GOOD CITIZENSHIP VALUES

Good governance is not enough. Good citizens are also needed. The 16 good citizenship values
derived from the Preamble of the Constitution should be applied to and transform into concrete actions in order
to build our nation. (Baltazar, 2006)

If people are to press for good governance, we must demand from ourselves; each of us, young and
old, rich or poor, Muslim, Christian, Protestant, good citizenship values that are values-based and values-
driven, so we can build a better nation, and better Philippines. (Baltazar, 2006)

There is nothing new in good Citizenship values, one need not to learn them. What is lacking is the will
to live them. How then shall we move from knowing to living them? We just have to look at the mess we are in
and we will realize that it is the absence of these values in the way we live that brought us sinfulness, discord,
greed and selfishness, indolence, violence, and murder, anarchy, intrigue and mudslinging, oppression,
exploitation, hatred, war, broken homes, environmental degradation, and violation of human rights; and then
we should ask ourselves, is this the world I want to live in? Shall I be part of the problems or the solutions? We
just have to decide.

Living these values, is the only way to turn things around, if we will the values at all times, no matter
what the cost, through thick and thin, come hell or high water, we will have a better world. Sometimes, it will
not be easy; there will be price to pay, but living those values will also have its own reward as all good works
bear good fruits, maybe not in short term but in the long term.

A very good topic to help clarify this topic is the citation of the "Inspirational Talks on Good
Citizenship Values for Flag Raising Ceremonies", created by the EDSA PEOPLE POWER COMMISSION,
in 2009, which aims to re-instill the sense of patriotism and nationalism among Filipinos. Explanations were
given to each of the 16 Good Citizenship Values enshrined in the 1987 constitution as well as supporting
anecdotes or story to give emphasis on what is ought to be learned.

The Good Citizenship Values are as follows:

Day 1. Faith in God Almighty

Day 2. Respect for Life
Day 3. Order
Day 4. Work
Day 5. Concern for the Family and the Future generations
Day 6. Love
Day 7. Freedom
Day 8. Peace
Day 9. Truth
Day 10. Justice
Day 11. Unity
Day 12, Equality
Day 13. Respect for law and Government
Day 14. Patriotism
Day 15. Promotion of the Common Good
Day 16. Concern for the Environment

(Please refer to Appendice A for the complete copy of Inspirational Talks on Good
Citizenship values for Flag-
THE GOOD CITIZENSHIP CORE VALUES

A. PAGKAMAKA-DIYOS
 Faith and belief in Almighty God, active spirituality
 Respect for life
 Order
 Work
 Concern for the family and the future generations

B. PAGKAMAKA-TAO
 Love
 Freedom
 Peace
 Truth
 Justice

C. PAGKAMAKA-BAYAN
 Unity
 Equality
 Respect for law and government
 Patriotism
 Promotion for the common good

D. PAGKAMAKA-KALIKASAN
 Concern for the environment

WHO ARE THE CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

According to the 1987 Constitution, the following are the citizens of our country:
 Those who are citizens of the Philippines, at the time of the adoption of this constitution.
 Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines.
 Those whose born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon
reaching the age of majority; and
 Those who are naturalized in accordance with law (Philippine Constitution, 1987)

DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITIZENS

We have to realize that for every right we are enjoying as enumerated in the Bill of Rights of the
Philippine Constitution, there are corresponding duties and obligations. There will be no chaos in our society if
only everybody will perform his/her duties and obligations.

Here under, are the important duties and obligations of every citizen in a democratic country.

1. To be loyal to the Republic - This means that we ought to have faith and confidence in our republic and
love for and devotion to the country.
2. To defend the State - Considering the fact that our country is our home, it is our prime duty to love and
defend the state at all costs regardless of our creed, religious beliefs, and wisdom.
3. To contribute to the development and welfare of the State - we are part of the state and we directly receive
the benefits from the government in the form of infrastructure, peace and order, etc., in return, how can we
contribute in the development and welfare of the state? We can, in the form of paying our taxes willingly
and promptly by helping maintain peace and order; conserving the natural resources, the promotion of
social justice by suggesting supportive measure beneficial to the people as a whole; by patronizing local,
products and trade and engaging in productive work.
4. To uphold the Constitution and obey the laws - this is our prime duty, and if the people would disregard
this; the country would collapse and peace and order will not be achieved.
5. To cooperate with duly constituted authority.
 6. To exercise rights responsibly and with regard for the rights of others - in the exercise of our rights, we
have to see to it that we also respect the rights of other people.
7. To engage in gainful work - it is our obligation as citizens of our country to become productive; by
engaging in gainful work so that we can provide for the basic needs of our family as well as our selves.
8. To register and vote - one of our prime duties. Suffrage is both a privilege and a duty, which all qualified
citizens must perform. (Philippine Constitution, 1987)

The following is an excerpt from the Inspirational Talks on Good Citizenship Values, relative to
Patriotism which may be used in the furtherance of duties of the citizens of our beloved country:

Twelve Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country

(Alexander Ledesma Lacson)
1. Follow Traffic Rules.
2. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3. Do not buy smuggled goods. Buy local, buy Filipino.
4. When you talk to others, especially foreigners, speak positively of our race and our country.
5. Respect your traffic officer, policeman soldier and other public servants.
6. Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly: reduce, reuse and recycle.
7. Support your church.
8. During elections, do your solemn duty to vote.
9. Pay your employees well.
10. Pay your taxes.
11. Adopt a scholar or adopt a poor child.
12. Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.

Nationalism and National Pride

Nationalism is a patriot feeing of love for one’s native land. It is an attitude of mind that values and places the
welfare for the country over that of all others. It is a “dynamic Filipinism.”Nationalism is not developed, nor
does it come through by accident or chance. It is fed and nourished systematically over a period of time.

National Pride - All of us must be proud of being Filipinos. As a good citizen, every Filipino should know the
different national symbols and their meanings. The national symbols of our country are as follows:

1. The Filipino Flag – National Flag

2. The Philippines National Anthem – National Hymn
3. The Sampaguita – National Flower
4. The Narra Tree – National Tree
5. The Nipa Hut – National House
6. The Barong Tagalog – National Costume (for men)
The Balintawak – National Costume (for women)
7. Dr. Jose Rizal – The National Hero
8. Tinikling, Cariñosa, Pandanggo sa Ilaw – The Filipino Folk Dances
9. Ang Panatang Makabayan – The Patriotic Pledge
10. The National Seal of the Philippine Republic
Teaching of Nationalism
To carry out the program of teaching nationalism, the following practical activities should be
undertaken.

1. Use classroom decorations that include pictures 8. Establish a social science museum to exhibit
of great Filipinos, local historical scenes, and relics and documents with cultural and
inspiring quotations by Filipinos patriots. historical values.
2. Establish a Filipiniana Sections in the Library. 9. Require the extensive use of Filipino hymns
3. Use native materials for classroom and folk songs.
instruction/use. 10. Celebrate special days—(e.g., National
4. Study biographies of great Filipinos. Heroes Day, Flag Day, Independence Day,
5. Commemorate historical events of national etc.)
importance. 11. Organize pageant presentations on Filipino
6. Organize educational field trips to places of talents.
historical interest in and around Manila. 12. Organize educational exhibit of Philippine
7. Visit beautiful spots in the Philippines. product.