For many decades, Filipinos have held the United States in high regard, seeing it as an ultimate benchmark of progress and societal and cultural success. This aspiration can be traced back to the period after the Second World War, when the Philippines was granted independence by the United States. The American influence seeped into various facets of Filipino life — from the widespread admiration for American popular culture to the dream of starting anew in the United States. This aspiration — often referred to as the “American Dream” — has shaped the ambitions of countless Filipinos seeking what they believe to be a better life.

However, the situation in the United States has evolved in recent times. The visible divisions among Americans, the challenges to longstanding notions of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, the alienation of LGBTQIA individuals and other minority groups, and the marginalization of immigrants have collectively painted a more nuanced picture. These realities prompt an important question: Should Filipinos continue looking to the United States as the gold standard of national development and cultural identity?

In my opinion, the time has come for Filipinos to choose to look inwards for inspiration and motivation.

Rather than look outside — and specifically to the US — for inspiration and motivation to be better as a country, as a nation, and as a society, we now have to look internally into our own selves, our history, our own shared experiences and expertise.

It does not mean severing all connections with the world or ceasing to learn from the positive attributes of other countries and cultures. Instead, it entails a deeper introspection into our own strengths, cultural roots, and values that define the Filipino spirit. Too often, we fixate on external models of excellence without recognizing that the Philippines already possesses a wealth of cultural and social capital.

Our nation boasts an immense diversity of talent, a strong sense of community, and a rich history of resilience in the face of adversity. By tapping into these innate assets, we can forge a path that prioritizes our collective advancement and embraces our unique identity. This approach requires Filipino leaders to craft homegrown policies, innovators to create Filipino-centric ideas, and educators to highlight our local heroes and cultural legacy.

Looking inward also means fostering a collective mindset that values inclusivity and celebrates our differences. Rather than dwelling on the divisions that plague other societies, we can build our own brand of cooperation and unity by leveraging traditional Filipino virtues of bayanihan and pakikipagkapwa. By doing so, we can cultivate a new era of national pride and progress that does not hinge on external validation.

It is time to reclaim our potential for greatness from within. A thoughtful introspection will not erase our global influences, but it will redirect our energies toward creating a more self-sufficient, inclusive, and proactive Philippines. Let us take this opportunity to strengthen our national fabric, derive inspiration from our own heritage, and make our mark on the world stage as a nation that stands on its own merits.