Values Education (VED 123)
VALUES EDUCATION
Revised Course Outline
I. Prelim Period
A. GIST Student Code of Discipline
B. The 4 Way Test
C. GIST Hymn
D. GIST Alma Mater Song
E. Man as a Person ( Chap 9)
F. Values and Values Theories ( Chap 7)
1. Values
2. Kinds of Values
3. Hierarchy of Values
4. Choosing Values
5. God: The Highest Value
6. Ethical Systems
Note : With Activity (Sharing)
II. Midterm Period
A. Manners in Public Places
1. At a mass
2. At Mass or inside Church
3. In the streets
4. In the Movie Houses
5. In Formal Concerts
6. In Hotel and Restaurants
a. Paying the Check and
Tipping
7. In School
8. Attire in attending a Wedding
a. Casual
b. Semi-Formal
c. Formal
d. Black Tie Wedding
9. Funeral Etiquette
a. Proper Etiquette for
visitation
10. Pedestrian Safety
B. Understanding Filipinos and It’s Culture
1. Diversity in Languages
2. Food
3. Common Filipino Customs
4. Traditional Health Practices
and Common Health Beliefs
C. Filipino Values (Chap 8)
1. Filipino Moral Ideal
2. Objective and Subjective
Values
3. Double Standard Mentality
4. Erroneous Norms of Morality
5. Reorientation of Attitude
6. Moral Commitment
7. Characteristics of a
Responsible Person
8. Core Value of the New Filipino
Note : With Activity (Film Viewing)
III. Prefinal Period
A. Marriage ( Chap 16)
1. Nature of Marriage
2. Legal Requirements of
Marriage
3. Purpose of Marriage
4. Sanctity of Marriage
5. Indissolubility of Marriage
6. Meaning of Conjugal Love
7. Responsible Parenthood
8. Sex and Marriage
9. Duties of Husband and wife
10. Authority of Husband
11. Legal Separation
12. Adultery
Note : Activity (Debate)
B. The Family (Chap 7)
1. Society in general
2. The Family
3. The Ideal Family
4. The Family and the Child
5. Education of the Child
6. Parental Authority
7. Emancipation of the Child
8. Filial Piety
9. Rights and duties of Parents
10. Duties of Children
11. Exploitation of Children
12. Child Prostitution
13. Child Labor
 Values Education (VED 123)

IV. Final Period

A. Work Ethics
1. Meaning of Work
2. Right to Work
3. Work as a Natural Duty
4. Capital and Labor
5. The question of wages
6. The Family wage
7. Factors determining Wages
8. Unionism
9. Morality of Strike
10. Rights of Labor
11. Morality and Personnel
12. Management
13. Basic Duties of Workers
14. Basic Duties of Employers

B. Love of Oneself
C. Love of Neighbor
D. Love of Country
E. Love of God

Note: Activity (Film Making)

REFERENCES Ethics and the Filipino People

By RamonAgapay

GIST Code of Discipline


Man as Person
Every man act presupposes doer. This is the
subject of an act, the one who is motivated to act and is
accountable for the act and its consequences. He is
rational and he is free. He is a person.
Certain Philosophies of Man
All men share the basic anatomical and
physiological features. One may expect a physician to
treat every man, regardless of race and color, using the
same prescription. That all men have the same human
nature is the premise of both Buddhism and Judaeo-
Christian philosophy.
1. For Buddhism, all men are subject to the same
psychic laws, since the human condition is the
same for it.
2. In Jadaeo-Christian thought, man is the
“image of God” all men belong to one family.
They share the same basic features that make
them human and enable them to know and to
love another.
3. Today the idea of a human nature common to
all men is being eroded by that concept which
suggests human nature to be a blank sheet
(tabula rasa) on which each culture writes its
text.
4. Karl Marx proposes that human nature is a
given potential, a set of condition, the human
raw material, so to speak, which cannot
change.
5. Existentialism considers that the existence of
man as an individual endowed with free-will is
the fundamental fact of life. There is no
universal essence shared by all men.
Man as a Rational Organism
Man is an organism composed of body and soul.
The human body is the material shell within which the
soul operates. The soul is the principle of life. It is that by
which we live, sense and reason.
Man as Person
Man is born into this world as an individual. We
call him thus a person and not human nature. A person is
Values Education (VED 123)
an individual human nature manifested in the history of
time and place.
Etymology, person comes from the Greek
prosophon which refers to be mask used by stage actor.
The Latin personare alludes to the mask which is so
constructed that the voice of the actor is projected
forcefully.
A person, therefore, is an individual, existing
separately and independently from others, capable of
knowing and loving in an intellectual way and of deciding
for himself the purpose or end of his actions.
Thomistic philosophers define person as the
actual existence of an intellectual substance.
Man as Cosmic Perfection
Man is a person. As such, he occupies the top
most rung in the ladder of corporeal substance. He is the
most perfect being composed of body and soul.
Man is perfect in comparison with other creatures
because he has the gift of intellect and will.
Person, Personality, and Character
Person is human nature manifested as an
individual. It is defined as a complete substance.
Subsisting by itself, separate from all else, and endowed
with a rational nature.
Personality is the sum total of those factors of
physique and constitution and those enduring, underlying
tendencies of a person which determine his characteristic
behavior.
Character is often taken as synonymous with
personality. This is correct if personality is taken as the
sum-total psychophysical systems in an individual which
enable him to adjust to this environment.
Character as Moral Creativity
Thinkers do not agree as to how much personality
is inherited from parents or from environment. But they
agree that character is the will of the individual to direct
his effort towards a recognized ideal.
Character is the process of becoming a man, by
unfolding the innate goodness of human nature. It is a
conscious effort to grow “in age and wisdom”. Character is
not the result of good act done in a moment of
inspiration. Character is the habit of doing well at all
times.
 Values Education (VED 123)

Human Habits Understanding, science and wisdom pertain to

speculative intellect. Art and prudence pertain
Man is a creature of habits. He is born with a wide to practical intellect.
assortment of powers that open up limitless horizons for
development. The Moral Virtues

Habit comes from the Latin haberemeaning to
have. Habit is either the disposition to have something, or
the disposition to act in a certain manner. The first is
called entitative manner, that which disposes a thing to
have a certain nature or quality of being. The later is called
operative habit, that which disposes for doing something
in a certain manner.
Moral Significance of Habits
Habits modify not only the power of operation but
the person himself who is the subject of such power. Thus,
the habits are either good or bad depending on whether
they promote the well being of the person or not.
In ethical sense, habit which is in conformity with
the nature of man is also in conformity with right reason
and, therefore, is good. It leads to man’s perfection and to
his ultimate happiness. In ethics, such good habits are
called virtues.Bad habits are calledvices
The moral virtues are those that build the
character of a person. These are justice, temperance and
fortitude.
1. Justice is the virtue which inclines us to render
to another what is due to him. Justice is the
foundation of any interpersonal relationships.
It is the basis of every reasonable law and
promotes peace and harmony within a
community of persons.
2. Fortitude is the virtue which gives us the
strength in facing dangers and vicissitudes of
life. Fortitude must be tempered with
prudence. It belongs to the prudent man to
decide whether assume to risk it or to avoid it.
3. Temperanceis the virtue which helps us
regulate our passion and our use of earthly
goods.

The Intellectual Virtues

Virtues either pertain to the intellect or to the

The Effects of Vices
will.
A vice is the habit of doing an evil acquired
The intellect virtues are:
through the repetition of an evil act. A vice is opposed to
1. Understanding.Which is the habit of the first virtue either by excess or defect.
principle, such as”dogood and avoid evil”.
1. Vices opposed to prudence by excess.
2. Sciencewhich is the habit of proximate causes,
2. Vices opposed to justice by excess.
such as, concluding from the facts of
experience or inference.
3. Vices opposed to fortitude by excess.
3. Wisdomwhich is the habit of ultimate causes,
4. Vices opposed to temperance by excess.
such as, being aware that the ecosystem binds
both man and lower creatures.

4. Art which is the habit of making or producing

things, such as, painting, music and sculpture.

5. Prudencewhich is the habit of doing or

choosing from the alternative values, such as,
saving for the “rainy days”.
 Values Education (VED 123)

HUMAN VALUES AND THEORIES Characteristic of Moral Values

Human values are ideas, actions, habits, or experiences 1. Moral values are goods having intrinsic qualities of
that contribute to the promotion of human life. Since values are desirability.
not equal in their worth, the conduct of a person depends
largely on his wise choice of values. 2. Moral values are universal, that is, they appeal to
man as man and to man as a specific individual.
Value
Man is not only an animal; he is a person. No other 3. Moral values are obligatory. They come as a
corporeal substance is a person. Only man is. Man is a person natural duty, because possession of them is
because he has the gift if insight (intellect) and volition (will). expected as an integral quality to man as rational
We often refer to a person as self or ego. There is no basic creature directed by natural powers towards truth,
difference between these two terms. Both imply self-sufficiency beauty, and goodness.
of a person.
Other values include what we functionally call religious, cultural
and social values:
Self is the first and the most fundamental of values. All
others are in such relation to the sublime dignity of a person.
1. Religious values are those which pertain to
Actions, for example, are the values because they are the result
man’s relationship with the Deity.
of intellect and will, motivated towards something desirable:
another value.
2. Cultural valuesare those man shares with
others in a given community of persons.
Kinds of Values
Values are classified according to the level of human
3. Social values are those that are necessary for
life to which they correspond.
the promotion of human society as a whole.
1. Biological Values. These are necessary in physical
survival of man as an organism:
The Hierarchy of Values
a. Life and health
The hierarchy of values refers to the order of values
b. Food and shelter
from the lowest to the highest in importance. Speaking of their
c. Work
intrinsic worth, values do not have the same degree of
desirability. Neither it is possible to incorporate all values at the
2. Social Values. These are necessary to the sensual
same time in our lives. Accordingly, people will have to choose
need and fulfillment:
their values. The science of ethics may help people in their
a. Leisure and sex
choices, but for all practical purposes it is the responsibility of
b. Marriage
each person.
c. Family and home
d. Parental authority
Choosing our Values
e. Education
Every man has to choose his values. He is wise indeed
who chooses values according to their intrinsic worth. Our
3. Rational Values.Those are necessary to the
preference should be guided by the following:
functions and fulfillment of intellect and will:
1. Permanent lasting values must be preferred over
a. Understanding and control of nature
temporary or perishable values.
b. Guide and control to oneself
c. Solidarity with fellowmen
2. Values favored by a greater number of people
d. Religion
must be preferred over those that appeal only to a
few.
The three levels of man’s life are the foundation of
moral, socio-political and religious rights of man. All values,
3. Values that are essential must be preferred over
therefore, are interrelated.
those are accidental.

4. Values that give greater satisfaction must be

Moral Values
preferred over those that provide short-lived
Moral values are those that pertain to the function of
pleasures.
intellect and will: those choices, decisions, and actions by which
man’s rational faculties are involved and perfected. All other
Our values preferences determine our life-style and our
values - biological, social or rational - when they fall within the
character as a person. In this sense, we speak negatively of
exercise of man’s freedom of choice assume the quality of
certain people as mukhangpera, lakwatsero, tsismoso,
moral. In this sense, all values are moral in reference to their use
lasengero, babaero or walangsilbi. On the other hand, we refer
or abuse by man as a free agent.
 Values Education (VED 123)

positively to people who are maka-Diyos, masipag, abandonment of all egoistic desires. The Four
matulungin, maka-tao or mapapagkatiwalaan. Noble Truth of Buddhism are:

God the Highest Value a. Life is the root of all sufferings;

God is goodness, the perfect good. He is exemplar of all
goodness found in all creatures. He is the plenitude of
everything desirable. Thus, He is the SummumBonum, the
ultimate and absolute good that will fulfill all human desires. St.
Augustine says that our hearts are restless until we find God.
God is the ultimate end of human life.
God is not the only Alpha and Omega of the created
universe; He is the preserver of values. Without God, nothing is
worth valuing, for them even the person of a human being loses
its meaning and life itself becomes a useless and aimless
wandering in the avenues of time.
Ethical Theories
Values are related to the purpose of human life.
Throughout the ages, theologians and philosophers have tried
to explain the meaning and the purpose of existence. We
summarize below a few of the most significant ethical theories:
1. Plato. Plato believed that man is free. Thus, man
deserves t be punished for the “sins” he freely
commits. Happiness is not found in the things
merely serve man’s use, (utilitarianism), nor in the
pleasures of earthly life (hedonism), but in making
the soul like to God by the contemplation of the
Idea of Good and by the exercise of virtues.
b. Sufferings are caused by desires;
c. Desires can be eliminated by negating life;
d. Elimination of desires can be achieved by
accumulating karma or deeds that eventually free
the individual.
3. Utilitarianism. The greatest value according
Jeremy Bentham, one of its proponents is pleasure.
4. Communism.Communism is based on the
teachings of Karl Marx. The Greatest Good is
absolute equality. The mission of communism is
the production of material wealth by means of
collective labor, so that the goods of this world
might be enjoyed in a paradise where each would
give according to his powers and would receive
according to his needs.
5. Christianism. Christianity is based on the teaching
and life of Jesus Christ. Christ taught that the
greatest value is love. God is love. Christian
morality is essential based on love which embraces
even the enemy.

2. Aristotle. Man has three fold nature: vegetal,

animal and rational. Man must realize his nature
by evaluating all his natural tendencies. The
highest good correspond to the tendency of the
soul.

3. St. Thomas Aquinas.The Highest Good or

SummumBonum consists in “beatific vision” of
God. No earthly good can fully satisfy human
desires. Man, because of his rational appetites of
intellect and freewill, can only be completely
happy in God himself.

Ethical Systems
1. Islamism.Islam is a philosophy of life, a complete
system of living, based on the Word of God
revealed to Mohammed. Islam teaches that the
Greatest Values is one’s surrender to God. This
consist in the fulfillment of the Five Pillars:
a. Confession of Creed: “There is no God but Allah,
and Mohammed is his prophet.
b. Prayer brings man in the right relationship with
God.
c. Charity
d. Observance of Ramadan
e. Pilgrimage on Mecca

2. Buddhism. The greatest value according to Buddha

is the liberation of man from suffering though the
 Values Education (VED 123)

MANNERS IN PUBLIC PLACES  Avoid smoking in the non-smoking area.

A. At mass or inside church

E. HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
 The church is a place of worship. It is formal, quiet
 People who take their meals are decent people. Your
place. It is not a play for socializing or meeting one’s
behavior and actions will speak for the kind of breeding
friends. Boisterous behavior and unnecessary chatting
you have.
are not proper in the church.
 Call the waiter properly by waiting for the water to
 Focus your attention on priest or on the altar.
notice your table and ask him what you want. Clapping
Appropriate dressing is a must.
hands, whistling, shouting or saying “pssst” is
 Punctuality is a must as much as participation in
considered rude.
activities, singing and reciting prayers. Participate
 Don’t engage in loud conversation.
actively, but do not attract attention by praying too
 While waiting for someone, order a drink to keep you
loud or singing at the top of your voice.
busy on the table.
 Do not allow the children to play while inside the
 Make inquiries politely at the information desk.
church.
 If you need a reservation, wait 2-3 days in advance, and
 Avoid eating or chewing gum inside the church.
pay reservation fees if required.
 Finish the ceremony before leaving the church.
*PAYING THE CHECK and TIPPING
B. In the street
When everyone has finished, the host catches the eye
 Don’t attract attention if you are in the street. Be
of the waiter and says “Check please”. The check is
careful not to talk loudly. Avoid speaking in loud voice,
presented face down on a small plate. He looks at t
staring at people, bumping into them, calling a name in
quickly for mistakes, and return it to the plate with the
public unless it is absolutely unavoidable, or making
money.
personal remarks that attract passing attention.
 Exposing your private affairs, feelings, or innermost
If there is a notation at the bottom of the check “Please
thoughts in public is improper.
pay cashier” put the tip on the table, collect your
 A gentlemen should walk on the curb side of the
belongings and leave.
pavement.
 When friends approach each other, the one who F. IN SCHOOL
recognizes the other person first is the first who nods,
smiles or speaks, whether he be a man or woman.
 Students should always be courteous and respectful
 Walk with your friends not more than two abreast. No
 Students should at all times be neat, clean, and
one has a monopoly of the sidewalk.
appropriately presentable in their manner of dressing.
 Avoid eating while walking in the street. Behave
 Should observe rules and regulations in laboratories
properly when passing or meeting a funeral.
and workshops.
 Avoid grooming oneself in public.
 Students should not make unnecessary noise such as
singing, boisterous conversation, etc. , that will disturb
C. IN MOVIEHOUSES
others.
 Students should refrain from loitering in the corridors
 Avoid wearing large hats.
during class hours.
 Avoid resting your feet on the seats before you.
 Students should keep to the right when traversing
 Put your cellular phones in the silent mode or turn corridors and stairways.
them off.
 Observe strictly rules and regulations in cases of
 Avoid speaking too loud, or making too many emergencies such as earthquakes, fire, etc.
comments regarding the film. FUNERAL ETIQUETTE
 Observe cleanliness by proper disposal of garbage.
What is Proper Etiquette for the Visitation?
D. FORMAL CONCERTS
The visitation provides an opportunity for the survivors and
 Concerts are popular nowadays. It may be formal or others who share in the loss to express their love, respect and
informal concerts. appreciation for a life that has been lived. Common sense and
 Be there before the concert starts. good discretion are always the best guides when attending a
 Dress properly. visitation. Below are additional guidelines for the visitation.
 Clap your hands moderately.
 Conversation should be carried softly. 1. Attend the visitation. 

Your presence is an eloquent statement that you care, and there
is no replacement for your physical presence. The visitation will
give you the opportunity to express your condolences, rather
than awkwardly approaching the bereaved at the office,
supermarket or other place. The length of your stay at the
visitation is matter of discretion. After talking with the family
and viewing the deceased, you can then visit with others in
attendance.
2. Dress appropriately.  the wind. Men can wear khakis or dress pants with a button-up
Although black dress is no longer required, choose subdued or
darker colors for your attire. Loud colors or busy prints should
be avoided. If you are unsure of what to wear, a conservative
choice is always best.
3. Express your sympathy. 
When you attend a wake you should approach the family and
express your sympathy in a caring and thoughtful manner. It is
appropriate to relate your memories of the deceased. Introduce
yourself to each family member if you are not previously
acquainted. It is not appropriate to ask about the cause of
death.
4. Sign the guest registry.
 Use your full name and address. Additional written comments
are not appropriate for the registry. If the person is a business
associate, it is proper to list the affiliation, as the family may not
be familiar with the relationship to the deceased.
5. Give a memorial gift.  wear dress pants and button-up shirts with ties or sweaters.
Gifts in memory of the deceased are often made, particularly
when the family has requested gifts in lieu of flowers. If the
family designates a specific organization or charity, please honor
this request instead of giving other memorial gifts. Remember
to provide the family’s name and address to the charity for
proper notification of your gift. If your choose flowers, they can
be sent to the funeral home prior to the funeral. Memorial
flowers or gifts can be sent to the family residence at any time.
Proper Attire to Attend a Wedding
When attending a wedding, it is important to dress
appropriately. Besides being viewed as a sign of disrespect,
over- or under-dressing for a wedding will make you stick out
like a sore thumb and probably cause embarrassment or
awkwardness. Use the formality of the wedding invitation, along
with the time of day and location of the ceremony and reception
to decide how formally you should dress
Casual Weddings
Once you know the wedding will be casual, you'll have
to determine the level of casualness. Some beach or backyard
ceremonies are "barefoot" or "shoes optional", which means
exactly what they state. Denim, shorts and tank tops should
never be worn to a wedding, unless specifically stated or the
theme of the wedding calls for it. For example, western style
Values Education (VED 123)
rodeo-themed weddings probably beg for Wrangler jeans, big
buckles and cowboy boots.
Late morning or mid-afternoon weddings, and
particularly outdoor ceremonies, tend to be more casual. Casual
for weddings usually means something along the lines of
"business casual." Women can wear a nice sweater or blouse
with light slacks, a medium to long skirt or a nice summer dress.
If the wedding is outdoors, make sure your outfit won't billow in
shirt or polo shirt. Children should dress in comfortable,
breathable materials in the same fashion as their parents. Avoid
stiletto heels when attending outdoor weddings as the heels will
likely sink into the grass or sand.
Semi-Formal Weddings
You should dress up for a semi-formal evening wedding
like you would for a nice dinner date. Women should wear nice
dresses, such as simple cocktail dresses, in the evening. Light
suits or dresses are standard in the afternoon.
Men should wear suits complete with jackets and ties.
For early or summer weddings, lighter colored suits work well.
For later or winter weddings, dark suits in navy and charcoal are
appropriate. Dress slacks with a button-up shirt, tie and sweater
are fine as well.
Little girls should wear pretty dresses such as they
might wear on a holiday, but it should not compete with the
flower girl's dress and should certainly not be white. Boys can
Formal Weddings
Formal weddings usually take place in late afternoon or evening.
Nice cocktail dresses, floor length dresses or dressy suits in
darker colors are appropriate attire for women. Pantyhose and a
pair of slingback heels or pumps complete the outfit. Men
should wear dark suits with elegant ties and perhaps cuff links.
Proper dress socks in a darker color should be worn with shined
or polished dress shoes. Children should dress in fancy dresses
and suits as well.
Black Tie Weddings
Black tie weddings are the most formal of weddings.
Women should wear their nicest cocktail dresses, or, preferably,
floor length gowns. Use your nicest jewelry and accessories to
embellish the outfit including formal wraps, furs (faux is more
than acceptable) and beaded purses. Your makeup and hair
should also be luxuriously elegant and dramatic. Tuxedos are a
must for the men, even if you have to rent one. While only the
fanciest attire is appropriate for black tie weddings, wear shoes
that will be comfortable for dancing.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
For adults:

 Make sure that motorists can see you. Wear
fluorescent colored clothing during daylight hours and,
if walking when it's dark, carry a flashlight and wear
retro-reflective material.
 Know what traffic control signals mean. Don't enter a
crosswalk while the "Don't Walk" sign is flashing. Be
alert to turning vehicles even if the "Walk" signal is on.
Walk against the flow of traffic. This enables you to see
any oncoming traffic. Walking in the same direction as
traffic forces you to rely only on your hearing to warn
you of approaching vehicles. This also makes you
slightly less visible to drivers.  example, the value of pananaligsaMaykapal comes from the
 Joggers are pedestrians too. Joggers should run on
sidewalks or pathways; it's considered illegal to run on
roadway pavement if alternatives are available. When
no alternative is available, joggers should run facing
traffic.  delicadeza, and palabra de honor.
About children:
It is important to teach children about traffic safety and
the proper way to cross the street. Adults often overestimate a
child's ability to walk and cross streets safely. Children under
age 10 do not always have the necessary skills to judge the
speed or distance of oncoming traffic; in addition, their
peripheral (side) vision is 1/3 less than adults'. Children often act
quickly and behave unpredictably in traffic situations. Here are
some tips to keep children safe.
 Don't play play in streets or driveways.
 Look left, right, and left again to make sure there are no
cars approaching.
 If crossing at a corner, be aware of cars turning the
corner. You should enter the street only if there is no
approaching traffic. Continue looking both left and
right.
When preparing to cross in front of a vehicle, you should
make eye contact with the driver before proceeding.Pedestrian
injuries can be prevented. Take care to be a defensive
pedestrian and a pedestrian-alert driver.
FILIPINO VALUES
Values are universal, shared by all people. What we call
“Filipino Values” are those given emphasis in the culture and
tradition of the Filipinos. They shape character, or
ugalingpilipino.
The study of cultural values belongs also to Ethics. They
are cultural habits that define the Filipino attitude towards life in
general and towards specific action in particular. They may
rightly be regarded as modifiers of human acts, influencing their
motivation. They are besides the raw materials of the social and
Values Education (VED 123)
spiritual development of a Filipino as a person in a community
of persons. They lend support to the effort of building a nation.
Filipino Cultural Values
Values do not belong exclusively to Filipinos. But
certain universal values find different meaning and application
within the experiential and historical circumstances of the
Filipino. What we call a Filipino values are those we derive from
our culture or way of life, from “our distinctive way of becoming
human in this peculiar place and time”.
The values of the Filipino spring from their peculiar way
of viewing life, its origin, its meaning, and its purpose. For
belief that God is the Supreme Creator. The values of pag-ibig,
pakikipagkapwa, pagpapahalagasapamilya, hiya,
utangnaloob – take roots on their awareness of social
relatedness. And from the awareness of his worth as a person,
dignified and responsible, - come dangal, amorpropio,
Filipino Moral Idea
Filipinos subscribe to the concept of moral integrity as
the ideal ultimately desirable ideal. Success is measured in term
of moral respectability. “Di baling mahirap, basta’t may
dangal” expresses this noble aspiration.
One who falls short from the general expectation does
not deserve respect. In the mental frame of a Filipino, one who
chooses to reduce himself to the level of the brutes, does not
deserve to be in the company of decent people. Thus, such
unfortunate individual is ostracized and dismissed as “hayop”,
or “”walanghiya”, implying that only a brute can act so
shamelessly.
Objective and Subjective Values
Values are both objective and subjective. They are
objective in the sense that they are things that are valuable and
desirable. They are subjective in the sense that they presuppose
a subject, that is, a person is valuing or experiencing such value.
Double-Standard Mentality
The Filipino moral behavior is characterized as
ambivalent, meaning, that the Filipino is comfortable with a
double-standard mentality. Plainly, the values recognized are
allowed to play with a dual role not unlike that of Jekyl and
Hyde. “The truth”, says Fr. Gorospe, “is that Filipino values are
ambivalent in the sense that they are a potential for good or
evil, they may help or hinder personal and national
development, depending on how they are understood or
practiced or lived.”
Erroneous Norms of Morality
Fr. Gorospe traces the roots of double-standard
morality to the adherence of Filipinos to false norms or morality.

Accordingly, Filipinos judge what is right and what is wrong on
the basis of (1) group-centeredness or “group thinking”, or (2)
on the basis of shame and fear authority figure.
Re-orientation of attitudes
The solution to the moral ambiguity of the Filipinos
depends largely on the attitude towards the problem itself.
Three difficulties must be overcome: ignorance, complacency,
and rationalization.
Filipinos must be made aware of the problem. One who
is not aware of an illness does not go to a doctor. Similarly, a
Filipino, unaware of the inconsistency in his moral outlook, will
not attempt to correct himself. There is indeed a need to
internalize values, to make them a part of one’s inner character.
Values are not clothes to wear. They are the sinews of human
behavior,\. They are what a person ought to become as a
human being.
Complacencyis the feeling of being comfortable with the
present state of affairs.
Rationalization is the mental turning away from the real issues.
It is an attitude intended to escape responsibility.
Moral Commitment
Values are not acquired genetically; they are personally
cultivated and lived. They involve a commitment where one
submits himself to the rational demands of his intellect for truth
and the moral demands of the will to abide by what is good.
Characteristic of a Responsible Person
A responsible person has the following qualities:
1. A responsible person has the ability to differentiate
between what is essential and accidental.
2. A responsible person has the ability to internalize
his values.
Core Values of the New Filipino
Moral maturity is a process of conversion. It means
shedding off the old self and putting on the new self. For the
conversion to be total, it must work within the person. This
involves a new way of thinking, a new perception of realities.
For the Filipino, this conversion begins with the fresh view of
human dignity. While the significance of human dignity has
always been part in our Filipino tradition, somehow its true
meaning was lost in our national consciousness.
On the basis of human dignity, Fr. Gorospe explores the
potential of values which he consider core or central to the
education and eventual tranformation of the Filipino.
The core values are: (1)truth, love and faith; (2)hard work, and
(3)social justice.
Values Education (VED 123)
UNDERSTANDING THE FILIPINOS AND ITS
CULTURE
DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGES
 87 MAJOR DIALECTS 
 7,107 ISLANDS 
 PILIPINO OR TAGALOG - NATIONAL LANGUAGE
(TAGLISH, A HYBRID OF TAGALOG AND ENGLISH IS
COMMON) 
 CEBUANO OR VISAYAN – MAJOR DIALECT OF THE
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN REGION (MORE SPANISH
VOCABULARY) 
 ILOCANO – 2ND MAJOR DIALECT IN THE NORTHERN
REGION 
 ENGLISH – MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION 
 SPANISH, ARABIC, AND CHINESE SPOKEN BY A SMALL
MAJORITY
 FOOD
FOOD IS A BLEND OF MALAY, CHINESE, SPANISH, AND SOME
AMERICAN/ WESTERN INFLUENCE. 
POPULAR FOOD/ DISH INCLUDES: LECHON (ROASTED PIG),
VARIETY OF NOODLE DISH (PANSIT), ADOBO (PORK OR
CHICKEN STEW), LUMPIA (FRIED EGGROLL), FRIED CHICKEN,
VARIETIES OF VEGETABLE DISH MIXED WITH MEAT OR
SHRIMPS, PORK RINDS (CHICHARON), DINUGUAN
("CHOCOLATE MEAT" STEW). 
 Rice with most meals, in certain areas corn meal or
mixed corn meal. 
 Many foods are salty or processed with salt. 
 Fish and sea foods (fried, stewed, salted or dried). 
 Pork is preferred meat. 
 Frying is common procedure of cooking. 
 Some dishes and desserts are cooked with coconut oil 
 Topical fruits includes mango, papaya, avocado, guava,
banana, pineapple. 
 Common vegetables: ampalaya (bitter melon), variety
of gourd, variety of beans, eggplants, squash, variety of
green/leafy vegetables. 
 Salad greens are not popular, reminds them of grass. 
 Hot chocolate and coffee popular breakfast drinks. 
 Sweets are associated with femininity, and not socially
acceptable if habitually consumed by men.
COMMON FILIPINO CUSTOMS: 
 Highly religious yet simultaneously highly superstitious
(palm reading, fortune telling, faith-healing is common
and acceptable). 
 Music and dancing are popular pastimes. 
 Frequent fiestas (religious) and any excuse for get-
togethers (birthdays, death anniversaries, baptismal,
job promotions, bon voyage, house blessings, etc.). 
 Values Education (VED 123)

 Common greetings (good evening, etc.), an  Food cravings of pregnant women should be granted to
acknowledging nod, hugging between friends and avoid miscarriages. 
relatives, traditional practice: younger member bows  "relapse" results FROM BATHING, EATING THE WRONG
and takes the right hand of the elder relative gently FOOD, OVER EXERTION OR NOT RECEIVING ADEQUATE
towards the forehead with reverence, saying "manopo" SLEEP/ REST SOON AFTER BEING SICK. 
or GREETING.   Use of camphor/ menthol rub or liniment for aches/
 Younger people must address the elders with such pains. 
prefix as "tiyo" (uncle), "tiya" (aunt), "aling.." (older  Ginger brew helps relieve colds, sore throat, asthma,
female), "mang.."(older male), ma'am or sir instead of abdominal discomfort. It is a soothing remedy for
calling one by first name only.  rheumatism IN COLD OR RAINY WEATHER. 
 Children assume the mother's maiden name as their  Cutting baby's hair before turning one-year old causes
middle name. Traditional for married woman to replace certain illness. 
HER MAIDEN NAME AS HER MIDDLE NAME.   Certain folks still do not bath or cut their nails on
 Divorce is not recognized in the country. Legal fridays!
separation is allowed in cases of adultery or murder
attempt on spouse.  Filipino Family and Cultural Values
 Each child receives 2 or more godparents at baptism or
christening. "COMPADRE" SYSTEM IS IMPORTANT.  Key Point: Filipinos value family highly and rely on family
 WOMEN have equal rights with men since pre-hispanic relations - whether real or fictive - in defining and seeking help
time.  for problems or disorders. The well-being of the family (or the
 Common for adult children to live with parents. Three family name) is valued more highly than that of the individual.
generations living under the same roof is typical. Adult The following values bind the individual to the family, making
children are expected to financially support and/ or him/her to consider how a decision will impact the family. 
take care of their parents. 
 Preference of body language rather than words. Silence Values relevant to practice: 
and pauses often convey messages. 
 Acceptable for females to hold hands and males to Utangnaloob: debt of gratitude and reciprocal obligation
walk with arms on each other's shoulder. Physical
contact between same sexes does not suggest -- drives the individual to reciprocate any real of perceived favor
homosexuality.  or service; this value drives children to care for their elderly.
 "teasing" is acceptable between close friends and
families.  Hiya: sense of shame
 Everyone has one or more nickname. 
-- drives the individual to reciprocate any real of perceived favor
 Crying in men is a sign of weakness. 
or service; this value drives children to care for their elderly.
 To avoid offending others, will say "maybe" or "i don't
know" when they really mean "no" or "i can't."  Amor propio: sense of self-esteem
 Celebrates christmas until january 6th. 
 Black or white are mourning colors, widow or adult -- drives the individual to protect his/her personal reputation.
family members especially women wears these colors
for one year.  Pakikisama and Pakiramdam: ability to facilitate smooth
 Will avoid asking questions even if they do not interpersonal relations and to sense other people's desires or
understand.  feelings.
 Homosexual men are acceptable as drag queens,
hairdressers, entertaINERS, DANCE INSTRUCTORS, ETC. -- drives the individual to protect his/her social relations with
the closest and dear to him/her.
TRADITIONAL HEALING PRACTICES & COMMON HEALTH
BELIEFS:  Practice Guidelines
Practitioner needs to be aware of the role of utangnaloob in
It Is Documented That Pre-Hispanic Religious Practices Were responding to client expression of gratitude, and in general
Done By Priestesses (Babaylans) Who Played Roles As Healers. conduct of the client during the treatment plan. 
 Belief in the power of prayer over use of medicine.
Going to religious pilgrimages for healing ailments is Be aware of how direct and confrontational language will be
common.  received and interpreted. In order to reach and not to offend
 Belief in the power of faith healers or alternative Filipino clients, the practitioner needs to be aware of hiya,
medicine (herbs, "hilot" or massage therapy) to cure and amorpropio. 
certain ailments that physician could not. 
 Amulets (anting-anting) protect the wearer from Be aware of how pakikisama may or may not interfere with
certain illness and help counteract witchery.  compliance to treatment. Practitioner must build trust so that
 Values Education (VED 123)

clients do not seemly agree in order to get along. 

Family-centered therapy is more effective than individual-

centered therapy when serving this population. The role of the
family is taken into account in reaching the client and guiding
him/her to recovery.