long way since the Martial Law
period, but much more needs to be done to build a truly democratic and equitable society.
(History Of Literary pieces during new society era)
The New Era Society was a significant time in the literary history of the Philippines. It
is a period known for its rich and diverse literary traditions, marked by a range of writers
creating works that reflected the cultural and societal changes happening in the country. The
New Era Society encompassed a period from 1935 to 1941, during which the Commonwealth
government was established under the leadership of President Manuel Quezon. It was a time
of great optimism and hope, marked by increased freedom and a push towards
modernization. Preceding the New Era Society was a period known as the American Period,
during which American colonialism dominated the literary scene. This period saw a great deal
of literary output from American and Filipino writers, but it was not until the establishment
of the Commonwealth government that Filipino literature began to flourish on its own.
One of the most notable literary figures of the New Era Society was Jose Garcia Villa.
Villa was a prolific writer known for his experimental style and his contributions to the
development of the English language in Philippine literature. His works, including "Have
Come, Am Here" and "Footnote to Youth," reflect the optimism and modernist ideals of the
New Era Society.
Another prominent writer during this period was N.V.M. Gonzalez. Gonzalez's works
were notable for their focus on rural life and the Filipino experience. His stories, including
"The Bread of Salt" and "The Bamboo Dancers," provide a glimpse into the realities of life
outside of the urban centers. Gonzalez's writing reflects the emphasis on social consciousness
that defined the era, as well as a commitment to representing the Filipino experience in
literature.
The New Era Society was also a time of literary activism, with writers banding
together to form literary organizations and publications. One such organization was the
Philippine Writers' League, founded in 1936 by a group of writers that included Villa and
Gonzalez. The league aimed to promote Filipino literature and encourage writers to commit
to social activism through their work.
Another significant literary publication of the New Era Society was the Graphic
Magazine, which featured works by prominent writers of the time, including Villa, Gonzalez,
and Nick Joaquin. The magazine was notable for its focus on social and political issues and its
commitment to promoting the ideals of the New Era Society. One of the distinctive features
of the literary output of the New Era Society was the emphasis on social consciousness and
the use of literature as a vehicle for social change. This emphasis is reflected in the works of
writers such as Amado Hernandez, who wrote "Isang Dipang Langit," which speaks to the
struggles and aspirations of the laboring classes. Hernandez's writing reflected the
Communist Party's influence in the era, which advocated for the need to use literary and
cultural forms as tools for social activism.

The New Era Society was not without its challenges, however. The onset of World War
II and the occupation of the Philippines by the Japanese led to the suppression of intellectual
and artistic activity in the country. Many writers were forced to flee or go into hiding, and
literary output during this time was limited. However, the impact of the New Era Society on
Philippine literature remained significant even after the war. The social activism and
commitment to the representation of the Filipino experience in literature continued to be
reflected in the works of writers such as Nick Joaquin and Francisco Arcellana, who were
known for their use of language and emphasis on the importance of cultural identity and
pride. The literary traditions of the New Era Society were also significant in pushing Philippine
literature towards modernity and experimentation. The New Era Society saw the emergence
of a generation of writers who were committed to breaking with traditional forms and
experimenting with language and structure. This experimentation led to the development of
a distinct Filipino modernist tradition, which continues to influence contemporary writing in
the Philippines to this day.
In conclusion, the New Era Society was a significant period in Philippine literary
history. It was a time of great optimism and social activism, marked by a rich and diverse
literary output. Writers such as Jose Garcia Villa, N.V.M. Gonzalez, and Amado Hernandez
contributed to the development of a distinct Filipino modernist tradition while also
committing to using literature as a tool for social change. The literary activism and
experimentation that defined the New Era Society continue to be significant influences in
contemporary Philippine literature
References:

McCoy, A. W. (1994). The Philippine military and Post-Marcos politics: A decade of

consolidation and change. Pacific Affairs, 67(2), 183-207.

Parker, L. R. (1979). Presidential populism or the limits of charisma? Ferdinand Marcos and
the politics of economic reform in the Philippines. Pacific Affairs, 52(2), 247-268.

Quimpo, N. G. (2009). U.S. imperialism and Marcos’s martial law regime reconsidered. Critical
Asian Studies, 41(3), 325-353.

Rodell, P. A. (1982). Not without honor: A history of American anti-communism. Yale

University Press.

Taylor, J. G. (1975). The Philippine Martial Law Regime: A Case Study of the Security State.
Asian Survey, 15(11), 1015-1026.
PREFACE
The New Society Era in the Philippines was a period marked by significant cultural and
societal changes, which had a profound impact on the literary landscape of the country. The
period from 1935 to 1941 saw the establishment of the Commonwealth government and the
emergence of a new generation of writers committed to representing the Filipino experience
in literature.
This anthology of literary pieces seeks to showcase the range and diversity of writing
produced during the New Society Era. It aims to highlight the different themes, styles, and
approaches taken by writers of the time, ranging from the experimental modernism of Jose
Garcia Villa to the social consciousness of Amado Hernandez.
The anthology includes works by some of the most prominent writers of the era,
including N.V.M Gonzalez, Nick Joaquin, and Francisco Arcellana. These writers are known for
their commitment to social and political issues, as well as their focus on representing the
Filipino experience in literature.
The anthology also includes works by some lesser-known writers from the era, whose
contributions to Philippine literature are no less significant. These writers offer unique
perspectives on the New Society Era and its impact on the country and its people.
One of the distinctive features of the literary output of the New Society Era is its
experimentation with form and style. Many writers of the time were committed to breaking
with traditional literary forms and exploring new ways of representing reality. This
experimentation led to the development of a distinct Filipino modernist tradition, which
continues to influence contemporary Philippine literature.
Another notable feature of the literary output of the New Society Era is its
commitment to social activism. Many writers of the time believed that literature could be
used as a tool for social change, and they used their writing to highlight social and political
issues. This commitment to social consciousness is reflected in the works of writers such as
Amado Hernandez and Nick Joaquin, whose works focused on the struggles and aspirations of
the working-class and the Filipino experience.
The writers in this anthology represent a rich and diverse range of literary traditions,
styles, and approaches. By showcasing their works, we hope to offer a glimpse into the
literary landscape of the New Society Era and its impact on the development of Philippine
literature.
 Finally, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of all the writers included in
this anthology. Their works have left a lasting impact on Philippine literature, and their
commitment to representing the Filipino experience in literature continues to inspire writers
today. We hope that this anthology will serve as a testament to their legacy and their
continued relevance in the literary landscape of the Philippines and beyond.

DEDICATION
We dedicate this book of literary works from the New Society Era in the Philippines to
the countless Filipino writers who have contributed to the development of Philippine
literature throughout history. From the early writers who paved the way for literary tradition
in the Philippines to the modern-day writers who continue to shape the literary landscape of
the country, this book is a testament to the rich and diverse literary output of the Filipino
people.
We also dedicate this book to the writers of the New Society Era, whose contributions
to Philippine literature have left a profound impact on the country and its people. Their
commitment to social consciousness, experimentation, and the representation of the Filipino
experience in literature inspired a new generation of writers and helped shape the modernist
tradition in Philippine literature.
Finally, we dedicate this book to all those who believe in the power of literature to
transform and inspire. We hope that the works contained within this anthology will serve as a
reminder of the importance of literature as a tool for social change and a reflection of the
complexities of the human experience. From the writers of the New Society Era to the
present-day writers, we celebrate the power of literature to inform, educate, and transform.
 Martial Law literature was a notable characteristic of the New Society Era in the
Philippines. The Martial Law period, which lasted from 1972 to 1981, saw the imposition of
authoritarian rule by President Ferdinand Marcos. This regime was characterized by
numerous human rights violations, suppression of civil liberties, censorship, and political
repression. Martial Law literature was a response to these conditions, expressing the
experiences, emotions, and resistance of the Filipino people.
One of the main characteristics of Martial Law literature was its portrayal of the harsh
realities of life under the Marcos regime. Writers used various literary forms, including
poetry, fiction, essays, and memoirs, to describe the brutality and violence that was
omnipresent during this period. They also highlighted the suffering of the people, who faced
widespread poverty, hunger and disease, and the political repression that came with the
regime's attempt to maintain control.
Martial Law literature also reflected the social and political realities of the time, with
many writers using their works to raise awareness and encourage resistance. They sought to
inspire people to fight back against the authoritarian regime by raising awareness of its
injustices and the need for collective action.Another characteristic of Martial Law literature
was its emphasis on community and solidarity. Writers often sought to unite the people
against the oppressive regime, encouraging people to come together and resist the
government's attempt to divide the populace. Themes of collective struggle, unity, and
resistance were common in Martial Law literature.
Martial Law literature also reflected a high degree of social consciousness. Many
writers sought to highlight social issues such as environmental degradation, poverty, and
labor abuses. They aimed to use literature as a tool for political and social activism, raising
awareness of the issues, and encouraging collective action to address them.Finally, Martial
Law literature was characterized by its courage and resilience. Writers did not shy away from
criticising the government or expressing opposition, despite the risk of retaliation. Works
produced during this period are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people,
who refused to be cowed by the brutalities of the Marcos regime.
In conclusion, Martial Law literature was a significant characteristic of the New Society
Era in the Philippines, reflecting the brutal realities of life under authoritarian rule, the
struggle for social justice, and the spirit of resistance and hope of the Filipino people. It was a
critical literary movement that continues to influence contemporary Philippine literature,
encouraging writers to use their works as tools for social consciousness, political activism,
and resistance against oppression.