A Legacy of Service: Dr. Aguja Reflects on Contemporary Patriotism in Farewell Lecture

 

By Randy Adriane Martin

After four decades of dedication to teaching and academic excellence, Dr. Hilton Joyo Aguja, a professor of the Department of Political Science, marked his retirement with a final professorial lecture titled, “The Patriotic Duty of the Present Moment” on Wednesday, January 22, at the University Mini-Theater.

In his lecture, Dr. Aguja challenged the conventional narratives of patriotism and nationalism that glorify self-sacrifice for the greater good of the country, arguing that this perspective is problematic as it goes against human nature, which prioritizes self-preservation.

Instead, Dr. Aguja shared a more sustainable approach to patriotism, suggesting a balance between the self-interest of the individual and the greater good of the country. He emphasized that patriotism should be rooted in self-affirmation, where helping oneself first allows individuals to be in a position to help others, which subsequently leads to the love of the country.

Addressing what he described as the “alarming” decline in patriotism and nationalism in the Philippines, Dr. Aguja stressed the need for the government to provide opportunities for its citizens, saying, “It is in the best interest of the Philippines to make the pasture greener because it is in human nature to seek greener pastures.”

Adding to this sentiment, Dr. Aguja highlighted the importance of reciprocated love between individuals and the country. He proposed the idea that people should not die for their country but instead live for it.

The event concluded with heartfelt messages from Dr. Aguja’s friends and colleagues, expressing their gratitude and sharing tributes and memories of his remarkable career.

Jezreel Jeanne Caparoso, a first-year BA Political Science student, expressed, “I have so much respect for Dr. Aguja for everything he has done, his accomplishments and contributions, but at the same time, I am saddened by the fact that we won't have the chance to be under Sir Hilton in his classes and hear his lessons and all the valuable knowledge he could impart to us.”

This milestone for Dr. Aguja marked the end of his tenure as an educator, but his profound contributions to the academe will never be forgotten.