Kapampangan Pride
The
Oxford Dictionaries defines ethnicity or ethnic group as a socially
defined category based on
common culture or nationality. But it does not necessarily have to
include common ancestry, appearance, cuisine, dressing style, heritage, history, language, religion, symbols, traditions,
or other cultural factor. On the other hand, it is constantly reinforced
through common characteristics which set the group apart from other groups. A
geographical perspective of study done recently, there are at least five (5)
factors seen that unite the Kapampangans as one people. These are: language,
territory, culture, belief system and socio-politics.
These
criteria add to the deepening definition of what is an ethnicity is all about.
And speaking of this term, how do this one differ with terms like citizenship
and nationalism?
Nationalism,
ethnicity and citizenship lie at the sensitivity of many of the societal
changes that are currently transforming countries across the world. Global
migration has undermined old certainties provided by the established framework
of nation-states, with inward migration, cultural diversity and transnational
affiliations having become established facts of life in many countries. These
observable facts raise significant challenges for traditional conceptions of
citizenship.
To date
several socio-political and economic development and changes continue to test
these set of definitions. Globalization, massive population growth, information
explosion, are just among the things that continue to redefine or even erode
some of the traditionally accepted templates like patriotism, identity and idea
of citizenship. Hence, how do we address these types of questions and challenges?
How do the multiple identities and multiple levels of belonging experienced
today interact with traditional nationalist ideology? Within multicultural
societies, how far do representations of cultural others still play a role in
nationalist constructions of the nation? How successfully has the welfare
systems of nation-states responded to the influx of migrants? The
Kapampangan-speaking region is now among the favorite destinations of not only
business locators but as well as the influx of job-seekers and squatters.
How have
national politicians responded to the cultural diversity of their own countries
and have they moved beyond the traditional logic of nationalism within their
thinking? What would be their platform or political program which addresses concerns
on these issues? Why are extreme right-wing parties gaining increased levels of
support? Remember, the region was the cradle of these movements even in the
past i.e. socialism, communism, radical protest. What social and psychological
resources do citizens require in order to function effectively at the political
level within multicultural democratic societies? How can the educational
systems of regions like Pampanga, which have traditionally been used for
nationalist purposes, be harnessed to enhance the competences needed by
our memalen for successful living in multicultural societies?
Angeles City and the City of San Fernando are now becoming a hot melting pot
like Tarlac City. What changes need to be made to educational policies in order
to ensure the effective integration of minority citizens? Do we have a program
(a better one) that safeguards the rights of the Aitas (Mag-Anchis and
Mag-Indis)? How about the Kapamapngans? Do we have a genuine program that
caters for the prioritized appreciation of culture and intellectualization of
the Amanung Siswan?
At this
time of election campaign, who among the candidates and parties carry a serious
program that pushes for appreciation and salvaging reforms to preserve the
Kapampangan heritage – its culture and language? Do they care to review the
qualification in nominating candidates for the MOKA or TOFA? Are these cultural
award-giving bodies truthful to their motives? Or just part of the political
thing that tires the general public every now and then? Why we cannot legislate
the use of Amanung Siswan in this Kapampangan-wide region just like what the
Ilocanos and the Cebuanos are doing right now? It is already specified clearly
in the present constitution, regional languages are the official auxillary languages
of every region. Hence Kapampangan is the official language of this region.
When will
be the time for our leaders to realize how important is to be part of a family
that values ‘family value’ – the essence of a good citizen of these country by
being a better Kapampangan first? Can we not include these noble motives in
the plataporma de gubyerno of every aspiring leader and be
duly implemented by concerned officials upon elected?
E baling tawli, basta atin programa. Mayap nemang palak ing
mayagap kesa kng kabud na masipag.
Aldo
mayaslag kabalen!
