UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SOCIETY AND 1.

Material Culture – refers to the concrete and

POLITICS HANDOUTS tangible things that man creates and uses. They are
“Anthropology is philosophy with the people in”- Tim considered the artifacts or any physical objects and can
Ingold be perceived as an important part or product of any
behavior system of man.
ANTHROPOLOGY 2.Non Material Culture - Consists of words people use;
the habits they follow and the ideas, customs, and the
 Comes from the greek word
behavior that any society professes and to which they
ANTHROPOS – human
strive to comform.
LOGOS – reason
Social Anthropology means knowledge about humans
COMPONENTS OF CULTURE
in societies.
1. Norms – described as social norms.
 Anthropology tries to account for the social and
- guide or models of behavior which tells us what is
cultural variation in the world, but a crucial part of
appropriate or inappropriate, what is right or wrong.
anthropological project also consists in conceptualizing
- it regulates the people’s behavior in a given society.
and understanding similarities between social system
Usually in a form of rules, standards, or prescriptions
and human relationships.
followed by people who follow certain standard or
 Anthropologist have wide-ranging and
roles.
frequently highly specialized interests, they all share a
A. Folkways – customary patterns of everyday
common concern in trying to understand both
life that specify what is socially correct and proper in
connections within societies and connection between
everyday life.
societies.
- customary ways. They are repetitive or typical habits
 Anthropologist would have carried out
and patterns of expected behavior followed within the
research and written issues. Whether one is
a group of community.
interested in the study of:
B. Mores – in contrast to folkways, are seen as
1. Religion
extremely important and are considered vital for the
2. Child-raising
group’s welfare and survival.
3. Political power
- they are folkways with ethical and moral significance
4. Economic life
which is morally right or morally wrong.
5. The relationship of men and women
- Embodies code of ethics and standards of morality in
the society.
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
C. Laws – are norms that is enforced formally
CULTURE
by a special political organization.
 Crucial to descipilne
- they are formalized social norms enacted by people
 Came fro the latin word “colere” which means
who have been vested through machinery of the state.
to “cultivate”
2. Values – represent the standards we use to evaluate
 Cultural anthropology thus means “knowledge
the desirability of things.
about cultivated humans”.
- Defines what is right, good and moral.
 Has been describe as one of the two or three
more complicated words in the English
Major Value Orientation by Williams
language ( Williams 1981).
1. Achievement and success
 In 1950s Clyde Kluckhohn and Alfred Kroeber
2. Activity and work
(1952) presented 161 different definition of
3. Moral Orientation
culture.
4. Humanitarianism
 is the social behavior and norms found
5. Efficiency and Practicality
in human societies. Culture is considered a
central concept in anthropology, encompassing
FILIPINO values by Bulatao, SJ
the range of phenomena that are transmitted
 Emotional Closeness and security in the family
through social learning in human societies.
 Authority Value
 The relationship between culture and society
 Economic and social betterment
can be described in the following way.
 Patience, suffering and endurance
“Culture refers to the acquired, cognitive and symbolic
aspects of existence”
3. Language
“Society refers to the organization of human life,
 It refers to a system of symbols that have
pattern of interaction and power relationship.”
specific and arbitrary meaning in a given
society.
TWO TYPES OF CULTURE
  It is this symbolic communication or language
that sets human beings apat from others
species.
4. Fashion, Fads and Craze
 These are the other components of culture that
are short lived social norms with which people
are expected to comply with.
 They may operate as forces of social change
CHARACTERISTICS
OF CULTURE
 Culture is Learned and Acquired
 Culture is Shared and Transmitted
 Culture is Social
 Culture is Ideational
 Culture gratifies human needs
 Culture is Adaptive
 Culture tends toward integration
 Culture is cumulative
ADAPTATION OF CULTURE
1. Parallelism
o Refers to the independent development of a
culture characteristic in two widely separate
cultures.
o There is no historical evidence that the use of
the wheel, or arch of buildings, or
domesticated dogs, pigs, and other animals
originated from the group in only one place.
2. Diffusion
o Much more common process of patterns and
traits passing back and forth from one culture
to another
3. Fission
o Is a process that can be traced historically
when a long established society breaks up into
two or more dependent tribes.
o For instances, various tribes of North American
Indians, the Eskimos (Inuits) and the
Appalachian hill folks.
o The Aetas of Zambales, Aetas of Antique, the
Manobos of Agusan, Bukidnon, Cotabato,
Davao, Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Sur,
the Igorots of Bontoc Province, Dumagats of
Palanan, Isabela and the Baluga of Bulacan are
examples of people who have broken away
from their cultural origins and have developed
different internal cultural traits
4. Convergence
o The Fusion of two or more cultures into new
one which is somewhat different from its
predecessors. Concept is sometimes referred
to as Cultural Hybridization.
Modes Of Acquiring Culture
Imitation
The process of socialization plays a very
important role in the development of an individual
Indoctrination
This may take the form of formal teaching or
training which may take place anywhere the individual
finds himself/herself interacting with his/her fellow
humans.
Conditioning
Prevailing in one’s social and cultural milieu,
the individual acquires a certain pattern of beliefs,
values, behaviour and actions.
CULTURAL VARIABILITY
Ethnocentrism
 Is a universal phenomenon
 This arises from the fact that cultures vary from
one another and each culture defines reality
different.
 Example: racial discrimination arises because of
the tendency of a group to regard their own
race as superior to those of the others
Cultural Relativity
 Also known as cultural relativism
 This concept was formulated by William
Graham Summer in his book, Folkways.
 He urge that there are no universal moral
standards right or wrong and good or bad for
evaluating cultural phenomena.
 Standards are relative to the culture in which
they appear.
 Example: Polygyny or having several wives
functions in a society wherein women are
needed to work in the fields.
 Abandoning the sick or disabled elderly who
can no longer travel is the practical thing to do
for nomadic people.
Other Concepts Of Cultural Significance
Subcultures
 Although members of culture share norms and
values, they do not always behave or think
exactly alike.
 They share most of its norms, values, and
beliefs, but they change some of the society’s
ideals or reflect more closely their own needs.
They create subcultures.
 Subcultures may based on religious differences
or ethnic differences.
 Occupational groups such as the military or the
medical profession may give rise to subcultures
as well.
Culture Shock
 All humans tend to believe that their way of
life, which has been handed down from
generation to generation, is the right way.
 When people go to other societies very
different from theirs, they may lose familiar
signs and symbols of social intercourse and
may experience unpleasant events. Their
 expectations will be shaken and some kind interaction and the belief system that reinforce
reactions will ensue. values norms and society.
Cultural Lag
 The dysfunctions in, or inability of given
society to adopt a culture immediately as a
result of the disparity in the rate of change
between the material and non-material
elements of culture.
- William Ogburn
Cultural Dualism
 Is not altogether different concept for it is
dependent on the first part of the traditional
idea.
 “ One thing that characterizes Filipino culture is
cultural dualism”
 This gives arise to an East-West dualism in
Filipino Culture.

Cultural, Social and Political Praxis

It could be anything. It does not necessarily
mean expensive things and it is not always
something material. But it is something you
hold dearly, material or otherwise, what are Identity Formation
these that left a mark significantly on who and
In the beginning of the process, it is all more
what you are now.
how external elements and factors shape who
`Becoming Kapwa in Philippine Society we are.

Kapwa begins in the self. For Virgilio Enriquez According to Erik Erikson there is that stage
(Pe-Pua, 1989) who is reputed as the founder where identity crisis emerges and that is during
of Sikolohiyang Filipino, kapwa is both the self adolescence.
and the other.

“ The good thing about Filipino language is that through

the word kapwa it denotes and implies the I-thou
relationship” – Martin Buber

Enculturation

It is the process which one becomes part of

his/her culture.

Acculturation

It is the process whereby one adapts with,

adopts another traits, modifies and/or accepts
new culture.

Socialization

In one aspect it means getting along with other

people. It may mean also becoming a member
of a group or being “in the Group”.

It is also means becoming the part of the

society.

Agents of Socialization

These group or institutions are responsible for

shaping our understanding of the world around
us, the language we use to interact with
people, the social skills we develop along social
 Identity formation can be product of power 4. Australopithecus
relations between the power and the  Teeth adapted to eating tough food
powerless. 5. Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy)
 Walked upright, 1.2 -1.4 m tall
Using Vaclav Havel’s Idea of the power of the  Brain 35% size of human’s
powerless (1985) there is no such thing as  No good at using tools
powerless people with in the scheme of power 6. Australopithecus africanus
7. Homo habilis
relation
 Brain 50% size of human’s
Identity politics asserts and fights for the  Primitive stone tools
interest, rights and welfare or those who have 8. Homo ergaster
 Small face and teeth
been oppressed by the dominant group in
 Bran 60% size of human’s
society. – according to Standford Encyclopedia  Advanced tools such as hand axes
of Philisophy  May have used fire
9. Homo erectus(Java man)
2. Norms and values
 Fairly modern human features
A. Customary Folkways  Brain 60-70% size of human
10. Homo heidelbergensis
B. Mores  Tools like those of homo erectus
 Found in Europe
C. Laws 11. Homo Neanderthalensis
 Stocky, adapted to cold
D. Taboos – these are norms prohibiting
 Tools, social structures, possible
individuals against practices that are
rudimentary language
considered to be extremely “immoral” or  Brains slightly larger than a human’s
“unacceptable” in society. Bestiality or having 12. Homo Sapiens
sex with animals is taboo.
Gerhard Lenski specifies 5 types of societies
Values
1. Hunting and Gathering – also called “foraging
A. Religiosity society”
2. Neolithic – horticultural and pastoral society
B. Utang na Loob 3. Neolithic revolution – agrarian/agricultural society
4. Industrial society
C. Bayanihan 5. Post Industrial society

D. Pakikipagkapwa Conformity and Deviance

3. Statuses and Roles Conformity

- Is the act of submitting oneself to the norms and

Refers to our social position to our social
position in society at given time. Roles are the
duties and responsibilities expected of us to
fulfill because of our status.
conventions of society. We conform for the sake of
convenience.
- We don’t want hassle in life. We just obey and life
becomes less stressful.

CONFORMITY Deviance

Is the act of submitting oneself to the norms
and conventions of society. we conform for the
sake of convenience.
BIOLOGICAL CULTURAL EVOLUTION
- The opposite of conformity. Deviance are those who
do not conform to norms and laws of society.
- When they break the law they are considered as
felons, criminals, outlaws.
- When they deviate from the norm, they are called
non-conformist or deviant.

Bioculture is defined as the relationship between human Forms of Deviance

biology and culture. Along the path of biological evolution of 1. Conformity – follows the process of pursuing a
man, culture is changing. person’s goal through traditions like education and
Hominid Evolution hard work.
2. Ritualism – person rejects a certain cultural goal like
1. Sahelanthropus tchadensis (Toumai) the acquisition of money, but still continues to act
 Mix of chimp and human features conventionally to project a level of dignity.
 Brain Similar to a chimp’s 3. Retreatism - individual is similar to being apathetic,
 May have walk upright as shown by alcoholics and drugs. Acceptance of
2. Ardipithecus ramidus kadabba their current situation is evident by not doing to
3. Ardipithecus ramidus change or improve it.
 Primitive teeth
 Probably walked upright
 4. Innovation – use of non-traditional way or approach
to reach a socially acceptable goal like earning
money by stealing or investment scams.
5. Rebellions - individual rejects both the cultural goal
and traditional way of reaching it. “pasaway”
HUMAN DIGNITY, RIGHTS and COMMON GOOD
Human dignity Presupposes respect and acknowledgement of
an individual as a person, a human being. All human beings
have the inalienable to right of life.
 Killing someone is a capital crime.
 Killing many people is a massacre
 Killing an entire race is genocide.
Common Good
 Means all our effort must be for jthe benefit
of all.
 Self respect, self worth, self love and
dignity must not be diminished in order to
attain the common good.
Important rights emphasized in our constitution.
1. Freedom of Expression
2. Right to Assembly and join the protest
3. The right of the accused to a fair trial
4. Right to travel
5. Rights against slavery and involuntary
servitude.
United Nation signed the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights consist of 30 articles on December 10, 1948.
UN defines Human Rights as: “Rights inherent to all human
beings, whatever our nationality, place of residenec, sex,
national or ethnic background, colour, religion, language or
any other social status. We are all equally entitled to our
human rights without discrimination.”
How Society is Organized
Group within the society
1. Primary Group
Is a small and close-knit circle of family members or
of friends and like minded people. Barkada or clique
and even the core group in the company or military
generals are example of a primary group.
2. Secondary Group
Is a large scale and may have membership in other
countries. Includes transnational companies,
corporate organization, professional association
3. Intermediate Group
Cross between primary and secondary groups. It is a
group that is large scale yet applies familial
relationship with members.
In-groups and out-groups
In-group
Is called such because the member can identify
him/herself within the group. The indicators of group
identification can be very distinct yet abstract like ethnicity,
race, faith and ideology.
Out-Group
When one does not identify with similar or another
group because of his/her group.
Reference Group
This group is used to determine the reference point
in so far as the kind of expected behaviour or norm one
should act and manifest. In this way it defines who we are and
what is expected of us in relation to and in comparison with
its members.
Can also be used as basis for what someone
aspires to be that of a role model.
Networks
“a set of relations, links, or ties among other.”
Caroline 2018.
When we talk about networks we think of linkages, ties and
relationships. It is defined as a set of relations, links, or ties
among social actors. This kind of social connection can be
seen in multilevel marketing, which is a strategy that entices
and invites people to sell products.
This is a kind of a social connections and can be seen
as multilevel marketing, which is a strategy that entices and
invite people to sell products and by doing so discounts,
incentives or commission for the products.
Functions of social networks
1. Diffusion – in networks information travel fast like gossips
and other breaking news
2. Exchanges – information exchange, material exchange like
in multilevel marketing
3. Social Support – referral system works well in networks in
locating someone, finding a job, seeking advice
4. Exclusion – those outside the network are excluded from the
benefits, support system and information shared within the
network
Kinship, marriage and household
Family is a type of social institution that unites people by
blood, kinship or alliance into one group within a society.
Parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and even close friends
can be called family.
Kinship is different from family because the former is more
linked to marriage, common ancestry or adoption.
Kinship by blood. Kinship is a culture’s system of
recognized family roles and relationships that define the
obligations, rights and boundaries of interaction among the
members of a self-recognizing group. In some communities,
kinship dictates the type of role and responsibilities of each
member while demanding loyalty to the clan of those with the
same blood origin.
Descent and marriage. The rules of descent are divided into
the following: unilineal, matrilineal, patrilineal, bilateral
The unilineal descent is identified by tracing the
affiliation of a person through descent of only one sex, the
female or the male, the mother or the father in the ancestry line.
The unilineal descent is divided into four groups: clans,
lineages, moieties and phratries. These are groups focused
not on how the link is determined but on the type of link used.
In lineage, the type of link is through common ancestry using
both mother and father’s side of the family. A clan is link by
kin with members tracing connection through one another even
if the supposedly ancestral union is not clear. Moieties are
based on the association by choice with an ancestral line but
the members couldn’t explain the reason of the link.
The bilateral descent traces the affiliation of a person
from both the female and the male as recognition of the equal
worth and value of both sexes in identifying the ancestry line.
The patrilineal descent is identified by tracing the ancestry of
an individual by his/her relatives from the men, sons or fathers
of the families in the ancestry line. The matrilineal descent is
identified by tracing the affiliation of an individual by his/her
relatives from the women, daughters or mothers of the families
Kinship by marriage. Marriage is defined as the union of a
couple through legal and socially accepted means. Kinship by
marriage is a union of two families where the family and
relatives from both sides are related by affinity. This
relationship is also called affinal kin or commonly called as
in-laws. An affinal kin is different from a consanguineal kin
where relationship is a bond through blood and common
ancestry. Since marriage unites families, affinal kinship could
be formed from a cosanguineal kinship.
Marriage patterns are divided into two: exogamy and
endogamy. Endogamy is marriage of an individual to a person
belonging to the same religion, age, race, social class or
standing. Exogamy is the opposite of endogamy.
Marriage rules cross-culturally
Monogamy is defined in society as the union of two
partners or being married to one person only at a given time. A
monogamous union creates financial stability for the family.
Polygamy means that an individual could have two or more
partners. Polygamy is divided into two: Polygyny which is
marriage of a man to more than one woman and polyandry
which is marriage of a woman to more than one man.
Post-marital residency rules are also called residential
patterns being followed by the married couple in terms of
living areas. A patrilocality is a residential pattern where
married couples live eith or near the family of the husband.
This is opposite to the matrilocality pattern where the married
couple is residing with or near the family of the wife.
Neolocality is a residential pattern where the married couple
resides in an area separate from both the family of the husband
and the wife.
Kinship by ritual (compadrazgo). The compadrazgo
relationship promotes ties through baptism or marriage.
Relationships are formed between godchildren and godparents.
Family and the household. The traditional family structure is
considered a family support system which involves tow
married individuals providing care and stability for their
biological offspring. However, this two-parent, nuclear family
has become less prevalent and alternative family forms have
become more common.
Different kinds of family structures:
 Nuclear family: A family unit consisting of at most a
father, mother and dependent children
 Extended family: A family consisting of parents and
children, along with either grandparents,
grandchildren, aunts or uncles, cousins etc.
 Step families: Two families brought together due to
divorce*, separation and remarriage.
 Single parent family: This can be either a father or
mother who is singly responsible for raising of a child.
The child can be by birth or adoption.
 Adoptive family: A family where one or more of the
children has been adopted. Any structure of family
may also be an adoptive family.
 Bi-racial or multi-racial family: A family where the
parents are members of different racial identity
groups.
 Trans-racial adoptive family: A family where the
adopted child is of a different racial identity groups.
 Blended family: A family that consists of members
from two (or more) previous families
 Conditionally separated families: A family member
is separated from the rest of the family. This may be
due to employment, military service, incarceration,
hospitalization. They remain significant members of
the family.
 Foster family: A family where one or more of the
children is legally a temporary member of the
household. This “temporary” period may be as short
as few days or as long as the child’s entire childhood.
 Gay or Lesbian family: A family where one or both
of the parents’ sexual orientation is gay or lesbian.
This may be a two-parent family, an adoptive family,
a single parent or an extended family
 Immigrant family: A family where the parents have
immigrated to another country as adults. Their
children may or may not be immigrants. Some family
members may continue to live in the country of origin,
but still be significant figures in the life of the child.
 Migrant family: A family that moves regularly to
place where they have employment.
POLITICS OF KINSHIP
A political dynasty is formed when family members
run for office to keep their position in power. As years go by,
the phenomenon of political dynasties has become regular and
normative to some extent because it spreads nationally.
Along with its growth of political dynasties, alliances
are formed through lineage, marriage, compadrazgo and
friendships.
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP STRUCTURES
Political Organizations (bands, tribes, cheifdoms, states
and nations and nation-states)
Bands and Tribes are simplest types of political
organizations. Bands are oftentimes regarded as nomadic
groups which means they are made up of people who move
from place to place. Nomadic tribes are generally regarded to
be hunter-gatherers and are mostly self-sufficient.
Bands have a very informal type of leadership. They
are usually connected by family ties and are very much reliant
on communal decision-making.
Tribes are defined as a national form of human social
organization based on a set of smaller groups, having
temporary or permanent political integration.
Tribes are known to be dependent on nature or plants
for survival. They are known to be horticulturists and
pastoralists. There is also a very informal type of leadership in
tribes and authority is not usually centralized.
Chiefdoms are political organizations that rose out of
the need to control larger populations. In chiefdom, there is a
notable and centralized leadership. The society is ranked
according to leaders and followers (also known as nobles and
commoners).
The most formal and complex form of political
organization is the state. In a state, there is a wide range of
institutions within the state which includes legislative,
executive and judicial bodies. There is also a well-established
territory and boundaries from which leadership is recognized.
TYPES OF AUTHORITY - traditional, charismatic,
rational
Max Weber, a sociologist of the 20th century,
proposed three types of authority which include traditional,
charismatic and rational.
TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY is one where there
is a dominant personality that leads people based on tradition
and order. The leader is dependent upon rules, norms and
principles that would govern the day-to-day affairs of the
people.
CHARISMATIC AUTHORITY points to a type of
leadership where an individual possesses certain types of
characteristics that draw people in. Such leader is capable of
mobilizing people because of their massive trust and genuine
desire to follow.
RATIONAL AUTHORITY is a type of leadership
where there are clearly rules and laws which must be followed.
People obey the leader not because of his/her ability but
because of the legitimacy of leadership based on predefined
rules and regulations.
POLITICAL LEGITIMACY
- the belief that a rule, institution or leader has the
right to govern. It is a judgment of an individual about the
rightfulness of a hierarchy between rule or ruler and its subjects
and about the subordinate’s obligation toward the rule or the
ruler.
When people deem a leadership to be legitimate, they
try to follow the rules and regulations impose upon them to
govern their day-to-day activities.
Cha. 6 Cultural, Social and Political institutions
Institutions are society’s building blocks. These formal
organizations defined with a purpose and established by
people, constitute the very foundation of society.
The five primary social institutions include the family,
government, economy, education and religion
Education
“It takes a village to educate a child.” Within the same
context, raising or educating a child is not only the
responsibility of parents but it is a national priority,
national agenda.
Functions of education in society. Education properly
imparted and acquired is an important social process that
helps in alleviating the conditions of the poor, in opening
opportunities for all in supporting the State in its nation-
building efforts. Empowering citizens especially those
who are marginalized is what education offers. Education
in the Philippines is pro-poor and pro-people.
Education develops the holistic attributes of
individuals:
Development of inborn
Modifying behavior
All-around development
Preparing for the future
Developing
Helping for adjustability
Self-actualization. The key to social well-being is to live
a comfortable life. Self-Actualization in Abraham
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs refer to self-fulfillment and
happiness. Education brings forth the following:
1. The freedom to make informed choices
2. The joy of socializing with friends and classmates and
by learning together
3. The experience to be moved by what you see, feel, touch
and think of throughout your within and outside the
classroom
4. The feeling of excitement and joy in preparing for your
career before and after graduation
5. The discovery of new knowledge and disseminating it
through research and publication
6. The possibility of becoming an intelligent consumer
7. The time and the place for your own privacy to read,
write and be creative and innovative
8. The honor of sharing your wisdom to others as a mentor,
a teacher or even as a good friend.
Primary education as a human right. Education is not
anymore a privilege for the few. Gone were the days when
only the rich can afford to study in college. UNESCO
states that education is a fundamental human right and
essential for the exercise of all other human rights. Thus
government commits itself to provide basic education and
to ensure that education remains fundamental human right.
RELIGION AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
Religion is a “devotion to some principle; strict fidelity or
faithfulness; conscientiousness; pious affection or
attachment.” Religious activities of man centered on the
most important elements of their existence, such as
prosperity, happiness, perfection and abundance. These
things provide man with the necessary answers to some of
the most grueling questions of life. Man is able to perform
and function within the society in accordance to his own
beliefs. This shows that religion is beautifully interwoven
into society to address questions that we, as humans, do
not have an immediate answer to. Religion functions as a
thread that binds people into certain beliefs and practices
that would cover for their desire to be emotionally and
spiritually satisfied.
Types of Religion: Major religions are Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism
Judaism
Originated in West Asia is one of the oldest religions
in the world. It is centered on the belief that there is only
one God called Yahweh who made an agreement with his
people which was symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant.
According to this covenant, the descendants of Abraham
regarded as the ancestor of the blessed nation of Israel will
prosper for all the days to come because they are God’s
chosen people. Judaism’s holy text is called the Torah
which is also known as the Old Testament of the Holy
Bible. It contains the Ten Commandments which reveal
God’s direction for his people. Each local congregation is
headed by a rabbi (teacher) to oversee and manage their
affairs. Jewish people worship in synagogues which also
serve as a center for education and community activities.
Christianity
A religion that is based on the life and teachings of
Jesus Christ as chronicled in the New Testament of the
Holy Bible. The belief system revolves around Jesus
Christ as the Savior and the sole salvation of mankind.
Christians believe that the universe is created by an
omnipotent and omniscient God who sent his son down to
earth to redeem mankind.. Most Christian groups also
believe in the doctrine of Trinity which say that there is
one God with three different personals – the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit. They believe that the Father send
His Son, Jesus Christ, to save mankind. When He left the
world, God’s spirit remained on earth through the Holy
Spirit.
Islam
Literally means submission, is a religion that
originated in Saudi Arabia in West Asia or the Middle
East. The fundamental belief system of this religion is
based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad who
was born in Mecca around the year 570. According to
Muhammad, there is only one God called Allah to whom
all people should submit to. His followers wrote about his
teachings and later compiled them to form the holy text for
Muslims known as the Quran (Koran).
The Five Pillars of Islam are: Shahadah, the profession of
Islamic faith, Salat, the performance of prayers five times
in a day; Zakat, giving alms to the poor; Sawm, fasting
during the month of Ramadan; and Hajj, the holy
pilgrimage to mecca. An Islamic leader is called an Imam
whose main responsibility is to lead the people in prayer
as well as manage the affairs of the mosque which is the
place of worship for Muslims.
Buddhism
One of the oldest, most established religions in the
world. It originated in a kingdom in South Asia known
today as the country of Nepal. It was founded by Siddharta
Gautama, more popularly known as Buddha or the
Enlightened One. He was previously a prince living in a
life of comfort and luxury before he got enlightened.
Buddha’s enlightenment came about when he saw that life
is full of sufferings – poverty, sickness, and old age. His
teachings known as the Dharma states that for a person to
overcome the pains and sufferings of life, one must break
free from the cycle by following the middle Way and the
Eightfold Path. The Middle Way is to live life devoid of
human desires and full of self-denial.
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of the following: right
view, right intentions, right speech, right action, right
livelihood, right effort, right concentration and right
mindfulness.
Hinduism
Considered to be one of the oldest religions of the
world in existence. It is deeply rooted in the
culture of India as it predates back the recorded
history of the country and even the rest of the
world. Hindus believe in multiple gods but the
most important ones are the Trimurti. These gods
are Brahma, the creator of the universe; Vishnu,
the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer. Another
central belief to Hinduism is the caste system
which classifies people into different social
classes. The four main categories of the caste
system are: Brahmans, the highest rank
composed of priests and scholars; Kshatriyas,
rulers and warriors; Vaisyas, merchants and
professionals and Sudras,labourers and servants.
Outside the caste system are the Dalits or the
untouchables who perform jobs that are
considered to be unpleasant and dirty.
Ecumenism. Ecumenism refers to the movement or
tendency which emphasizes worldwide Christian unity
and universality.
 Derived from greek word “oikoumene” which
means “inhabited world” and “oikos” means
“house”
Refers to a literal idea of a single church which could
be achieved either by organizational unity or spiritual
unity.
Interfaith Dialogue or Interfaith Pluralism.
Promotes the idea that despite the diversity of
religious belief systems existing in the world today, a peaceful
co-existence can be achieved.
Religious Conflict
In Reality,however, despite countless efoorts to
promote peace and unity am,ong the different belief systems
existing in the world today, conflicts still exist.
Health
Another important determinant of growth and
development is the general condition of health systems across
societies.
"a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity." – World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is
concerned with international public health.
WHO stated that a good health system delivers quality
services to people whenever and wherever they are needed
Good Health System requires the following:
  Robust Financing Mechanism
 Well-trained and adequately paid workforce;
reliable information that would shape decision
and policies
 Facilities that are well-maintained
 Logistics and technologies that would deliver
quality medicines.

Health Services should be as follows:

 Diagnosis and treatment of disease
 Promotion of health
 Maintenance of health
 Restoration of health

Department of Health (DOH)

Primary government agency in the country to help
promote public health. It is responsible to ensuring that all
Filipino have access to public health services through the
provision of quality health and the regulation of the health
providers of health goods and services within the country.