“Filipinism” according to Jose P. Laurel

The Political Philosophy of Dr. Jose P. Laurel, as lifted from the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation Library and Museum.

Filipinism is the assertion of one’s national birthright with patriotism defined as love of country as a primary element. It takes the form of a passion for self-development alone. A colonized people cannot hope to be developed by its masters except along lines that suit the vanity and cupidity of the masters. For a nation to find itself and its souls and achieve its God-given destiny, it has to develop itself with as little help from outsiders as possible.

The supreme ideal is to have one flag, one heart, one soul, one language.

An outstanding attribute of Filipinism is civic duty and social responsibility motivated by national self-respect. By loving justice and greatness, the people must make themselves worthy of reforms then effectuate the necessary reforms and finally make sure that the sun of liberty shines undimmed over the whole nation.

Filipinism means to make a deep and thorough study of the social and economic problems of the self-help efforts.

For Filipinism to prosper…

We must drink deep from the rich stream of Philippine history.
We must study the lives of Philippine heroes like Mabini, Rizal, Bonifacio, Tandang Sora, Del Pilar, Lopez Jaena, Jacinto, Luna, Burgos.
We must love and appreciate Philippine traditions.
We must make ourselves familiar with Philippine geography, economy, society, and politics.
We must study, learn, appreciate, and love our country, the Philippines, together with her culture, and all she stands for.
Filipinism is the universality and love for the common people. It is the mainspring of all good Filipinos’ efforts to bring about social, political, and economic reforms.
Filipinism is incorruptible love of country and people, the courageous taking up of the cause of the people and heedful of their cries, uniting of one’s self with them.
No other people can love the Philippines better than the Filipinos themselves.