Nat’l artist says Ph “still not a nation”
ROSALES— “We are not yet a nation. We’re in the process of forming a nation.”
Thus remarked Philippine National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionel Jose after he led the unveiling of a giant pop-up book showcasing the known heroes of the country on Saturday (June 11), a day before the observance of 118th Philippine Independence Day at a shopping mall in Rosales town.
Jose, a prolific writer on history and a voice against social injustice, said Filipinos are a “very, very divided people” which makes it easy “for foreign powers and even local politicians to exploit us.”
He said Filipinos cannot blame colonialism every time because different factors such as language, religion, family, and other barriers stand in the way of the Philippines’ nationhood.
“We must look at those conditions that unite rather than divide,” he said and urged the audience to determine the elements that unite Filipinos, citing as examples cultural excellence as when a Filipino wins an international pageant and sports excellence like whenever Manny Pacquiao wins a boxing match.
Mr. Jose rallied the people to value the country’s independence, “to value it enough by sacrificing for the interests of the country.”
“The logic of nationalism is love of country and the logic of love is sacrifice,” he said.
Jose’s novels, short stories, and non-fiction works tackle the social underpinnings, class struggles, and colonial history of the Filipino society.
His best-known epic work, The Rosales Saga, composed of five novels encompassing the hundred-year Philippine history, presenting a vivid documentary of the Filipino life.
Recognitions of Jose’s literary works include the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Arts (1980); Philippine National Artist (2001); and the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award (2004).
The giant pop-up book was intended to echo Dr. Jose Rizal’s remarks that to foretell the nation’s destiny, it is necessary to open the book that tells of the past.
Roselle Gale, SM City Rosales public relations officer, said the book is the company’s way of encouraging people to read books despite the technology’s boom paving way to other information and diversion platforms. (Johanne Macob)
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