PHILIPPINES

F for Freedom, F for Fighter, F for Las Filipinas: A glimpse into liberalism in the Philippines

Recently, Veronica Burgstaller, Communications Manager at FNF Europe, joined the One Foundation Program in the Philippines, focusing on expanding global perspectives and fostering collaboration across different FNF offices. Here she narrates her experiences:

F for Freedom, F for Fighter, F for Las Filipinas. Of course, what was then called Las Filipinas, is now better known with its current spelling the Philippines. But I wanted to use this alliteration since I believe it embodies the spirit of the people of the Philippines. 333 years of Spanish colonization and 48 years of American colonization. And as with most colonized countries, the institutional void that comes with independence is often exploited by people who vied power. Independence never meant freedom, lest for the ordinary people. In fact, the struggle for freedom and democracy is a struggle that continues until today.

We usually don’t really think about how countries got their names. But all names emerged out of war and conquest. Some countries’ names carry an inherent meaning such as the United Kingdom, the official name after the Kingdom of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were united to one Kingdom. Or the middle country, zhongguo, better known in English as China, a name it got during the Warring States Period to distinguish the central states of ancient China from its peripheries. Some countries got their names during their long periods of colonization and their development into a nation-state. In fact, most countries’ names were given by their colonizers. Australia, Angola, Cote D’Ivoire, Brazil, the Bahamas, Jamaica, India, New Zealand, South Africa – just to name a few. The Philippines is no exception.  In 1521 a Portuguese explorer for Spain bumped into archipelagos isles in the western Pacific Ocean and decided to name them aptly after his employer - King Philipp the Second of Spain – The Philippines. The Philippine people. The people of the Philippines. The people of Philipp. The sons and daughters of Philipp. It is an irony that the citizens of a nation so far away from Spain, remain called by the name of their colonial father.

But it is also a reminder of their history, a history that is bound by their struggle towards freedom. And maybe history sometimes can only be viewed with irony to make sense of it, just like my tour-guide decided to - a history graduate and Catholic - like most Filipinos, who spoke with irony of the history of Catholicism, which is also the history of the colonization of the archipelago, because one cannot be separated from the other.

The tour guide was the first person here with whom I conversed about the politics and history of the Philippines. More correctly, the conversation was a lesson, with questions and answers, questions from me and answers from him. Certainly, current affairs are what interests me the most. When I asked him what he thought about his current president – Ferdinand Marcos Jr., it was with slight despair or rather sadness, when he stated how his fellow country people managed to vote for the son of a former dictator. “That’s our country” – he sighed.

That is the Philippines. Only that it is not. I quickly realized that the Philippines is much more complex than just “that.” As complex and diverse as the puto, the fermented rice cakes steamed in banana leaves. A staple dish, with varieties in size, consistency, toppings, differing from province to province, even from city to city.

I came to the Philippines as part of a unique program that the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) offers for its employees. The One Foundation is a programme to exchange knowledge and learn about the work of the foundation’s 30 offices around the world. Within this programme it is possible to travel to another office and immerse oneself in their work for up to a month. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other colleagues and learn about their projects. An opportunity I could not miss.

The differences are stark. And it starts with the weather, to the infrastructure and work culture. I just managed to arrive after a major typhoon hit the archipelago and submerged much of the country in foot-deep water. Still, when I woke up to the strong showers that are so common in the tropics, and would certainly be seen as a storm in Belgium, I naively asked, if people go to work in such weather. The answer was obviously a yes.

Food is of course an important part of the culture here, an aspect that I warmly welcomed. It is important in meetings and workshop that enough and enough good food, to emphasize the good, is provided for the participants. The programme schedule can be modified as long as time is given to enjoy the small-talk that comes with lunch. But as serious as the Philippines view food, as serious is their commitment to the betterment of the political conditions of their country. Here liberal politicians work knowing that their campaigning can lead to arrest, such as the former senator Leila de Lima, who was only released from detention in 2023 after six years. It was really an honor that I could meet the soft-spoken and inspiring lawyer and human rights activist if even just for a short encounter.

Another regional politician told me he campaigns undercover. When I asked how undercover campaigning works, he explained that he would only speak to people one-on-one.

Being a liberal foundation in a country where populist leaders have reigned also comes with its own challenges. Many of its project focus on the youth, which makes sense in a country that has one of the youngest population in the world. Political education are done in creative methods such as support for theater groups or film-screening on segments of Philippine history for example on the period of martial law under its dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s or the People’s Power Revolution in 1986 that brought the end of Marcos’ dictatorship. However, the foundation does maintain close ties to the Liberal Party of the Philippines, one of the oldest parties in the country as well as CALD – the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, a network for liberal parties and individuals in Asia.

Filipino liberalism emerged in the late 19th century through the influence of the "ilustrados," an enlightened class of Filipino intellectuals, notably José Rizal. They used the language of liberalism to critique Spanish colonial rule, advocating for reforms like freedom of the press, individual rights, and representative governance. Their ideas inspired the 1896 revolution and shaped the early nationalist movements in the Philippines. However, liberalism in the Philippines has eroded both morally and functionally under President Duterte’s election in 2016. His brutal war on drugs, marked by thousands of extrajudicial killings, has challenged the values of human rights and democracy. Duterte represented a moral failure of liberalism in the Philippines, but he also attacked the Liberal Party per se. For Paolo Zamora, Programme Manager of CALD, the main task in the Philippines now is to reclaim liberalism. And this will require reimagining its appeal to the citizens of the Philippines.

I want to thank first of all my director Jules Maaten who was the former head of the FNF Philippines office and who suggested me to go to Manila. Without his suggestion and support I would not have met all the wonderful colleagues, Pie, YanYan, Grace, Erica, Jean, and Ate Jo who went out their way to accompany me and made sure I get a taster of all things Philippines, from the food to riding the Jeepney. And finally a huge huge thank you to Almut, the current head of the office, who warmly welcomed me (with books on the political landscape of the Philippines), accomodated me in her house and made sure I felt at home. I hope that our paths will cross again! 

We are ONE: FNF’s commitment to Global Collaboration and Growth

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) places great emphasis on the well-being and professional development of its employees. Recognizing the importance of capacity-building activities, the Foundation aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of its workforce in order to foster both individual growth and organizational success.

FNF supports individuals who demonstrate passion and talent across various disciplines. The Foundation provides opportunities for those who actively advocate for liberal values and the promotion of human rights. Rooted in the principles of liberalism, FNF offers political education not only in Germany but also globally.

The employees of FNF who are well-established in their fields are encouraged to apply for seminars at the International Academy for Leadership (IAF), which are often held in Germany. These seminars provide in-depth training on topics ranging from Political Communication, Power of Networks, and Safeguarding Freedom in the Digital World to Liberalism 4.0 and many more. Additionally, FNF staff can apply for short diploma courses designed to refine specific skills so that they remain competitive in their respective areas of expertise.

Beyond scholarships and training programs, the Foundation supports various regional and international initiatives that promote cross-border knowledge exchange. These programs facilitate dialogue and collaboration among FNF offices worldwide which strengthens camaraderie and encourage knowledge sharing across different cultural contexts.

One key initiative is the "One Foundation Programme," which promotes international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding among FNF employees. Through this program, staff members can apply for month-long exchanges at FNF offices in other countries. This experience provides employees with the opportunity to broaden their global perspective, gain insights into different cultural and operational environments, and share best practices. The program not only enhances individual growth but also advance organizational cohesion, innovation, and improved communication within FNF’s global network.

Employees interested in joining the One Foundation Programme can express their interest through discussions with their Country Directors. While many exchanges are reciprocal, where staff from two countries swap roles for a period, there are instances where an individual simply applies for a placement abroad.

For instance, in June 2023, Erica Mae Pua, a Finance Officer from FNF Philippines, participated in the programme by working at the FNF Bangkok Regional Office. During her time there, she received training on Business Central 17, a comprehensive financial management tool designed to streamline organizational processes.

Through these exchanges, FNF staff gains a deeper understanding of not only the organizational structures of other offices but also the unique cultures and stories of their colleagues.

Pie Escobar