Republic of the Philippines PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA (University of the City of Manila) General Luna Street Corner Muralla Street Intramuros, Manila COLLEGE OF NURSING (Dalubhasaan ng Narsing) 2nd Semester A.Y. 2022 – 2023 In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in PHILIPPINE POPULAR CULTURE ACTIVITY NO. 2: EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND RECOGNITION TO DIVERSE CULTURAL LIFE SUBMITTED BY: ROAN, Mari Kristin S. (PPC 122 – 26) SUBMITTED TO: PROF. JAY-AR N. RACAL May 04, 2023 HUES OF CULTURE: EMBRACING THE BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY To acknowledge one’s culture means to embrace the natural state of human diversity. One key element in creating an interconnected world is to accept, appreciate, and respect the heights of cultural diversity. Cultural Diversity, by definition, is a dynamic phenomenon that involves the presence of diverse cultural groups within a society. As defined by UNESCO (2001), it is the ‘common heritage of humanity, involving manifold of ways a culture find expression’. In general, cultural differences prompt each one of us a sense of being and identity. No two cultures are alike, but all cultural identities have its own equal significance. Like a fine artwork comprising of different hues, the beauty is always seen as a combination of a whole and not by a singularity. As Stephen Richards Covey once said, “Strength lies in differences, not similarities”. Diversity can be a source of strength for it fosters further growth and change. In the modern society, it has been proven to contribute to the development of economic, technological, and social implications, both inclusive and exclusive. Cultural diversity is a spice of life that bridges the gaps dividing people. As the world is being integrated, horizons are being expanded beyond borders. In a global perspective, there are several organizations that advocate the significance of cultural expression and diversity, including: (1) UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, (2) International Cultural Diversity Organization, (3) Ambit Kultura in the Philippines, etc. By expressing support to these institutions, a simple action can make a big difference. Hence, breaking the conflict, discrimination, prejudice, and stereotype being experienced in today’s time. Among the countries in Asia, the Philippines is viewed as the ‘land of cultural diversity’ as it embodies a wide variety of culture. Aside from its widespread archipelago, being the world’s fifth largest island country, the Philippines has a longstanding experience of colonization and cultural exchange. Based on the Philippine Demographics, the country inhabits over 170 ethnolinguistic and 110 indigenous communities having 8 major dialects. Since the Philippine archipelago consists of an estimate of 7,641 islands, there has been a development of distinct cultures across the regions. For each region, there is a specific range of beliefs, cuisines, customs, dialects, languages, and traditions that differentiates them from other cultures. Furthermore, the rich blend of foreign and indigenous practices has greatly influenced the heterogeneity we have now. For example, it is common for us to interact with people speaking Tagalog, but some intonations, dialogues, and words are different due to the locale they come from. Hence, there has also been a rise of Filipinos born in a mixed-race, ethnicity, and heritage. As someone who came from a Filipino-Chinese lineage, being able to experience two distinct cultural backgrounds allowed me to comprehend and understand the importance of cultural diversity. Aside from acknowledging economic, ethnic, linguistic, political, and religious diversity, I realized that embracing one’s culture is accompanied by respecting differences, being open to various cultural perspectives, and inclusion throughout the years. Without appreciation and collaborative efforts, negative implications may occur. Therefore, it is true that “Differences identify us, but appreciation for diversity is what makes us one.” REFERENCES: International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO). (n.d.). Conveying the message. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.icdo.at/whatdo-we-do/ Kate Marshall, S. I. A. (2020, January 20). 'strength lies in differences, not similarities' - stephen covey. Hargreaves Lansdown. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.hl.co.uk/news/articles/archive/strength-lies-in-differences,-not-similarities Pier. (n.d.). Filipino culture - core concepts. Cultural Atlas. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipinoculture/filipino-culture-core-concepts Ramnac, A. (2015, January 27). Cultural diversity in the Philippines. Cultural Diversity in the Philippines. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://dameandedimarmockingjay.wordpress.com/#:~:text=The%20nation%20is%20divided%20between,the%20rich%20and%20t he%20poor Serra, E. et.al. (2016). Ambit Kultura: Advocating unity and harmony through celebrating beauty in diversity Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.xu.edu.ph/xavier-news/55-2016-2017/2182-ambit-kultura-advocating-unity-and-harmony-through-celebrating-beautyin-diversity Siytangco, A. (2018). DepEd to ensure inclusiveness, cultural diversity in its policies - Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://mb.com.ph/2018/12/18/deped-to-ensure-inclusiveness-cultural-diversity-in-its-policies-briones/ Smile, Hardy., M., & OrvalTrenwit. (2016, March 19). UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001). Dr. Zhiwen Hu. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from http://orcp.hustoj.com/unesco-universal-declaration-on-cultural-diversity-2001/ UNESCO. (2015, November 26). Cultural diversity. Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://en.unesco.org/creativity/cultural-diversity-0
