'Toy napigket nga daga
Pitpitenmi nga umuna
Danggayanmi't kankanta
Takkiagmi a napigsa
Kettang ken bannogmi
dikam igingina 

     Mannamili
     Ilokano Folk Song

Raymund Liongson

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the Ilokano concept of nakem — operationally defined in this presentation as critical consciousness — and explores its role in social action and advocacy.  Nakem is more than mere consciousness, which in Ilokano is simply puot.  Nakem is awareness of one’s being and becoming.  It is a dynamic rather than a static state, and therefore, assumes a constantly changing and revolutionary character.  The object of nakem is not limited to a person’s consciousness.  It transcends the self and inevitably invades the world, examining and acting on it.  Consequently, nakem demands conscientious action to existing conditions, steadfastly preserving what it deems is of value and irreverently ridding off what is undesirable.  A person who has nakem — nanakman — assumes personal as well as social responsibility.  Translating that sense of accountability to spirited action, the person inescapably becomes an advocate and activist of his or her cause.   

______________________________

Raymund Liongson, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Philippine Studies at Leeward Community College, a campus of the University of Hawaii.  He is also President of the Filipino Coalition for Solidarity, a rights advocacy group in Hawaii founded in 1990 and a member of the board of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) - Region 12, covering Hawaii, Guam and the Marianas Islands.

Nakem Centennial Conference Secretariat
E-mail: nakemconference@yahoo.com or precye@aol.com
Phone:  808-956-8405.  FAX:  808- 956-5978
Website developed and maintained by Raymund Ll. Liongson