GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos
Patriotism can build a strong nation.
On July 3, 2024, the newly elected members of the Board of Trustees of the Veterans of World War II took their oath of office, administered by PVB Chairman Roberto de Ocampo. This organization, composed of descendants of World War II veterans, was created under Section 3, Republic Act 11597, providing grants-in-aid to veterans, their widows, orphans, or compulsory heirs for educational, social, charitable, and rehabilitation purposes. I am a direct descendant, as my late father served under the USAFFE, survived the death march, and received the US Congress gold medal along with other WWII awards and decorations. I was elected as its chairman.
I find it propitious and timely to cite the sacrifices of our veterans in many wars in light of the continuing crises that the country experiences daily. April is celebrated as Veterans Month each year, but the memory of their heroic acts is timeless. The Filipino military tradition was shaped through the evolution of a warrior's mindset, developed and nurtured through various wars highlighted in our history. This warrior spirit has been preserved and transmitted through the generations by their descendants. The legacy of values and examples of bravery and heroism are enshrined in the military tradition that defines our capabilities as a nation.
The defense of the Philippines against external aggression during the Commonwealth era depended largely on the Filipinos themselves and their scarce resources. Our unpreparedness was aggravated by the failure to implement a 10-year development plan of the Commonwealth defense plan drafted by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. National Defense Act No. 1 included a budget of ₱100 million for a 10-year period and aimed to prepare a reserve force of 400,000 by 1946. Due to the outbreak of the war, this was never realized. However, it brought out the finest in Filipino soldiery.
World War II also showcased the indomitable spirit of the youth, represented by the Hunters ROTC guerrilla unit, which celebrated its anniversary on July 4. The unit was composed of 3rd and 4th class PMA cadets who were disbanded and did not receive commissions. It was strengthened by ROTC cadets from various schools and universities in Metro Manila. Their exploits were enviable, with the average age being 20, and some members even being teenagers. Prominent leaders included Mike Ver, its founder who gave his life for the cause, Terry Adevoso, who became a cabinet member, former Congressman Frisco San Juan, and the father of veteranism, Col. de Ocampo. For a teenager to volunteer to fight in a war is, to me, the highest form of patriotism. Similarly, many youths volunteered during the US Civil War. Look at Vietnam and Israel, who draw inspiration from a well-motivated and nationalistic reserve force, many of whom are young.
The Philippines has never faced a threat as serious as today. The center of gravity is the China issue. It seems that the nationalistic spirit which used to be the trademark of our youth and leaders of old finds little relevance to this generation. Politics have warped our sense of purpose and values. Military modernization has become a priority for many past presidents. The EDCA has added value to our defense position against external threats. Alliances with many countries, including the US, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and ASEAN nations, are multipliers. However, these developments have not toned down the situation in the WPS. It has even emboldened the Chinese to be more aggressive. Our culture of dependence and hope is not reaping satisfactory results.
Reactive responses and hope will never save our nation. Military modernization and alliances with other nations must be equally reinforced with a warrior's mindset that will inject patriotism and nationhood in every citizen. This does not mean transforming our people into war freaks. It means inculcating a deep sense of nationhood, willing to give our lives if need be for survival and progress. In more specific terms, it must be equally matched with a credible reserve force. This does not only mean adding warm bodies but also addressing the psychological dimensions that give pride, confidence, competitive spirit, and loyalty to the flag. If we reach this level of commitment to our country, we will earn respect. We must be both citizens and patriots because patriotism is the foundation of character expressed in sacrifices and the unstinted attitude to serve.
Leadership is a redeeming factor. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s pronouncements that we will not yield even an inch of our territory are strong statements that boost morale and fighting spirit, especially among the men in uniform. Defense Secretary Teodoro has always neutralized the false statements and reports peddled by Chinese propaganda with hard facts delivered forcefully and articulately.
We can never keep pace to develop the capability to pursue physical warfare, but we possess all the strengths and wherewithal to launch an effective psychological warfare. It only takes strong values.
Let us draw lessons from history and inspiration from the warriors who preceded us and whose descendants continue to perpetuate their values of honor, bravery, and patriotism.
(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)