Chapter 4

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Filipino Character:

A Socio-Cultural Issue

There are different socio-cultural problems but the main focus is the
weaknesses of the Filipino character. We can discover our strengths through our
weaknesses.

Extreme family centeredness

excessive concern for family means using one’s office and power to promote
family interests and thus factionalism patronage, political dynasties and the protection
of erring family members.

Extreme Personalism

take things personally, cannot separate objective task from emotional

involvement. This can lead to graft and corruption evident in Philippine society
 Lack of Discipline

A casual attitude toward time and space, manifested in lack of precision and
compulsiveness, in poor time management and procrastination. It will result in lack of
standardization and equality control. Impatience results in short cuts, palusot, ningas
cogon. Lack of discipline often results to inefficient work systems, the violation of rules
and a casual work ethic lacking follow through.

Passivity and Lack of initiative

Waiting to be told what to do reliance on others (leaders and government),

complacence, lack of sense of urgency. there is high tolerance of inefficiency, poor
service and even violations of one’s basic right.
 Colonial Mentality

Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness, appreciation and love of the

Philippines and an actual preference for thing foreign.

Kanya-kanya Syndrome, Talangka Mentality

Done by tsismis, intriga, unconstructive criticism… this results in the dampening

of cooperative and community spirit, and in the trampeling upon other’s rights.
 Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection

The tendency to be superficial and somewhat flighty. In the dace of serious

personal and social problems, there is lack of analysis or reflection, and instead
satisfaction with superficial explanations and solutions.

Emphasis on porma rather than substance

This lack of analysis and emphasis on form is reinforced by an educational

system that is more from than substance.

These weaknesses are rooted in many factors:

• Home

• Social

• Economic Environment

• Culture and Language

• History

• Religion

• Educational System

• Mass media

• Leadership

• Role Models
Following Goals that proposed to develop in the Filipino:

1. A sense of patriotism and national pride

2. A sense of the common good

3. A sense of integrity and accountability

4. The values and habits of discipline and hard work

5. The value and habits of self-reflection and analysis

Based on the report titled “A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People,

building a Nation” of Senator Leticia Shahani submitted to the senate, these
are the strengths of the Filipino character:

• Pakikipagkapwa-Tao

• Family Orientation

• Joy and Humor

• Flexibility, Adaptability and Creativity

• Hard work and Industry

• Faith and Religiosity

• Ability to survive

Value Education in School

The department of education has its vision to develop “Filipino who

passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable
them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the
nation. “

The Core Values:

1. Maka-Diyos

2. Maka- tao

3. Maka- kalikasan

4. Maka- bansa
This core values can be uphill battle for Philippine school to realize these
considerings…

• Extreme family centeredness

• Extreme personalism

• Lack of discipline

• Passively and lack of iniative

• Colonial mentality

• Kanya – Kanya syndrome

• Talangka Mentality

• Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection

• Emphasis on porma rather than substance.

Philippine schools have to intensify values education in curriculum, in fact

K – 12 is the response to this report in Values Education now Dikaryon sa
Pagpapakatao in K to 12 curriculum was introduced as a separate subject in
the basic program of Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing the Department of Education,
Culture and Sports Secretary in 1988 – 1990.

• Values Education Frame work conceptualize at year 1987

• Basic Education or the Grade 1 – 6 and 1st to 4th year high school curriculum in
2002

• Integrated values in major curriculum in @013

The values education was renamed Dikaryon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) for

Grades 1-10 with title, Values Education or (EsP) but core courses such as
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person and Personal
Development, are in essence, Values Education subjects themselves.