Business Ethics

and Social
Responsibility
Quarter 3 – Module 6: The
Filipino Value System and
Their Influence in Business
Practices
 Business Ethics
and Social
Responsibility
Quarter 3 – Module
6:
Filipino Value System
and Their Influence in
Business Practices
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions,
directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand
each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-
by- step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding
of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to
self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We
trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they
can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any
part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and
tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering
the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

Filipinos are known worldwide for these values: love of God and family,
hard work, perseverance, adaptability, generosity, loyalty to friends, care, and
respect for the elderly, etc. These are all normally observed in the day-to-day
living. But then, there are some values that result to disappointment or
frustration.
As you go through this module, you will learn about the various Filipino
values. You are expected to:

1. explain and describe the different Filipino values; and

2. infer how Filipino values influence business practices.

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 Filipino Value System
Lesso
and Their Influence in
n1
Business Practices

What’s In

Directions: Recall the different belief systems that you have learned. Analyze the
statements below and choose the letter of the belief system where they belong.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

a. Islam b. Christianity c. Hinduism

d. Judaism e. Buddhism

1. They follow the regulation and adhere strictly to contracts.

2. They believe that fair pricing and good business relations
should be applied.
3. They impose restrictions on misleading advertisements.
4. Their ultimate goal is not wealth.
5. They believe that businessmen should really care
for the environment.

Notes to the Teacher / Facilitator

Most of the activities come in essay form. You may tell your students to write their answe

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 What’s New

Directions: Read the situation below and answer each question in two to three
sentences on a separate sheet of paper.
Pia, the proprietress of XYZ Enterprises, had to borrow extra capital from
her friend, Bea, for her business expansion. Bea willingly lent her friend the
money with no interest. The business grew and had several branches that Pia
had to hire more workers and, she had even paid Bea in full! One day, Bea
approached Pia and asked for a favor. Bea had cancer and she needed money for
medication. Pia declined and told Bea that all her money was in the business and
that she came at a wrong time.
What kind of friend is Pia?

If you were Bea, what would you do?

Rubrics:
Correctness of answer 2 points
Clarity of explanation 2 points
Mechanics 1 point
Total 5 points

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 What is It

Filipino value system is characterized as an effect of one's own culture by

the way people live their lives. This refers to the collection of values or the
structure of values that majority of Filipinos have traditionally kept in their lives
as important as: common beliefs, moral principles, ethical standards, etiquette,
and cultural and personal values that their society encouraged them to have.
Here are some Filipino values that we live by:

1. Bahala na
There is no exact English translation for Bahala Na. However, there are
several interpretations for this. The first one is that Bahala was derived from the
word Bathala, who was worshipped by the Filipinos during the Pre-Spanish
period. This belief in putting life in the hands of God may be a symbol of how
devout Filipinos can be. They just leave everything to God, including their
problems and their sufferings. They are fatalistic, putting their lives in the hands
of fate.

On the other hand, according to Lagmay (1977, as cited in Pe-Pua et al.,

2000), Bahala Na is determination and risk-taking. He said that when Filipinos
say “bahala na”, they are ready to face every difficult situation and are
determined to achieve their goals or objectives. When they mention those words,
it is like they are getting courage or strength into their system, and they will not
surrender.

In business, you cannot just put its life in the hands of fate. Everything has
to be carefully studied or planned; otherwise, all of your efforts will go down the
drain.

2. Utang na loob
Gratitude or utang na loob is typically embedded in the Filipino culture.
One should not forget to consider the good acts others may have done
particularly in times of great need. Many times, this debt of appreciation is
violated by others who have served us good. With this system, people are forced
to do something in exchange for favors that others did.

Business is affected by this so-called utang na loob especially if the

businessman has faced ethical issues.

3. Ningas-cogon
Ningas is a noun that means flame, burning, or fire, while cogon is a plant
that can be quickly burnt with its presence. Ningas cogon means the swift
burning of cogon, which connotes the eagerness of the Filipinos just at the
beginning, but then rapidly lose interest shortly after it begins, or lack of follow-
up.

Same thing could happen in business. The enthusiasm is there at the start

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of the venture but since it is not one’s inclination, then he/she gradually loses
his/her interest.

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4. Padrino system (palakasan/patronage system)
Padrino system, or patronage in Filipino culture and politics, is the system
of value in which one gets support, endorsement, or political appointment
through family affiliation (nepotism) or friendship (cronyism), as opposed to
one's worth. Meaning, the owner or manager hires friends or relatives regardless
of their qualifications. This could cause conflict inside the enterprise and
eventually could also be the reason for losing the more qualified employees or
workers. This system in the Philippines is the root cause of numerous scandals
and corruption.

Businessmen can quickly get business deals using padrino system if the
padrino poses as go-between presenting and vouching his character to close the
deal.

5. Amor propio / self-respect

Amor propio is a Spanish term meaning caring for oneself, or self-love. It is
a feeling of self-esteem or self-respect that prevents a person from swallowing
his or her pride. Sensitivity to personal insult or offending situation is included.

In business, Filipino customers are normally sensitive to hear a No for an

answer, hence, one will get a Yes, but might be disappointed afterwards.

6. Mañana habit
The Spanish word mañana means tomorrow or the future. It is also known
in English as procrastination and as mamaya na in Filipino. It might just as well
mean putting off something until another time. This habit has made Filipinos less
efficient and less energetic in doing the task.

In business, mañana habit could lead to less efficient workforce. It could

also lead to losing customers in case one is into delivery business. When he/she
always postpones doing something, his/her loads of work could pile up and that
could give him/her (and his/her co-workers) too much stress.

7. Delicadeza
Delicadeza is a Spanish term which when translated into English means
daintiness. It is defined as acting in a manner which is refined or being delicate
in taste. Often, it may mean good decorum or absolute obedience to what is
right, legal, or ethical. Perhaps it can be better understood by saying walang
delicadeza or makapal ang mukha (thick-faced) for those who do not have it.

In business, it is best to do what is right, what is legal, and what is ethical.

After all, goodwill attracts good vibes!

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 8. Hiya
Shame or hiya is a common Filipino value. This is a sense of social
propriety and it conforms with established cultural standards. Filipinos feel they
ought to live up to agreed moral expectations and if they fail to do so, they add
dishonor not just to themselves, but also to their families. If anyone is publicly
humiliated, insulted or fails to meet standards, they may feel ashamed and they
lose their self-esteem.

Shame or hiya also happens in business. For example, one is selling rice
and other consumables. Now here comes his/her close friend requesting for one
sack of rice to be paid at the end of that month. On the due date, it is the seller
who is even ashamed to remind his/her close friend of the latter’s obligation.

9. Pakikisama/pakikipagkapwa-tao
Another Filipino characteristic is loyalty, or pakikisama. That is a shared
understanding of the other person's personality and consciousness. It is treating
others as equal, and with respect and integrity.

This is simply a realistic translation of the pakikipagkapwa-tao in industry

since the aim is to deliver useful products and services to others so that their
standard of living would get better.

In business, for example, Pedro is a sole proprietor. His cousin approached

him and was trying to borrow P5,000 for an emergency reason. Because he had
no personal cash that time, out of pakikisama, he got the amount of P5,000 from
his business collection and lent it to his cousin.

10. Family orientation

Philippines is recognized as a family-centered country. The Filipinos
consider their family as an important social structure which they have to look
after. They put premium on their family's safety and unity. The practice of
nepotism is evident (members of the same family employed in the same
enterprise). It is the closeness of the Filipino families that makes them the model
of most business organizations.

However, in business, it is said that it is not advantageous to hire relatives

because one cannot just easily fire them even though he/she is dissatisfied with
their work performance.

11. Suki system

Suki is a Tagalog term which means loyal customers. Here, there is a
customer-supplier relationship that is built. Normally, the supplier would give
discounts, good quality products or service, or even “credit line” once the trust is
earned.

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12. Bayanihan/team spirit
The bayanihan is a Filipino term which originated from the word bayan
meaning town or community. Later on, bayanihan meant "being a bayan" and is
being used to refer to a spirit of unity within a group, or individual cooperation
and joint efforts.

The adage "no man is an island" is even more true, and even critical in
business world – where interactions and the willingness (or unwillingness) to
collaborate with others will make or break a business. It is in bayanihan where
one's local environment is a vital tool. And that it will help his/her people and
his/her company get ahead by harnessing the strength of his/her own people.

13. Palabra De Honor

Palabra de Honor is a Spanish word meaning "Word of Honor". This is an
individual's unwritten promise to someone to do or not to do something.

Palabra de honor needs a sense of truthfulness and honesty in every

Filipino. We have to respect our words by upholding our promises, even without
any legal document.

In business, for example, when one promised his/her employees of a

salary increase after six months of working in his/her enterprise, then he/she
should really give them an increase when they have reached six months.

14. Lakas ng loob

Courage or lakas ng loob, is the strength of mind or spirit that enables a
person to meet challenges, situations, or pain bravely or without fear.

For example, in one’s desire to expand his/her business, he/she got a loan
from a commercial bank payable in five years.

15. Pakikipagsapalaran
Pakikipagsapalaran or being venturous is the ability of a person to take
risks, even if they are prone to a potential loss. For example, even without an
experience in selling, one ventured into an online business this time of pandemic
by just following some ideas coming from his/her friends.

16. Frugality/pagtitipid
This is known as economical management of resources, being careful in
spending, and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
For a small business, frugality is really important. One will save his/her
money effectively by living frugally and by managing his/her spending. When
business starts to succeed, there is a tendency to overspend so it is an
advantage if he/she knows how to control his/her expenses.

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 What’s More

A. Directions: Read and analyze the situation and choose from the box the
business practice that each presents. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

Lakas ng Loob Utang

DelicadezaAmor
na loob Propio Padrino SystemHiya

Business
Situation
practices
s
1. The daughter of a prominent businessman fell into the pool
and drowned. Good thing, a man saw the incident and
quickly saved the young girl. The businessman-father
hired
him as his personal driver.
2. Melvin, the clerk, was caught by the treasurer while
opening the vault. He just walked away as if nothing had
happened
and acted innocently the days thereafter.
3. There was a job vacancy at LMN Corporation. Two
applicants (A and B) submitted their resume, and only A
was qualified. However, it was B who was hired, being the
godson of the
accounting manager.
4. Cindy wants to ask for a discount from the boutique
owner but is hesitant because she is thinking other
customers
could hear and might think that she is poor.
5. Solly lent P5,000 to her friend Beth to be paid on the 30 th
of
the month. On the due date, Solly did not have the
courage to approach Beth because they are close friends.

B. Directions: You must have experienced bahala na, ningas-cogon, and

mañana habit as a student. Recall what happened or in what situation did you
experience each of these. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Bahala Na

Ningas-cogon

Mañana Habit

Rubrics:

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Clarity of explanation 3 points
Unity of ideas 1 point
Mechanics 1 point
Total 5 points

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 What I Have Learned

Directions: Complete the given phrases to form a good definition or description

of the Filipino values that you have learned. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

Pakikisama means

Family Orientation means _

Suki System means

Bayanihan spirit means

Palabra de Honor means

Rubrics:

Correctness 3 points
Coherence of ideas 1 point
Mechanics 1 point
Total 5 points

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 What I Can Do

Directions: Compose a three-stanza poem using the ideas taken from our Filipino
value system (a comedic type is preferred). Your poem should not exceed three
stanzas. Write your poem on a separate sheet of paper.

Rubrics for the poem

Scoring criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Organization Ideas are logically arranged.
Appropriate organizational pattern is observed.
Transitions are smooth.
Content Content is relevant and well-developed.
Introduction captures attention at once.

5 - Very good
4 - Good
3 - Fair
2 - Poor
1 - Very poor

Additional Activities

Directions: Using the poem that you wrote, choose one of your favorite songs
and substitute the poem as its lyrics.

Record your song and send it to your teacher.

Rubrics:
Choice of song 5 pts.
(very good-5, good-4, fair-3, poor-2, very poor-1)
Fitness of poem to the song 2 pts.
Rendition of the song 3 pts.
(very satisfactory-3, satisfactory-2, not quite satisfactory-1) _
Total 10 pts.

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References
DepEd 2020. DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies MELC for Business
Ethics and Social Responsibility, s. 2020
DepEd. 2016. DepEd’s Curriculum Guide for Business Ethics and Social
Responsibility, s. 2016
Dictionary.com. 2020. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/courage.
Farlex. 2020. The Free Dictionary. Retrieved from
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/venturous.
Illustrado Magazine. 2018 Business Bayanihan - Getting a Headstart Through
Filipino Business Organizations. Retrieved
from http://illustradolife.com/filipino-business-
organizations/.
Jimenez, Josephus. 2017. The Resurrection of Good Filipino Values. Philstar.Com.
Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/the-
freeman/opinion/2017/04/17/1686571/resurrection-good-filipino-values. 2
Merriam Webster. 2020. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/frugality.
Pantonial, Adrian. 2018 Palabra De Honor: Honor Your Word | Adrian Pantonial.
Retrieved from https://www.adrianpantonial.com/palabra-de-honor-honor-
your-word/
Pe-Pua, Rogelia, and Elizabeth Marcelino.2000. Sikolohiyang Pilipino Filipino
Psychology: A Legacy Of Virgilio G. Enriquez. Ebook, 2000.
Prezi.com. 2018. Filipino Value Systems in Business. Accessed 5 July 2020.
Retrieved from https://prezi.com/p/b4mzgtwgnmlw/filipino-value-systems-
in-business/
Project Bayanihan. 2020. Bayanihan. Accessed 4 July 2020. Retrieved from
https://groups.csail.mit.edu/cag/bayanihan/bayanword.html.
Roa, Ana. 2020. Lakas Ng Loob Boosts Two Smes. INQUIRER.Net.
https://business.inquirer.net/80998/lakas-ng-loob-boosts-t. o-smes.
Wilson, Matt. How Frugal Thinking Can Progress Your Business. 2013. Retrieved
from https://www.under30ceo.com/how-frugal-thinking-can-progress-your-
business/.