Zyra Marie G. Ambingan

Of the many threads that represent its arts and culture, Philippines stitches to a masterpiece. Decorated by its own diversified traditions and entwined with a history that recalls the tales of yesterday, the country is woven with celebration of culture and integrity of its fateful past, however challenged; by the conflict of a modern war that fears to loosen finished, historical seams.

Navigating through sources is easy nowadays, ironically, validity is no easy search. As an influx of wrong information morphed into “truth” floats for immediate access to many. Alterations of factual proof have cultured on the internet — that even thick pages of historical literature are undermined by a simple opinion of a simple influencer or a post. Misinformation from twisted analogies now antagonizes the celebration of cultural and historical perpetuation in the name of tolerance to online deceit… With this in mind, a question evokes;

 When did convenience become so bothersome?

As a young Filipina with strong patriotic fundamentals, this question had always itched my wander, however, I believe Filipinos are not declared for near defeat just yet. Efforts in defying these illusive commons are still within our reach, where we can stretch our nationalistic anchors to purpose. In securing a knot against historical unstitching, I plan to begin with myself, I plan to SEW!

Substantiate. While none can control every entry of information posted online, it is my responsibility to seek its credibility. With 86% of online global citizens having occurred to be fake news victims, the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) concluded their 2019 research proving that the spread of false information across the digital cloud is indeed a global plague. Hence, becoming particular in fact-checking is next to harnessing honest knowledge and security. Checking public uploads from trusted sources, reputable historians and credible resources recommended by experts should be a basic routine and should be of standard practice.

Educate. The privilege of acquiring knowledge is limited to those with resources and those with connections. Educating myself and others about historical and cultural contexts is a chance for social reclaim, a chance for redeeming aged dependence to careless information. Rightfully so, sharing verified inputs to peers, colleagues, and acquaintances is viable for actual change and progress. The influence of delivering documented facts is an ally to achieve a community with critical and mindful orientation. 

Wiz. Embodying the essence of becoming a role model is a social function we should achieve. Setting as a good example for effective information dissemination is the ideal response averse to the development of historical distortion and disinformation. To ought in displaying dedication to precise historical and cultural knowledge for the good of all. 

“Never Again.”

In honor of historical and cultural values, may us Filipinos SEW towards forging threads of honesty in preserving national awareness and social justice before fallacy cuts our fabric of land to split ends.  For as long as the needle points, let the sharp truth of Philippine fortune be embroidered in lasting history.