Lesson 8: The Filipino Character

The Filipino Character: Strengths and Weaknesses

Below is an excerpt of the report “A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People, Building a Nation"
submitted on April 27, 1988 by the Task Force to President Corazon Aquino, the Senate and the members of the
press by then Senator Leticia Shahani, the moving spirit behind the program.
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' office and power to
promote family interests and thus functionalism patronage, political dynasties and the protection of
erring family members. It results in lack of concern for the common good, and acts as a block to national
consciousness.
2. Extreme personalism - "Takes 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 the graft and corruption evident in
Philippine Society.
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 quality control. Impatience results in short cuts, palusot,
ningas cogon. Lack of discipline often results in inefficient work systems, the violation of rules and a
casual work ethic lacking follow through.
4. Passivity and lack of initiative - Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others (leaders and
government), complacence, lack of a sense of urgency. There is high tolerance for inefficiency, poor
service, and even violations of one's basic rights. Too patient and matiisin, too easily resigned to his fate,
the Filipino is easily oppressed and exploited.
5. Colonial mentality - Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness, apprèciation and love of the
Philippines and an actual preference for things foreign.
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,
7. Lack of self-analysis and self-refection - The tendency to be superficial and somewhat flighty. In the
face of serious personal and social problems, there is lack of analysis or reflection and instead
satisfaction with superficial explanations and solutions.
8. Emphasis on porma rather than substance -. This lack of analysis and emphasis on form is reinforce
by an educational system that is more form than substance.
These weaknesses are rooted in many factors.:
 Home
 Social and economic environment
 Culture and language
 History
 Religion
 Educational system
 Mass media
 Leadership
 Role models.
Change s possible, however, and the following goals are proposed to develop in the Filipino:
(1) a 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
In the same report in 1988, Senator Leticia Shahani said, the strengths of the Filipino character are:
* Pakikipagkapwa-tao,
* Family orientation,
* Joy and humor,
* Flexibility, adaptability and creativity,
* Hard work and industry,
* Faith and religiosity and
* Ability to survive.

Values Education in Schools