The Teacher & Community, School Culture & Organizational Leadership

Activity- Let’s Read These

Schools are there for society. Their relevance is proven by their ability to address socio-cultural
problems. What are these social issues or problems that school should help address? We have a number of
them but let’s focus on the weaknesses of the Filipino character.

The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

1. Extreme family centeredness- Excessive concern for the family means using one’s office and power to
promote family interests and thus factionalism 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 persona 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 equality control. Impatience results n short cuts, palusot, ningas cogon.
Lack of discipline often results to 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 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.

5. Colonial mentality- Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness appreciation 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-reflection- The tendency to be superficial and somewhat flighty. In the
days 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 reinforced by
an educational system that is more than substance.

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 for, 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?
Application- Let’s Apply

1. Teacher observes that when students submit report, the more ornate and artistic the folder is, the less
substantial the report. Which weakness in the Filipino character is pointed to? If you were the teacher, how
do you counteract such?

2. In line with government’s austerity program, DepEd reiterates the following policies:

a. Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful to encourage civil rights, a sense of community,
and personal responsibility. These rites mark a milestone in the life of the learners, these should
be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire or extraordinary venue;

b. Moving up or Completion Ceremonies should be simple, involving only the learners, their parents
and the school; and

c. Non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, Junior-Senior promenade,
and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for graduation or completion
(D.O.# 02, s. 2019)

Question: Which of the weaknesses of the Filipino does this DepEd Order wish to help eliminate? Explain.

3. In a post-observation conference, school heads cites points for improvement for the teacher observed. It
happens that there are more points for improvement than positive points. Teacher concludes the school
head is biased against her.

Question: Which Filipino weakness is revealed? What should be done?

4. What should be done in the Philippine basic education system so that it is more substance than form?

5. Cite instances where 1) extreme family centeredness, 2) lack of discipline, 3) passivity and lack of initiative,
4) colonial mentality, 5) kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality, 6) lack of self-analysis and self-reflection
are manifested in Philippine society.

Question: How schools can help counteract such negative traits? Explain.
Let’s Check for Understanding

In 1988 Senator Leticia Ramos 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 Filipino character
are:

1) Pakikipagkapwa-tao

2) Family orientation

3) Joy and humor

4) Flexibility, adaptability and creativity

5) Hard work and industry

6) Faith and religiosity

7) Ability to survive

1. List the strengths of the Filipinos then in a phrase or clause, explain when that strength becomes a
weakness.

Strength It becomes a weakness when

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.