A TRUE MANDATE OF ALL

FROILAN G. ISIP

Section 37 of the Republic Act 8497 states that the rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe. Though the beating is now being conducted in different time signatures, still the rhythm in singing must be in a form of march and the version should not be changed for it is a violation of the law. But what is the reason why even our great singers often commit mistakes in delivering the piece? Is it really the tune that must be given importance? O the motive in singing the song?

In a television show, a person once asked by this question: “Ano ang Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas?” Then he answered, “Bayang Magiliw”! Unbelievable but true. Even in a school setting this kind of scenario is really happening nowadays wherein most pupils frequently commit errors not only in identifying the title of our National Anthem but in singing the lyrics as well. The truth is even adults don’t remember the lyrics of the song. They know how to sing it but frequently used other terms because they were not passionately taught and supervised during their formal years of schooling.

As a Filipino Citizen, it is but important and proper to know not only the correct title of our National Anthem but also the lyrics. Even the proper tune and timing on how to sing it is being considered and measured. As a preventive measure and remedy of producing an ignorant Filipino citizen in the future, teachers as well as the parents should go hand in hand in patiently teaching the learners to acquire the correct title, lyrics and rendition of the song. In addition to this, the song should be taught in as early as the formative years of the child. Teachers from pre-elementary, elementary, high school or even state colleges and universities should spend ample time not only in teaching the song but also to oblige every pupil to memorize the lyrics of “Lupang Hinirang” by stressing out the correct title, lyrics and rendition of the song during their MAPEH/ MSEP or music subjects. Thus, making every Filipino citizen realize that memorizing the Philippine National Anthem is a true mandate of all.

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The author is Master Teacher I at Floridablanca New Settlement Elementary

School