Dante, Mary Elizabeth S.

BA COMM – FM 1A

Is the Philippines a Collective Country?

With the Philippines being known for its hospitality, whether the Philippines is a collective
country or not is an interesting point, as it explores the cultural values and social dynamics that
shape the Filipino identity. To be able to answer this question, it is essential to examine the
various sources that shed light on the collective nature of the Philippine culture.

People are regarded as "good" in a collective country if they are kind, helpful,
dependable, and sensitive to the needs of others, prioritizing the interests and aims of the group
as a whole over the wants and aspirations of each individual. In such cultures, relationships with
other members of the group and the interconnectedness between people play a central role in
each person's identity (Cherry, 2022). The Philippines, a culturally diverse country with over
7,000 islands and a melting pot of various influences, can be viewed as a unique nation that
does not possess a collective identity (Clariza, 2019). This perception stems from various
cultural characteristics and societal norms emphasizing group harmony, shared responsibility,
and interconnectedness. While there are shared values and traditions, the degree of
collectivism can vary significantly from one region to another. What makes the Philippines
distinct from other countries is its intertwined legacies of colonialism, wars, and militarization
with education (Maramba et al., 2021). These factors have contributed to the formation of a
complex cultural landscape where individual identities thrive, promoting a sense of individualism
rather than collectivism.
The Philippines often characterized as a collective country, where a sense of shared
identity and unity prevails among its people; however, in terms of the Philippines’s political
structure, upon closer examination, it reveals that the Philippines is not a collective country in
the traditional sense. The Philippines upholds democracy, a government in which the supreme
power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of
representation usually involving periodically held free elections (Merriam Webster, n.d.).
Prioritizing individual rights, liberties, and involvement in the political process are under this
political framework. While communal action and community participation are crucial features of
Filipino culture, the democratic system further protects individual rights and liberties. On top of
that, the Philippine economy demonstrates that this idea of collectivism may not be correct. The
variety of the Philippine economy calls into question the notion that the country is a communal
society, with many individuals pursuing their own businesses with their own selfish economic
interests, showing a certain degree of individuality and independence in pursuing personal
ambitions.

The Filipino identity is a fascinating synthesis of multiple influences, and its people live
their lives juggling individual and collective concerns. Overall, given the concept of collectivity
and some of the country's characteristics, the Philippines may not be considered a collective
country. Despite collectivist practices like shared goals and a sense of community, the country's
diversity in culture, language, and history, as well as its democratic political system and
economic individualism, make it a complex and diverse society.
References:

Cherry, K., (2022, November 08). What Is a Collectivist Culture? Individualism vs.
Collectivism. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-collectivistic-cultures-2794962

Clariza, M E. (2019, April 30). Sacred Texts and Symbols: An Indigenous Filipino
Perspective on Reading. https://doi.org/10.33137/ijidi.v3i2.32593

Maramba, D C., Curammeng, E R., & Hernandez, X. (2021, December 29). Critiquing
Empire Through Desirability: A Review of 40 Years of Filipinx Americans in Education Research,
1980 to 2020. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/00346543211060876

Merriam-Webster (n.d.). Democracy. Merriam Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved October

08, 2023., from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy