Marcos says Philippines not a ‘damaged culture’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos rejected the notion that the Philippines has a “damaged culture,” a phrase used to describe the country notably in an article published by The Atlantic in 1987.

The article was written by James Fallows, whose view of the Philippines was that of “a nation not only without nationalism but also without much national pride.”

Marcos issued the rebuttal during his speech at Malacañang yesterday honoring Metrobank Foundation’s 10 Outstanding Filipinos of 2023.

“We are not a damaged culture. I hate that. We are a great people and you are the example of that greatness. Filipinos are really great,” he said.

The Chief Executive lamented that Filipinos sometimes forget their positive traits but admire people in other countries.

“Look at the Filipinos who go to other countries, especially during the pandemic. We are really celebrated worldwide because of the quality of their work,” he said in Filipino.

“We can hurdle whatever challenge we will face here in the Philippines,” he added.

The President yesterday awarded the medallion of excellence to the awardees of Metrobank’s annual career-service award which consisted of four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers.

“Your accomplishments bring us also closer to Bagong Pilipinas (new Philippines) that we are determined to build—a nation that has a globally competitive education system, a safe and empowered citizenry, and a society that offers equal opportunities for all,” he added.

Awardees of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino include Rex Sario, a master teacher from Bukidnon, June Elias Patalinghug, a modern teacher influencer from Davao City; Edgar Durana, an educator for people with special needs from Rizal; Jovelyn Delosa, an assessment strategist for modern educators from Bukidnon.

Also awarded are Staff Sergeant Danilo Banquiao, a civil-military officer from the 103rd Brigade; Lt. Col. Joseph Bitancur, executive officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Operations; Col. Joseph Dator, assistant chief of staff for operations of the Presidential Security Group; Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Bendo, police mentor for the out-of-school-youth and children-in-conflict-with-the-law from Manila; Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan, police community relations chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group; and Police Col. Renell Sabaldica, chief of the morale and welfare division of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

Marcos praised the awardees for going beyond what is expected of them, saying they belong to the most important, rewarding and fulfilling professions.

“And I used the word ‘vocations’ carefully because what you have done (has) gone above and beyond. And this is beyond the job description that was given you. And you have gone far beyond that. And it is because you have taken on this profession, not as a job, not as a duty, but as a vocation,” he said.