CHAPTER 4

The Strengths And

Weaknesses of the
Filipino Character: A
Socio - Cultural Issue
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Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this Chapter,
students should be able to:

❑ Cite ways by which

❑ Discuss the strengths
schools can
and weaknesses of the
counteract the
Filipino Character
weaknesses of the
Filipino character.
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The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

1. Extreme family centeredness – Excessive concern for family means using one’s office
and power to promote family interests and thus functionalism patronage, political dynasties and
the protection of erring family members. It results in the lack of concern for the common good,
and acts as a block to national consciousness.
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The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

2. Extreme Personalism – Take things personally, cannot separate objective task from
emotional involvement. Because of this the Filipino is uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with
rules and regulations and with standard procedures. He uses personal contacts, and gives
preference to family and friends in hiring services and even voting. Extreme personalism leads
to graft and corruption evident in Philippine society.
The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:
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3. Lack of discipline – A casual attitude toward time and space. Manifested in lack of
precision and compulsiveness, in poor time management and procrastination. Aversion to
following procedures strictly results in lack of standardization and equality control. Impatience
results in short cuts, palusot, ningas cogon. Lack of discipline often results to inefficient work
systems, the violation of rules and a casual work ethic lacking following through.
The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:
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4. Passivity and lack of initiative – Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others
(leaders and government), complacence, lack of sense of urgency. There is high tolerance of
inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of one’s basic right. Too patient and matiisin,
too easily resigned to his fate, the Filipino is easily oppressed and exploited.
The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:
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5. Colonial Mentality – Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness, appreciation and love

of the Philippines and an actual preference for things foreign.
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The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

6. Kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality – Done by tsismis , intriga, unconstructive

criticism….. It is evident in the personal ambition that is completely insensitive to the common
good, e.g., the lack of a sense of service among people in the government bureaucracy. This
results in the dampening of cooperative and community spirit, and in the trampling upon
other’s rights.
The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:
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7. Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection – The tendency to be superficial and somewhat

flighty. In the dace of serious personal and social problems, there is lack of analysis or
reflection, and instead satisfaction with superficial explanations and solutions.
The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

8. Emphasis on porma rather than substance – This lack of analysis and emphasis on form
is reinforced by an educational system that is more from than substance.
These weakness are rooted in many factors:

a. home, social and economic environment

b. culture and language
c. history and religion
d. educational system
e. mass media
f. leadership and role models
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Change is possible, however, and the following goals are

proposed to develop in the Filipino :

1 . Sense of patriotism and national pride ;

2 . A sense of the common good ;

3 . A sense of integrity and accountability ;

4 . The values and habits of discipline and hard work ;

5 . The value and habits of self - reflection and analysis ;

6 . The internalization of spiritual values and the emphasis

on essence rather than on form .

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Analysis – Let’s Analyze

1. Do you agree with the findings? Why or why not? Explain your
answer.

2. According to the report, one weakness of the Filipino character is

lack of analysis and emphasis on form (porma). The report states
that this lack of analysis and emphasis on form are reinforced by an
educational system that is more form than substance.

❖ What is meant by an educational system that is more form than

substance?
❖ Do you agree that the Philippine education system is more form
 than substance? If yes, why? If not, why not?

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The Filipino Character: Strength and Weaknesses

In 1988 Senator Leticia Shahani submitted to the Senate this Report titled “A
Moral Recovery Program: Building a People, Building a Nation”. This report cites
the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character. The strengths of the
Filipinocharacter are:
1.Pakikipagkapwa-tao 4. Flexibility, Adaptability and
Creativity
2. Family Orientation 5. Hard Work and Industry
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3. Joy and Humor 6. Faith and Religiosity and

7. Ability to Survive
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The Filipino Character also has Weaknesses

1 . Extreme Family Centeredness

2 . Extreme Personalism

3 . Lack of Discipline

4 . Passivity and Lack of Initiative

5 . Colonial Mentality

6 . Kanya - kanya Syndrome, Talangka Mentality

7 . Lack of Self - Analysis and Self - Reflection, and

8 . Emphasis on Porma rather than substance .

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VALUE EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

Senator Shahani’s Report was given in 1988 . But it’s findings

as reported may still be true today . The Department of

Education has as it’s vision to help develop … “Filipinos who

passionately love their country and whose values and

competencies enable them to realize their full potential and

contribute meaningfully to building the nation .

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It has it’s core values

Maka - Diyos

Maka - Tao

Makakalikasan

Makabansa
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VALUE EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

This can be an uphill battle for Philippine schools to realize

these considering the :

1 . Extreme Family Centeredness

2 . Extreme Personalism

3 . Lack of Discipline

4 . Passivity and Lack of Initiative

5 . Colonial Mentality

6 . Kanya - kanya Syndrome, Talangka Mentality

7 . Lack of Self - Analysis and Self - Reflection, and

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Activity no. 7
1 . List the weaknesses of the Filipino Character, explain each

in a sentence .

2 . List the strengths of the Filipino then in a phrase or clause,

explain when that strength becomes a weakness .

Strength It becomes a weakness when