The New Society started in 1972 and focused on the development of the country. It tried to stop pornography and established a new office called the Ministry of Public Affairs. The government also reviving old plays such as the Cenaculo, Zarzuela and Embayoka of the Muslims. Singing both Filipino and English songs received fresh incentives and those sent abroad promoted many Filipino songs. Weekly publications like KISLAP and LIWAYWAY helped to develop literature in the Philippines during the New Society period. Filipino poets such as Ponciano Pineda, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente Dimasalang, Cir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz wrote poems about patience, respect for native culture, customs, and nature. Composers such as Freddie Aguilar, Jose Marie Chan, and Tito, Vic and Joey also contributed to the period. ANAK of Freddie Aguilar became an instant success due to its spirit and emotions.The government led in reviving old plays and dramas, such as the Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the Muslims, which were presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Many schools and organizations also presented varied plays, such as the Sining Embayoka at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In 1977, the Tales of Manuvu was added to these presentations, performed by Celeste Legaspi, Lea Navarro, Hadji Alejandro, Boy Camara, Anthony Castello, Rey Dizon and choreographed by Alic Reyes. The following organizations contributed to the development of plays during this period: PETA of Cecille Guidote and Lino Brocka, Repertory Philippines of Rebecca Godines and Zenaida Amador, UP Repertory of Behn Cervantes, and Teatro Filipino by Rolando Tinio. Radio and television continued to be patronized, with play series like SI MATAR, DAHLIA, ITO AND PALAD KO, and MR The New Society of the Philippines was characterized by a number of popular television plays, such as Gulong ng Palad, FLOR DE LUNA, and ANNA LIZA, as well as popular Filipino films such as Pista ng mga Pelikulng Pilipino (Yearly Filipino Film Festival).
Bilingual education was initiated by the Board of National Education in 1958 and continued up to the period of Martial Rule in 1972. The focus of education and culture was on problems of national identity, re-orientation, renewed vigor and a firm resolve to carry out plans and programs. The forms of literature that led during this period were essays, debates, and poetry. Short stories, novels, and plays were no different in style from those written before the onset of activism.
Photo credit/reference: The Period of Activism and the New Society. (2014, November 3). Philippine Literature. https://group4lit1webpage.wordpress.com/period-of-activism-and-the-new-society/#:~:text=Period%20of%20the%20New%20Society%20(1972%2D1980)&text=The%20New%20Society%20tried%20to,and%20so%20with%20school%20organizations.