THE POLITICAL SELF: TRACING FILIPINO IDENTITY THROUGHOUT TIME

Filipino identity

- is a rich tapestry woven through centuries of historical experiences, colonial encounters, resistance, adaptation, and global movement.

- is not static—it is fluid, multifaceted, and shaped by a long history of

colonization, resistance, adaptation, and globalization.

- At its core is a resilient spirit, deeply

tied to community, faith, and family, constantly evolving in response to both local struggles and

global trends.

Pre-Colonial Philippines

Historical Forces:

• Independent barangays led by datus, rajahs, and sultans.

• Trade relations with China, India, the Malay Archipelago, and the Middle East.

Social & Cultural Forces:

• A strong sense of community (bayanihan) and kinship.

• Indigenous belief systems (animism, ancestor worship) and local cultures.

• Early egalitarian societies with roles for women in leadership and spiritual life.

• Native languages and oral traditions.

Impact on Identity:

• Foundation of Filipino values such as respect for elders (paggalang), close family ties, and communal unity.

• Pride in indigenous roots and native resilience.

Spanish Colonization

- (1565-1898)

Historical Forces:

• 333 years of Spanish rule marked by Christianization and centralization.

• Reducción (resettlement) policy and encomienda system.

Social & Cultural Forces:

• Spread of Roman Catholicism, fiestas, and religious rituals.

• Introduction of Spanish language, legal systems, and Western education (mainly for the elite).

Impact on Identity:

• Deep religious influence; Catholicism became a core part of Filipino identity.

• Emergence of a colonial mentality in some sectors.

• Rise of national consciousness among ilustrados, leading to revolutionary movements.

• Blending of indigenous and Hispanic traditions (e.g., cuisine, music, values like hiya and utang na loob).

mestizos

ilustrados

indios.

3 Social hierarchy

American Colonization

- (1898-1946)

Historical Forces:

• Introduction of public education and English as a medium of instruction.

• American-style democracy and governance.

Social & Cultural Forces:

• Western ideals of individualism, freedom, and capitalism.

• Development of a Filipino middle class through education.

• Introduction of popular culture: Hollywood films, basketball, consumerism.

Impact on Identity:

• Bilingualism (Filipino and English).

• Aspiration toward Western lifestyles and values, often clashing with traditional ones.

• A more pronounced Filipino nationalism, especially after WWII.

Japanese Occupation

- (1942-1945)

Historical Forces:

• Short but violent occupation during WWII.

• Suppression of freedom, exploitation, and atrocities (e.g., comfort women, Bataan

Death March).

Social & Cultural Forces:

• Rise of guerrilla resistance and renewed patriotism.

• Promotion of "Asia for Asians" rhetoric.

Impact on Identity:

• Deep scars and trauma, but also heroism and unity during wartime.

• Strengthened anti-colonial sentiment and desire for independence.

Post-Independence and Martial Law Era

- (1946-1986)

Historical Forces:

• Independence from the U.S. in 1946.

• Marcos dictatorship (1972-1986): Martial Law, censorship, human rights abuses.

Social & Cultural Forces:

• Corruption and cronyism vs. activism and protest (e.g., First Quarter Storm, EDSA

Revolution).

• Expansion of urbanization and media influence.

Impact on Identity:

• Continued struggle for genuine democracy and justice.

• The EDSA People Power Revolution became a defining symbol of peaceful resistance.

• Strengthening of civil society and awareness of political rights.

OFW Phenomenon and Diaspora

- (1970s-present)

Historical Forces:

• Labor export policies began under Marcos to address economic challenges.

Social & Cultural Forces:

• Millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) contribute to the economy through

remittances.

• Emergence of transnational families and long-distance parenting.

Impact on Identity:

• Global Filipino identity — resilient, hardworking, adaptable.

• Heightened economic dependence on OFWs.

• Issues of identity and belonging among second-generation Filipinos abroad.

Social Media and the Digital Age

- (2000s-present)

Historical Forces:

• Rise of the internet, smartphones, and digital connectivity.

Social & Cultural Forces:

• Filipinos are among the most active social media users globally.

• Spread of disinformation, online activism, and digital communities.

• Cultural expression through TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms.

Impact on Identity:

• A more digitally empowered but polarized society.

• New ways of expressing "Filipino-ness" online through memes, trends, and advocacy.

• Digital activism (e.g., #NeverForget for Martial Law, environmental or LGBTQ+ rights).

• Hybrid identities: traditional values meet global culture.