A Day of Valor: What Rizal and Mabini Might Say to a Divided Philippines
Managing Societal Polarization – A Governance and Faith-Based Perspective
📅 April 9, 2025 | By JHM
Today, the nation stands still to remember the fallen and the brave. Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) is not only a tribute to the courage of our soldiers during World War II’s Bataan Death March—it is a solemn reminder that valor is not confined to the battlefield. Valor is also found in conviction, in unity, and in the enduring strength of a nation choosing peace over division.
As we look around our country today, a new kind of battle confronts us—not one fought with guns, but with ideas, identities, and ideologies. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Perception Survey (2024–2025), societal polarization is among the most urgent challenges we face—not just globally, but particularly here in the Philippines.
The Struggle Within: A Fragmented Nation
The Philippines, with its archipelagic geography of over 7,000 islands and more than 170 languages, is a nation rich in diversity but also highly susceptible to fragmentation. While our regional identities, dialects, and traditions are a source of vibrant culture, they can also create silos of loyalty and thought.
In this landscape, societal polarization takes on a unique and dangerous shape. It deepens the divide between regions, between social classes, between religions, and between political affiliations. Amplified by digital misinformation, economic disparity, and historical inequalities, these divisions threaten to erode our shared identity as Filipinos.
What Would Rizal Say Today?
“The strength of a nation lies not in the sword, but in the education of its people.”
Dr. José Rizal, our national hero, saw ignorance as the greatest enemy of freedom. In today’s world, where truth is often drowned by propaganda and where online manipulation stirs anger over understanding, Rizal would urge us to resist blindly following the noise.
He would call on every Filipino to read with discernment, think critically, and engage with humility. His timeless challenge remains relevant: "A people who forget how to think become easy to rule." Rizal would not only condemn the deceivers, but awaken the deceived.
What Would Mabini Write Today?
“True greatness is not measured by power, but by the ability to rise above self-interest for the good of all.”
Apolinario Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” was a revolutionary of mind and soul. He believed that the greatness of a nation lies not in the ambitions of its leaders, but in their moral clarity and selfless governance.
If Mabini were alive today, he would likely condemn the political tribalism and regional inequities that fracture the nation. He would urge Filipinos not to allow language, geography, or politics to divide them. In his own words, he might write:
“Let every dialect enrich the nation, not divide it. Let every island be a bridge, not a barrier.”
Unity in a Time of Fragmentation
In this moment, patriotism means more than waving the flag—it means preserving the essence of being Filipino. When we can no longer agree on facts, when loyalty to a region outweighs love for the nation, and when distrust replaces dialogue, our house becomes divided.
But valor today is shown not only in remembrance but in action. It is shown in the courage to listen across differences, to defend truth, and to build a Philippines that reflects our collective hopes rather than individual fears.
A Call to Modern Heroism
This Day of Valor, we are called to honor not only those who died in battle, but those who choose peace every day—teachers who teach truth, civil servants who serve with honor, community leaders who uplift, and citizens who hold fast to unity.
We are not merely Ilocano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bisaya, Tausug—we are all Filipinos, bound by a shared past and a common destiny.
Let us recommit ourselves to the values of courage, compassion, and country. Let us be the kind of citizens our heroes dreamed of—those who rise above personal interests to serve a greater cause: a just, united, and prosperous Philippines.
Biblical Foundation: A Nation Undivided
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
— Mark 3:25 (NIV)
This verse is more than a metaphor—it is a timeless warning and a divine call to unity. In the context of the Philippines today, it speaks to the heart of our national struggle. Just as a family torn by conflict collapses from within, or a church plagued by division loses its spiritual vitality, a nation fractured by internal discord is at risk of falling apart. Societal polarization, therefore, is not merely a political crisis—it is also a spiritual breakdown and a loss of collective moral vision.
More profoundly, this disunity reveals something even more alarming: a waning sense of patriotism. When citizens prioritize self-interest, regional identity, or partisan loyalty above the good of the nation, the very foundation of the Republic begins to erode. Patriotism, from a biblical lens, is not blind allegiance—it is righteous stewardship of one’s land and people.
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
— Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
This verse captures the essence of godly patriotism—a call to actively pursue the nation's welfare, to pray for its leaders, and to contribute to its flourishing. True love for country is rooted in justice, compassion, and a commitment to truth. It is not shown only through words or symbols, but through a daily devotion to building a nation where no one is left behind, where truth prevails, and where God is honored in governance and citizenship alike.
To heal a divided nation, we must return to these spiritual foundations: reconciliation, humility, and a shared purpose rooted in faith and love of country. Only then can we hope to see a Philippines that not only stands, but thrives.
The Role of Government Agencies in Addressing Societal Polarization
The Philippine government has a constitutional and moral obligation to foster unity and promote inclusive governance. Various agencies play crucial roles in managing this risk:
| Agency | Key Role |
|---|---|
| Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) | Strengthens local governance and ensures inclusive community participation. |
| Commission on Human Rights (CHR) | Promotes equality, protects civil liberties, and monitors hate speech and discrimination. |
| Department of Education (DepEd) | Integrates civic education, history, and cultural tolerance in curricula. |
| Philippine National Police (PNP) | Maintains peace and order while preventing political and ideological violence. |
| National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) | Protects the rights and cultures of marginalized communities to prevent exclusion. |
Risk Assessment Table: Societal Polarization
| Risk Factor | Severity | Impact | Vulnerable Groups | Action Plan | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online misinformation and disinformation | High | Distrust in institutions, radicalization | Youth, rural communities | Regulate platforms, strengthen fact-checking | Enforce anti-fake news laws, educate on media literacy |
| Political tribalism | High | Violence, civil unrest | Voters, political candidates | Promote inclusive dialogues and forums | Strengthen electoral reforms and nonpartisan governance |
| Socioeconomic inequality | Medium | Envy, resentment, class conflict | Urban poor, unemployed | Expand social welfare programs | Job creation and fair wage laws |
| Religious and ethnic intolerance | Medium | Marginalization, communal conflict | Minority groups | Interfaith programs and cultural sensitivity training | Promote peace education and human rights awareness |
| Regional development imbalance | Medium | Internal migration, separatist sentiments | Remote provinces | Increase infrastructure spending in underserved areas | Decentralize national projects and services |
Conclusion
Societal polarization is not just a political issue but a moral and spiritual challenge. As government agencies work toward solutions, civil society and faith-based communities must also take active roles in healing divisions. Drawing from biblical wisdom and practical governance, the Philippines can strive to become a society that values unity in diversity.
By fostering open dialogue, inclusive policy-making, and compassionate leadership, the nation can navigate through polarization and move toward peace, equity, and development.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Happy Araw ng Kagitingan. Let us stand united—not only in memory of our heroes, but in honor of their legacy.
References
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World Economic Forum. (2024). Global Risks Perception Survey 2024–2025. www.weforum.org
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The Holy Bible, New International Version (Mark 3:25)
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Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines – www.officialgazette.gov.ph
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Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines – www.chr.gov.ph
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Department of the Interior and Local Government – www.dilg.gov.ph
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