The potential for a Philippine Studies Program

As globalization takes place, the flow of ideas continues to move about freely and it is an exciting time for thinkers. Study of history starts to take a less Euro-centric view and starts to regard cultures outside of the Western world just as worthy of being part of the world of academia. Phenomena of migration and cruelties of social inequity are starting to be noticed. Various courses of study, from Asian Studies to the Classics, Conflict Resolution to Indigenous Population are constantly evolving.

The world of academia needs Philippine Studies because of the richness of its history, the vastness of an often-understated economic influence of Filipino migrants on various economies across the globe. Also, the Philippines’ colonial past offers a contrast of eras between former colonial powers.

Conversely, Philippine Studies needs the world of academia because it gives Filipino history a more critical look than a regular textbook might. It also needs the world of academia because it explores the issues surrounding the Philippines with academic vigour and critical thinking.

Philippine Studies has the potential to explore a multitude of relevant current issues. With migrants of Filipino heritage working across the globe, the factors that led to significant out migration need to be examined. The development of the Philippines, the government’s own promotion and exploitation of out migration and the reliance of Philippines’ economy on remittances are worth exploring.

Migration has further implications. Concerns of human rights abuse abroad need to be discussed. The changing landscape of families, with children missing their parents who are OFWs, and its implications on the Filipino family and society as whole, warrant a closer look.

The Philippine Studies Summer Institute in University of Winnipeg this summer is an exciting opportunity for Filipinos, and non-Filipinos alike, to have these discussions and exploration. It is a chance to learn and better understand internal and external forces that have led to a unique Filipino imprint on the global community. I often wish I had this option when I was doing my undergraduate years in university.

For one of a Filipino heritage, it is an opportunity to better understand the factors that have led to his or her current place in the Canadian society, regardless if he or she is a first generation migrant or is Canadian-born. It is an opportunity to understand why attachment to the Philippines continues to be strong.

For those not of Filipino heritage, it is an opportunity to understand the Filipino culture beyond the pansit and barong Tagalog. It is a chance to see why just about every member of a person’s barangay was sponsored under the Provincial Nominee Program. It is a chance to understand why a physician in the Philippines is willing to leave his or her comfortable profession in the Philippines to work in entry-level jobs in Canada.

With persistent advocacy and appreciation, Philippine Studies can flourish in the world of academia and thus remain in the consciousness of the Filipino community as well as of the Canadian society.

Raphael Nepomuceno is a second year family medicine resident at University of Manitoba. He invites everybody to sign up for the Philippine Studies Summer Institute this August.

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