What is the New Society in the Philippines?

With the declaration of Martial Law, President Marcos popularized the New Society which he claimed was envisioned to carry out a meaningful social change. In order to create a positive image in the public consciousness as well as in the local and foreign media that he was serious in effecting these changes, he initiated the following:

1. Dismissal from office of civil servants who were found guilty of corruption and abuse of authority;

2. Punishment of drug pushers;

3. Setting curfew to solve worsening criminality rate;

4. Popularization of "Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa" philosophy to instill nationalism among Filipinos; and

5. Training of citizens to be disciplined and law-abiding.

Meanwhile, in order to entertain and relieve the people from alarming social and political problems, his government initiates the following:

1. Establishment of theme parks such as the Coconut palace in Pasay, Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay and National Arts Centre in Makiling, Laguna; and cultural institutions such as Cultural Centre of the Philippines, Folk Arts Centre and Film Centre.

2. Sponsorship of cultural shows;

3. Popularization of indigenous culture;

4. Manipulation of the contents of the newspapers and textbooks on his favour;

5. Bribery of media commentators in order to sugar-coat the programs of his administration; and

6. Publication and popularization of literature about his political philosophy such as "democratic revolution" and "revolution from the center".

by angelica uy