CHAPTER IV

FILIPINO CORE VALUES

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter the students should be able to.

1. Recognize and relate Filipino values, its structures, models, philosophical foundations, and elements.

BASIC CONCEPT OF VALUES

Core values are a person's or organization's fundamental beliefs. These guiding principles dictate
conduct and can assist individuals to know the distinction between right and wrong. It also assists
organizations by establishing an unwavering guide to determine if they are on the correct track and fulfil
their objectives. Values are essential because they assist us to grow. They assist us build the future that
we want to experience.

Hundreds of choices are made every day by every person and every organization. The choices we make
reflect our values and beliefs and are always aimed at a particular purpose. That aim is our person or
collective organizational) needs to be satisfied. When we make choices using our values, we create a
conscious decision to concentrate on what matters to us. They create inner cohesion within a group
when values are shared.

FILIPINO VALUES SYSTEM

Race strains and cultural components such as Aeta have derived Filipino values. Indonesians, Malayan,
Hindu and Chinese who created our moral scruples core. Cultural individuality combined with Spain-
derived cultural components. The U.S. and the contemporary planetary society (Panopio and Rolda.
2000). You can find Filipinos in almost every part of the globe. We rejoice at the sight of other co-
Filipinos when we're in a foreign nation as if there's something that connects us. Sometimes, if we don't
know a person's nationality, but he or she looks like a Filipino, we often ask, "Filipino ka ba?" And we are
happy when he or she answered "yes." However, if someone fails to satisfy our expectations in the
manner, they answer questions or in the manner they act, we say in frustration, "kapwa Filipino pa
naman."

Landa Jocano, a famous sociologist says that "there are no negative Filipino values, only the wrong use
of values". Values slowly alter, but it depends on how powerful families are to preserve, promote and
pass on our cultural values from one generation to the next.

Here in the Philippines, values are really of importance and should be respected. As we grow older, our
parents shaped us with different values. From the time we are born. Pagkalinga, pag-aaruga, at pakialam
(Care) were given by them. This value shapes our real Filipino culture, showing that we are conscious of
others.
The Filipino value system relates to the set of values or the value system that has historically been held
by most Filipinos in their life. This system of Philippine values involves the distinctive combination of
coherent ideologies, moral codes, ethical procedures. cultural etiquette and private values promoted by
the Philippine society. However, as with any culture, the values held sacred by any person may vary on
the grounds of religion, education, and other variables.

As a general description, Filipinos' separate value system is mainly rooted in private alliance systems,
particularly those based on kinship, duty, friendship, religion (especially Christianity) and business
interactions.

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF FILIPINO VALUES

For the most part, Filipino values are focused on preserving social harmony, mainly driven by a group's
willingness to be accepted. The primary sanction against diverging from these values are "Hiya" ideas,
approximately translated as "a sense of shame," and "Amor proper" or "self-esteem." Social approval,
group recognition, and group membership are significant issues. Caring for what others believe, say or
do is a powerful influence on Filipinos 'social behavior.

The Filipino philosophy is basically' non-dualistic,' according to anthropologist Leonardo Mercado. He

concludes, based on his linguistic analysis of Filipino value terms such as "loob" (Cebuano buot), that
Filipinos desire harmony, not only in interpersonal relationships, but also with nature and religion, while
remaining non dichotomous. The Filipino wants to harmonize the object and the subject while keeping
both as distinct at the same time.

MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES

1. Exogenous Model or the Foreign Model

A "legal and formal" model is defined as the international model. Filipinos from Western cultures,
particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans, inherited the foreign model. An example of foreign
or exogenous impact is the bureaucracy displayed in the Philippine government.
2. Indigenous Model or the Traditional Model
Described as a "traditional and non-formal" model or guide, the indigenous model is deeply integrated
in the Filipinos subconscious.

STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS OF FILIPINO VALUES

The Filipino value system is known to possess significant key components based on research, surveys,
observations, anecdotes, and other literatures developed by scholars and researchers in relation to
Filipino social values or core values, together with the Filipino character or identity of a person or
individual known as the Filipino.
One may notice how Hiya (ownership/dignity), Pakikisama (companionship/esteem), and Utang Na Loob
(gratitude/solidarity) are simply Surface Values - readily seen and appreciated by many Filipinos. These
three values are deemed branches of a single origin - Filipino Personality's real core value - Kapwa.

It implies' totality,' referring to society, or not doing stuff alone. Ibang Tao (other people) and Hindi
Ibang Taofnot other people) are two types of Kapwa. The Surface Values spin off the Core Value through
Pakikiramdam's Pivotal Aspect or mutual internal perception ("feeling for someone else").

Other notable elements or motivations are optimism about the future, pessimism about current
circumstances and activities, concern and concern for other individuals, the presence of friendship and
friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, spiritual nature, respect for oneself and others, respect for
the female members of society, fear of God, and abhorrence of cheating and other acts.

The values of the Filipinos specifically uphold the following elements: family unit solidarity, security of
the Philippine economy, orientation towards small groups, personalism, the concepts of "loob" or
"kalooban" meaning "what's inside the self," the "inner self or the "actual personal feelings of the self),
existence and maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships, and the sense of the self.

In a broader image, these values are categorized into clusters or "macro clusters":
1. Cluster of Relationships
2. Social Cluster
3. Cluster of Livelihoods
4. Cluster of Inwardness
5. Cluster of Optimism

THE FIVE CORE FILIPINO VALUES

Based on Dr. Ramirez's study "The Filipino Worldview and Values" and her perspectives as a
phenomenological sociologist from centuries of practice, here are the Five Core Filipino Values based on
a Filipino's Basic Aspirations.

Mapagpasalamat

This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to "Pamumuhay" (Life) and "Pananalig sa Diyos at Kapwa"
(God and People Faith). Filipinos understand how life can be enjoyed. We have plenty of vacations,
celebrations, occasions, and meetings. Filipinos are cheerful and sociable, of course. Even in depressing
circumstances, we wear smiles on our faces. That's because we're always looking at life's bright side.

We always have a positive outlook because, even in the smallest things, we always find things to be
grateful for. We would always say "Salamat sa Diyos" (Thank God) whenever excellent things occur
because Filipinos would attribute the blessings of life to the Higher Being from whatever religion. We
also recognize other people's excellent acts towards us and do our utmost to return the favor.
Matatag

Filipinos, being in a nation susceptible to natural disasters, have adjusted and learned to be powerful in
moments of need and in difficult circumstances that life throws at us. This power is derived from our
love for our family and our belief in the greater being. This is based on Filipino's "Kaayusan" (Order)
aspiration.

The popular phrase of the Philippines is "Ayos Na." When we can overcome problems, we say "Ayos
Na." We Filipinos are longing for "Kaayusan," and we will endure all and be powerful during hardships
and challenges until we overcome the barriers.

Masigasig

We do everything we can to get it when Filipinos dream of something. We're doing it for our loved ones
and relatives. This is based on the "Kasaganaan" (Abundance) and "Ginhawa" (Relief) aspiration of
Filipinos. Not for himself, but for his family, a Filipino aspires to abundance. Masaganang Bagong Taon
(Bountiful New Year) is the Filipino translation for Happy New Year because we match happiness and
celebration with abundance.

"Ginhawa" in Bisaya implies breath. And the soft breath flow is the soft life flow we call "Ginhawa."
"Ginhawa" is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino. according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) would be an instance of enduring being away from home to offer
their families a healthy life-abundance and relief from hardships.
Mapagmalasakit

It is because of our family love extended to friends, neighbors, and others that naturally sympathetic
Filipinos. This compassion allows us to assist others without in exchange asking for anything. This is
based on the aspiration of Filipinos to "Loob at Damdamin" and "Kapwa" (Other People). "Loob" is the
seat of the dignity of the Philippines. Filipino's personality is expressed in his "kalooban." Filipinos tune
in the "kalooban" of each other by checking the situation of each other and talking about the life of each
other.

Filipinos use "kapwa" to refer not only to a stranger, but to a relative, a neighbor next door, a distant
relative, or a friend because of our family culture. Our characteristic of "Mapagmalasakit" makes it
simple for us to promote the spirit of Bayanihan-to unite and assist one another during calamities and to
celebrate together on unique occasions.

Magalang

The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (hand kissing) are separate methods of regard for Filipino people.
We say these phrases and use this gesture to demonstrate our respect and love to the elderly. The
Filipinos' respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other people's properties, emotions, and
ideas. We are polite people. Our language is also respectful because it has no sex bias. For example, the
phrases "kapatid" (brother/ sister) or asawa (husband/wife) or "biyenan" (father in-law/mother-in-law)
or "anak" (son/daughter) do not show gender differences. These words are certainly sexing friendly
Filipino uniquely. Our respect for other people is an integral part of our culture and our language. This is
based on our "Lakas ng Loob" or "Kagandahang Loob" aspiration.

THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CORE VALUES

Being a noble profession, the police service demands from its members specialized understanding and
abilities, as well as a great standard of ethics and morality.

The members of the Philippine National Police must therefore conform to and internalize the key
principles of:

Love of God
Respect for authority.
Respect for women
Respect for sanctity of marriage.
Stewardship over material things.
Responsible dominion
Truthfulness

The Police service in the Philippines is expressed in the acronym SERVICE. The acronym SERVICE stands
for:

SERVANT HOOD

As police affirm its unconditional service and love for the nation and individuals, Police value a
supportive and professional role serving and protecting its clientele and community with honesty,
utmost devotion, and commitment above private concern.

EXCELLENCE

Police are committed to doing and making things occur effectively and efficiently in all their efforts as
they strive to accomplish more consistently and outstandingly with tangible outcomes and far beyond
their best.

RESPONSIBILITY WITH ACCOUNTABILITY

Police carry out and execute their responsibilities and tasks as their moral duty is to serve the public
with due diligence and always bearing in mind that they are accountable, and duty bound to promote
the public interest.

VALUING PEOPLE AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Police always maintain their fellow human beings' dignity whenever they cater to their needs and are
delicate and cautious in serving and protecting them with compassion and utmost regard for their
human rights.

INTEGRITY

Police take an uncompromising and coherent position in the fulfillment of their obligation to live an
honest, upright, and dignified life according to the highest ethical and moral norms where their
advocacy, values and convictions are compatible with their words and actions.

COURAGE

From their moral strength police draw their collective and individual power of approach to always
accept difficult duties, and they are courageous enough to speak out against temptation, anomalies,
corruption, and exploitation and stand firm.

EMPOWERMENT

Police reach out and create bridges of collaboration, nurture volunteerism and operate in harmony with
their clientele by training individuals for a better and safer society in the process.