The question presents you with several tasks:
- Read the poem carefully.
- Look up what the "present situation of the Filipinos" is.
- Read Filipino commentary on the poem.
- Look for an example of another place in the world where a similar situation exists.
We know that all the peoples of the world live under a wide variety of conditions; unfortunately, many are subservient to colonial-style rulers, while others are working to claim their independence, which is very difficult.
A.T. Daguio's poem resonated with many Filipinos, so the time reading on how the poem resonates or doesn't with people there would give you valuable insight. Here is an article called "In Focus: Amador T. Daguio: A Turning-point in Filipino Poetry from English."
https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/in-focus/amador-t-daguio-a-turning-point-in-filipino-poetry-from-english/
Writer Gemino H. Abad writes, "From that vantage, it can be said that our writers and artists, who are men and women of imagination, create our country. That is to say: they evoke those images of ourselves as we live life day and night, those images of ourselves which we share and by which we recognize our nativity. We are our own best interpreters of our history and culture because it is we who have lived through that history and created our own values by which we live."
Follow these steps to lay a foundation of understanding of the assignment. Make an appointment with a tutor to continues the conversation, so I can help you refine your ideas.
