Filipino Character and Values Module

LESSON 1

FILIPINO INFLUENCES TRAITS

AND CHARACTERISTICS

Topic Learning Outcome

At the end of this chapter the students should be able to;
1. Recognize and compare positive and negative Filipino traits.
2. Identify and appreciate Filipino values orientation.
3. Recognize and relate Filipino values, its structures, models, philosophical foundations and
elements.
Time Frame: 5 Hrs

The Philippines is a meeting point for cultures from all over Asia and the Pacific because it has
been a crossroads between east and west and the merging of cultures reflects the country's culture and its
people. It comes from various ethno-linguistic groups that are native to the islands or migrants from various
Asia Pacific regions, Filipinos are the people who are naturally born to or recognized with the Philippine
country.

China, the United States, and Spain mainly influence the modern Filipino identity. Though Filipinos
are racially similar to Malays but in terms of culture they are more like the Spaniards. Thus, it could be
claimed that Filipinos are the most hot-bloodied and brave citizens in the tropical Asian cultures. Like other
countries, the Philippines has its opposing values and labels, it is believed by the Filipinos that the country
have the best values in the world. Though it has experienced colonization by several countries, but the core
values it has gained from the Filipino ancestors remained intact and are still honoured today like the
bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie implanted by Malay ancestors and close family ties inherited
by the Chinese ascendants.

THE MOST WELL - KNOWN TRAITS

AND ATTITUDES OF THE FILIPINO

POSITIVE TRAITS
1. Hospitality- Hospitality is a trait displayed by every Filipino characterized by heart-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.
Most foreigners who have gone to the Philippines fell in love with the warm hospitality they have
experienced while staying in the country. This is a kind of value system which has existed in the country
thousand of years ago. Good thing is that the hospitality of the Filipinos is not well only shown to the
foreigners but to its fellow Filipino as well.

Hospitality of Filipinos is shown in the following sample situations:

a. When a person visits a friend's house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome.
host will immediately let their visitor sit and will prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks for the
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visitor. The host will insist that the friend not leave the house with an empty stomach. A host
will always make sure you had a great time visiting them.
b. People offer their guest room to visitors if they’re going to spend the night.
c. Meals offered to guests are very special. A host always finds a way to prepare great tasting
food that her visitor wants to eat.
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 mean "yes, when answering or talking to the
elders.
b. Pagmamano - Another way of showing respect to the elders when greeting them. This is done by
putting their elders' hands on their foreheads.
c. Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to their employers.

3. Strong Family Ties and Religions

Filipinos value their families 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. Filipinos believe in only one God and majority of the population are
Catholics. 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 by watching television
or eating a family meal, watch movies or going to beach resorts.

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.

5. Strong Work Ethics

Another good thing most Filipinos have is beina hardworking people. They are always willing to
wore almost the whole day to provide the needs of their families. Filipino farmers though earning so little
but they work harder with not much compensation.

6. Loving and Caring

Because of their generosity, hospitality and religiosity, Filipinos are found to be the sweetest and
most loving people in the world.

NEGATIVE 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 God
to sort things out. An attitude of "What Goes Around Comes Around.” Filipinos have tendency to surrender
the future to luck.

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. However, there are some Filipinos nowadays who
take their time in doing things or in making decisions promptly. There are some who are habitually late or
not showing up at all. There are few Filipinos who are punctual for social meetings. In fact, it is not
expected of them to arrive exactly on time especially at a party.
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The “bahala na" attitude is the outcome of the manana habit” when the tasks are left undone. This
is usually shown and even expressed by people who do not care much of what lies ahead and just leave
everything in fate.

3. Crab Mentality
This is an attitude of some Filipinos where they to push each other down to clear the way for their
own gain. Filipino people with this kind of mentality or attitude try their best to ruin each other, either by
making issues against the other for him to turn out bad to the public or to the company or organization so
that people will gradually put distance and loss their confidence and trust that eventually result to their
replacement.

4. Hypocrisy
This is a trait of the Filipino where criticisms to others' failure to live with the moral standards
society are inevitable. In the Philippines morality highly valued, most of us try to live up to the standarda 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 lost we and become too lazy to finish what have
started.

6. Tardiness (Filipino time)

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

7. Gossiping
Filipinos are fond of talking about others '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 self-righteous. When mistakes happen, we do not want to take the
blame, we lack humility to accept our failures, and ad 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 thing to be an "epal” or “kapalmuks - simply, being an attention grabber.
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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 te tendency to put a wall around us and
that a signboard on our forehead asaying, “I must be respected”.

13. Living beyond (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.

14. Passivity (lack of leadership)

Filipinos' lack of initiative for change is also one reason why our country does not progress. We
keep on complaining against the government and 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 seat.

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 can’t avoid saying those. Most Filipinos tend to be with friends most of the time than to be with their
parents.

FILIPINO CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY

THREE MAIN TRAITS UNDERSCORING

FILIPINO VALUES –

(Excerpted from the Philippines Australia Bus Council)

1. Personalism
Filipinos valued interpersonal relationship. It is firmly believed that harmonious personal
relationship is the key to successful endeavours. Amicable settlement of dispute is the primary means of
restoring broken relationships and face-to-face open forum is considerate 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
member affects the credibility and of the immediate members of the family and relatives.

3. Particularism
Displayed behaviour by the individuals may it good or bad is blamed against the family. It is based
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 always show-off badness. Individuals strive to
promote their own and their family's interests over community interests.

FILIPINO VALUES ORIENTATION

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Values Orientation - Is the approach that may influence work or social relationship by persons 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 enhance and developed 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 requested help in time of need from those to whom it is
extended.

4. Galang (Respect)
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
authority meetings is a sign of disrespect to elders or persons in authority.

MAIN TASK 1.1. INTERVIEW AND ANALYZE

Instruction:
1. Choose at least one member of your family and ask them the following questions.
(1.What are the positive traits of Filipino and further discuss. 2. What are the negative traits of Filipino
and further discuss).
2. Analyze and explain their answer what kind of Most Well-Known Traits and Attitude of the Philippine.
3. Make sure to document the interview submit it together with your analysis.(Video or Hand Written).
4. Please be mindful of the rubrics in making your analysis essay.
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LESSON 2
FILIPINO CORE VALUES

BASIC CONCEPT OF VALUES

Core values are a person's or organization's fundamental beliefs. These guiding principles dictate
conduct and can assist individuals to know the distinction between right and wrong. It also assists
organizations by establishing an unwavering guide to determine if they are on the correct track and fulfil
their objectives. Values are essential because they assist us to grow. They assist us build the future that we
want to experience.
Hundreds of choices are made every day by every person and every organization. The choices we
make reflect our values and beliefs and are always aimed at a particular purpose. That aim is our person or
collective (organizational) needs to be satisfied. When we make Choices using our values, we create a
conscious decision to concentrate on what matters to us. They create inner cohesion within a group when
values are shared.

FILIPINO VALUES SYSTEM

Race strains and cultural components such as Aeta have derived Filipino values. Indonesians,
Malayan, Hindu and Chinese who created our moral scruples core. Cultural individuality combined with
Spain-derived cultural components. The U.S. and the contemporary planetary society (Panopio and Rolda,
2000 ). You can find Filipinos in almost every part of the globe. We rejoice at the sight of other co-Filipinos
when we're in a foreign nation as if there's something that connects us. Sometimes, if we don't know a
person’s nationality, but he or she looks like a Filipino, we often ask, “Filipino ka ba?” And we are happy
when he or she answered “yes.” However, if someone fails to satisfy expectations in the manner they
answer questions or in the manner they act, we say in frustration, “kapwa Filipino pa naman.”

Landa Jocano, a famous sociologist says that “there are no negative Filipino values, only the
wrong use of values”. Values slowly alter, but it depends on how powerful families are to preserve, promote
and pass on our cultural values from one generation to the next.

Here in the Philippines, values are really of importance and should be respected. As we grow
older, our parents shaped us different values. From the time we are born. Pagkalinga, pag-aaruga, at
pakialam (Care) were given by them. This value shapes our real Filipino culture, showing that we are
conscious of others.

The Filipino value system relates to the set of values or the value system that has historically been
held by a majority of Filipinos in their life. This system of Philippine values involves the distinctive
combination of coherent ideologies, moral codes, ethical procedure, cultural etiquette and private values
promoted by the Philippine society. However, as with any culture, the values held sacred by any person
may vary on the grounds of religion, education, and other variables.

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION
OF FILIPINO VALUES
For the most part, Filipino values are focused on preserving social harmony, mainly driven by a
group's Willingness to be accepted. The primary sanction against diverging from these values are “Hiya”
ideas, approximately translated as “a sense of shame,” and "Amor proper" or "self-esteem.” Social
approval, group recognition, and group membership are significant issues. Caring for what others believe,
say or do is a powerful influence on Filipinos 'social behaviour.
The Filipino philosophy is basically non-dualistic,' according to anthropologist Leonardo Mercado.
He concludes, based on his linguistic analysis of Filipino value terms such as “loob" (Cebuano buot), that
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Filipinos desire harmony, not only in interpersonal relationships, but also with nature and religion, while
remaining non dichotomous. The Filipino wants to harmonize the object and the subject while keeping both
as distinct at the same time.

MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES

1. Exogenous Model or the Foreign Model
A "legal and formal” model is defined as the international model. Filipinos from Western cultures,
particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans,
inherited the foreign model. An example of foreign or exogenous impact is the bureaucracy displayed in the
Philippine government.

2. Indigenous Model or the Traditional

Described as a "traditional and non-formal” model or guide, the indigenous model is deeply
integrated in the Filipinos 'subconscious.

STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS

OF FILIPINO VALUES
The Filipino value system is known to possess significant key components based on research
surveys, observations, anecdotes and other literatures developed by scholars and researchers in relation to
Filipino social values or core values, together with the Filipino character or identity of a person or individual
known as the Filipino.

One may notice how Hiya (ownership/dignity), Pakikisama (companionship/esteem), and Utang Na
Loob(gratitude/solidarity) are simply Surface Values - readily seen and appreciated by many Filipinos.
These three values are deemed branches of a single origin – Filipino Personality's real core value- Kapwa.
It implies' totality,' referring to society, or not doing stuff alone. Ibang Tao (other people) and Hindi Ibang
Tao(not other people) are two types of Kapwa. The Surface Values spin off the Core Value through
Pakikiramdam's Pivotal Aspect or mutual internal perception (“feeling for someone else').
Other notable elements or motivations are optimism about the future, pessimism about current
circumstances and activities, concern and concern for other individuals, the presence of friendship and
friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, spiritual nature, respect for oneself and others, respect for the
female members of society, fear of God, and abhorrence of cheating and other acts.

The values of the Filipino specially uphold the following elements: family units solidarity, security of the
Philippine economy, orientation towards small-groups, personalism, the concepts of “loob” or “kalooban”
(meaning “whats’s indie the self,” the “inner self” or the “actual personal feelings of the self”), existence and
maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships, and the sense of the self.

In a broader image, these values are categorized particular clusters or "macroclusters":

1. Cluster of Relationships
2. Social Cluster
3. Cluster of Livelihoods
4. Cluster of Inwardness
5. Cluster of Optimism

THE FIVE CORE FILIPINO VALUES

Based on Dr. Ramirez's study “The Filipino Worldview and Values.” and her perspectives as a
phenomenological sociologist from centuries of practice, here are the Five Core Filipino Values based on a
Filipino's Basic Aspirations.
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Mapagpasalamat
This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to "Pamumuhay” (Life) and “Pananalig sa Diyos at
apwa" (God and People Faith). Filipinos understand how life can be enjoyed. We have plenty of vacations,
celebrations, occasions, and meetings. Filipinos are cheerful and sociable, of course. Even in depressing
circumstances, we wear smiles on our faces. That's because we're always looking at life's bright side.

Matatag
Filipinos, being in a nation susceptible to natural disasters, have adjusted and learned to be
powerful moments of need and in difficult circumstances that life throws at us. This power is derived from
our love for our family and our belief in the greater being. This is based on Filipino's "Kaayusan” (Order)
aspiration.

Masigasig
We do everything we can to get it when Filipinos dream of something. We're doing it for our loved
ones and relatives. This is based on the “Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa" (Relief) aspiration of
Filipinos. Not for himself, but for his family, a Filipino aspires to abundance. Masaganang Bagong Taon
(Bountiful New Year) is the Filipino translation for Happy New Year because we match happiness and
celebration with abundance.

"Ginhawa” in Bisaya implies breath. And the soft breath flow is the soft life flow we call "Ginhawa
"Ginhawa" is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino, according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa. Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs) would be an instance of enduring being away from home to offer their families a
healthy life - abundance and relief from hardships.

Mapagmalasakit
It is because of our family love extended to friends, neighbors and others that naturally sympathetic
Filipinos. This compassion allows us to assist others without in exchange asking for anything. This is based on the
aspiration of Filipinos to “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other People). “Loob" is the seat of the dignity of the
Philippines. Filipino's personality is expressed in his “kalooban.” Filipinos tune in the “kalooban" of each other by
checking the situation of each other and talking about the life of each other.
Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not only to a stranger but to a relative, a neighbor next door, a distant relative
or a friend because of our family culture. Our characteristic of “Mapagmalasakit" makes it simple for us to promote
the spirit of Bayanihan-to unite and at one another during calamities and to celebrate together on unique occasions.

Magalang
The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (hand kissing) are separate methods of regard for Filipino
people. We say these phrases and use this gesture to demonstrate our respect and love to elderly. The
Filipinos' respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other people's properties, emotions, and ideas.
We are polite people. Our language is also respectful because it has no sex bias. For example, the phrases
“kapatid” (brother/ sister) or asawa (husband/wife) or "biyenan” (fatherin-law/mother-in-law) or "anak"
(son/daughter) do not show gender differences. These words are certainly sex friendly Filipino uniquely.
Our respect for other people is an integral part of our culture and our language. This is based on our "Lakas
ng loob" or "Kagandahang Loob” aspiration.

THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

CORE VALUES
Being a noble profession the police service demands from its members specialized understanding,
and abilities, as well as great standard of ethics and morality.
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The members of the Philippine Nation Police must therefore conform to and internalize the key
principles of:
 Love of God.
 Respect for authority.
 Respect for women.
 Respect for sanctity of marriage.
 Stewardship over material things.
 Responsible dominion.
 Truthfulness
The Police service in the Philippines is expressed in the acronym SERVICE. The acronym SERVICE
stands for:

SERVANT HOOD
As police affirm its unconditional service and love for the nation and individuals, Police value a
supportive and professional role serves and protects its clientele and community with honesty, utmost
devotion and commitment above private concern.

EXCELLENCE
Police are committed in doing and making things occur effectively and efficiently in all of their
efforts as they strive to accomplish more consistently and outstanding with tangible outcome and far
beyond their best.

RESPONSIBILIT WITH ACCOUNT ABILITY

Police carry out and execute their responsibilities and tasks as their moral duty is to serve the public with
due diligence and always bearing in mind that they are accountable and duty bound to promote the public
interest.

VALUING PEOPLE AND RESPECT

FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Police always maintain their fellow human beings’ dignity whenever they cater their needs and are
delicate and cautious in serving and protecting them with compassion and utmost regards for their human
rights

INTEGRITY
Police take an uncompromising and coherent position in the fulfillment of their obligation to live an
honest, upright and dignified life according to the highest ethical and moral norms where their advocacy,
values and convictions are compatible with their words and actions.

COURAGE
From their moral strength police draw their collective and individual power of approach to always
accept difficult duties, and they are courageous enough to out against temptation, anomalies, corruption
and exploitation and stand firm.

EMPOWERMENT
Police reach out and create bridges of collaboration, nurture volunteerism and operate in harmony
with their clientele by training individuals for a better and safer society in the process.
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Reference:

Caballero, S & Barican, L. (2020). Character Formation 1 Nationalism and Patriotism. Wiseman’s Books
Trading, Inc. Page 31-51.