Didn’t get to memorize this when I was a kid. It wasn’t required in school so I didn’t mind not until the question came, “Are you a Filipino?”. Actually, I am a Filipino but what’s my commitment to the country? It’s all summarized in this “PANATANG MAKABAYAN”. It says it all but it’s only words. If only all Filipinos know this by heart and practice it, especially the ones serving in the government, the Philippines could have been more thriving in it’s economic state, could have been more successful in conquering corruption and red-tape and could have been more contributory to a better world. But why look at others, it should start with me and others may follow suit. I’m doing my part as a contribution. Be a responsible and disciplined Filipino citizen.
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.
English translation:
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
