Revising the Philippine National Anthem

By: Ma. Rhodora Saceda-Ma. Nieva

Commissioned by the first President of the Philippine Republic General Emilio

Aguinaldo, Julian Felipe composed the national anthem in 1898 as a march to inspire Filipinos to
fight the enemy during that time. It was in 1899 when Jose Palma penned the original lyrics of
“Lupang Hinirang” in Spanish. The Philippine National Anthem has undergone revisions --from
being translated into English and finally the current Filipino version we all know today-- its beat
has also been slightly changed.
Protected by the Flag and Heraldic Code, also known as Republic Act 8491, any changes
in the lyrics of the national anthem will require amendment to the RA 8491 & must be agreed in
a public referendum. This did not hinder the Senate President Vicente Sotto III in his proposition
to tweak the closing phrase of the national anthem “ang mamatay ng dahil sayo”, which talks of
Filipinos’ willingness to die for the nation in the face of oppression. He thinks that the current
lyrics sound like a “defeatist” and suggested to replace it with the phrase “ang ipaglaban
kalayaan mo”, which changes the final message of the song w/ Filipinos’ commitment to fight
for the country’s freedom.
In one hand, I am with the Senate President when he said that we, Filipinos, should sing
the national anthem properly with respect, correct pronunciation, intonation and posture. As a
human being we ascribe our own meaning to words, maybe “defeatist” is how Sen. Sotto III
personally translates the last line of the national anthem “ang mamatay ng dahil sayo” and likely
he thinks that “ang ipaglaban kalayaan mo” sounds more appropriate, and I respect that.
Probably it’s the talented musician in him that urges his desire to revise the song.
On the other hand, there is not enough argument to change the lyrics of the national
anthem just because someone found it negatively versed. Nothing is more patriotic and heroic
than being willing to sacrifice one’s life for his country. Our heroes didn’t just defend our nation
from its oppressors, they sacrifice their lives not just for its independence but also for the rights
of its people, the GomBurZa, Dr. Jose Rizal, and the Katipuneros to name a few. Furthermore,
the national anthem proclaims our love for our country and is being hailed for its poetical
rhapsody, changing any of its lines may lose the very essence of the song.
Hence, I don’t see any reason as to why changing the lyrics of the national anthem is
necessary nor should be prioritized by our lawmakers given the issues our country is facing
nowadays. The never ending traffic in the cities, the ceaseless oil price hike, the jaw-dropping
economic inflation, these are just some of the pressing problems people in their position should
be discussing about to coming up with solutions.
 Republic of the Philippines
PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – TABANGO CAMPUS
Tabango, Campus

REACTION PAPER
IN
SOCIAL SCIENCE
(Issues and Problems in Contemporary Society)

Prepared for:
Ms. Jessa C. Turalba

Prepared by:
Ma. Rhodora Theodorosa S. Ma. Nieva
BEED – II
S.Y. 2018-2019