“Grow and Be Like The Molave” is 

a public speech delivered by the first President of the

Philippines Commonwealth  Manuel Quezon during his address in August 19, 1938, which he
compared the Filipino people to the molave tree and lift up the people's courage to become
vigorous, strong, resilient, and staunch. The bottom line of the speech is the lesson that reminds
not only Filipino people to be vigorous at life’s problems. Stand up for your nation. Be patriotic.
A sense of love own country makes the country exists.

“Grow and Be Like the Molave”

Manuel Quezon 

National strength can only be built on character. A nation is nothing more or less than its citizenry, it is the
people that make up the nation, therefore, I cannot be strong than its component parts. Their weakness is its
failing, their strength is of men and women healthy in mind and body; courteous, brave, industrious, self-
reliant, purposeful in thought as well as in action, imbued with sound patriotism and a profound sense of
righteousness, with high social ideals and strong moral fiber and I will show you a nation that will not be
submerged. A nation that will emerge victorious from the trials and bitter strife of a distracted world. A nation
that will forever, sharing the common task of advancing the welfare and promoting the happiness of mankind.

The upward climb of mankind has been universal. In the human landscape, there are peaks and valleys and
deep chasms. Generally there is need of patent social upheaval volcanic in proportions to raise the lower levels
to great heights.

The battle for existence and survival of the fittest is ever the rule of life in nature and among men.

Our task – it is heroic task to awaken and apply these faculties so that our people should become what of right
they should be; morally virile, hardworking, refined, enterprising, persevering, public-spirited.

I want our people to grow and be like the molave, strong and resilient, rising in the hillside, unafraid of the
raging flood, the lightning or the storm, confident of its own strength. If we have the will to survive and the
will to achieve social efficiency, we cannot deny this task of spiritual revival. Let us begin now to mold the
typical Filipino.

We are Oriental. Orientals are known for their placidity and passivity. In the world of humanity we are looked
upon as a quiet and smooth lake from which th adventurous and enterprising may reap enjoyment and gain. I
refuse to allow the Filipinos to be so regarded.

We shall be a flowing stream, a rippling brook, a deep and roaring torrent, full of life, of hope, of faith, and of
strength. Through self-discipline we shall harness all our energies so that our power, spreading over the length
and breadth of this land will develop its resources, advance its culture, secure social justice, give puissance to
the nation and insure happiness and contentment for all the people under the aegis of liberty and peace.

ADD
At first, I didn’t know anything about the speech “Grow and Be Like the Molave” so I started reading it to
have an idea.

While I was reading, I realized that the speech emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort
in building a strong and prosperous nation.

After reading the speech, I think the author used the molave tree, a sturdy and resilient native tree in the
Philippines, as a powerful metaphor throughout the poem. The molave tree represents the ideal
qualities that Filipinos should embody in order to build a strong and prosperous nation.
The Qualities of Filipinos and Molave Trees

l. Molave Tree

A. The Molave tree is a large and sturdy tree

B. Symbolism of the Molave tree in Filipino culture and history

1. Representing endurance and determination

2. Signifying deep-rootedness and unity

ll. Filipinos: Strength and Resilience

A. Resilience and Adaptability: demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, particularly in the
face of challenges and adversity.
1. Typhoon Yolanda: In 2013, the Philippines was struck by one of the strongest typhoons on
record, Typhoon Yolanda. The devastation caused by the typhoon was immense, with
widespread destruction and loss of lives. However, Filipinos showed their resilience by coming
together to provide assistance, support, and rebuild affected communities.
B. Historical
1. Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino chief who fought against Spanish colonization and Magellan's
expedition in the Battle of Mactan. This reference highlights the spirit of resistance and the
willingness of Filipinos to defend their land and freedom.

IV. Shared Traits and Values

A. Strength and Resilience

1. Both Filipinos and the Molave tree are characterized by strength and resilience. The Molave
tree's physical characteristics, such as its sturdy trunk and deep root system, symbolize its ability to
withstand harsh conditions. Similarly, Filipinos have shown resilience throughout history,
overcoming challenges and adversity with determination and perseverance.
II. The Molave Tree

A. Description of the Molave tree's physical characteristics (e.g., strength, resilience,

appearance)

B. Symbolism of the Molave tree in Filipino culture and history

1. Representing endurance and determination

2. Signifying deep-rootedness and unity

III. Filipinos: Strength and Resilience A. Description of Filipino characteristics 1. Examples

of strength and resilience in the face of adversity 2. Demonstrations of unity and
collective action B. Cultural and historical context 1. References to Filipino history,
struggles, and triumphs 2. The role of strength and resilience in shaping Filipino identity

IV. Shared Traits and Values A. Identification of shared values between Filipinos and the
Molave tree 1. Perseverance in the face of challenges 2. Ability to thrive and adapt in
various environments B. Connection between shared traits and the strength and
character of Filipinos

V. Nurturing the Molave Spirit A. Author's call to "grow and be like the Molave" B.
Encouragement for Filipinos to embody the qualities of the Molave tree 1. Cultivating
personal strength and resilience 2. Fostering unity and solidarity in society C.
Importance of preserving and upholding Filipino values and identity

VI. Conclusion A. Recap of the comparison between Filipinos and the Molave tree B.
Reflection on the enduring symbolism of the Molave tree and its connection to the
Filipino spirit C. Final thoughts on the significance of strength, resilience, and unity in
Filipino culture and society