Did you know that the concept of citizenship originated in Athens? Ancient Greeks were taught there was no distinction between public and private life, and participation in the political workings of the polis heavily influenced their way of living.

The present-day definition isn’t as rigid. There are many definitions of ‘citizenship,’ but to narrow it down, it means being part of a community and identifying yourself as a member of the said group. Citizens are the building blocks of society. So to speak, they serve as the roots of national development primarily because the range of interactions and experiences within the community contributes to its progress. 

Being a citizen comes with certain responsibilities and obligations towards your peers – but what exactly does it mean to be a good citizen? How does one become a good citizen? Below, we’ve listed a few pointers on how one can work towards becoming one:

Tip 1: Obey the law.

Laws were made for a reason and were designed to bring peace by maintaining order. Whether criminal or civil, it’s important to follow them. Nobody is above the law. Abiding by the law and following even the most basic of rules, like ‘Do not throw your trash here,’ may seem trivial but it can go a long way. After all, change begins with us. Over time, these little changes can amount to something significant that can potentially impact not just yourself but also those around you.

Tip 2: Respect your fellow Filipinos.

It’s important to be respectful – period. No exceptions. It’s not only about being polite towards others; as a member of society, learning how to build good relationships with your neighbors is equally important in ensuring things run smoothly. 

Relationships are the building blocks of communities. The bonds we form with others allow us to work towards our goals, and enriches our lives too. You know what they say about togetherness, the more the merrier! In even the simplest ways, keep the bayanihan spirit alive within your groups.

Tip 3: Support the community.

There are lots of ways to be one with the community. And support can come in many different forms! You can volunteer your time by reaching out to non-profit organizations and participating in neighborhood groups. Or you could donate proceeds to local charities and support local products and crafts from small businesses. 

But if time and money are something you can’t afford right now, don’t sweat it! You can always extend your moral support too. Whether to small-time business owners, to local bands, athletes, and artists, and even to the community leaders themselves, moral support can be just as meaningful as material support.

Tip 4: Be a responsible netizen.

Think twice – even thrice – before you share, post, or comment on your social media platforms. Be considerate and respectful towards the beliefs and opinions of other netizens to prevent any sort of conflicts or arguments online. There’s nothing inherently wrong with engaging in discourse, but it’s entirely possible to do so without going off the rails.

With the amount of distractions and influences – both good and bad – around today, it’s important to be mindful of our words and actions, and how they can affect others. It can be tempting to engage in a back and forth with trolls in the comments section but our take? Don’t. Your energy would be better redirected towards actions that can make a difference – like making sure that you fact-check the authenticity of the materials you share in social media and participating in the elections.

Tip 5: And finally, exercise your right to vote.

More than filling up your ballot come election day, it’s your civic duty to do the legwork too: join campaign initiatives to get more involved. Check with your local precinct if they’re looking for volunteers. Research on candidates who are running for office. But most of all, share relevant and up-to-date information with others to help them make well-informed decisions too.

Every voice matters. It may not seem like it, but you have no idea what making choices and fighting for the principles you stand by can do. You don’t need to participate in protests to be a good citizen of this nation, but you can take steps to make sure your voice is heard – like voting.