Local Elitism, Diktadura, and Collective Adaptation in Philippine History

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, historical events, systemic impacts, and forms of adaptation related to local elitism and the dictatorship period in the Philippines.

Local Elitism

A social and political system where power in a local area is concentrated in a few families or groups of high social and economic standing, originating from Spanish and American colonialism and maintained by the modern elite.

State as an Instrument of the Elite

A condition in local elitism where the state, rather than functioning as a neutral enforcer of the law, becomes a tool to serve the private interests of powerful families.

Diktadura (Dictatorship)

A form of government where power is concentrated in a single individual or a small group, typically operating without the limitations of a constitution or the rule of law.

Proklamasyon Blg. 1081

The official proclamation signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on September 21, 1972, placing the entire Philippines under Martial Law.

Martial Law (Batas Militar)

The period from September 1972 until its official end in January 1981 characterized by the suspension of civil rights, closure of media outlets, and the arrest of activists and government critics.

Sapilitang Pagkawala (Enforced Disappearance)

A human rights violation during the dictatorship era involving the arrest, detention, or abduction of individuals by or with the authorization of state agents, followed by a refusal to acknowledge their fate or whereabouts.

Desaparecidos

A term referring to the victims of enforced disappearances who vanished during the dark chapter of Martial Law and state repression.

Patronage Politics (Ugnayang Patron-Kliyente)

A political dynamic where a local leader (patron) dispenses favors, jobs, or financial assistance, while ordinary citizens (clients) repay this debt of gratitude (utang-na-loob) with their loyalty and votes.

Dinastiyang Politikal (Political Dynasties)

The concentration and succession of government power within a single clan, where positions are passed down like inherited property based on family name and bloodline rather than merit.

1946 Independence

The year the Philippines achieved formal independence, which raised expectations for a free and equal society but gave rise to the persistence of local elitism and the eventual rise of dictatorship.

Kulturang Pagtitiis at Pananahimik (Resilience as Compliance)

A form of consciousness that developed under the weight of elitism and dictatorship, characterized by passive endurance, submission, and silence in the face of systemic suffering.

Kulturang Mapagpalaya at Progresibo

A liberating and progressive collective consciousness that emerged to resist, question, and mobilize against the oppression of elitism and authoritarian rule.

Pagsasakonteksto (Contextualization)

The process of analyzing personal experiences not as isolated, individual occurrences, but as part of a larger collective reality and history of one's community and nation.

Romanticization of Resilience

The continuous, uncritical celebration of enduring hardship without taking action to confront and dismantle the root causes of systemic problems.

Personal na Pakikiangkop (Personal Adaptation)

An individual level of adaptation involving everyday coping mechanisms and personal resourcefulness (diskarte) to navigate daily economic, educational, and emotional struggles.

Kolektibong Pakikiangkop (Collective Adaptation)

A communal level of adaptation rooted in community cooperation (bayanihan) and solidarity aimed at facing shared struggles together.

Civic Responsibility

The duty of citizens in a democracy to participate in elections, critically scrutinize information, and actively advocate for just and transparent governance.