Mampusti, Jobert T.

BSIT 1-2N

Activity 1: Historical Distortion

The rise of social media in the Philippines has been a double-edged sword in terms of
how we talk about history. On one hand, it helps spread information and allows people to share
different perspectives. On the other hand, it also spreads misinformation and attempts to rewrite
history in misleading ways.

A significant example of this is how the Marcos regime is portrayed. Platforms like
YouTube are filled with videos that highlight infrastructure projects from that time, such as
“Golden Age of Infrastructure Development - Mga Programa ni Pangulong Marcos.” These
videos often ignore the serious human rights abuses and massive corruption that occurred.
Comments frequently describe the Marcoses as great leaders, claiming they brought a "golden
age" of prosperity. However, they omit the authoritarian rule and economic problems that
happened under their leadership.

For instance, social media posts often paint rosy picture of Marcos's agricultural policies.
A post on Facebook asserts that Ferdinand Marcos was the only president who truly valued and
loved farmers. It cites programs like Masagana 99 and Biyayang Dagat. The post claims these
initiatives ensured sufficient food for Filipinos. It claims they led the country to become a rice
exporter in 1978. It also mentions the establishment of the International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) at UP-Los Baños and the creation of the National Grains Authority. This was later
renamed the National Food Authority. Also mentioned are the implementation land reform
policies to provide farmers with their own lands. This narrative highlights the positive aspects of
Marcos’s agricultural programs while neglecting the broader context of his regime's oppressive
nature.

This kind of distortion has serious consequences. It can make people question established
historical facts, leading to distrust in historical institutions and weakening critical thinking skills.
It also risks making oppressive regimes look favorable and downplaying the suffering of victims.
This could discourage activism and stifle dissent. Most importantly, a twisted view of the past
makes it hard for Filipinos to build a national identity based on truth and reconciliation.
 The way social media distorts history can significantly change how Filipinos see their
past. Downplaying the negative aspects of martial law disrespects those who fought for freedom.
If we ignore past mistakes, we might be more likely to repeat them. Understanding past
challenges is essential for building a better future.

To combat historical distortion, we need to take several actions. Supporting groups that
promote accurate history and critical thinking is key. Schools should teach a more
comprehensive and balanced view of Philippine history. Young Filipinos should learn to
differentiate between facts and falsehoods online. Encouraging open and respectful discussions
about the past, even when people have different views, is crucial. This practice is vital for a
healthy democracy.

Social media presents challenges but also offers Filipinos a chance to reclaim their
history. By critically evaluating information online and actively promoting historical truth,
Filipinos can build a stronger national identity and a fairer future.

References:

YouTube. (2024, June 9). Golden Age of Infrastructure Development - Mga Programa ni
Pangulong Marcos [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERHz_Gj6PzI

A Facebook post claiming Ferdinand Marcos was the 'only president who truly valued farmers'
(2019). https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ACot6sNEMJyc2aea/