An Ethical Principle

By: Cryz U. Dagpin

BSN-1B
 INTRODUCTION
VOL. 12/2023 ETHICAL PRINCIPLE OF MAKIBAGAY
Photo Credits: Village Pipol The closest English translation of Makibagay is “to conform”
with a group in order to maintain a Smooth-Sailing
interpersonal relationship. This emphasizes a harmonious
relationship along with others.

This principle holds that morality is relative to the way we

conform with other people. That is, whether the action of
“makibagay” in a certain group is right or wrong depending
on how genuine and real the intention is. What others may
perceive is true, might be unreal and fabricated for some.

Ethical principles are important as they serve

This encompasses the values and behaviors that contribute
as a guide for judging right and wrong in our
to relationships, encouraging human beings to contribute
daily lives. With this, these principles are
positively to their communities, supporting individuals,
thoroughly reviewed as they justify actions
showing genuineness, and participating in activities for the
and moral standards.
benefit of the greater good.

Makibagay came from two words, Maki-,

This contributes to harmonious social interactions and
which means to join in doing something; to
relationships. It requires thoughtful decision-making and a
do something with others and Bagay, that
commitment to fostering positive connections without
either came from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian or
compromising fundamental moral principles.
from Malay, Bagai, Tamil, which means “same
kind of type”. If both meaning is combined, it
In this principle the act of genuineness may be morally right,
says “to join somethings with the same kind of
and the act of pretentiousness may be considered morally
type. “
wrong.
 body
makibagay
This ethical principle encompasses
and represents the Filipino Values
and Culture in Morality Behavior.
We often hear the words
Bayanihan, Pakikisama, Utang na
Loob, Karangalan, Katarungan and
many more, but not Makibagay.
Makibagay is not a commonly
recognized term in Filipino values.
But it is very much similar to the
Filipino cultural value
“Pakikisama”.
to fit in. That is, to do everything without putting in
mind the value of genuineness and realness, and
would rather choose to pretend.
The principle justifies the action of fitting in, when the
intention is genuine and real. For an instance,
adapting in another group by being transparent of
your feelings and intent, which is to know them better
and to gain new friends. The intention shows
genuineness, therefore it can be morally right.
There are also certain cases, when people choose to
makibagay to befriend others, gain their trust
because they are insecure of them, and want to
become that person. To the point that he/she is
willing to be someone who he/she is not. The
This involves adapting to the group, intention somehow showcases pretentiousness, which
avoiding conflict, and fostering a is considered morally wrong. In situations when
sense of community and individuals are pressured to be with a group
cooperation. compromising their personal values, it can be
considered immoral. Participating in such activities
This is actually intended for today’s that go against one’s principle is ethically
generation. Particularly, it’s questionable. Turning a blind eye to unethical actions
relation to the act of to maintain the group’s harmony, regardless of the
“Pagpapanggap” which translates genuineness or pretentiousness, as it can contribute
to pretense or pretending. to impunity and enables wrongdoings. Using
Individuals find it so easy to makibagay as a façade for a pretentious relationship
pretend in many aspects to the is immoral. Genuine connections involve honesty and
point that people will try there best maintaining integrity.
vol. 12/2023
implications
While makibagay is a cultural value of
harmony and promotes positive social
cohesion, it also has potential
repercussions correlated with its
practice. This happens when the action is
taken to an extreme, compromising one’s
values, such as, loss of personal identity,
avoidance of conflict, avoidance of
problems, inner conflicts, etc. There might
be situations where adhering to personal
moral principles might create tension
within the group.
This principle often lies in the misuse of
extreme application. It is important to
maintain the balance between upholding
ethical principles and human
relationships, and make sure that both
are considered and should be aligned
with their own moral principles.
Furthermore, the principle of makibagay
may find it hard to support morality and
immorality as its definition of it is based
on genuineness and pretentiousness.
Proving genuineness, especially in social
interactions, may indeed be challenging
because of its subjectivity.
 ETHICAL
24 MAY 2021
makibagay’s Makibagay promotes social harmony
points of
and relationships, as it fosters the value
of unity and collectiveness. This
strength and
principle justifies an individual’s sense
of belongingness. This maintains one’s
weaknesses personal integrity and honesty. With the
alignment of the principle’s values, to
the bible, which says genuine or real is
derived from pure love and holiness.
This showcases that the principle can
justify that the genuineness of the
intention is morally right. Hence, he
principle of makibagay is intolerant to
the lens of others. For an instance,
makibagay might lead individuals in
conforming to negative practices,
which is morally wrong.
It is important to note that these aspects vary depending on one’s perspectives and
cultural contexts.
NEWS conclusion
5 MINS READ
is it
Every principle’s attainability depends on
various factors, that includes individual
workable choices, societal conjecture, and culture.
Nonetheless, the attainability of
or Makibagay is multifaceted. The principle
attainable?
may be applied daily. Compared to other
principles, this principle is universal,
suggesting that it is relevant for every
human being regardless of socio-cultural
differences.
People strive to achieve “fitting in”. It is
important to remember that inorder to
foster a positive relationship is a balance
between fitting in and staying true to
oneself that navigates people.
@cryzdagpin_bsn1b