Stephie Andielic F.

Mabaga December 2, 2014

2014-40782 F-1R

UNITY OVER DIVERSITY

Thesis Statement:

Unity seems difficult to achieve because of cultural differences in the Philippines, but
once we understand one another and connect the links between different ethnic groups
in our country, we can come closer to achieving unity.

I. Unity is being one

II. Cultural differences make it hard for ethnic groups to be united

A. Each region has its own identity
1. Location
2. Dialect
3. Practices and beliefs
B. History is a proof between the conflicts in the Philippines
1. The war between Filipino Muslims and Christians
2. The rivalries between different regions
III. Individual beliefs is one thing that hinders unity
A. Unique way of understanding and comprehending
B. Different perspectives in life
IV. Communication lifts the barriers of misunderstanding
A. Cultural interaction
B. Exchange of knowledge between cultures
V. Man cannot stand alone
A. Interdependence is a factor that contributes to unity
B. Two is better than one
VI. Having one goal and desire is the missing link to achieving unity
Stephie Andielic F. Mabaga December 2, 2014
2014-40782 F-1R

UNITY OVER DIVERSITY

Unity is the sense of oneness with our fellow humans. The essence of unity in diversity is
having one common goal but different ways in achieving it. We have unique identities and
capabilities but each plays an important role towards the same goal. We need to be intact and
one in purpose, we need to stand together as one body. Being united is not being the same or
identical, what it really means is the harmony of different people despite of the barriers of all
aspects (Team GVC11-09, n.d.).

Philippines is composed of different ethnic groups that is why it has a diverse culture.
Hiligaynons from Ilo-Ilo are known for being sweet and they are famous with their La Paz
Batchoy. The Ilokanos from Ilocos was known for being thrifty and they love Pinakbet. Aetas
from Zambales are known for their crafts made out of indigenous materials. These are
examples of the different cultures in our country.

History has proven in many conflicts in the Philippines that unity between groups and
regions is the only way to peaceful and harmonious living. The reason for the clash between
Filipino Muslims and Christians were massive property, poor governance, injustice and abuse of
power, exploitation of cultural communities and lack of recognition of ancestral heritage. There
is a separation in their beliefs that is why it is often called as a “religious conflict” but because
their differences it also has an identity conflict which characterizes them. The rivalries between
regions are due to the competitiveness of each one of us, but we can transform this thing into a
positive way that will benefit us and our country (C.P. Network, 2014).

No two are exact duplicates. We as Filipinos have many differences because we came
from different places. We are physically separated from each other and that is how people
create individual differences. Individual beliefs is one thing that hinders unity. Only few people
are able to comprehend and understand a peculiar belief from other individual because each
one and every one of us has different perspectives in life.

Communication lifts up the barriers of misunderstanding and lets the rivers of

acceptance and open mindedness flow out from both sides of the previous walls. I believe that
unity can only be achieved with proper way of understanding and communication. Just like any
follower in a group, one must be able to listen and understand the leader rather than just hear
their words and meddle. Communication has been a great influence to us. This is where we
interact with each other and thus, creates a society. Communication, in many aspects and
events, has bridged previous people in our past and with the quotation "History repeats itself."
There's no doubt the same personal and heartfelt communication can unite different cultures
in the very same way.

No man is an island. We are created not to be alone but to be one of the warriors for
change. Interdependence and cooperation are factors that we must obtain for us to able to
contribute to unity for our societal progress and transformation. In a broom stick, a bundle of
sticks is more stable and can clean a larger area than a piece of stick. A group is better than an
individual. Our goal and common desire serves as the rope that will tie and bind us to be one.

Unity in a society is possible; we just need a response from everyone. It's not so much as
lack of unity but lack of will to accept another culture. Once we learn to understand and accept
each other we do learn unity. There must be something to fill the gaps between us, and this is
our desire to achieving unity. We may have different minds, but if we have one heart and soul,
we can come closer to our goal.
 All distances in the Roman Empire were measured relative to that point. Geoffrey
Chaucer Father of English Poetry used the first English version Right as diverse pathes leden the
folk the righte wey to Rome. in Treatise on the Astrolabe. The Roman proverb was Mille viae
ducunt homines per saecula Romam .

Interpretation: In simple language it means Different paths can lead to the same goal. In
idiomatic English it can be understood as there can be many different ways of doing the same
thing which is the meaning of Unity in Diversity.

We agree to differ can be another way of looking at the same viewpoint. Like the five
fingers of our hand, each with a different name and a different look, yet when attached to a
palm becomes a hand and reaches out to shake hands in order to make friends, joins together
as Namaste a greeting or packs a powerful punch when the need arises, we need to stand
together with unity of purpose, reinforce each other’s strengths, come together, fall in place
like the pieces of a jig-saw puzzle and stand together as one entity called humanity, fight
against social evils, and strive for Peace ,Unity and Universal Brotherhood.

Team GVC11-09. (n.d.). Unity in Diversity [Web log post]. Retrieved from
http://winners.virtualclassroom.org/1109/
 The Asian Center for the Progress of the People reported in May 2004 that these are the
main causes of the conflict: (1) massive poverty; (2) poor governance; (3) injustice and abuse of
power; (4) exploitation of cultural communities; and (5) lack of recognition of ancestral
heritage.

While the conflict in Mindanao is often labeled a “religious conflict,” it is more

accurately understood as a conflict between two different groups with separate identities. In its
“identity conflict,” religion is used as one of any number of distinguishing characteristics of the
groups.

Catholic Peacebuilding Network. (2014). [Web Log Post]. Retrieved from

http://cpn.nd.edu/conflicts-and-the-role-of-the-church/the-philippines/overview-of-the-
conflict/