Filipino Values

Instr. Edelyn S. De Leon

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, you are anticipated to:

a. enumerate the strengths and weaknesses of

Filipino Character
 Roots of the Filipino Character
1. The Family & Home Environment
 The home plays a vital role in the development of the character of
individuals.
 Main Components of Home Environment
- Childbearing practices
- Family Relations
- Family Attitudes and Orientation
 Roots of the Filipino Character

2. The social environment

 The social environment of the Filipino is characterized by a feudal structure with great gaps between the rich minority and
the poor majority.
 The main components of the social environment
i. social structures
ii. social systems such as:
1. interpersonal religious
2. community interaction
 Roots of the Filipino Character
3. Culture and Language
 Filipino culture rewards such:
i. traits and corresponding behavioral
patterns develop because they make one
more likable and enable life to proceed
more easily.
ii. an openness to the outside which
easily incorporates foreign elements
without a basic consciousness of our
cultural core
4.Roots
Historyof the Filipino Character
 We are the product of our colonial history, which is regarded by many as the
culprit behind our lack of nationalism and our colonial mentality. Colonialism
developed a mind-set in the Filipino which encouraged us to think of the
colonial power as superior and more powerful.
 Roots of the Filipino Character

5. The Educational System

 Aside from the problems inherent in the use of a foreign language in our educational
system, the educational system leads to other problems for us as a people.
 The lack of suitable local textbooks and dependence on foreign textbooks, particularly in
the higher school levels,
 Aside from the influences of the formal curriculum, there are the influences of the
"hidden curriculum" i.e., the values taught informally by the Philippine school system:
 Roots of the Filipino Character

5. The Educational System

i. Schools are highly authoritarian, with the teacher as the central focus.
ii. The Filipino student learns passivity and conformity
iii. The Filipino student is taught to be dependent on the teacher.
iv. Force Filipino students as well as their teachers to use school materials that
are irrelevant to the Philippine setting
 Roots of the Filipino Character

. Religion
Religion is the root of Filipino optimism and its capacity to accept life's
hardships. However, religion also instils in the Filipino attitudes of resignation
and a pre- occupation with the afterlife. We become vulnerable also to being
victimized by opportunism, oppression, exploitation, and superstition.
Roots
7. of the Environment
The Economic Filipino Character
 Many Filipino traits are rooted in the poverty and hard life that is
the lot of most Filipinos. Our difficulties drive us to take risks, impel
us to work very hard, and develop in us the ability to survive.
 Roots of the Filipino Character

8. The Political Environment

 The Philippine political environment is characterized by a centralization of
power. Political power and authority is concentrated in the hands of the elite
and the participation of most Filipinos often is limited to voting in elections.
 Political power is still very much concentrated in the hands of a few may lead
to passivity
 Roots of the Filipino Character

9. Mass Media
 It means technology that is intended to reach a mass audience. It is the primary
means of communication used to reach the vast majority of the general public.
The most common platforms for media are newspapers, magazines, radio,
television, and the latest is the internet
 Roots of the Filipino Character

9. Mass Media
 The tendency of media to produce escapist movies, soap operas, comics,
etc.,feed the Filipino's passivity. Rather than confront our poverty and
oppression, we fantasize instead. The propensity to use flashy sets, designer
clothes, superstars, and other bongga features reinforce porma
 Roots of the Filipino Character

10.Leadership and Role Models

 Filipinos look up to their leaders as role models. Political leaders are the main
models, but all other leaders serve as role models as well. Thus, when our
leaders violate the law or show themselves to be self-serving and driven by
personal interest--when there is lack of public accountability--there is a negative
impact on the Filipino.
 Strengths of the Filipino Character

1. Pakikipagkapwa-tao (Regard for Others)

 This is manifested in a basic sense of justice and fairness, ability to empathize with others,
helpfulness and generosity in times of need (pakikiramay) in the practice of bayanihan or
mutual assistance
 It results in camaraderie and feeling of closeness to one another.
 Filipinos possess sensitivity to other’s feelings (pakikiramay), trust (pagtitiwala), and a sense
of gratitude or utang na loob.
 Strengths of the Filipino Character

. Family Orientation
This pertains to the concern of the family, which is manifested in the honor, and
respect for parents and elders.
This is further manifested in the care given to children, even up to the extent of
extended family, where married children still reside in their parents’ house
 Strengths of the Filipino Character

3. Joy and Humor

 Filipinos by nature are fond of social celebrations. We inherited this character
from the Spaniards
 We have a positive attitude to our ups and down in our lives because despite
the odds, we still have the capacity to laugh even at the most trying times and
laughing is an important coping mechanism.
Strengths of the Filipino Character
4. Flexibility, Adaptability, Creativity
 Filipinos have a great capacity to
adjust, become creative, resourceful,
adept at learning and have the ability
to improvise and make use of whatever
is on hand in order to create and
produce anything.
 It is manifested in their ability to adapt
themselves to a change of environment
in any part of the world, in their ability
to scrap and keep old equipment
running. We are open to changes or
innovations.
 Strengths of the Filipino Character

5. Hard work and Industry

 This pertains to the desire to raise one’s standard of living by working
very hard, given proper conditions and to possess the essentials of a
decent life for their loved ones
 Strengths of the Filipino Character

6. Faith and Religiosity

 Filipinos are noted for deep faith in God because of the belief of life after death.
Their ultimate goal is to go to heaven and they are afraid of the ball of fire or
otherwise known as hell.
 Filipinos live very intimately with religion and that is very tangible in our
everyday lives. Before we sleep, eat and go to school or work, we pray because
we believe that whatever bad omen we may face, we will always be saved by
Him.
 Strengths of the Filipino Character

7. Ability to Survive
 We are known for our ability to survive despite the economic difficulties we are
encountering.
 This is a survival instinct of the Filipinos, which is related to basic optimism,
flexibility, and adaptability.
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
1. Extreme Personalism
 This is manifested in the tendency to give personal interpretations to actions
 It is also manifested in the need to establish personal relationships before any
business or work relationship can be successful. It is very difficult to turn down
something when personal contacts are involved.
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

1. Extreme Personalism
 Examples:
- pakiusap (request)
- lagay and regalo (fixing)
- palakasan (power and influence)
- nepotism
- favoritism
- take things personally
Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
2. Extreme Family Centeredness
 While it is true that concern for
the family is one of the Filipinos’
greatest strengths, in the extreme
it becomes a serious flaw.
 Excessive concern for the family
could be detrimental to the
common good and acts as a block
to national consciousness.
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
2. Extreme Family Centeredness
 Examples:
- Political dynasties
- Use of one’s office and power as
a means of promoting the interests
of the family members
- Factionalism
Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
3. Lack of Discipline
 This is manifested in relaxed attitude
towards time, tagged as “Filipino
time” and space which in itself is lack
of precision, in compulsiveness in
poor time management and delays
of work, and in procrastination
 We are also noted of “ningas cogon”,
starting the projects full vigor and
interest which abruptly die down,
leaving the things unfinished
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

4. Passivity and Lack of Initiative

 Filipinos are generally passive and lacking of initiative. One has to be
told what has to be done.
 Filipinos are too patient and can bear long suffering (matiisin). Hence,
we are easily oppressed and exploited
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

5. Colonial Mentality
 It is the internalized attitude of ethnic or cultural inferiority felt by people as a result of
colonization.This pertains to the openness of the Filipinos to the outside – adapting and
incorporating the foreign elements into image of ourselves.
 Example:
- Lack of patriotism or an active awareness, appreciation and love for the country
- Actual preference for foreign things
6.Weaknesses of the
Kanya-kanya Syndrome Filipino Character
 Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that generates a feeling of envy
and competitiveness towards others.
 Example:
- Crab mentality
- Using the leveling instruments of gossips or “tsismis”
- Intrigue or “intriga”
- Unconstructive criticism to bring others down
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
7. Lack of Self-Analysis and Self-Reflection
 This is related to the Filipino emphasis on form (“maporma”) rather than
substance.
 There is a tendency to be satisfied with rhetoric and to substitute this for
reality
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

8. Filipino Indolence
 The Filipinos were called by the Spaniards as indolent which means lazy and lack of initiative
and ambition, but Rizal refuted this negative description and explained that
- It is unhealthy to work in the Philippine hot climate
- The industries during Spanish era proved that they were not lazy, but instead the invaders
forced labor and closed down the industries;
- The Spaniards were the ones who taught gambling to Filipinos; and
- The Filipinos were discriminated and discouraged to pursue their studies.
Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
9. Mañana Habit
 This means putting off for
tomorrow what can be done
today or procrastination
 It has the element of fatalism
and is linked with “bahala na”
attitude.
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

10.The Fiesta Syndrome

 This is still being celebrated in the rural areas. Filipinos celebrate so
many occasions like feast of the Patron Saint of their place,
birthdays, baptismal, marriage, anniversaries etc.
 Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
11.Hospitality
 The visitors are welcomed
warmly with full of
enthusiasm. They are offered
the best food and even to
the extent of depriving
themselves just only to
please their visitors.