The Strengths and Weaknesses

of the Filipino Character:

A Socio-Cultural Issue
 Schools are there for society. Their relevance is
proven by their ability to address socio-cultural
problem. What are these social issues or problems that
schools should help address? We have a number of
them but let’s focus on the weaknesses of the Filipino
character. The strengths of the Filipino character will
also be cited for a balanced presentation. Besides,
schools can capitalize on the strengths of the Filipino
character to eliminate the weaknesses.
The following is an excerpt of the Report “A
Moral Recovery Program: Building a
People, Building a Nation” submitted on
April 27, 1988 by the Task Force to President
Corazon Aquino, the Senate and the members
of the press by then Senator Leticia Shanani,
the moving spirit behind the program.
 The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited
in the Report are as follows:
EXTREME FAMILY CENTEREDNESS
- Excessive concern for family means using one’s office and
power to promote family means using one’s office and power
to promote family interests and thus factionalism patronage,
political dynasties and protection of erring family members. It
results in lack of concern for the common good, and acts as a
block to national consciousness.
 EXTREME PERSONALISM
Takes things personally, cannot separate object tasks from
emotional involvement. Because of this the Filipino is
uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with rules and regulations
and with standard procedures. He uses personal contacts,
and gives preference to family and friends in hiring, services
and even voting. Extreme personalism leads to the graft and
corruption evident in Philippine society.
 LACK OF DISCIPLINE
A casual attitude toward time and space, manifested in lack
of precision and procrastination. Aversion to following
procedures strictly results in lack of standardization and
equality control. Impatience results in short cuts,
“palusot”, “ningas cogon.” Lack of discipline often result
to inefficient work systems, the violation of rules and a
casual work ethic lacking follow through.
PASSIVITY AND LACK OF INITIATIVE

Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others

(leaders and government), complacence, lack of a
sense of urgency. There is high tolerance of
inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of
one’s basic right. Too patient and “matiisin”, too
easily resigned to his fate, the Filipino is easily
oppressed and exploited.
COLONIAL MENTALITY

Lack of patriotism, or of an active

awareness, appreciation and love of the
Philippines and an actual preference for
things foreign.
 KANYA-KANYA SYNDROME,
TALANGKA MENTALITY
Done by TSISMIS, INTRIGA, unconstructive criticism…
is evident in the personal ambition that is completely
insensitive to the common good, e.g., the lack of a sense
of service among people in the government bureaucracy.
This results in the dampening of cooperative and
community spirit, and in the trampling upon other’s right.
LACK OF SELF ANALYSIS AND
SELF REFLECTION
The tendency to be superficial and some
what flighty. In the dace of serious
personal and social problems, there is lack
of analysis or reflection, and instead
satisfaction with superficial explanations
and solutions.
EMPHASIS ON PORMA RATHER
THAN SUBSTANCE
This lack of analysis and emphasis on
form reinforced by an educational system
that is more from than substance.
 These weaknesses are rooted in many factors: home, social
and economic environment; culture and language; history;
religion; educational system; mass media; leadership and role
models. Change is possible, however, and the following goals
are proposed to develop in the Filipino: (1) a sense of patriotism
and national pride; (2) a sense of the common good; (3) a sense
of integrity and accountability, (4) the values and habits of
discipline and hard work; (5) the value and habits of self-
reflection and analysis; the internalization of spiritual values
and the emphasis on essence rather than on form.