Philippine Commonwealth: Road to the Valiant

By: Jaylove E. Castillo

The Commonwealth government though short-lived has achieved a

relative progress and advancement in many areas. All of these are contributory
to the birth of an even greater nation who has seen and experience the dreadful
side of the world but has lived to tell the tale.
Before the war in Pacific broke, the newly established government has
excelled valiantly leaving the seeds of progress on its way. The first step of this
noble light is the opening of foreign trades through the ports of manila, Mindanao
and southern Luzon. Transportation and communication facilities were improved,
subsequently, fare became cheap and communication became more accessible.
Furthermore, the government also gave birth to an Agency or council whose only
duty is to advise the government on economic matters, coined to be National
Economic Council. It also gave priority to Public welfare by strengthening
government agencies such as Bureau of Public Welfare and National Relief
Operations. This is to better serve the people especially the poor and those
victimized by natural disasters. Suffrage or the right to vote for women was
passed. The administration also boomed arts and literature through contests and
competitions for artists and writers. It gave birth to many high-acclaimed writers
in the three languages: English, Tagalog and Spanish.
All of these contributed to the latter metamorphosis of a nation free from
invaders shining boldly, with its flag courageously coursing through the skies
saying, I am the Philippines, I am the Pearl of the orient.