Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Philippine Patriotic Oath: An Independence Day Trivia

We have recited the Patriotic Oath so many times in our school life we have taken for granted (or probably have never known) that it was originally written in English. The recitation of this pledge is required by law specifically under Department Order No. 8 issued on July 21, 1955, by what we now know as the Department of Education. This department order was the implementing guide for Republic Act No. 1265 otherwise known as the AN ACT MAKING FLAG CEREMONY COMPULSORY IN ALL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. The republic act was approved June 11, 1955.

The "Panatang Makabayan" we know so well is actually the direct translation of the English version of the Patriotic Oath below:

I love the Philippines.
It is the land of my birth;
It is the home of my people.
It protects me and helps me to be strong, happy and useful.
In return, I will heed the counsel of my parents;
I will obey the rules of my school;
I will perform the duties of a patriotic, law-abiding citizen;
I will serve my country unselfishly and faithfully
I will be a true Filipino in thought, in word, in deed.

Here is the Panatang Makabayan as we had always recited it:

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi
Ako'y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan
Upang maging malakas, maligaya at kapakipakinabang
Bilang ganti, diringgin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin ng aking paaralan
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan at masunurin sa batas
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan nang walang pag-iimbot at ng buong katapatan
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

Many Filipinos probably haven't notice it but in November 2001 the then Department of Education secretary Raul Roco revised the "Panatang Makabayan" into a more conversational version. Here is the November 2001 version:

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking Lupang Sinilangan
Tahanan ng aking lahi, kinukupkop ako at tinutulungan
Upang maging malakas, masipag, at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
Diringgin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang.
Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang tungkulin ng mamamayang makabayan;
Naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nagdarasal ng buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap at pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas

And with the version above, here is the Patriotic Oath of November 2001 translated in English:

I love the Philippines, the land of my birth,
The home of my people, it protects me and helps me
Become strong, hardworking and honorable.
Because I love the Philippines,
I will heed the counsel of my parents,
I will obey the rules of my school,
I will perform the duties of a patriotic citizen,
Serving, studying, and praying faithfully.
I offer my life, dreams, successes
To the Philippine nation.

The Patriotic Oath or the Panatang Makabayan is just one of two pledges, the other being the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas (Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag). It is commonly recited at school flag ceremonies, after the singing of the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, but before the Pledge of Allegiance.

On June 12, 2010, Saturday, is a "Gathering of Patriots" at the 8th Avenue and 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Philippines, beginning 5:00 in the morning. This event is referred to as the 2010 Philippine Independence Day Marathon (Ang Takbo Para Sa Ating Kasaysayan). It is a non-profit endeavor whose vision is to institutionalize a very meaningful yearly celebration of our INDEPENDENCE.

Everyone is invited.





References:

http://filipino.biz.ph/history/panatang_makabayan.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_Allegiance_%28Philippines%29