UNIT VI : SELF AND FILIPINO SOCIETY 1. Rational – Every person is a rational being.

This
is characteristic is what differentiates us
THE HUMAN PERSON: OVERVIEW
humans from all other beings in the world. Also,
“Madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao” as a rational being, a person has the liberty to
is a statement that requires an in-depth discussion. To do what they want, to think and to reason. They
be a human person requires beyond being a biological can decide which is right and which is wrong
man, a Human being is a person but not per se a human because they are intellectual being
person that can create a positive result towards society. 2. Unique – every person is unique in their own
way. Each person has their own identity; thus,
As far as ancient times, the question of how to we can say that no two persons are the same.
be a human person had been consistently raised and Generally speaking, human beings have the
evaluated. Using a wide range of theories and same or similar characteristics and physical
observations, brilliant psychologists, philosophers, features, but no two persons are the same
theologians, and even natural scientists had written and because each of them have different opinions,
made an in-depth analysis on the matter of human perceptions, set of values and priorities in life.
nature. 3. Free - All human beings are born free. They are
Man is not simply defined using the dictionary. free to do or not to do specific action.
This viewpoint aims to revisit and challenge our However, every person must be responsible for
perception of human nature; and the possibility of his/her action. In other words, a person can do
achieving a productive society through the actualization whatever he/she pleased but not to the extent
of a person’s highest potential. of harming his/her co-creatures.
4. Social being – Every person is intrinsically a
social being. He/she cannot detach his/her
THE HUMAN PERSON: Revisited “being “from others and all other creatures in
the universe. Human nature is characterized by
A human person is a combination of - physical, their togetherness and relationship towards
spiritual, emotional, and intellectual attributes. There other creatures; be it a thing, object, or their
are several definitions of a human person based on fellowman.
different perspectives: 5. Sexual – All created living things are sexual but
the uniqueness of expression of a person’s
Aristotle and Boethius, philosophers, described
sexuality makes it all different. The person’s
the humans as a rational being. As a rational or thinking
expression of emotions, attitudes, feelings,
being, a person can know, reason out, and apply what
actions, and thoughts in a sexual activity best
he knows. On the other hand, Socrates maintains that
exemplify their uniqueness from animals.
man is a being who thinks and wills.
The characteristics and their definitions above reveal
A substance of physical and spiritual is how the
that a human person is the ultimate expression of the
theologians describe a human person. Spiritual in
Supreme Being that has the freedom, the capacity and
nature because man has a soul and is created by a
ability to reason, reflect and relate to their co-existence
Superior Being with divine purpose. Physical in nature,
because a person is created with body and faculty that Core and Related Values
correspond to his/her relationship with society.
DIMENSION VALUES
In dictionaries, they define a human person as a PHYSICAL Health – Physical Fitness,
living, self-conscious animal, or a thing. cleanliness, harmony
HUMAN PERSON

with the material

Characteristics of a person
AS SELF

universe, beauty, and art

Eddie Babor discussed in his/her book “The Human INTELLECTUAL Truth –Knowledge,
Person, Not Real But Existing” that a human person has creative and critical
thinking
several characteristics, among which are the following:
MORAL Love –Integrity/honesty,
 self-worth/self-esteem, The theory of Abraham Maslow is one of the
personal discipline foundations
SPIRITUAL Spirituality –Faith in God
SELF-ACTUALIZATION
SOCIAL Social Responsibility – Pursue Inner Talent
Creativity Fulfillment
Family Mutual Love/respect,
Society fidelity, responsible Self Esteem
Achievement Mastery
parenthood, concern for Recognition Respect

others/common good, Belonging - Love

freedom/equality, social Friends Family

Lover
Spouse

justice/respect for
human rights, Security
Safety
Stability Freedom from fear
peace/active non-
violence, popular Physiological
participation Food Water Shelter Warmth

ECONOMIC Economic Efficiency –

Thrift/conservation of The hierarchy of needs has five levels, namely:
resources, work ethics,
INCOMMUNITY

self-reliance, 1. Physiological Level – These are biological needs

productivity, scientific such as food, water, and clothing. These are the
and technological most important needs because once person is
knowledge, vocational deprived of these, a person will ultimately find a
efficiency, way to fulfill the satisfaction of this need.
entrepreneurship 2. Safety – When physiological needs are met, the
POLITICAL Nationalism – Common person transcends in finding security and
identity, national unity, protection from physical and emotional harm
the esteem of national
3. Social and Belongingness – When the needs for
heroes, commitment,
physiological and safety had been satisfied, the
civic
desire for affection, belonging, friendship can
consciousness/pride,
“Bayanihan”/solidarity, become active. Maslow states that people seek
loyal to the country to overcome the feeling of loneliness and
Global Solidarity – alienation.
International 4. Esteem - there are two esteem needs: (1) The
understanding and self-esteem that includes achievement,
cooperation mastery, confidence, and (2) the esteem the
person gets from others which include
recognition, respect, attention, etc. the person
The Essence of a Person
feels self-confident. They feel valuable when
By understanding the character and definition these needs are satisfied. On the other hand,
of a person, the next question would be “how are we the person may feel inferior, weak, helpless and
going to maximize these characteristics to be able to worthless when these needs are not met.
create a positive result?” 5. Self-Actualization – It is the highest form of
motivation. This need was described by Maslow
There are similar guiding principles in realizing a
as the need to reach the person’s peak
person’s competence and ability. The person as a whole
potential
is best explored in the field of humanistic psychology.
This study theorized that a person’s behavior and As discussed above, Maslow’s theory pointed out
relationship with others is shaped by his/her inner that a person must satisfy the first other lower needs
feelings and self-image. before he can realize his/herself-worth and potential.
Accordingly, when lower needs are unmet, the person
cannot fully devote himself to fulfilling his/her
potentials (Boeree;1988). He theorized that the driving
force of human personality is their own self- do or not to do an act but this action should be
actualization. Thus, a person cannot appreciate accompanied by responsibility.
intellectual and aesthetic learning when the person is
Being human, our dealing, regardless of
hungry, and his/her safety is difficult to obtain. “Artistic
whether it is positive or not, does not negate our value
and scientific endeavors do not flourish in a society
as a person. Self-actualized persons allow their innate
where people must struggle for food, shelter, and
positive values to transform further and realize that by
safety. The highest motive- self-actualization – can only
understanding his/herself is the best way he can
be fulfilled after all other needs are fulfilled”.
effectively relate to others.
Following Maslow’s theory, Carl Rogers, (1902-
1987) person-centered therapy theory, believed that Furthermore, every person must be guided by
every person has within him an inherent desire towards the understanding that he exists in this world achieving
a positive transformation and development of his/her his/her temporary assignments. Each person should
capacity. Furthermore, he came to believe that man is start now by utilizing his/her gifts and talents in
good and inherently possesses a seed of goodness no obtaining his/her goals to positively transform and help
matter how imprudent his/her actions are. others realize their worth as a person. They must make
full use of it and fulfill the greatest challenge that the
The theory of person-centered therapy of Carl
Supreme Being has given them.
Rogers explained that persons themselves are the only
ones able to change the direction of their lives and UNIT VI : THE FILIPINO VALUES SYSTEM
which path to take. The therapist’s role is to act as a
What are values?
“sounding board” while the person himself explores and
analyzes his/her problem (Intro to Psych 10 th ed. By Before probing into the discussion of values –
Atkinson, Smith, Bem, p. 523) Filipino values, in particular – it is worth looking into the
word itself. The word “value” was derived from the
Following the view of Roger’s theory, the writer of
Latin word “valere” which means to be strong and
this article personally believes that the therapist being
vigorous. This proceeds from the premise that a human
referred to should not be restricted to psychologists
person has to have strength or valor in every endeavor.
only, but must also be identified with the person’s
It is the basis on which his/her strength in facing the
environment and the people surrounding him. In other
challenges of life should be directed.
words, the role of our society should be a “sounding
board” of our reflections in life to be able for the Dr. Tomas Q. D. Andres (1989) would define
individual to realize his/ her problem and create his/her values as “things, persons, ideas or goals which are
solutions for it. It is the individual who will eventually important to life; anything which enables life to be
direct his/her own life and not the people around him. understood, evaluated, and directed.”
IN A NUTSHELL On the other hand, Edgar Sheffield Brightman
defines value as “whatever is liked, prized, esteemed,
The definition and characteristics of a person,
desired, approved, or enjoyed by anyone at any time. It
the presumptions of Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and
is the experience of enjoying a desired object or activity.
Erik Erikson that have been analyzed are simply guiding
Hence, value is an existing realization of desire.”
principles and motivations to better understand
ourselves and examine out potentials. As JFT Bugental Collectively, the values of society would be the
pointed out, “man’s life has greater possibilities but not standards or principles for which an act is judged to be
realized”. In other words, a lot of opportunities await what is right or wrong, correct, or incorrect. As such,
each person and that they are blind enough not to take this is the standard set for each member of the
notice of said opportunities community as to what is desirable. In other words,
values in society give meaning and direction to every
As discussed previously, the person himself is
individual’s life and influence his/her human behavior.
the best qualified in changing and directing his/her life.
He has always been given an alternative to whether to Based on these definitions, we can say that
values are those which are considered by the society as
desirable and important and have attained the status as underlying values on which every Filipino act to
the moral impetus for every action done by each understand the Filipino culture and the development of
member, it is geared towards the desired end or goal. the Filipino individual. Thus, a study on Filipino values
would provide us a deeper understanding of Filipino
What are Filipino Values?
culture.
Significantly, Filipino Values are the standards
or principle that was set by the Filipino society which is
the basis for what is right or wrong, the standards or The shaping of the Philippine society into a
principles that every member of the Filipino society successful and progressive nation would depend on
should strive to attain to reach the ultimate realization understanding and appreciating the positive side of
of their life, regarding their person and about their Filipino values and how they are applied to attain such a
family and society in general. goal. Thus, it is imperative that a full understanding and
appreciation of the positive side of our very own
(https://graduateway.com/nstp-module/)
principles be made and used for our personal and
The following are some examples of the best national success.
Filipino values:
In this unit, our main goal would be to help you
1. Pagkamaka-Diyos understand our Filipino values. This will enable us to
 Faith in the almighty make use of the positive side and disregard or change
 Respect for life our negative ones. Thus, in the end, through the
 Order development and use of positive Filipino values, we may
 Work bring out the best in the Filipino Society in general and
 Family-oriented the individual in particular.
2. Pagkamaka-Tao Understanding Filipino Values and Culture
 Love
 Freedom The lifestyle and values being practiced in the
 Peace Filipino society is a mixture of a variety of races. Among
 Truth those who influenced the Filipino culture and values are
 Justice our ancestors - the Malays and Indones, our colonists –
3. Pagkamaka-Bansa the Spaniards and the Americans, and nationals of other
 Patriotism countries who have dealt with the Philippine society
 Unity through trade – the Chinese and the Indians. This
 Respect for law and government results in a mixture of influences, which are conflicting
sometimes, is uniquely Filipino.
 Equality
 Equity The rich Christian values of Europe, the
 Promotion of the common good pragmatic and democratic values of America, and the
4. Pagkamaka-Kalikasan spiritual values of Asia blend together make the most
 Respect for the environment dominant of the Filipino values.
 Care of creation
Family is considered to be the basic unit of the
 Balance of ecology
Filipino society. Family is where the values and
Significance of Studying Filipinovalues principles are nurtured and imbibed to each member.
The tradition of close family ties has long been practiced
Several studies have been made on Filipino
and considered as the foundation of the Philippine
Values. A lot of researchers have always been interested
society. So much is the effect of this tradition that the
in examining the Filipino Values because it influences a
members of the constitutional commission of the 1987
Filipino’s behavior in particular, and shaping the
Philippine Constitution deemed it proper to include it as
Philippine Society in general. How Filipinos feel and
a State policy and a chapter of the fundamental law of
motivated to do a specific task is directed and evaluated
the land. Thus, Article XV, Section 1 of the said
by his/her set of values. One has to understand the
constitution provides that “The State recognizes the Positive Traits
Filipino family as the foundation of the nation.”
1. Hospitality
It is in the family that the Filipino individual is Hospitality is one of the well-known
introduced to the concept of structure and hierarchy of characteristics of a Filipino. Foreigners, who
power. He is always reminded to submit to the come visit the Philippines, cannot help
authoritarian familial set-up, where roles are prescribed themselves from falling in love with the warm
especially for younger members of the family. hospitality shown to them by the locals. It’s a
different kind of value system, which has
The Filipino family is structured in a way that
existed for thousands of years. Here are some
autocratic leadership rests on the elder members,
examples of the hospitality that Filipinos show,
where the young submit themselves to the decision of
not only to foreigners but also to their fellow
family elders. He is indoctrinated with the tradition of
citizens.
the primacy of the emotional economic, and moral
 When visiting a friend’s house, the
support is the family.
parents or the host will welcome you
The Filipino individual identifies himself with with a very warm welcome. The host
his/her family. Right from childhood, he is made to will continue to take care of their guest
believe that he belongs to the family. The Filipino by letting them sit down or preparing
individual is always encouraged to get advice from meal or snack. The host will insist on
his/her parents and submit to his/her parents’ direction, not letting you leave on an empty
counsel, and advice. He is admonished to be good stomach. A host will always make sure
because any disgrace that he commits is a disgrace to you had a great time visiting them.
the family, in times of misfortune, he is assured of  If the visitor is going to stay the night,
his/her family’s support, sympathy and love. the host will prepare the spare room for
them.
Thus, Filipino society, in contrast with Western
 Meals offered to guests are very special.
societies, prefers a rather “structured” way of life, and
A host always finds a way to prepare
not where he can be assertive of his/her individuality.
great-tasting food that her visitor wants
However, the modern era is catching up with to eat.
the Filipino society. Changes must occur if the Filipino 2. Respect
society is to survive in a changing world. The Filipino This is often observed by people of all ages,
society will have to keep up with the changes brought regardless of their age.
about by modernization. The society must prepare itself  Children respect elders by saying “po”
for a serious re-evaluation of its values. In most and “opo”, which mean “yes” when
instances, it will have to break away from its past and answering their elders.
adjust itself towards the future.  Children or young adults also show
respect by putting their elders’ hands
on their foreheads
FILIPINO CHARACTERISTICS  Filipinos also show respect at work by
making a bow to their employers
Every country has its differing values and 3. Strong Family Ties and Religious
stereotypes, and the Philippines is no exception. We Families are important to Filipinos. It is not
Filipinos firmly believe that our country has the best rare to keep the family intact for generations.
values in the world. Although we have been colonized  Religion is also important and creates a
by several countries, many core values from our strong bond marking God as the center
ancestors remained intact and are still honored to this of their lives so they go and pray to
day. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great church together.
characteristics and qualities every one of us should be  Families make sure to have quality time
proud of. Below I’ve listed some of the most well-known together especially after a day’s work.
positive and negative traits of Filipinos.
 Just watching television or eating a and value the relationship, always
family meal will be valued and staying faithful to their husbands. They
prioritized in everybody’s schedules. love deeply and sincerely.
4. Generosity and Helpfulness
Negative Traits of Filipinos
Filipinos are generous people. We don’t
hesitate to help someone in need even when Here are some of the negative traits which also
we don’t have much ourselves. really represent Filipinos.
 During special occasions such as
birthdays or “fiestas” –parties when  Fatalism/ Bahala na: An attitude of “what goes
people from other places visit your around comes around” or “come what may”.
home to celebrate with you – there are We tend to surrender our future to fate. We
lots of foods specially prepared for often accept bad news or circumstances
everyone! Friends, family, friends of without trying to stop or change them. This can
friends, and even strangers can gather sometimes be helpful in adversity, but it can
and they are always willing to share also keep us from finding ways out of situations.
food and help out. Also, constantly expecting the worst can get
 Filipinos are always ready to help a pretty depressing.
neighbor when they are in need. Filipinos are a religious group of people by nature.
5. Strong Work Ethic They continue to believe in supernatural beings and in
Yes, we are hardworking people to the different kinds of spirits dwelling in individual person,
point that we are willing to work almost the places, or things. They believe in a Supreme Being who
whole day just to feed our families. That’s how will take care of things for them. The Filipino is very
Filipinos are. religious who has a saint to pray to each day of the
 One example of a hardworking person week.
is a farmer. They earn so little but they
still work very hard for not much The term bahala na comes from the words Bathala
compensation. na. It reflects the Filipino’s dependence on the
 Filipinos always find creative ways to supernatural being and fate. This tends to move toward
earn a living, like creating a small the commonly conceived procrastination character of
business from their home where they the Filipino.
sell foods or other items for the  Crab mentality: Is very widespread in politics.
convenience of their neighbors. People insist on pushing each other down in
order to make way for their gain. Along the
6. Love and caring election season, we see a lot of politicians
This is so true! Filipinos are the sweetest ruining each other. This also happen among
and most loving people in the world. I’m not regular people. I think it goes to the point of
just saying this because I’m a Filipino; if you selfishness.
know us well, you will soon figure this out.  Colonial Mentality: Most Filipinos even those in
 Men are so sweet and romantic when it poverty are fond of branded imported items
comes to love. They will send their and they think that anything American or
beloved flowers, bring her to a very Western made are superior while anything
romantic place, text her sweet quotes, locally made is inferior. It even extends to the
and tell often how special she is to physical appearance and pedigree. Good
them. example: The Filipino entertainment industry is
 Filipino women are also romantic and loaded with mestizos or half-white/half-Filipino
very caring which often makes wherein the mestizos get the lead role while the
foreigners want to marry them. Women more native-looking actor ends up either in
tend to prepare dinner before their maid roles or comedian or villains. Also, the
husband comes home. They are loving, prevalence of whitening products and cosmetic
 surgeries or procedures designed to change the For example, a congressman proudly “gives” a
natural Southeast Asian look of a Filipino/s. town a new chapel, a bridge, or a waiting shed (no
matter whether the money came from his/her pocket or
Some characteristic of a Filipino may either be positive
the government), this makes the people indebted to
or negative
him. And when elections come, he recites the litany of
The characteristic that makes a Filipino vary his/her projects and people “ought” to repay these
from a different society is his/her uniquely blended through their votes. No to repay this form of debt
culture and values, for the reason of several influences means that those who were benefited are walang
that shaped its identity, are bipolar like a coin that has utang na loob. After having been elected the people
two sides. They may either be positive or negative in would approach this congressman for return of favor by
polarity. Let us take for example the value of utang na seeking employment from them. Thus, this would end
loob, or debt of gratitude. The value of utang na loob, into a vicious cycle, where the person na
the altruistic drawing of interior goodness of a person pinagkakautangan ng loob becomes the giver and the
by returning a debt of gratitude, is by itself positive. giver becomes the person na may utang na loob.
However, when one is coerced to honor a debt of
However, utang na loob may be interpreted in a
gratitude and return the favor, then it becomes
positive outlook. If it is used with the concept of justice,
negative.
truth, and human dignity, it would reflect the beautiful
Due to this ambivalence of Filipino values, they aspect of the Filipino character. Thus, this altruistic
have the potential of being used for good or evil. They feeling must voluntarily come from within the person
may either help or hinder personal and national himself, kusang loob; and should not be demanded by
development, depending on how they are understood coercing the person who has utang na loob, so as blind
or practiced or lived. his/her sense of judgment.

In order to shape the Filipino society into a Furthermore, this value should be used
successful and progressive nation, there is a need to re- discriminately. The pagtatanaw ng utang ng loob
evaluate the different values that influence every should emerge from within the self of an individual with
Filipino individual’s action to a set of circumstances. We a sense of justice to repay the person for the favor or
need to identify the positive side of every Filipino value services rendered.
and develop them in order to yield a more successful
We should always remember that in demanding
and developed society.
for the return of indebtedness, the golden rule “Do
Let us then try to discuss some of the values in unto others as you would want them to do unto you”. By
the Filipino society and re-evaluate them to develop a demanding the return of the favor, would you wish to
more positive value for the Filipino individual. become indebted in return? And when indebted, would
you want that person to act the same way when they
Utang na Loob are demanding the return of the favor?
There is no specific translation that can approximate the Other Strengths of the Filipino Character
meaning of this Filipino value of utang na loob. Debt of
gratitude is a lean excuse for a translation because it Strengths of the Results
does not even approximate the fertile concept of the Filipino Character
Filipino value of utang na loob. 1. Pakikipagkapwa-  Camaraderie and feeling of
tao closeness to one another, the
(https://graduateway.com/nstp-module/) foundation for unity as well
as a sense of social justice
Utang na loob is a situation where an individual
2. Family Oriented The feeling of belongingness
is required to return a favor or service received.
and rootedness and a basic
However, the return of such service or favor cannot be sense of security
translated into monetary equivalent and may be 3. Joy and Humor Emotional balance, optimism,
reciprocated in a month of service or even a lifetime. a healthy disrespect for
power and office and the
 capacity to survive Volunteerism is an act or practice, or principle of
4. Flexibility and Productivity, innovation, contributing one's time, talents, and resources freely to
Adaptability entrepreneurship, worthwhile purposes without tangible compensation.
equanimity, and survival (quizlet)
5. Hard work and Productivity and
Industry entrepreneurship for some Volunteerism is the taking of initiative or letting oneself
and survival despite poverty in (for the benefit of another) without expecting in
for others return.
6. Faith and Courage, daring, optimism,
By volunteering you are doing an unselfish activity that
Religiosity inner peace, as well as the
places the welfare of other people ahead of your
capacity to genuinely accept
tragedy and death personal concerns. Volunteers receive nothing in return
7. Ability to Survive Bravely live through the but gains self-worth, self-respect and fulfillment in their
harshest economic and social hearts.
circumstances
Volunteering allows you to connect to your community
and make it a better place. Volunteering is a two-way
Other Weaknesses of Filipino Character street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the
cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as
Weaknesses of the Results a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your
Filipino Character network, and boost your social skills.
1. Extreme  Leads to graft and corruption
Personalism ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEERISM (BV. Semah: Young at
2. Extreme Family  Lack of concern for the Heart GH. July 05,2016)
Centeredness common good and acts as the
block of national 1. SELFLESSNESS The first element of volunteerism
consciousness should be selflessness. The “genesis” of every noble
3. Lack of Discipline  Inefficient and wasteful work volunteering initiative is a desire to make life better for
systems, violation of rules others, especially those who are underprivileged.
leading to more serious Volunteers are those individuals who are commited to
transgressions and casual solving a problem in society not for any direct economic
work ethics leading to benefits but with the objective of putting smiles on the
carelessness and lack of face of others. As english novelist George Elliot rightly
follow-through wrote “what do we live for if not to make life less
4. Passivity and  Easily designed to one’s fate difficult for others”?
Lack of Initiative and thus easily oppressed and
exploited 2. SACRIFICE Selflessness leads to sacrifice. To sacrifice
5. Colonial  The basic feeling of national simply means to give up something valuable in order to
Mentality inferiority that makes it attain a desired objective. True volunteerism requires a
difficult for them to relate as great deal of sacrifice. A response to the call to
equal to Westerners. volunteerism demands a willingness to sacrifice one’s
6. Kanya-kanya  Dampening of cooperative time, energy, money and other resources as well as
Syndrome and community spirit and in stepping outside your comfort zone all in the name of
the trampling upon the rights making a difference in the life of others. Sometimes to
of others.
show love will mean “to give, but give until it hurts”.
7. Lack of Self-  Emphasis on form more than
And that’s what sacrifice is all about.
Analysis and substance
Self-Reflection Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.

3. SERVICE Another necessary element of volunteerism

UNIT VII : VOLUNTEERISM is service. One question that keeps ringing in the mind
of well-meaning volunteers is; what can I do in my own
small way to contribute to “healing the world and
making it a better place.”? The foundation of created a specific constitutional provision for the
volunteerism is LOVE. And love as Mother Teresa once promotion and protection of the physical, moral,
said ” cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth.
has to be put into action and that action is service.” Likewise, as youth is the future of this land, the
constitution instructed the state to inculcate on the
Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause.
minds of the youth the concept of nationalism and
4. SUPPORT Finally, every worthwhile volunteering patriotism while encouraging them to be involve in
endeavour needs the unremitting support of individuals, public and civic affairs.
corporate bodies and even the political authourity.
Volunteer Act of 2007 (RA9418)
Individuals or groups who are volunteering to provide
solutions to some identified problems and causing a An act institutionalizing strategy for rural development
positive change in society should be acknowledged and strengthening volunteerism and for other purposes.
encouraged. You should support such ones financially if
you have the means. If not, you can equally support
with your prayers and that will also count as an
invaluable contribution.
Volunteer Act of 2007
Be encouraged to volunteer for a worthy cause for what
may you do voluntarily could possibly contribute for the • Legislation that recognizes volunteerism or
betterment of the society. “bayanihan”;

The dream of a brighter future can only be realized • Let’s the government partnership achieve the
when change makers, that is SELFLESS individuals who desired transformation development through
are making SACRIFICES to SERVE in love are volunteerism;
SUPPORTED. • this Act recognizes different roles in the
The government alone cannot provide solutions to all different sectors; and
the problems that exist in our communities. Together • encourage academic institutions to
with the support of other sectors, the youth as continuously teach and practice volunteerism
volunteers of today and future leaders could provide
great help to the government in addressing social The three main objectives of the Volunteer Act of 2007
problems. 1. To provide a policy framework on volunteerism
The Filipino Youth that shall underscore the fundamental principles
necessary to harness and harmonize the broad and
The Filipino youth as the hope of the future are diverse efforts of the voluntary sector in the country
considered as the most valuable resource of the into an integrative and effective partnership for local
country. The youth’s enterprising spirit and progressive and national development as well as international
idealism can contribute a lot in our desire to build a cooperation and understanding.
progressive Philippines. The “Youth in Nation-Building
Act” (RA 8044) which was enacted in 1995 established 2. To provide a conducive and enabling
the National Youth Commission and the National environment for volunteers and volunteer service
Comprehensive and Coordinated Programs on Youth organizations by a setting mechanism to protect
Development. This act defined the Filipino youth as volunteers’ rights and privileges and give due
those with ages 15-30. recognition to highlight their roles and contributions to
society; and
Role of the youth in nation-building
3. To provide an effective institutional mechanism
The 1987 Philippine Constitution have clearly to strengthen the role of the Philippine National
recognized the vital role of the youth in nation building. Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency PNVSCA) to
The constitution in recognizing the importance of the perform its mandates and to oversee the
youth as partners of the government in nation building implementation of this Act.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2007/04/10/ We can do our share in nation-building by helping
republic-act-no-9418/ improve a lot of people around who is in need. Even
merely helping improve our domestic helper’s lives is
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERISM already doing something. To help someone who feels
worthless to feel worthy again and even only to have
1. Volunteering connects you to others
empathy and compassion for another is to contribute to
2. Volunteering helps you make new friends and the building of a just and humane society. We can
contacts transform our country from below by earning an honest
living, treating one another as brothers and sisters
3. Volunteering increases your social and giving everyone his/her due and living, and working
relationship skills together in harmony. By dint of many small efforts on
the part of many people, starting with ourselves, we can
4. Volunteering is good for your mind and body do something good for others and our country too. We
5. Volunteering increases self-confidence. can find heroes among the ordinary people, those who
help build our nation by the truly heroic act of being
6. Volunteering combats depression. good and responsible citizens.

7. Volunteering can provide career experience

As a Filipino Citizen, you can help by/through:
8. Volunteering can teach you valuable job skills
1. Do not buy smuggled goods.
As a student, what can you contribute to the
transformation of the Philippines? 2. Follow traffic rules.
1. Study hard and finish your course. 3. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always
ask for an official receipt.
2. Attend to your personal and filial
responsibilities. 4. When you talk to others, especially to
foreigners, speak positively about our race and our
3. Respect/obey the laws and rules of the land.
country.
4. Be an active citizen within the bounds of the
5. Do not litter. Dispose of your garbage properly.
law.
Segregate, recycle, conserve.
5. Join organizations or associations created for
6. Support your church or charitable or civic
the betterment of our society.
organizations.
6. Learn more about our historical /cultural
7. Adopt a scholar.
heritage.
8. Be a good parent. Teach your kids to abide by
7. Love your country, your culture, traditions, and
the law and to love our country.
your people.
9. Pay your taxes.
8. Be a human person that is acting within the
bounds of morality. 10. Have faith in the Divine Providence.
9. Follow and respect your parents. 11. Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by
the decisions of the majority.
10. Take part in any activities or organizations that
take part in the nation-building. 12. Lead and respect your parents.
11. Be a good ambassador wherever you go 13. Honor the memory of our heroes.
because it will reflect your nationality.
14. Lead a clean and frugal life.
12. Always do what is right in the eyes of man and
God’s eyes
13. Vote wisely during elections. UNIT VIII : PEACE EDUCATION

What is Peace Education?

 exclusive source of truth, and thus the
Peace education activities promote the acknowledgment that at least some truths and true
knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help people values exist in other religions.
either to prevent the occurrence of conflict, resolve 2. As acceptance of the concept that two or more
conflicts peacefully, or create social conditions religions with mutually exclusive truth claims are
conducive to peace. equally valid, this may be considered a form of
either toleration (a concept that arose as a result of
Core values of nonviolence and social justice are the European wars of religion) or moral relativism.
central to peace education. Nonviolence is manifested 3. The understanding that the exclusive claims of
through values such as respect for human rights, different religions turn out, upon closer
freedom, and trust. Social justice is realized by examination, to be variations of universal truths
principles of equality, responsibility, and solidarity. that have been taught since time immemorial. This
is called Perennialism (based on the concept of
To achieve these ideals, peace education philosophiaperennis) or Traditionalism.
programs across the world address a wide range of 4. Sometimes as a synonym for ecumenism, i.e., the
themes. These include nonviolence, conflict resolution promotion of some level of unity, co-operation, and
techniques, democracy, disarmament, gender equality, improved understanding between different religions
human rights, environmental responsibility, history, or different denominations within a single religion.
communication skills, coexistence, and international 5. As a term for the condition of harmonious co-
understanding and tolerance of diversity. existence between adherents of different religions
or religious denominations.
Peace education can be delivered to people of 6. As a social norm and not merely a synonym for
all ages, in both formal and informal settings. Programs religious diversity.
exist at local, national, and international levels, and in
times of peace, conflict, and post-conflict. Religious pluralism, broadly construed, is a
response to the diversity of religious beliefs, practices,
To create public dialogue different factions of and traditions that exist both in the contemporary
society are often brought together in peace education world and throughout history. The terms “pluralism”
programs – these typically include civil society groups, and “pluralist” can be depending on context or intended
schools, tribal leaders, and the media. Yet due to the use, signify anything from the mere fact of religious
many areas covered by peace education, initiatives are diversity to a particular kind of philosophical or
primarily determined by culture and context, as well as theological approach to such diversity, one usually
by the projects’ scopes and objectives. characterized by humility regarding the level of truth
and effectiveness of one’s religion, as well as the goals
Peace education and peace building are of respectful dialogue and mutual understanding with
therefore intrinsically linked. The UN’s actions for peace other traditions. The term “diversity” refers here to the
building include education as one of its principal phenomenal fact of the variety of religious beliefs,
components. For peace building initiatives to remain practices, and traditions. The terms “pluralism” and
sustainable attitudes towards war and violence must be “pluralist” refer to one form of response to such
transformed and translated into long-term behavioural diversity.
changes that seek alternative solutions to armed
conflict. Gender and Sexuality

In general terms, "sex" refers to the biological

Religious Pluralism as a Component of Peace Education differences between males and females, such as the
genitalia and genetic differences.
Religious pluralism is an attitude or policy
regarding the diversity of religious belief systems co- "Gender" is more difficult to define, but it can
existing in society. It can indicate one or more of the refer to the role of a male or female in society, known
following: as a gender role, or an individual's concept of them, or
gender identity.
1. As the name of the worldview according to which
one's religion is not held to be the sole and
 Sometimes, a person's genetically assigned sex
does not line up with their gender identity. These Why is cultural diversity a “good thing”?
individuals might refer to themselves as transgender,
non-binary, or gender-nonconforming.
Culture is the lens with which we evaluate
The State recognizes the fundamental right of everything around us; we evaluate what is proper or
every person regardless of sex, age, class, status, improper, normal or abnormal, through our culture. If
ethnicity, colour, disability, religious and political we are immersed in a culture that is unlike our own, we
beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity or may experience culture shock and become disoriented
expression to be free from any form of discrimination when we come into contact with a fundamentally
different culture. People naturally use their own culture
The SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender as the standard to judge other cultures; however, the
Identity and Expression) Equality Bill, also known as the passing judgment could reach a level where people
Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB), is proposed legislation of begin to discriminate against others whose “ways of
the Congress of the Philippines. It is intended to prevent being” are different than their own—essentially, we
various economic and public accommodation-related tend to fear that which we do not understand.
acts of discrimination against people based on their
sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Cultural diversity is important because our
country, workplaces, and schools increasingly consist of
Gender Equality including the LGBT community various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We can learn
is a vital element of peace education. As all of us are from one another, but first, we must have a level of
involved in the desire to attain peace, it is just but understanding about each other to facilitate
proper or indispensable to involved gender equality on collaboration and cooperation. Learning about other
our journey towards the road of long-lasting peace. cultures helps us understand different perspectives
within the world in which we live, and helps dispel
The term “culturally diverse” is often used negative stereotypes and personal biases about
interchangeably with the concept of “multiculturalism.” different groups.
Multiculturalism is defined as:
Also, cultural diversity helps us recognize and
“…a system of beliefs and behaviours’ that recognizes respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our
and respects the presence of all diverse groups in an own, so that as we interact with others, we can build
organization or society, acknowledges and values their bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across
socio-cultural differences, and encourages and enables cultures. Furthermore, this diversity makes our country
their continued contribution within an inclusive cultural a more interesting place to live, as people from diverse
context which empowers all within the organization or cultures contribute to language skills, new ways of
society. thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences.

Sociologist Dr. Caleb Rosado, who specializes in How can you support cultural diversity?
diversity and multiculturalism, described seven 1. Increase your level of understanding about other
important actions involved in the definition of cultures by interacting with people outside of your
multiculturalism: own culture—meaningful relationships may never
develop simply due to a lack of understanding.
1. recognition of the abundant diversity of cultures; 2. Avoid imposing values on others that may conflict
2. respect for the differences; or be inconsistent with cultures other than your
3. acknowledging the validity of different cultural own.
expressions and contributions; 3. When interacting with others who may not be
4. valuing what other cultures offer; proficient in English, recognize that their limitations
5. encouraging the contribution of diverse groups; in English proficiency in no way reflects their level of
6. empowering people to strengthen themselves and intellectual functioning.
others to achieve their maximum potential by being 4. Recognize and understand that concepts within the
critical of their own biases; and helping profession, such as family, gender roles,
7. celebrating rather than just tolerating the spirituality, and emotional well-being, vary
differences to bring about unity through diversity.
 significantly among cultures and influence does not help the other staff members reach their
behaviour. goals and does not help the manager who is
5. Within the workplace, educational setting, and/or avoiding the issue and cannot assertively pursue his
clinical setting, advocate for the use of materials or her own goals. However, this works well when
that are representative of the various cultural the issue is trivial or when the manager has no
groups within the local community and the society chance of winning.
in general. 3. Collaborating managers become partners or pair up
6. Intervene appropriately when you observe others with each other to achieve both of their goals in this
engaging in behaviours that show cultural style. This is how managers break free of the win-
insensitivity, bias, or prejudice. lose paradigm and seek the win-win. This can be
7. Be proactive in listening, accepting, and welcoming effective for complex scenarios where managers
people and ideas that are different from your own. need to find a novel solution.
4. Competing: This is the win-lose approach. A
Cultural diversity supports the idea that every manager is acting in a very assertive way to achieve
person can make a unique and positive contribution to his or her own goals without seeking to cooperate
the larger society because of, rather than despite, their with other employees, and it may be at the expense
differences. Imagine a place where diversity is of those other employees. This approach may be
recognized and respected; various cultural ideas are appropriate for emergencies when time is of the
acknowledged and valued; contributions from all groups essence.
are encouraged; people are empowered to achieve 5. Compromising: This is the lose-lose scenario where
their full potential, and differences are celebrated. neither person nor manager achieves what they
want. This requires a moderate level of
assertiveness and cooperation. It may be
appropriate for scenarios where you need a
temporary solution or where both sides have
Definition of Conflict Management
equally important goals.
Conflict management is the practice of being
able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly, and
efficiently. Since conflicts in a business are a natural part
THE RULE OF LAW IN THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
of the workplace, there must be people who
understand conflicts and know how to resolve them. DISPUTE
This is important in today's market more than ever. By Ret. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio
Everyone is striving to show how valuable they are to Carpio
the company they work for and at times, this can lead
to disputes with other members of the team. What is the dispute in the West Philippine Sea?

China claims “indisputable sovereignty “over all

Conflict Management Styles the waters, islands, reefs, rocks, seabed, minerals, and
Conflicts happen. How an employee responds and living and non-living resources falling within its 9-
resolves conflict will limit or enable that employee's dashed line claim in the South China Sea. The 9-dashed
success. Here are five conflict styles that a manager will line area comprises almost 90% of the total area of the
follow according to Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. South China Sea. China’s 9-dashed line claim encroaches
Kilmann: on 80% of the Philippines’ 200-nm exclusive economic
zone (EEZ) and 100% of its 150-nm extended
1. An accommodating manager is one who cooperates continental shelf (ECS) facing the South China Sea –
to a high degree. This may be at the manager's own what the Philippines calls the West Philippines Sea.
expense and work against that manager's own China’s 9-dashedline claim has similar effects on the
goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. This EEZs and ECSs of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and
approach is effective when the other person is an Indonesia facing the South China Sea. The countries
expert or has a better solution. most adversely affected by China’s 9-dashed line claim,
2. Avoiding an issue is one way a manager might in terms of the size of the area encroached by the 9-
attempt to resolve conflict. This type of conflict style
dashed line claim, are the Philippines, Vietnam,
Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, in that order.
What are the ramifications/consequences of this case
in the Philippines?
Is there an international law that governs the
resolution of the West Philippine Sea dispute? The Philippines has wisely chosen to bring its
maritime dispute with China to a forum where warships,
The 1982 United Nations Convention on the fighter planes, and missiles do not count, eliminating
Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, which entered into force in the military advantage of China and ensuring that the
1994, governs the conflicting maritime claims in the outcome of the dispute will be decided only under the
South China Sea. All the claimant states in the South Rule of Law. It was a wise decision, but one borne out of
China Sea dispute, including the Philippines and China, necessity because it was the only viable option open to
have ratified UNCLOS. UNCLOS is the Constitution for the Philippines.
the world’s oceans and seas. UNCLOS codified the then-
existing customary international law of the sea, created We have to admit that as a nation we have
novel entitlements in favour of coastal and landlocked neglected to maintain a credible self-defense force,
states, and adopted a compulsory dispute settlement particularly in our naval assets despite our being an
mechanism to ensure that there is a final authoritative archipelagic country with extensive coastlines and a vast
body to interpret and apply its provisions. EEZ. We are paying dearly for this neglect, by losing
Mischief Reef in 1995, Scarborough Shoal in 2012, and
most likely Ayungin Shoal soon. To remain a sovereign
What is the right or entitlement of the Philippines and independent nation, to maintain our territorial
under international law that is being violated by integrity, to avoid further humiliation, and to maintain
China? our self-respect as a nation, we must build and maintain
a credible self-defense force. There is simply no
Under UNCLOS, every coastal state is entitled as alternative to this. No nation can remain sovereign,
a matter of international law to a 200-nm EEZ, plus an independent, and free for long without maintaining a
additional 150-nm ECS where applicable, drawn from credible self-defense force, even if international law and
baselines on continental land or islands. In place of this world opinion are on its side.
additional 150-nm ECS, a coastal state may adopt an
ECS of up to 100-nm seaward from the 2,500-meter As a nation, we must also understand that the
isobaths. This legal maritime entitlement is one of the maritime and territorial dispute with China in the West
most important reasons why developing coastal states Philippine Sea is an inter-generational struggle to
approved UNCLOS. Without this important legal maintain our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our
maritime entitlement, there might have been no generation may win the legal battle in the UNCLOS
UNCLOS. In case of overlapping EEZs or ECSs, the arbitration case, but for sure China will not simply
opposing or adjacent coastal states shall negotiate in abandon its massive structure in Mischief Reef or
good faith an equitable maritime boundary. withdraw its surveillance vessels in Scarborough Shoal.

China’s 9-dashed line claim negates, and thus After securing a favourable ruling from the
violates, the Philippines’ legal entitlement under arbitral tribunal, our generation must still win over
UNCLOS to an EEZ and ECS. China’s 9-dashed line claim world opinion and convince the Chinese people that
also negates, and thus violates, the right of all states on they will become a rogue nation if their Government
this planet, including the Philippines, to fish in the high continues to violate international law. The Chinese
seas or the area beyond the EEZ of a coastal state. leaders may not survive politically if they simply
China’s 9-dashed line claim furthermore negates and abandon the 9-dashed line claim without the Chinese
thus violates, the right of all states on this planet, people being convinced that their 9-dashed line claim is
including the Philippines, to the seabed and its mineral against international law. The present generation of
resources beyond the ECS of a coastal state. Finally, Chinese has been taught from the time they entered
China’s claim of “indisputable sovereignty “to areas of school that the South China Sea belongs to them.
the South China Sea beyond the EEZs of coastal states
violates the prohibition under UNCLOS against states The next generation of Filipinos, and even the
subjecting the high seas to their sovereignty. generation after them, must continue to wage a
worldwide campaign to convince the Chinese people Initiative vs Guilt Purpose
that the 9-dashed line claim has no basis in Initiative – the  The courage to
international law. general ability to envisage (predict or
initiate ideas and visualize) and pursue
actions and to plan goals by the defeat
UNIT IX : DIMENSION OF DEVELOPMENT future events of infantile fantasies,
Eight Stages of Development The child begins to by guilt and by

Pre-school Age
explore what kind of foiling fear of

(Ages 4-5)
Stage Crisis Virtue person he can punishment
Basic Trust vs. Hope become limits are
Mistrust  Emerges as an tested to find out
The child is helpless enduring belief in what is permissible
dependent on the attainability of and what is not.
adults. fervent wished Guilt develops if
Caring is the (trusting children are parents ridicule the
satisfying needs of more future- child’s self-initiated
the child oriented) behaviors and
Infancy
(Birth)

If parents are  Children lacking fantasies.

rejecting and the enough trust cannot
satisfying needs of hope because they
the child are must worry Industry vs Inferiority Competence
inconsistent, it constantly about Industry – the sense  It is the free
develops feelings of whether their needs of enjoyment from exercise of dexterity
mistrust will be satisfied and work and sustained and intelligence in
therefore are tied to attention the completion of
the present. The child learns skills tasks, unimpaired
Autonomy vs Shame Will necessary for by infantile
and Doubt  Defined as the economic survival inferiority
Children develop unbroken the technological
rapidly varied skills. determination to skills that will allow
School Age
(Ages6-11)

Learns how to hold exercise free choice him to become a

on and let go feces as well as self- productive member
and urine restraint of his/her culture
A child can willfully School is the place
decide to do where a child is
something or to do trained for future
it employment
Inferiority causes the
Early Childhood

Effects of parental
child to lose
(Ages 1-3)

discipline and
control over the confidence in his/her
development of the ability to become a
child’s self-control contributing member
From a sense of self- of society
control without loss
of self-esteem
comes a lasting
sense of good will
and pride
From a sense of self-
control comes a
lasting propensity
for doubt and
shame
 Identity vs Role Fidelity The stages of development are patterned
Confusion  Self-confidence and sequence encompassing appropriate physical,
Identity – means self-esteem emotional, and cognitive tasks that individuals must
essentially how a necessary to freely muster in a struggle to adjust to the demands of the
person sees associate with social environment.
themselves people and ideas
concerning their based on merit, Every stage is viewed as a psychosocial crisis or
world. It is a sense of loyalty, social and conflict – and whether the conflict of a specific stage is
self or individuality in interpersonal resolved successfully or not, the individual is pushed
(Ages12-19)
Teen Age

the context of life integrity, discretion, into the next stage by both biological maturation and
and what lies ahead personal standards social demand. The conflict in each stage involves
Role Confusion – the and dignity, pride conflicting tasks such as trust vs. mistrust.
negative perspective and personal
– an absence of identity, seeing
identity – meaning useful personal
that the person role(s) and UNIT X : INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY BASED
cannot see clearly or purpose(s) in life MANAGEMENTS
at all who they are What is Community?
and how they can
relate positively with
A Community is a social unit (a group of living things)
their environment with commonality such as norms, religions, values,
Intimacy vs Isolation Love customs, or identity.
Intimacy – the ability  Defines as the Communities may share a sense of place situated
to merge one’s mutuality of in a given geographical area (e.g. a country, village,
Young Adulthood

identity with that of devotion forever town or neighbourhood) or in virtual space through
(Ages20-25)

another person. subduing the communication platforms. Durable relations that extend
Isolation – the antagonism beyond immediate genealogical ties also define a sense
inability to share inherent in dividend of community, important to their identity, practice, and
one’s identity with functions roles in social institutions such as family, home, work,
that of another  Development of a government, society, or humanity at large. Although
person greater sense of communities are usually small relative to personal social
intimacy tiles, “community” may also refer to large group
affiliations such as national communities, international
Generativity vs Care
communities, and virtual communities.
Stagnation  The widening The English-language word “community”
Generativity – the concern for what derives from the old French “comunetḗ” (currently
Middle Adulthood

impulse to help has been generated “Communautḗ”), which comes from the Latin
(Ages35-64)

members of the next by love, necessity; it communitas “community”, “public spirit” (from Latin
generation. overcomes the communis, “common”).
Stagnation – ambivalence Human communities may share intent, belief,
interpersonal adhering to an resources, preferences, needs, and risks in common,
impoverishment – irresistible affecting the identity of the participants and their degree
the lack of concern obligation of cohesiveness.
about the next
generation.
Ego Integrity vs Wisdom Key Concepts
Despair  The person has Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft
Ego Integrity – the more ego integrity
(65-death)
Old Ages

satisfaction with life than despair In Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft (1887),

and the lack of fear  Defined as a German sociologist Ferdinand Tonnies describes two
of death detached concern types of human association: Gemeinschaft (usually
translated as “community”) and Gesellschaft (“society”
Despair – the lack of with life
or “association”). Tonnies proposed the Gemeinschaft –
satisfaction with life
Gesellschaft dichotomy as a way to think about social
ties. No group is exclusively one or the other.
Gemeinschaft stress personal social interactions, and the 3. Symbolic Community. The community is
roles, values, and beliefs based on such interactions. founded on deep rooted submission to belief
Gesellschaft stress indirect interactions, impersonal system. This community is oftentimes
roles, formal values, and beliefs based on such characterized by exclusivity which is driven by
interactions. the people’s desire to freely express and practice
their belief apart from discriminating view of
What are the elements of Community? others.
The important elements of the community are as
follows: 4. Built-up Community. Usually located in urban
areas and is not always characterized by
1. Demographics cohesiveness because the people’s socio-
 Characteristics of population economic concerns prevail over the entire social
environment.
 Tells about the movement of the
population in the community that you
will serve
Other Types of Communities
2. History 1. Interest – Communities of people who share the
 Allows you to identify certain patterns same interest or passion.
of change and people’s way of adapting 2. Action – Communities of people trying to bring
these changes that can be useful in about change.
plotting your activities 3. Place – Communities of people brought together by
 Events of the past that contributed to the geographic boundaries.
development of the community 4. Practice – Communities of people in the same
profession or undertake the same activities.
3. Understanding the economy, culture, and the 5. Circumstance – Communities of people brought
community structures together by external events/situations.
 An economy consist of economic
systems of a country or other area; the Community Service is when you work for free
labour, capital and land resources; and to help benefit the public or your community. Usually
the manufacturing, production, trade, students who choose to do community service do so
distribution and consumption of goods volunteers, meaning that they choose to help out because
and services of that area; they want to do so. Community service can have a lot of
 Income level of the people positive effects on students such as helping them to
develop skills, making, and allowing them to improve
 Culture (Latin: cultura, lit.
the quality of life of others.
“cultivation”) ways of living of the
people
Community Service is a non- paying job
 Structures physical, political, and social
performed by one person or a group of people for the
culture
benefit of the community or its institutions. Community
service is distinct from volunteering, since it is not
Types of Community always performed on a voluntary basis. Personal benefits
may be realized, but it may performed for a variety of
1. Geographic Community is the most powerful reasons including citizenship requirements, a
force that causes the creation of the community substitution of criminal justice sanctions, requirements
in which the people’s mobility or day-to-day are of a school or class, and requisites for receipt of certain
confined within a limited by physical benefits.
boundaries. They establish their culture by doing
their activities within a common social Engaging in community service provides
environment. students with the opportunity to become active members
of their community and has a lasting, positive impact on
2. Tribal Community. The cohesiveness of the society at large. Community service or volunteerism
community is strengthened by common social enables students to acquire life skills and knowledge, as
racial attributes and socio-cultural orientations well as provide a service to those who need it most.
that were passed on from generation to
generation.
 Community organizing is a process where organization." In this approach the community is
people who live in proximity to each other come seen as a political entity and not as a social
together into an organization that acts in their shared organism. Here, the neighbourhood is viewed as a
self-interest. potential power base capable of getting power. The
role of the community organizer is to help the
Unlike those who promote more-consensual community understand the problem in terms of
community building, community organizers generally power and necessary steps are taken to mobilize the
assume that social change necessarily involves conflict community. The problem of the neighbourhood is
and social struggle in order to generate collective power always identified as absence of power and in the
for the powerless. Community organizing has as a core interest of gaining power for the neighbourhood the
goal the generation of durable power for an organization organizers are faced with conflicts with groups,
representing the community, allowing it to influence key interests and elites. Since most of the community
decision-makers on a range of issues over time. In the organizers come from outside the community, it has
ideal, for example, this can get community-organizing faced the problems of equality of power relations
groups a place at the table before important decisions are and leadership in the community.
made. Community organizers work with and develop
new local leaders, facilitating coalitions and assisting in 3. Neighbourhood Maintenance/Community
the development of campaigns. development Approach: This approach has
emerged out of both the previous approaches namely
within the same neighbourhood movements. It is
Types of Community Engagement seen in the form of civic associations. This
1. Community engagement with a focus on community association uses peer group pressure to provide
development or community building services in the community. They use this strategy to
2. Community participation in consultation and pressurize the officials to deliver services to the
decision-making community but sometimes this approach takes the
3. Community engagement that helps organizations, form of political activists approach as they realize
businesses etc. to improve their service delivery or that their goals can be only achieved only through
to achieve their goals confrontations. In this approach we see the
4. Community engagement as part of social change characteristics of de-emphasis on dissent and
movements or as part of the work of voluntary confrontation and these organizations view
community organizations themselves as more proactive and development
minded.
Approaches to Community Organization
4. Neighbourhood Development Approach:
Neighbourhood organizing is one form of community Neighbourhood Model is the oldest model of
organizing. This is nothing but an effort by the community organization. This model has been
community to solve the day to day problems and help practiced in India and in some of the underdeveloped
those in need. There are three type approaches to countries. It has been used in the developmental
neighbourhood organizing. activities. In general it is believed that people living
in a neighbourhood have the capacity to meet the
1. The Social Work Approach: In this approach, the problems they come across in their day to day life
society is viewed as a social organism and therefore through their own efforts and resources. The main
the efforts are oriented towards building a sense of aspect here is that the community realizes its needs
community. The community organizer whose role is and takes appropriate steps to meet the needs of the
of an "enabler or an advocate” helps the community community, which will bring greater satisfaction to
identify a problem in the neighbourhood and strives all its members both individually and collectively.
to achieve the needed social resources by gathering The role of the worker in this model is to induce a
the existing the social services and by lobbying with process that will sensitize the community and make
some in power to meet the needs of the the community realize its needs. Based on the value
neighbourhood. This method is more consensual and of self-sustenance the worker energizes the
the neighbourhood is seen as a collective client. community and makes the community self-reliant,
and not merely depending on the help form outside.
2. The Political Activists Approach: Saul Alinsky, So rather than providing services in the community,
the Godfather of community organizing is the the communities are energized to meet its own
founder of this approach. The basic philosophy of needs. This model encourages the people to think for
this approach is based on his thinking that " more themselves rather
representative the organization the stronger the
5. System Change Approach: As the name suggests,
the system change model aims at developing Ethics and Attitudes in Community Work
strategies to either restructure or modify the system. Ethical community work/engagement involves
Thus it is termed as "System Change approach to working to high ethical standards and so how we go
community work”. Although we find glimpses of about engagement is vitally important. The following are
this model gaining more acceptances, this has not some of the principles:
become very popular. We know of various
mechanisms that cater to the needs of the society. 1. Careful planning and preparation: Through
Such as education, health services housing, women adequate and inclusive planning, ensure that the
empowerment, and employment. All these services design, organization, and convening of the
are rooted through various systems and all these process serve both a clearly defined purpose and
systems do have sub-systems. The fundamental the needs of the participants.
aspect in this model is that the due to various reasons
the systems become dysfunctional. For example the 2. Inclusion and demographic diversity: Equitably
system of education as we have it today, reveals that incorporate diverse people, voices, ideas, and
the cities have better educational faculties as information to lay the groundwork for quality
compared to the rural areas. This system (education outcomes and democratic legitimacy.
policy) of education has generated disparities in the
society. i.e. access to education, lack of basic 3. Collaboration and shared purpose: Support and
facilities, trained staff, etc. The system instead of encourage participants, government and
becoming a tool of empowering mechanism brings community institutions, and others to work
disparities between people of different socio- together to advance the common good.
economic condition. So the system has failed to
achieve its objectives. Thus the worker on observing 4. Openness and learning: Help all involved listen
this dysfunction in the community finds it important to each other, explore new ideas unconstrained
to develop strategies to restructure or modify the by predetermined outcomes, learn and apply
system. information in ways that generate new options,
and rigorously evaluate public engagement
6. Structural Change Approach: One of the most activities for effectiveness.
difficult and rarely practiced models of community
work is structural change model. The society 5. Transparency and trust: Be clear and open about
consists of small communities and it is nothing but the process, and provide a public record of the
"a web of relationships". These relationships of the organizers, sponsors, outcomes, and range of
people are formally structured by the respective views and ideas expressed.
countries' state policies, law and constitutions and
informally by its customs, traditions etc. that 6. Impact and action: Ensure each participatory
determines the social rights of the individuals. The effort has real potential to make a difference,
social structure in some of the societies is controlled and that participants are aware of that potential.
by the state. Understanding the macro- structure of
social relationship and its impact on the micro 7. Sustained engagement and participatory culture
realities, the worker tries to mobilize the public promote a culture of participation with programs
opinion to radically change the macro-structure. and institutions that support on going quality
Thus the structural change model aims to bring a public engagement.
new social order, an alternative form of society
which will transform the existing conditions at the
micro-level. This can happen only if an alternative Additional Ethical Principles
form of political ideology is adopted. This form of 1. Courage
community work may originate from a community 2. Inclusiveness
itself but it has wider coverage i.e. the entire society 3. Commitment
or nation. Sometimes this takes the shape of social 4. Respect & honesty
action, which is another method of social work 5. Flexibility
profession. Since the general situation in the 6. Practicability
developing countries is very peculiar, it is very 7. Mutual obligation
difficult for the community worker to actually What is Community Immersion?
practice this model.
 Community immersion allows individuals who
are not familiar with the people and communities where
they will work immerse themselves in these settings.
This gives them the opportunity to reflect on their
assumptions, attitudes, and the knowledge base of their
profession and to gain cultural competence. In the
education field, it is an approach that has evolved with
changing composition and diversity of schools and the
continuing preponderance of white and female teachers.

How It Works

Communities become integral partners in

educator preparation in different ways. Individuals can
participate in:

 a residency program, where they live and work

in a community and take courses for a specified
period of time; and
 a field experience-based program, where
methods courses are held in urban schools and
summer exposures include exploring and
learning about the community and interning with
community agencies.

Why immersion is an important approach (strategy)

in giving service to the communities?

 An old proverb says that “Experience is the best

teacher”
 Through community immersion, the students
will be exposed in further and other realities of
life which they may or may not belong
 The role of the youth in the national/local
development cannot be overemphasized. To
reinforce this, are the very words of our national
hero, “The youth is the hope of the Motherland”