Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
2st semester, A.Y. 2024-2025
Oral Presentation Outline
Name: Ceristian B. Sarte Year & Section: BSED-2B
Instructor: Justin John Diegor Course Code: GE-PPC
I. Lesson: Perspective in Philippine Popular Culture: Nature and Definitions of Popular
Culture: Exile and Culture, and Diaspora Culture
II. Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
a. explain the concepts of exile and diaspora, including their causes and significance;
b. analyze the cultural and psychological impacts of exile and diaspora by identifying at least
three ways communities preserve their cultural identity; and
c. reflect on the global and societal impact of exile and diaspora communities and consider
how their contributions and challenges resonate with contemporary issues.
III. Body
Exile and Culture
Definition of Exile
Exile refers to the state of being barred from one's native country, often due to
political, social, or economic reasons. It involves a forced or voluntary departure that
disrupts an individual's sense of belonging and cultural identity.
Historical Context
Throughout history, various groups have faced exile, such as the Jews during the
Babylonian Captivity and the Armenian Genocide. A notable Philippine example is Jose
Rizal, a national hero exiled to Dapitan by the Spanish colonial government for his
writings that criticized its abuses. His exile highlights the interplay between oppression
and cultural resilience, as he continued his intellectual and social reforms during this
period.
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308
088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Causes of Exile
Exile can occur due to war, persecution, natural disasters, and political oppression.
Common causes include ethnic conflict, governmental repression, and violations of
human rights that force individuals to seek safety elsewhere.
Examples in the Philippines:
Political Exile: During the Marcos dictatorship (1972–1986), many political activists,
journalists, and academics fled the country to avoid persecution, imprisonment, or
death.
Ethnic Conflicts: In Mindanao, ethnic and religious tensions have displaced
Indigenous peoples and Muslims, forcing many into exile within or outside the
Philippines.
Psychological Impact of Exile
Exile profoundly affects mental health, causing feelings of isolation, depression, and
anxiety. The loss of cultural identity and community ties can lead to ongoing emotional
distress and identity crises.
Exile vs. Migration
While migration often involves voluntary movement for better opportunities, exile is
typically involuntary and fraught with hardship. Understanding this distinction helps
clarify the experience and consequences faced by exiled individuals.
Cultural Aspects of Exile
Transmission of Culture in Exile
In exile, cultural transmission often occurs through community networks, where
rituals, values, and customs are shared. Exiled individuals actively pass down their
heritage to the next generation, ensuring traditions survive despite displacement.
For example:
Filipino communities abroad organize celebrations like Fiestas or Simbang
Gabi, preserving religious and cultural traditions despite geographic separation from
their homeland.
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308
088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Role of Language
Language serves as a crucial marker of identity for exiled individuals and
communities. Maintaining their native language fosters a sense of belonging while
aiding cultural continuity and expression.
Preservation of Heritage
Exiled communities often establish cultural organizations to preserve heritage through
festivals, museums, and educational programs. These initiatives not only maintain
traditions but also promote cultural awareness among broader society.
Artistic Expressions
Art acts as a powerful medium for exiled individuals to express their experiences and
emotions. From literature to visual arts, these expressions often reflect themes of loss,
identity, and resilience.
Filipino authors like Carlos Bulosan, who experienced labor migration and
discrimination in the U.S., captured the struggles of exile and identity in his literary
works, such as America Is in the Heart.
Cultural Conflicts
Exiled communities may face cultural conflicts between maintaining their heritage
and adapting to the host society. These struggles can lead to tensions within communities
and impact individual identities.
Diaspora Culture
Understanding Diaspora
A diaspora refers to a group of people who have been dispersed from their homeland and
maintain connections to it. This phenomenon transcends borders and influences cultural,
social, and political dynamics in both home and host countries.
The Filipino diaspora, one of the largest in the world, spans across continents, driven by
labor migration and the search for better opportunities.
Characteristics of Diaspora Communities
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308
088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Diaspora communities often maintain strong cultural ties through language, traditions,
and customs. These groups typically exhibit resilience and adaptability, ensuring cultural
continuity while integrating aspects of their host cultures.
Filipino diaspora communities maintain cultural ties through language, religion, and
traditions. For instance:
Example:
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East often form tight-knit
communities where they celebrate Philippine Independence Day or participate in
religious gatherings, such as Catholic masses.
Identity and Belonging
Identity in diaspora communities is often multifaceted, blending elements of both the
homeland and the host country. This dual identity can foster a sense of belonging, though
it may also lead to challenges in terms of acceptance and integration.
The Filipino diaspora embodies a dual identity, blending Filipino values with host
country cultures. This multifaceted identity fosters resilience and adaptability but also
challenges individuals to reconcile cultural differences.
Influence on Host Countries
Diaspora populations contribute significantly to the socio-economic fabric of host
countries. Their cultural practices, entrepreneurship, and labor fill gaps, while their
diversity enriches the social landscape, influencing music, cuisine, and art.
The Filipino diaspora significantly impacts host countries:
Example:
In the United States, Filipino nurses and caregivers contribute to the healthcare
industry, while Filipino food (e.g., adobo, lumpia, and halo-halo) enriches the
culinary landscape.
In the Middle East, Filipinos are highly valued for their dedication in fields
like hospitality and domestic work.
Diaspora Networks and Solidarity
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308
088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Diaspora networks serve as crucial support systems, enhancing social capital and
promoting solidarity among members. These networks facilitate resource sharing,
advocacy, and cultural preservation, fostering a sense of community across borders.
Filipino diaspora networks, such as Filipino associations and Balikbayan programs,
strengthen solidarity. These organizations support members through resource-sharing,
advocacy, and cultural events, bridging the gap between the homeland and host
countries.
References
Akçam, T. (2006). A shameful act: The Armenian genocide and the question of Turkish
responsibility. Metropolitan Books.
Clifford, J. (1997). Routes: Travel and translation in the late twentieth century. Harvard
University Press.
Cohen, R. (2008). Global diasporas: An introduction (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Cultural Survival. (n.d.). Indigenous and displaced populations: Cultural preservation
initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.culturalsurvival.org
Dufoix, S. (2008). Diasporas. University of California Press.
Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). The Jewish diaspora: History, culture, and contributions.
Retrieved from https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org
Migration Policy Institute. (n.d.). Migration, exile, and diaspora studies. Retrieved from
https://www.migrationpolicy.org
Pew Research Center. (n.d.). Trends in migration and cultural integration. Retrieved from
https://www.pewresearch.org
Said, E. W. (2000). Reflections on exile and other essays. Harvard University Press.
Tölölyan, K. (Ed.). Diaspora: A journal of transnational studies. Routledge.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (n.d.). Syrian refugee crisis:
Cultural identity and resilience. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org
Vertovec, S. (1997). Three meanings of diaspora exemplified among South Asian religions.
Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies, 6(3), 277–299.
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308
088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph