JEEPNEY: A BEAUTIFUL REMNANT OF WORLD WAR II

How did World War II affect the Filipinos, and how have the effects of war influenced Philippine life and civilization in thereafter?

The occupation of the Philippines by Japanese forces in World War II led to at least two conditions that would have a permanent effect on the Filipino people.

First, the occupation of the national territory by unfriendly alien troops ignited the resistance movement, bringing home to the people the obligation to defend their territory and their acceptance of the need to sacrifice life and fortune to defend both territory and sovereignty.

Second, the shortage of staples and commodities basic to a decent life in turn led to the degradation of the populace and the consequent deterioration of moral and ethical values, providing the foundation for a culture of corruption. (from the Free Press Century Book)

World War II destroyed many of our cities. But one of the remnants of the war was the American jeep used by the allied American forces during the war. The ingenuity of the Filipinos turned the war-torn jeep into a passenger vehicle called JEEPNEY. The jeepneys we regularly see on our streets have improved in beauty and speed through the years. Because of its uniqueness, it became a national symbol and treasure. JEEPNEY is truly a Pinoy invention! Every Pinoy should be proud of it.

Every time we take a jeepney going to our place of destination, we feel the Pinoy spirit just like when we proudly wear our Barong Tagalog going to the office or attending an affair. When we travel abroad, we miss a lot of things about the Philippines. One of those things are the jeepneys we ride everyday going to our place of destination. Why? "Sapagkat iba ang dugo na nananalaytay sa isang Pinoy." No foreign culture can replace the innate Filipino spirit given by the Lord.

Note: The photos were downloaded from Google, but edited on PS Express in my IPAD.