One for the Books: The Transcending Power of Words

 

written by Pia Natalie Daymiel

cartoon by Janara Jacosalem

In a world propelled by change, where technological advancements are growing exponentially and conventional ways are persistently challenged, literature has been a form of art which continues to expand its boundaries and ride the tide of the world’s evolution.

Filipino literature boasts a rich lineage – from the epic poems and folktales of the pre-colonial era to the contemporary novels exploring modern Filipino life – literature acts as a mirror reflecting the Filipino people's collective consciousness.

During the colonial times, literature was utilized by literary giants in fostering resistance, resilience, and the quest for peace. In today's digital age, the literary scene is rapidly evolving. Digital platforms, social media, and blogs have given writers new avenues to connect with audiences around the globe. This change is embraced by National Literature Month, celebrating not only the traditional forms of literature but also the diverse voices emerging in the digital sphere. It is a testament of literature's enduring power to adapt and flourish in a world that is constantly changing.

It is undeniable that literature plays a significant role in maintaining and fostering peace in the country and its communities. The celebration of the National Literature Month during the month of April as signed by former president Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino III under Proclamation No. 968 increases awareness of the value of literature in society and enhances the conversation around the theme of peace among Filipinos.

Philippine literature ought to capture the nation's multifaceted identity. However, how can Filipinos write for peace with peace when the country’s literary scene can be considered a battlefield itself?

Literature in the Philippines faces a range of challenges:

Philippines’ history is marked by centuries of colonization. The colonial legacies of the Spanish and American rule, such as language domination, cultural assimilation, and the marginalization of indigenous voices and languages, have had a significant impact on Philippine literature and continues to reverberate throughout Philippine society. Language difficulties for writers of indigenous languages have been established by the imposition of foreign languages like English as literary expression medium. This has contributed to linguistic disparity and cultural erasure.

The expansion of artificial intelligence has made what is supposed to be just a tool into a replacement for human work. As AI continues to expand, it also abhorrently takes jobs from actual writers. It is undeniable that AI has made significant progress in Philippine literature, but it is also true that AI does not have the aptitude to replicate human creativity, imaginations, empathy, and understanding. However, Filipino writers are still struggling to preserve their distinctive voices and creative identities in a world where AI can create content more quickly and sometimes even more effectively.

Globalization and monetization of literature has caused Filipino authors and publishers to face difficulties as well. While it is true that monetization provides a means for writers to earn a living from their craft, it cannot be denied that it also pushes writers in a certain position where they must acquiesce to mainstream tastes and expectations. Moreover, the sad reality is that the preference for foreign goods over local products extends to literature. Filipino voices are frequently marginalized and profit is given priority above artistic integrity and cultural authenticity due to the dominance of Western works over local literature in the country.

Philippine literature is deeply influenced by socio-political issues such as poverty, corruption, human rights violation, political dynasties, and environmental degradation. However, as writers, journalists, and artists who reflect these issues in their literary works could be subject to censorship, harassment, or even persecution, navigating these sensitive topics becomes a challenge.

Overall, Philippine literature is confronted with various impediments. However, may the celebration of National Literature month remind Filipinos to not only find joy in the beauty of language and craftsmanship but to also use this time to reiterate literature’s role in shining light on issues of injustice, oppression, and inequality. From Jose Rizal whose novels ignited the flames of revolution, Graciano Lopez-Jaena whose writings which were characterized by their satirical sharpness and literary excellence contributed in shaping Filipino consciousness and national identity, and Marcelo H. del Pilar whose satirical essays contributed to the intellectual ferment of the period and inspired Filipinos to challenge colonial hegemony to Amado Vera Hernandez whose works were a reflection of how writers can expose the ills of society and affirm the greatness of human spirit in the face of inequity and oppression, Carlos P. Romulo who was the only Filipino journalist to win the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for a series of articles he wrote, Francisco Arcellana who was a brilliant craftsman and is now an indispensable part of tertiary-level-syllabi all over the country, and Nestor Vicenti Madali Gonzalez who triumphed in appropriating the English language to express, reflect, and shape Philippine culture and sensibility – may Filipinos draw inspiration from literary artists who paved the way for the country’s literary landscape to be recognized not just on a national level but globally as well. May Filipinos remember at all times that literature serves as a catalyst for empathy and understanding and use this fact as a tool to create change not only within local communities but through the whole nation.