• FILIPINO VALUE

SYSTEM
  Models of Filipino values
F. Landa Jocano - identified two models of the
Filipino value system. The first is the
exogenous model or the foreign
model, while the second is the indigenous
model or the traditional model.
 Filipino values in a fourfold
sense:

1. although mankind shares universal human

values, it is obvious that certain values take
on for us a distinctively Filipino flavor. The
Greek ideal of moderation or meden agan,
the Roman in medio stat virtus, the
Confucian and Buddhist "doctrine of the
Middle", find their Filipino equivalent in
hindi labis, hindi kulang, katamtaman
lamang.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:

2. when we speak of Filipino values, we do not mean that

elements of these Filipino values are absent in the value
systems of other peoples and cultures.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:

3. universal human values in a Filipino context

(historical, cultural, socio-economic, political,
moral and religious) take on a distinctive set of
Filipino meanings and motivations.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:
4. The Filipino concept of justice has evolved
from inequality to equality, and to human
dignity; from the tribe, to the family, and to
the nation. Filipino consciousness of these
different values varies at different periods of
our history. It is only in the last two decades
that the Filipino people have become more
conscious of overpopulation and family
planning, environmental pollution (Kawasaki
sintering plant) and wildlife conservation
(Calauit Island), and the violation of human
rights (Martial Law), active non-violence and
People Power (1986 non-violent Revolution).
Generally, there are Six types of Value System:
 Theoretical - places high importance on discovery

of truth through a critical and rational approach.

 Economic - emphasizes on the useful and practical

form of values.
 Aesthetic - places highest value on form and

harmony
 Social - highest value is given to love of people

 Political - emphasizes on acquisition of power and

influence.
 Religious - concerned with unity of experience and
understanding of cosmos as a whole.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (The Filipinos
have different kinds of values, such as):

1. hospitable to their guests and kind to other

people.
2. The Filipino children are very respectful to elders
especially their parent. They take their hand and
hit it gently in their foreheads. They do this every
time they meet an elder or a sign of respecting
them.
3. Many Filipino cultural values reflect the desire to
be together as a group.
 * Many Filipino cultural values reflect the
desire to be together as a group:
examples are:
a. pakikisama. This is the ability to get along in
a group, and to enjoy camaraderie and
togetherness. One who understands pakikisama will
yield to group opinion and sacrifice individual
welfare for group welfare.
b. utang na loob. This is the Filipino obligation
to repay a debt or favor upon request, and repay it
with interest. Every Filipino has utang na loob to
someone, while others have utang na loob to him.
Filipinos also believe strongly in suki, which is the
building of personal bonds between businesses and
customers and loyal patronage.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (The Filipinos
have different kinds of values, such as):

4. Filipinos believe strongly in saving face.

This is why, in response to an invitation,
when a Filipino says yes, it might mean “yes”,
but could mean “maybe”, or even “I don’t
know.” It is often difficult for Filipinos to bring
themselves to say no, and it is a good idea to
confirm a dinner invitation several times to
ensure that they did not say yes because they
could not find a proper way to say no.
Examples of saving face are:
a.amor propio, - which means self respect;

b.Hiya - which means shame.

A Filipino would be thought of as lacking amor

propio if, for example, they accepted criticism
weakly or did not offer honored guests the
proper hospitality. Hiya is felt by those whose
actions are seen as socially unacceptable, and
one of the ultimate insults in Philippine society
is to be labeled walang-hiya, which roughly
translates to being shameless.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (The Filipinos have
different kinds of values, such as):

5. Another value that is common in Philippine

culture is bahala na - which means, literally,
leaving things to God.
It indicates the Filipino’s fatalistic view of life, and is
a way of coping with conflicts that can result from
tight kinship within groups. By adopting this
attitude, one lets the circumstance take care of
itself.
Generally, common Filipino
Cultural Values are:
1. Irrationalism. This refers to a certain
superstitious beliefs of Filipinos that still
practiced up to now. People still believed in
gods of the nature and spirits and offer them
foods and placate the sprits to heal the illness
and provide them a good harvest.
Another common Filipino
Cultural Values:

2. Social Belongingness. Filipinos

want to be accepted by the group or to the
community, so, sometimes Filipinos are doing
things just to please somebody. We are not
true to ourselves. Sometimes we avoided to be
franked to others just not hurt others feelings,
because we are so sensitive.
Another common Filipino
Cultural Values:

3. Close family ties. The family

is the most important in our life. We are totally
dependent with our family. We are doing things
for the common good or for the benefits of the
family. Children should obey their parents
because if they will defy parental advises it will
bring misfortune or their life becomes tragic.
Another common Filipino Cultural
Values:

4. Sense of debt gratitude. In

Filipino term, it is “utang na loob”. We are
obliged to do something in return for what others
do for us. We are very particular in stressing this
owing a debt of gratitude, that’s why we are
always expecting for repayment. This value has
been taken advantage by others especially the
politicians. This “utang na loob” may result to
faithfulness and a cause for graft and corruption.
Another common Filipino
Cultural Values:

5. Emphasis on authority.
Father is the head of the family; Mayor is the
head of the town and whatsoever. We give
more emphasis to what the person is. The
status of the person depends on his wealth
and acquisition of land.
Another common Filipino Cultural
Values:

6. Personal improvement. Most

Filipinos are aiming to raise their family in standard
living. We believed that we will obtain success only
when we will finish our education. Education has
played a major role in obtaining success that’s why
parents would sacrifice themselves just to send their
children to school. In return, older brother and sister
would help their younger ones to go to school and
would not get married until they help their parents.
Another common Filipino Cultural
Values:

7. "Mano po“ - "Mano po" (pronounced

mah-noh poh) refers to a physical gesture of
taking the hand of an elder and bringing it towards
your forehead. This is a sign of respect for the
elder and is usually done at the point of greeting
or farewell. Children are expected to perform this
gesture towards adult relatives & adult family
friends. Failure to perform "mano po" would be
considered as disrespectful.
Another common Filipino
Cultural Values:
8. "Kuya" or "Ate“. The Filipino culture
is very big on respect. The older an individual
is, the more they call for respect. The term
'kuya' (pronounced koo-yah) refers to an older
male person; it means 'big brother.' Its verbal
usage indicates that you respect the older
male and recognize the difference in age.
Another common Filipino Cultural
Values:
9. The power of the eyebrows.
In American culture, the eyebrows usually convey
emotion via a variety of facial expressions. In Filipino
culture, raising your eyebrows can also communicate
a positive affirmation of "yes" when a yes/no
question have been asked. So, should a Filipino fail to
verbally answer your question, look at their eyebrows
before feeling like you were being ignored. In reality,
they may just be answering you non-verbally through
the raising of their eyebrows. Raising your eyebrows
accompanied with strong eye contact can also serve
as a greeting or farewell to an individual you cannot
physically touch.
Another common Filipino Cultural
Values:

ningas-kugon / ningas kugon

10.
- "flaming cogon grass" = quickly
going up in flames, refers to the Filipino
cultural trait of very enthusiastically
starting things, but then quickly losing
enthusiasm soon after.
Categories of Filipino Values:
a.Core Value or kapwa: (kapwa, means “togetherness”)
– is the core construct of Filipino Psychology.
Two categories of Kapwa:
1.Ibang tao (“outsider”): there are five domains

* pakikitungo (civility)
* pakikisalamuha (act of mixing)
* Pakikilahok (act of joining)
* Pakikisama (being united with the group)
* Pakikibagay (conformity)
2.Hindi Ibang Tao (“one – of – us”): there are three domains

* pakikipagpalagayang-loob (act of mutual trust)

* Pakikisangkot (act of joining others)
* Pakikipagkaisa ( being one with others)
Categories of Filipino Values:

b. Pivotal Interpersonal Value

* Pakiramdam ( Shared inner

perception).
Filipinos use damdam, or the
inner perception of others’ emotions, as
a basic tool to guide his dealings with
other people.
Categories of Filipino Values:

c. Linking Socio-personal Value

* kagandahang-Loob ( Shared humanity).

This refers to being able to help
other people in dire need due to a
perception of being together as a part of
one Filipino humanity.
Categories of Filipino Values:
d. Accommodative Surface values
* Hiya (Loosely translated as “Shame”) , by
Western psychologists, hiya is actually “Sense of
Propriety” (sense of good conduct or behavior)
* Utang na Loob (norm of Reciprocity). Filipinos
are expected by their neighbors to return favors –
whether these were asked for or not – when it is
neded or wanted.
* Pakikisama and Pakikipagkapwa (SIR -
Smooth Interpersonal relationship). This attitude
is primarily guided by conformity with the
majority.
e. Confrontative Surface values
* Bahala Na (This attitude, loosely translated into
English as “FATALISTIC PASSIVENESS”). This
actually describes the Filipino way fo life, in
which, he is determined to do his best, hence,
the term bahala na, which actually came from
the phrase “Bathalan Na” – which means “I will
do all my best, let God take care of the rest”.
* Lakas ng Loob – This attitude is characterized
by being courageous in the midst of problems
and uncertainties.
* Pakikibaka (in English, it means CONCURRENT
CLASHES. It refers to the ability of the Filipino
to undertake revolutions and uprisings against
a common enemy.
Filipino Society & Culture

A.Filipino Family Values

The family is the centre of the social structure and includes
the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and
honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close
family friends.
People get strength and stability from their family. As such,

many children have several godparents.

Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage

provided to family members when they seek employment.

It is common for members of the same family to work for the

same company.
 In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that

preferential hiring will be given to family members.

Filipino Society & Culture

B. Filipino Concept of Shame

Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour.
 It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal

norms of behaviour.
Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards

of behaviour and if they fail to do so they bring shame not only

upon themselves, but also upon their family.
 One indication of this might be a willingness to spend more

than they can afford on a party rather than be shamed by their

economic circumstances.
 If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not

live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.

Etiquette & Customs:

A. Meeting Etiquette
Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol

of greeting the eldest or most important person first.

 A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the

standard greeting.
 Close female friends may hug and kiss when they

meet.
Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and

the person's surname until you are invited to use

their first name, or even more frequently, their
nickname.
Etiquette & Customs:
B. Gift Giving Etiquette
If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner

bring sweets or flowers to the hosts.

If you give flowers, avoid chrysanthemums and

white lilies.
 You may send a fruit basket after the event as a

thank you but not before or at the event, as it

could be interpreted as meaning you do not think
that the host will provide sufficient hospitality.
Wrap gifts elegantly as presentation is important.

There are no color restrictions as to wrapping

paper.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Etiquette & Customs:
C. Dining Etiquette: (If you are invited to a
Filipino's house):
It is best to arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than

invited for a large party.

 Never refer to your host's wife as the hostess.

This has a different meaning in the Philippines.

Dress well. Appearances matter and you will

be judged on how you dress.

Compliment the hostess on the house.

Send a handwritten thank you note to the

hosts in the week following the dinner or party.

It shows you have class.
Etiquette & Customs:
D. Table manners
Wait to be asked several times before moving into the
dining room or helping yourself to food.
Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.

Do not start eating until the host invites you to do so.

Meals are often served family- style or are buffets where

you serve yourself.

A fork and spoon are the typical eating utensils.

 Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to

the spoon in your right hand.

Whether you should leave some food on your plate or

finish everything is a matter of personal preference rather

than culture-driven.