CHARACTER FORMATION NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM

General Concepts of Character

The term was derived from the Greek word “charassein”, referring to an
engraving instrument; originally used of a mark impressed upon a coin or the mark cut
by it. Then it was applied to a distinctive mark of the personality ; and gradually, to the
sum total of such marks, each individual one is being called characteristics (Bartemeier,
2009). Basically, character is defined as psychological notion that refers to all the
habitual ways of feeling and reacting of a person that distinguish one individual from
another. It is the trademark of being a person.

Character as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, signifies the

relatively fixed or continuing group of an individual personality attributes of a person or
the characteristic pattern of behavior of an individual. The social, emotional and
intellectual manifestations of a character are called personality, and character is roughly
equivalent to personality.

Harbans (2011) noted that character is the index of the state of mind of a person.
It is a sum total of motivation one gives to the persons around him and also does course
correction whenever there is a dire need of same. It may differ as an individual differs
but one thing is certain the special characteristics form the solid basis of his ability in
the society of which he is a part. Character, thus is an index of a person’s standing in the
society.

What is Character Formation?

Character formation as defined by Donald(2006), is the process by which the

individual, through interaction of biological transmitted predispositions with the
environment, develops stable pattern of functioning , thinking and feeling. It is also
known as, Character Building. It is that deeply internalized patterns of values and
attitudes and the consequent actions that are often established in precognitive times of
life through the natural and normal education patterns that are appropriate for young
children. Nursing, weaning, toilet, training, birth of siblings and the early relationship to
the parents (especially to the mother) are some of the examples of character formation.
Character traits are usually formed through the identification with parents and other
important adults in the child’s environment.

Everyone is partly responsible for one’s character. Aristotle noted that character
develops over time as one acquires habit from parents and the environment either
through reward and punishment. Developing a good character is much learning to play
a musical instrument. Initially, an individual may be under some pressure to practice,
but eventually, enjoys playing with skill and understanding (Hartman, 2013).

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR CHARACTER FORMATION

1. Parental Influence

Parental influence is the most important of all the factors responsible for
personality development. The way parents behave with the child, how much he is
allowed to socialize, the kind o culture he is subjected to by them, and the emotional
make-up of his parents, all these have a great bearing on the child’s mental growth. In
early stage of their human existence, children adapt their parent’s mannerism. Thus,
parents should be careful in their ways for they establish a great influence to their
children’s character.

2. Home Environment

Home as cradle of human character and personality largely contribute to the

character formation of a child. It is said that the parents are the first educators of the
children. It is their parental guidance and discipline that creates the kind of character,
personality and attitude the child has.

Parents should make sure that the child incorporates the positive emotions in his
personality and stays away from the negative ones. A child need both his parents, to
develop his personality. An absentee father can be a negative influence on the child. To
make a child a confident, positive person, parents should avoid being too authoritative,
trying to discipline excessively, criticizing the child, discouraging him, comparing him
with others, and being partial.

3. School Environment

To perfect the total development of a child’s character and attitude, besides the
home environment, a child’s school environment too plays a major role in shaping a
child’s personality. Once a child starts going to school, he learns how to interact and
deal with his peers. He comes to know how to engage in “playing” according to the rules
and regulations. He gets educated, learns how to read, write and communicate
effectively. A child’s personality is greatly influenced by the way he is treated at school,
both by his teachers as well as his peers. The school reinforce the education that the
child needs that home fails to provide.

4. Culture

Everyone has different character and values because of the different cultures
where everyone is exposed. Sociologist found out that different cultures have different
values and a child grows up with them, sub-consciously absorbing the same. Influence
of culture in personality and social development cannot be ignored. Those who were
born and grown up in western countries are influence by the individualistic and
competitive, while those children brought up in Asian, African and South American
countries are taught to be cooperative.

Infancy, toddler-hood, preschool and school age are the various phases that a
child passes through and each of these stages has its own share of problems and
challenges, which a child has to overcome, with his parent’s assistance, to turn out to be
a well-developed personality.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FILIPINO CHARACTER FORMATION

By: Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani

1. Home environment
2. Social environment
3. Culture and language
4. History
5. Educational system
6. Religion
7. Economic environment
8. Political environment
9. Mass media
10. Leadership and role model

Determining Character or Personality Types

Five (5) Factors that determine character or personality traits.

1. Openness: appreciation for a variety of experiences.

2. Conscientiousness: planning ahead rather than being spontaneous.
3. Extraversion: being sociable. Energetic and talkative.
4. Agreeableness: being kind, sympathetic and happy to help.
5. Neuroticism: inclined to worry or be vulnerable or temperamental.

General Types of Characters

1. Positive Character/ Good Character/ Positive Trait – These are attributes such as
integrity, honesty, courage, loyalty, fortitude, and other important virtues that
promote good behavior and habits.
2. Negative Character/ Negative Trait – a person’s predisposition to commit evil
acts.
3. Neutral Character/ Neutral Trait – Commonly used to describe a person who
doesn’t pick sides in disputes; neutral also pegs anything that refuses to be bold.

Types of Character

1. Self-realized Character. A person with this type of character is ever enthusiastic

for he knows his potentialities and limitations. This sort of a character is an asset
not only to the family but also the society in which person lives.
2. Covetous Character. This refers to a jealous or acquisitive character. It is held
that, persons with greed will endeavor to go all out in collecting worldly
possessions and fulfilling his personal petty ambitions by adopting any means
open to him even crossing all the limits of moral and ethical limits.
3. Superstitious Character. In a way all are superstitious bur when we’re over
superstitious then problem starts. It is not merely bad for the individual
concerned but also for those who come in contact with this unpredictable
person, who may change his tag any moment thus leaving everybody around in
the lurch. Too much reliance on superstitions also robs us of scientific temper
and forward looking approach in our life. But we should not compare
superstitious and traditionalists.
4. Egoistic/ Overbearing/ Bossy/ Tall-Talker. The person who thinks that world
runs due to him and everything and everybody should respect him as such. His
overbearing and bossy disposition puts him in the category of hard-to-please
(fastidious). This person learns his lesson after sometimes. This fellow with “I-
DAMN-CARE-ATTITUDE” hardly cares for others. This sort of egocentric
character is the bane of any society, irrespective of their status in the society.
5. Anti-social Character. A person who neither cares for the norms set by the
society nor cares for the moral or ethical values is an anti-social character. This
character is both a sinner and a criminal. He could also be termed as an offensive
character. This like character resorts to offense besides being abusive on even a
pretext. This anti-social behavior cuts him off from the community in which he is
living and has to fend for himself ultimately for his acts of omissions and
commissions.
6. Insincere Character. When a person does something good for us, we express our
sincere thanks and go extra mile in being sincere to that person in whatever way
it is possible for us. Contrarily, a person who thinks other is there for serving him
is and is without any warmth in the feeling for others. This like person is not only
an insincere to his own family, society and even to the Creator who had created
him.
7. Complacent Character. We all should have confidence on ourselves. It is good for
day to day functioning of our society. But when we cross the threshold of
 confidence and step into the realm of complacency then problem starts. A person
who imbibes this traits finally faces ignoble defeat for being so and learns a
lesson.

THE SIX PILLARS OF GOOD CHARACTER

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS
This is the pillar of good character that is considered the most complicated of the
six core ethical values and concerns a variety of qualities like honesty, integrity,
reliability and loyalty.
a. Honesty
There is no more fundamental ethical value than honesty. Honesty is associated
with honor. Thus, a person of honesty is a person of honor and he is admired and
trusted because of his being straightforward. A person of good character must be
a person of honesty in both communications and conduct. Honesty in
communications is expressing the truth as best we know it and not conveying it
in a way likely to mislead or deceive.
THREE DIMENSIONS OF HONESTY
1. Truthfulness. Presenting the facts to the best of our knowledge. Take note
that, intent is the crucial distinction between truthfulness and truth itself.
Being wrong is not the same thing as lying, although honest mistakes can still
damage trust in so far as they may show sloppy judgment.
2. Sincerity. One must observe genuineness, being without trickery or duplicity
for it precludes all acts, including half-truths, out-of-the-context statements,
and even silence, that are intended to create beliefs or leave impressions that
are untrue or misleading.
3. Candor. In relationships involving legitimate expectations of trust, honesty
may also require candour, forthrightness and frankness, imposing the
obligation to volunteer information that another person needs to know.
4. Integrity. Persons of integrity are those who acts according to his beliefs, not
according to expediency. He is also consistent. There is no difference in the
way he makes decisions from situation to situation; his principles don’t vary
at work or at home, in public or alone. The person of integrity takes time for
self-reflection, so that the events, crisis and seeming necessities of the da do
not determine the course of his moral life. He stays in control. He may be
courteous, even charming, but he is never duplicitous or unfaithful. He never
demeans himself with obsequious behavior toward those he thinks might do
him some good. He is trusted because you know who he is: What you see is
what you get. People without integrity are called “hypocrites” or “two-faced”.
5. Reliability (Promise-Keeping) Reliable persons are those who keep their
promises for he believe that doing so create legitimate basis for another
person to rely on him, and that he undertake special moral duties. They
accept the responsibility of making all reasonable efforts to fulfil their
 commitments. Because promise-keeping is such an important aspect of
trustworthiness.
CONSIDERATIONS TO MAINTAIN RELIABILITY
1. Avoid Bad-Faith Excuses - interpret your promises fairly and honestly.
Don’t try to rationalize non-compliance.
2. Avoid Unwise Commitments – before making a promise consider carefully
whether you are willing and likely to keep it. Think about unknown or
future events that could make it difficult, undesirable or impossible.
Sometimes, all we can promise is to do our best.
3. Avoid Unclear Commitments – be sure that when you make a promise, the
other person understands what you are committing to do.
b. Loyalty
To be trusted one must be loyal to his or husband or wife, friends, employer,
employee organization, citizen and country. Our relationships with other people
creates an expectation of allegiance, fidelity and devotion. Hence, loyalty is a
responsibility that each one should develop and maintain to promote the
interests of certain people, organizations or affiliations. This duty goes beyond
the normal obligation we all share to care others. However, one should not
sacrifice ethical principles when giving allegiance, fidelity and devotion to the
other people to preserve his or her integrity. He should prefer not to be loyal
than lose his credibility, integrity and dignity. We are only demanded to go with
what is right and legal. We should rather choose to lose our relationship with
others than our legitimacy. So many individuals and groups make loyalty claims
on us that we must rank our loyalty obligations in some rational fashion. For
example, it’s perfectly reasonable, and ethical, to look out for the interests of our
children, neighbours or co-workers in doing so. To be loyal we must develop the
ability of safeguarding confidential information. However, when keeping a secret
breaks the law, threatens or jeopardize others, it is more important to “blow the
whistle”. Employees and public servants have a duty to make all professional
decisions on merit, unimpeded by conflicting personal interests. They owe
ultimate loyalty to the public.

2. RESPECT

The Golden Rule in Human Relation, “Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you,” perfectly illustrates “respect” when respect is observed we would
prevent and pre-empt violence, humiliation, manipulation and exploitation. It
reflects notions such as civility, courtesy, decency, dignity, autonomy, tolerance
and acceptance. Everyone has a right to be treated with dignity. We certainly
have no ethical duty to hold all people in high esteem, but we should treat
everyone with respect, regardless of who they are and what they have done. We
 have a responsibility to be the best that we can be in all situations, even when
dealing with unpleasant people.

Qualities of a Respectful Person

1. Ability to Listen – When somebody is talking he is attentively listening.

2. Treats Others with Consideration – Respectful person doesn’t resort to
intimidation, coercion or violence except in extraordinary and limited situations
to defend others, teach discipline, maintain order or achieve social justice. They
allow all individuals, including maturing children, to have a say in the decisions
that affect them.
3. Capable of Accepting Individual differences and Beliefs – Respectful individuals
without prejudice openly accepts principles and ideologies of others. They judge
others only on their negative character, abilities and conduct.

3.RESPONSIBILITY

It is understood that life is full of choices and everyone has its own judgement
and decisions to take in life. However, we are expected to be responsible for our actions
and behaviours as rational being. Being responsible means to take charge and be
accountable of the consequences of what we think and do. Our capacity to reason and
our freedom to choose make us morally autonomous and, therefore, answerable for
whether we honor or degrade the ethical principles that give life meaning and purpose.
Thus, an individual must be responsible and accountable, pursue excellence and
exercise self-restraint. They exhibit the ability to respond to expectations.

QUALITIES OF A RESPONSIBLE PERSON

a. Sense of Accountability
An accountable person leads by example and doesn’t shift blame or claim credit
for the work of others. He considers the likely consequences of his behavior and
associations. He recognizes the common complicity in the triumph of evil when
nothing is done to stop it.
b. Pursuit of Excellence
Responsible person shows diligence what he is doing, careful in his actions,
prepared and informed. They finish what they started, overcoming rather than
surrendering to obstacles. They avoid excuses such as, “that’s the way I am.” Or
“It’s not my job.” Or “it was legal,” and always look for ways to do their work
better.
c. Self-Restraint
Responsible people exercise self-control, restraining passions and appetites
(such as lust, hatred, gluttony, greed and fear) for the sake of longer-term vision
and better judgment. They delay gratification if necessary and never feel it’s
 necessary to “win at any cost”. They realize they are as they choose to be, every
day.

4 . FAIRNESS

This pillar of good character involves issues of equality, impartiality,

proportionality, openness and due process. It is unfair to handle similar matters
inconsistently, and to impose punishment that is not commensurate with the offense.
The basic concept seems simple, intuitive, yet applying it in daily life can be surprisingly
difficult. Fairness is another tricky concept, probably more subject to legitimate debate
and interpretation than any other ethical value. Disagreeing parties tend to maintain
that there is only one fair position (their own, naturally). But essentially fairness implies
adherence to a balanced standard of justice without relevance to one’s own feelings or
inclinations. Unfair person do not scrupulously employ open and impartial processes
for gathering and evaluating information necessary to make decisions. In contrast fair
people do not wait for the truth to come to them; they seek out relevant information
and conflicting perspective before making important judgments. They make decisions
objectively without favouritism or prejudice. They don’t take advantage of the weakness
or ignorance of others.

5 . CARING

Caring is the heart of ethics, and ethical decision-making. It is scarcely possible to

be truly ethical and yet unconcerned with the welfare of others. That is because ethics is
ultimately about good relations with other people. It is easier to love “humanity” than to
love people. People who consider themselves ethical and yet lack a caring attitude
toward individuals tend to treat others as instruments of their will. They rarely feel an
obligation to be honest, loyal, fair or respectful except in so far as it is prudent for them
to do so, a disposition which itself hints at duplicity and a lack of integrity. A person who
really cares feels an emotional response to both the pain and pleasure of others. The
highest form of caring is the honest expression of benevolence, or altruism. This is not
to be confused with strategic charity. Gift to charities to advance personal interests are a
fraud. That is they aren’t gifts at all. They’re investments or tax write-offs.

6 . CITIZENSHIP

This pillar of good character includes civic virtues and duties that prescribe how
we ought to behave as part of a community. The good citizen knows the laws and obeys
them. He volunteers and stays informed on the issues of the ay, the better to execute his
duties and privileges as a member of a self-governing democratic society.

CHARACTER TRAITS

1. Alertness – being aware of what is taking place around.

2. Attentiveness – showing the worth of a person or task by giving undivided
concentration.
3. Availability – making own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of
those being served.
4. Benevolence – giving to others basic needs without the motivation for acquiring
personal rewards.
5. Boldness – confidence that what is say or do is true, right, and just.
6. Cautiousness – knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right
actions.
7. Compassion – investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
8. Contentment – realizing that true happiness does not depend on material
conditions.
9. Creativity – approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.
10. Decisiveness – the ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
11. Deference – limiting freedom so not to offend the tastes of others.
12. Dependability – fulfilling what is consented to do, even if it means unexpected
sacrifice.
13. Determination - Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless
of the opposition.
14. Diligence – investing time and energy to complete each task assigned.
15. Discernment – understanding the deeper reasons why things happen.
16. Discretion – recognizing and avoiding words, actions and attitudes that could
bring undesirable consequences.
17. Endurance – the inward strength to withstand stress and do the best.
18. Enthusiasm – expressing joy in doing and accomplishing each tasks.
19. Faith – confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best
outcome, even when it’s not personally observed.
20. Flexibility – willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction of the
authorities.
21. Forgiveness – clearing the record of those who have wronged and not holding a
grudge.
22. Generosity – carefully managing resources to be capable of freely giving to those
in need.
23. Gentleness - showing consideration and personal concern for others.
24. Gratefulness – letting others know by one’s words and actions how they have
benefited one’s life.
25. Honor – Respecting those in leadership because of the higher authorities, they
represent.
26. Hospitality – cheerfully sharing food, shelter or conversation to benefit others.
27. Humility – acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of
others in one’s life.
28. Initiative – recognizing and doing what needs to be done before being asked to
do it.
 29. Joyfulness – maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant
conditions.
30. Justice – taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right and true.
31. Loyalty – using difficult times to demonstrate commitment to those being served.
32. Meekness – yielding personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve.
33. Obedience – quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of the superior.
34. Orderliness – arranging self and surroundings to achieve greater efficiency.
35. Patience – accepting a difficult situation without giving deadline to remove it.
36. Persuasiveness – guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.
37. Punctuality – showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right
time.
38. Resourcefulness – finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or
discard.
39. Responsibility – knowing and doing what is expected.
40. Security – structuring one’s life around that which cannot be destroyed orr taken
away.
41. Self-control – rejecting wrong desire and doing what is right.
42. Sensitivity – perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of others.
43. Sincerity – eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.
44. Thoroughness – knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of one’s
work or words if neglected.
45. Thriftiness – allowing oneself and others to spend only what is necessary.
46. Tolerance – realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development.
47. Truthfulness – earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
48. Virtue – the moral excellence evident in one’s life as consistently doing what is
right.
49. Wisdom – seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that
transcends current circumstances.

THE MOST WELL-KNOWN TRAITS AND ATTITUDES OF THE FILIPINO

POSITIVE TRAITS

1. HOSPITALITY
Hospitality is a trait displayed by every Filipino, characterized by heat-warming
generosity and friendliness exhibited to foreigners and locals alike.
Filipinos are well-known for being hospitable. This is one of the most popular
qualities of Filipinos.
2. RESPECT
This is often observed – not just by younger people – but also by people of all
ages. In the Philippines, respect for one’s elders is a tradition.
 a. Po and Opo – these words are spoken by the Filipinos when talking to elders,
or in order to show respect to persons in authority. These Filipino words
means “yes, when answering or talking to the elders.
b. Pagmamano – another way of showing respect to the elders when greeting
them.
c. Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to their employers.
3. STRONG FAMILY TIES AND RELIGIONS
Filipinos value their value their family so much that they tend to keep families
intact through the generations. Families go to church and pray together because
their religion is important and creates a strong bond, marking God as the center
of their lives. It is a value system of the Filipinos to pray before eating, going to
bed, before the start of the meeting, conferences of program, gathering, etc. on
weekends, most Filipino families make sure to have quality time together.
4. GENEROSITY AND HELPFULNESS
Aside from being hospitable, Filipinos are also well-known for being generous.
They share what they have to the people around them even when they only have
little. When you will be in trouble, Filipinos cannot refuse to help you. They are
always willing to assist you.
5. STRONG WORK ETICHS
Another good thing most Filipinos have is being hardworking people. They are
always willing to work almost the whole day to provide the needs of their
families. Aside from their regular work, Filipinos always find creative ways to
look for other sources of income.
6. LOVING AND CARING
Because of their generosity, hospitality and religiosity, Filipinos are found to be
sweetest and most loving people in the world.

POSITIVE TRAITS OF FILIPINOS

1. FATALISM (Bahala na or Come what may attitude)

When Filipinos are facing difficulties and shortcomings they have this attitude of
leaving it up to God to sort things out.
2. MAÑANA HABIT (Procrastination)
True blooded Filipinos have the attitude of causing delays in accomplishing
things or making transactions. When not interested or not in the mood, they wait
or reserve until tomorrow or the next day to finish what they are doing or
meeting their transactions.
- The bahala na attitude is the outcome of the mañana habit when task is left
undone.
3. CRAB MENTALITY
This is an attitude of some Filipinos where they tend to push each other down to
clear the way for their own gain.
4. HYPOCRISY
 This is the trait of the Filipino where criticisms to others failure to live with the
moral standards of the society are inevitable. In the Philippines morality is highly
valued, most of us try to live up to the standards set by the traditional society.
However, as no one is perfect, many of us are not actually able to sustain these
standards.

5 . NINGAS COGON

Most Filipinos are very good at the start when doing something. Nevertheless,
after a few hours or days, that excitement to do or accomplish something is lodt we and
become too lazy to finish what were have started.

6 . TARDINESS (Filipino Time)

Only in the Philippines that we have the so-called “Filipino time” but not exactly
referring to the Philippines standard time, but then again we use it to refer to the
“tardiness” of the persons that we are waiting or who keeps on coming late to the set
time schedule of events.

7 . GOSSIPING

Filipinos are fond of talking about other’s business. It is not true that only
women are into gossiping. Even men can also be nosy on other people’s lives. Secrets
are brought out; failures and flaws are emphasized; and relationships are destroyed.
Worse, as gossips are passed around, they tend to be twisted until the final story
becomes too far from the original – thus, causing more damage.

8 . BLAMING

Filipinos can sometimes be too selfish-righteous. When mistakes happen, we do

not want to take the blame, we lack humility to accept our failures, and instead we point
at others. This shows how irresponsible we are on our actions. This attitude destroys
team work, and reliability becomes an issue.

9 . SELFISHNESS (being insensitive of others)

Most Filipinos are insensitive to the needs and situations of others. This could be
an outcome of having too many problems that Filipinos are facing and the tendency is to
focus on their own needs first before others.

10 . DISOBEDIENCE TO SIMPLE RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS

Some Filipinos, despite of the understanding of the purpose of laws and

ordinances have inability to observe and follow them. Consequently, crime victimization
and accident rate in the Philippines are constantly rising poverty is getting more
rampant and lifestyle development is relaxed.

11 . ATTENTION TAKER
 Filipinos are fun and people loving race. Thus attracting attention is natural for
them. Nevertheless, it is a different to be an “epal” or “kapalmuks” – simply, being an
attention grabber. Sometimes, in our desperate need to be the center of attention, we do
things that are already embarrassing like butting in conversations as a know-it-all or by
being scandalous.

12 . BEING ONION-SKINNED OR TOO SENSITIVE

Another habit or attitude that we need to change is our being too proud which
usually results to being oversensitive. If we think highly of ourselves, then we have
tendency to put a wall around us and that a signboard on our forehead saying, “I must
be respected.” Therefore, when someone makes a joke or a not so positive comment
about us, we feel like we are not respected and we get offended. If all people in the
country do not know how to accept constructive criticism, then we can never expect
unity.

13 . LIVING BEYOND THEIR MEANS (social climbing)

One of the reasons why a lot of Filipinos live in poverty is because of

overspending since most people want to live an elite lifestyle, many resort to social
climbing or living beyond their means. Sometimes, some of us think that as long as we
wear designer clothes and shoes, and we send our children to the most expensive
schools, it is alright to be swimming in credits and loans.

14 . PASSIVITY ( lack of leadership)

Filipino’s lack of initiative for change is also one reason why our country does
not progress. We keep on complaining against the government and the other societal
issues. However, we do not do anything about them one of our excuses is the lack of
faith that our small actions can bring change. However, the worse reason for this could
be our lack of care for what is happening around us. Common Filipinos also lack courage
and confidence. If you can notice it, in classrooms, churches, or conference rooms, most
of us don’t like to sit in the front set.

15 . OTHER NEGATIVE TRAITS

Some Filipino women give birth at an early age 16 (teenage pregnancy). Some
just don’t mind their own business. Some have many bad habits, like drinking, smoking,
etc. some poor teenagers engage in prostitution. There are many broken families. A lot
of bad words to choose from which Filipinos just cant avoid most of the time than to be
with their parents.
 FILIPINO CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY

THREE MAIN TRAITS UNDERSCORING FILIPINO VALUES

1. PERSONALISM
Filipinos valued interpersonal relationship. It is firmly believed that harmonious
personal relationship is the key to successful endeavors. Amicable settlement of
dispute is the primary means of restoring broken relationships and face-to-face
open forum is considered once conflict is recognized in an organization or the
community.

2. FAMILIALISM
Filipinos are family-oriented. Development programs and projects in the
community are concentrated on the family. Decision on matters is centered on
the welfare and best interest of the family rather than on the betterment and
interest of some individuals. The mistakes committed by a family members of the
family and relatives.

3. PARTICULARISM
Displayed behavior by the individuals may it be good or bad is blamed against
the family. It is based on the principle that home is the cradle of human
personality and character that is, the product of goodness is always good and
those who are moulded in wickedness, will always show-off badness. Individuals
strive to promote their own and their family’s interests over community
interests. On the other hand, knowing how to entertain people (marunong
umasikaso ng kapwa) is important. Conformity to proper codes of conduct reaps
the rewards of cooperation and assistance; non-conformity is punishedby
withdrawal of support.

FILIPINO VALUES ORIENTATTION

Values Orientation – Is the approach that may influence work or social relationships
by person relating to objects, events and ideas.

THREE MAIN OBLIGATIONS UNDERLYING FILIPINO VALUE ORIENTATION

The relational or face-to-face interactions and their resulting responsibilities are

called interpersonal obligations. This is in relation to the value in Filipino cultural
orientation, the personalism. Pakikiramay, pakikisama, bayanihan, and galang are the
nature of interpersonal relationships that are inherent to the pure-blooded Filipino
people.
1. PAKIKIRAMAY
It is in the Filipino value of going out of the way to help, without being asked, i.e.,
unsolicited help.
2. PAKIKISAMA (smooth interpersonal relations)
Regardless whether someone’s views are agreeable or not, Filipinos are capable
of getting along with it. Camaraderie, trust, confidence and loyalty are enhanced
and develop by this Filipino value.
3. BAYANIHAN
As mentioned in the preceding topics, Filipinos are able to render services and
generous enough to extend help without compensation. Somebody can request
help in time of need from those to whom it is extended.
4. GALANG
Filipinos are basically oriented to revere to the opinions of elders, peers or those
in authority, during important discussions during social encounters. Verbal clash
or any sign of extreme familiarity in public meetings is a sign of disrespect to
elders or persons in authority.