Where is Negros?

     Another geographical and historical mistake was committed by ABS-CBN in it's latest Lupang Hinirang video featuring an all-star cast. As expected, the video promoted nationalism by taking pride in being a Filipino. Filipino traditions, cultures and environs were prominently featured.

     Everything seemed perfect except for a glaring error in the Philippine map at the end of the video - the land where sugar is sweet is nowhere to be found. I'd like to believe that this is an honest mistake from the makers of the video and they have to correct it asap. Negros is part and parcel of our history as a nation, it had it's share of triumphs and tribulations that have contributed to the making of the Filipino nation.

     Each of us should be reminded of the importance of geography in the study of history. Space provides the stage where events take place. It is a given element that can influence the course of history. To simply put it, even a single missing island (regardless of the size) will definitely affect our story as a people. Therefore, it is proper to be mindful of this, especially that it is being shown in national television and even beyond the Philippines. So many issues would sprung up from this incomplete Philippine map. Negros, by the way, is larger than Cebu, it can't be easily missed out. In any case, there's always room for corrections, and i hope ABS-CBN will pay attention to this in the soonest possible time.