Enslaved on Independence Day

I was too engrossed playing Grand Theft Auto (yeah, that old school game) last Wednesday night that I didn’t notice the time. I slept at around 1230MN. It wasn’t too late actually, aside from the fact that I have an early morning class the next day at PNU. The next morning, as expected, I woke up late (6AM). I jumped out of bed and took a quick bath (my class is at 7AM, by the way) At 6:30, I’m already eating at the nearby tapsihan. Since I didn’t have the time to eat, I moved out of the eatery at 6:40. I was fortunate enough to ride on an FX that brought me to PNU (and with long strides reached BPS 209B) at exactly 7:00 AM.

From that time to 10:00, I held my class; gave out lectures and activities; and went to La Salle for my afternoon class. I was too tired that I took a nap in the faculty lounge. When I regained my strength, I took lunch, and minutes later went to class.

The class went as what we normally do—from 1:00 to 4:10. Afterwards, at 4:20, I started my writing lab tutorial. This carried on until 6PM. Exhausted, I went home and took a rest.

***

Well, some might have a more stressful Thursday, but it isn’t the point. That Thursday was June 12, the Philippine Independence Day, and I can’t forgive myself for failing to greet my students. How could I have forgotten it?

While there is no one to be blamed but me (since I was too preoccupied), I may also say that it was because of what happened—or what did not happen. That Thursday was an ordinary Thursday. There was nothing “extravagant” and “traditional” to at least remind me, “Hey, you’re supposed to celebrate, today’s when you’re country got its freedom from 400 years of Spanish Colonial rule.”

GMA chose to “celebrate” Independence day with a flurry of booths in Luneta, which aim to provide services to Filipinos (i.e. job opportunities). However, I can’t help but ask, “Why on that day? Can’t the ‘service to the Filipino’ be done on another day? Or even EVERYday?”

The move of GMA was supported by the premise that the government is trying to save funds. While this is very timely, I think this statement from Malacañang is rather hypocritical. There are many other aspects from which the government can save. Say, downgrade the vehicles that politicos use—these people usually ride luxurious SUVs, with V8 engines which means that a full tank would more likely cost P4,000; plus the security convoy, et ceterea et cetera. But of course, they won’t do that.

This government’s decision to “celebrate” Independence Day differently is absurd and irrational. It only shows how narrow these people think. It only proves how these people care for their popularity, rather than the identity of the nation. Disregarding national festivities such as the independence day by moving it out of its original date just for the sake of “holiday economics” and worse, ignoring it are proofs that this country is still enslaved.