A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People--Building a Nation

by Patricia Licuanan

Building a people means eliminating our weaknesses and developing our strengths. We must
take a good look at ourselves--objectively with scientific detachment, but also emotionally,
lovingly and, when appropriate, with disgust and accept them as part of who we are.

One of the strength of the filipino character is pakikipagkapwa-Tao (regard for others).
Pakikipagkapwa-tao is manifested in a primary feel of justice and fairness, and in difficulty for
others. Because of pakikipagkapwa-tao, Filipinos are very touchy to the nice of interpersonal
relationships and are very depending on them: if our relationships are satisfactory, we're glad
and secure. Pakikipagkapwa-tao effects in camaraderie and a sense of closeness one to
another. Family orientation is also one of the strength of the filipino character filipinos possess
a genuine and deep love for the family, which includes not simply the spouses and children,
parents, and siblings, but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents, and other
ceremonial relatives. To the Filipino, one family is the source of personal identity, the source of
emotional and material support.

Filipino also have a weakness characteristics first is extreme personalism filipinos see the world
from an interpersonal perspective, and the degree to which a person can personally relate to
things and people determines their perception of their existence and value. This individualism
manifests itself as a personal interpretation of behavior, a tendency to “take things personally”.
In fact, there is some basis for that interpretation, since Filipinos have their own personal views
of criticism and praise. Because of this personalistic world view, Filipinos have difficulty dealing
with all forms of impersonal stimuli. Next is the extremely family-centeredness sometimes
families become too clannish. For example, a community project maybe awarded by
government official to his family member or relative because it will profit this person.

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