The Basic Values of the Filipinos

NSTP as a citizenship training scheme focuses on translating the good citizenship values as
reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution into concrete action in building a better Philippines.
Hence, emphasis in this input is placed on the 16 basic Filipino values based on the 1987
Philippine Constitution.

Preamble

We, the sovereign Filipino people

imploring the aid of Almighty god,
in order to build a just and humane society
and establish a Government
that shall embody our ideals and aspirations,
promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony,
and secure to ourselves our posterity the blessings of independence
and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth,
justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace,
do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

Meaning of Preamble

The term preamble is derived from the Latin word “preambulare” which means “to walk
before”. It is the prologue of the Constitution. Cluster below are the good citizenship values
that are reflected in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution:

The Maka-Tao Cluster The Maka-Bayan Cluster

The Maka-Diyos Cluster
6. Love 11. Unity
1 .Faith in the Almighty 7. Freedom 12. Equality
God 8. Peace 13. Respect for the law and
2. Respect for Life 9. Truth Government
3. Order 10. Justice 14. Patriotism
4. Work
15. Promotion of Common
5. Concern for the Family
Good
and Future Generations

The Maka-Kalikasan Cluster

16. Concern For the Environment

The Good Citizenship Values Clusters

Faith in the Almighty God

The Bible says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)

Respect for Life

We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder
or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.
Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear sign, yet, even after that, many of
them continued to commit excesses in the land (5:32) Qur’an.

Order
Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso
guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his
own loss. You certainly are not their keeper (39:41) Qur’an.

Work
Confucius says, “Give fish to a man, he will have food to eat for a day; teach him how to fish
and he shall have food throughout his lifetime.” And, “if man will not work, he shall not eat” (2
Thessalonians 3:10).

Concern for the Family and Future Generations

“The family is an essential factor in the general, social and even political life. Constant living
together of husband and wife, and of parents and children, contributes to the development of a
strong sense of duty, of an aptitude for heroic sacrifices, and of the love by future generations of
the traditional and moral conquest of those who preceded them. The family is an indispensable
element of social cohesion and equilibrium”.
I shall live a life that is based on the right values and serve as an inspiration to others who
may be struggling to strengthen their own faith in God.

1. I have the gift of faith in God;

2. The gift of faith in God in me needs to be nurtured;
3. My life is strengthened by my faith in God; and
4. A strong faith in God, coupled with other important values, will improve my life and
those of others.