Developing a Filipino Identity: Values, Traits, Community and Institutional Factors

The Filipino culture is a mix of both eastern and western cultures.

Malays

The Malays made a large contribution to Philippine history. Temperament and Family

Spaniards

Christianity and Political Organization

Americans

English Language

British and Japanese

No cultural influence

Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan

Psychologist educator and (former) chairperson on Higher Education She wrote that the strengths and
weaknesses of Filipino characters are rooted in factors.

Filipino Character are rooted in factors:

Home Environment

Filipinos are taught to value family and give it primary importance

Social Environment

Characterized by depending on one another to survive

Culture and Language

Depict openness to foreign elements with no basic consciousness of our cultural core.

History

Regarded as the culprit behind our colonial mentality.

Infographic Style

Mass media

The emphasis on the superiority of an imported brand or product through mass media

The Educational System

Is also instrumental in molding the strengths of the Filipino character. Schools are highly authoritarian

The political environment

The political power is mainly in the hands of the elite, and the absence of a strong government.

The economic environment

The hard life drove Filipinos to work hard and take risks, such as leaving our families to work abroad.

Religion

Taught us optimism and resilience, however, it also instilled in us a fatalistic attitude

Leaders and Role Model

When our leaders violate the law and when there is lack of accountability for leaders who break the law,
the Filipino mindset is hugely affected in a negative way.

Strengths of the Filipino Character

Pakikipagkapwa-tao
Demonstrated in the Filipino's openness, helpfulness, and generosity, in the practice of bayanihan or
mutual assistance and the famous Filipino hospitality

Family orientation

This love is shown through giving honor and respect to parents and elders, care for the children,
generosity toward kin, and the personal sacrifices that a Filipino endures for the welfare of the family.

Joy and Humor

Filipino are also cheerul and fun-loving Our various fiestas and Social gatherings demonstrate the
Filipino joy and humor.

Flexibility, Adaptability, and creativity

Filipinos are also tremendous in adapting to any circumstances.

Hardwork and industry

This trait is most noticeable in our willingness to take nsks and work in other countries

Faith and Religiosity

Filipinos also value faith and religiosity. This can be related to our bahala na mindset. There is actually a
positive side to this fatalistic trait. For Filipinos the bahala na attitude could serve as a "kickstarter" or a
"pampalakas loob" to move him or her into action.

Ability to Survive

The salawikain or proverb "matutong mamaluktot kabang maikli ang kumot depicts our survival
instincts. This trait is the reason why Filipinos continue to carry on even through our harsh, economic
and social circumstances.

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

Extreme Personalism

Filipinos find it difficult to separate objective tasks from emotional involvement. This is where palakasan
system springs from.
Lack of Discipline

Characterized by the idiomatic expressions ningas cogon and relates to Filipino time.

Extreme family-centeredness

Is manifested in our political system where political dynasties lord over our elected government posts
starting from the barangay level to the national positions.

Passivity and lack of initiative

Filipinos have a very high respect for authority that leads to general passivity and lack of initiative.

Colonial Mentality

Filipinos love anything foreign. Foreign elements are adapted and incorporated into our image, and in
the process, we are losing our cultural identity.

Kanya-kanya syndrome

Has dampened our sense of community and cooperation, and we trample on one another's right as well.

Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection

Is the expression that Filipinos are "madaling makalimot or have a short memory.

Democracy

- Is a government in which the supreme power is vested in and exercised by the people directly or
indirectly through a system of representation, usually involving periodically held free elections.

Example 1

Democracy helps prevent cruel and vicious autocrats from ruling.

Example 2

It fosters human development more fully than do other forms of government.

Example 3

Democracy helps protect fundamental individual rights and interests.

Example 4

Democratic societies provide people the maximum opportunity to take moral responsibiltly for their
choices and decisions.

Example 5

Democratic societies offer a relativity high chance of political equality.