In twenty-four hours, I will receive my Australian citizenship, and by default, lose my status as a citizen of the Philippines. It is one of those major events in one’s life …. not as important as being born … or accepting death, but pretty much in the same category as being married, and even much higher than reaching your 50th birthday, or going into retirement.
Everyone, I suppose, with maybe a handful of exceptions, gets born into a citizenship. The place of your birth, or inheriting the citizenship of your parents.
I was born a Filipino citizen, and will be a Filipino citizen, until tomorrow. Fifty two years.
Tomorrow, I hope to reflect what it will be like to be an Australian citizen. Today, I will ponder those fifty-two years of being a Pinoy.
I would like to think that the current situation of the Philippines, where a brewing dictatorship is being resurrected, would add significance to this change in my life. But, I realise, that this predicament, and sentiment on my part, has always been there.
Growing up, I took great pride in my Filipino heritage, vehemently defending it from imperialist and home grown forces that insist on dictating the culture and identity of my homeland. I found myself, much to the chagrin of my parents, in dangerous situations, when I joined protests and actions against the Marcos dictatorship.
I rejoiced at the newfound freedom and re-birth of democracy after the People Power Revolution of 1986. And, throughout the difficult process of nation building in the years that followed, I was vocal and passionate about political, social and civic affairs of my country.
When I migrated to Australia five years ago, there was a tinge of sadness and regret, especially when the country had a brief moment of pride under the Noynoy Aquino administration. True, it was very far from perfect, but there were signs that the Philippines was on the road to being a prosperous and developed nation.
With today's tragic circumstances in the Philippines…. Extra Judicial Killings, the trampling of democratic institutions, and the ongoing attempt to tamper with the Constitution in order for the politicians to consolidate their power, this regret has turned into a relief, for being away such madness, and into the much, much more civilised and democratic society in Australia.
A few days ago, the editor of the local paper interviewed me and my family, as part of the news features for the Australia day celebrations. This ceremony, in our local area, is where we will say our pledge of commitment to Australia, and receive our citizenship.
My eldest son Noah, in that interview, said something that was a bit profound, enough to be highlighted in the article. He said, upon being asked about how he felt about changing citizenship,
“I’ve never tied myself to belonging to one country”…
He added...
“It doesn’t feel like I’m leaving my Filipino lineage, I’m adding to my life by becoming an Australia citizen”.
I had pretty much felt the same this past year, when getting our citizenship was already in the works, but my son put it in words that I do not think I can improve on.
Sometimes, I feel a surge of patriotism for my new country, Australia, which sort of triggers a sense of guilt. Looking deeper, I realise it is because of my sense of gratitude, for this new country I belong to, and to the kind people who have welcomed us and has given us a “fair go” at a chance for a good life, that I am developing this love of country, of having pride in being a part of Australia.
Everyday, for the past year or so, I read about the struggle of many Filipinos, who are fighting their own government, and I join in, through the new form of battle - social media warfare- hoping that the little I do, will make a difference in fighting for justice and democracy.
I asked myself today, if I will still do the same tomorrow.
And I say, Yes.
Even as an Australian citizen, I will never cease to be concerned for the welfare of my birth country, and for the families and friends I have in the Philippines.
I will, like my son pointed out, be a citizen of the world, and have love, pride, and concern for both the country I was born in - the Philippines, and the nation that has embraced me and my family, - Australia.
Today, I do not forget, I do not say goodbye.
But I look forward to tomorrow, where I will strengthen my bond with this country I now call my home, and use my status as a global citizen, to help in the struggle of the country of my birth.
(Photo Credit - https://www.crossed-flag-pins.com/Friendship-Pins/Philippines/Flag-Pins-Philippines-Australia.html)
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