PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO

COLLEGE OF HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCES

COURSE CODE: ETH101

ETHICS101

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the principles of ethical behavior in modern society at the level
of the person, society, and in interaction with the environment and other shared
resources. (CMO 20 s 2013)

COURSE INTENDED At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Explain the influence of Filipino culture on the way students look at moral
experiences and solve moral dilemmas

2. Use ethical framework or principles to analyze moral experiences

3. Understand and internalize the principles of ethical behavior in modern society

at the level of the person, society, and in interaction with the environment and
other shared resources.

LEARNING MATERIAL for

Midterm

I. TITLE: Filipino Way/ Universal Values

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

acquaint the learners with the basic Filipino values that foster “Smooth Interpersonal
Relationship” or SIR.

learn the in-depth meaning of universal values and its implications on cultures; learn
that though different cultures have their own set of values, there is also what is known as
values generally shared by cultures.

relate to the truth that the Filipino culture is rich in homegrown values that have guided
them towards their understanding of morality that have made them known universally.

This lesson enhances the learner’s knowledge about the cultural differences of people,
and the tolerance they should have for each other. It also explains the differences and
the basis of the Eastern and Western culture. Filipinos are known for their unique culture
which made them to be well known internationally. Universal values are shared by
different cultures. Universal values are highlighted by two values: Respect for human life
and Honesty.

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IV. CONTENT:

First, clarify your life values [4]

Our lives have meaning because to our values. Those are the issues that matter most to us and form the foundation of the
We all have options in life.

Values are more like routes we pursue in life to be a decent person and have a meaningful existence than items we acquire or own.

We select and work toward definite life goals in order to actualize our core principles.

Values can take us down several different roads that lead to fulfilling lives.

What is important is that we choose to pursue goals that are consistent with our values in life, goals that bring us closer to the
kind of person we want to be.

Whatever goals you set, whatever goals you manage to achieve, there is no end to this journey, there will always be more things
you can do to be loving.

When people accomplish their objectives, most people consider themselves successful. An alternative perspective
is to consider success as upholding our principles. Yet to do that, we must always be conscious of what our life is about.
value is.

Ethics as a subject for us to study is about determining the grounds for the values with particular and special significance to human life.
[3]

Qualities of the Filipino Moral Identity [1]

The culture of the Philippines is a fusion of Eastern and Western influences. In the pre-colonial Philippines, indigenous
Malay heritage predominated in terms of beliefs and traditions. After that, the Spaniards invaded the islands, influencing the
indigenous people with Hispanic culture. In turn, the Americans influenced contemporary Filipino culture, which is primarily
seen in the country's widespread usage of the English language. The character of the Filipinos was shaped by these forces.
Yet, neither the brief Japanese (1942–1955) nor British (1762–1764) occupations had any cultural impact on the Philippines.

Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan (Psychologist, educator, and former Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education) – wrote
that the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character is rooted in factors such as: [1]

1. The home environment 6. Religion

2. The social environment 7. The economic environment
3. Culture and language 8. The political environment
4. History 9. Mass media
5. The Educational system 10. Leadership and role models

Licuanan said that in the home environment, Filipino children are taught to value family and give it primary importance. [1]

Filipinos rely on one another to survive, which defines their social milieu.
Filipinos are group-oriented due to their reliance on connections and struggle for survival (1994).

In contrast, Filipino language and culture show a lack of fundamental awareness of our cultural roots and a willingness to
accept foreign influences (Licuanan, 1994).

The importance of English in our educational system, the popularity of Hollywood films, foreign soap operas and TV shows,
and foreign songs and singers above local productions are all examples of the Filipino colonial mentality's commitment to
foreign influences.

Licuanan added that our colonial history is regarded as the culprit behind our colonial mentality. [1]

Sadly, due of their even greater westernization, most of the Filipino elite are of no assistance in providing a model for
overcoming colonial mentality. On the other hand, modern media emphasized these colonial influences (1994).

The Philippine educational system has a significant role in shaping the character strengths and shortcomings of Filipinos.

Schools have a strong authoritarian bent. Children quickly see that good pupils receive praise and rewards for being
compliant and well-behaved. This instills complacency and uniformity.

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o The Filipino people practice religion. We learned optimism and fortitude from religion.

But, it also gave us a fatalistic outlook. This affirmed our passivity and conformity because religious communities are also
very authoritarian (Licuanan, 1994).

Several Filipino traits are rooted in our economic environment. [1]

The hardship of living forced Filipinos to put up extra effort and take calculated risks, like leaving our families to work abroad.
This improved our capacity for survival.

Sadly, there are numerous issues with our political climate, as well as with the government's methods and institutions. For
instance, the intense family centeredness of the Filipino people was made even more pronounced by the fact that political
power is primarily held by the elite and that there is little to no substantial government presence. (Licuanan, 1994).

o The economic and political environments are among the elements that developed the culture of corruption in
the Philippines.

Meanwhile, how this mass media reinforces our colonial mentality? [1]

o What did you notice with the ads, the music, movies, fashion, etc. shown on TV, aired over the radio, printed in the
newspapers/magazines, or went viral online?

o These were greatly based on American pop culture. The emphasis on the superiority of an imported brand or
product through mass media is, in fact, part of a Filipino’s daily life.

Filipinos highly respect authority, we learn on our leaders and the role models.

o Any person with authority is looked up to. Thus, when our leaders violate the law and when there is lack of
accountability for leaders who break the law, the Filipino mindset is hugely affected in a negative way (Licuanan,
1994). [1]

Strengths of the Filipino Character [1]

1. Pakikipagkapwa-Tao 5. Hard work and Industry

2. Family Orientation 6. Faith and Religiosity
3. Joy and Humor 7. Ability to survive
4. Flexibility, Adaptibility; and Creativity

Pakikipagkapwa-tao is demonstrated in the Filipino’s openness, helpfulness, and generosity, in the practice of bayanihan
or mutual assistance; and the famous Filipino hospitality (Licuanan, 1994;Guevarra & Gripaldo [Ed., 2005]).

. Filipinos also possess a genuine love for family.

• This love is not just for one’s spouse and children but also to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins (even
very distant ones), and even to ceremonial relatives.

This love is shown through giving honor and respect to parents and elders, care for the children, generosity towards kin,
and the personal sacrifices that a Filipino endures for the welfare of the family (Manauat & Gripaldo [Ed.], 2005].

• Filipinos are also cheerful and fun loving. We can laugh at those we love and hate, and can make jokes about
our good or bad fortune.

• Even in the most trying times, Filipinos will always find a reason to smile and laugh. This pleasant disposition
contributed to our ability to overcome life’s challenges. Filipinos are also tremendous in adjusting and adapting
to any circumstances.

• We can improvise and make use of whatever is at hand to create and produce. Our flexibility, adaptability, and
creativity are reasons why many Filipinos thrive in various parts of the world (Licuanan, 1994).

Filipinos also value hard work and industry. This trait is most noticeable in our willingness to take risks and work in
other countries.

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• Filipinos also value faith and religiosity. This can be related to our bahala na mindset. There is actually a positive
side to this fatalistic trait.

• For Filipinos the bahala attitude could serve as a “kickstarter” or “pampalakas loob” to move him or her into
action (Gripalco, 2005).

All these positive Filipino traits mentioned contribute to our ability to survive.

• The salawikain or proverb ”matutong mamaluktot habang maikli ang kumot” aptly depicts our survival instinct.
We can endure, make do, and get by on so little while looking forward to the coming of better days.
• This trait is the reason why Filipinos continue to carry on even through our harsh economic and social
circumstances (Tianco & Gripalco [Ed.],2005; Licuanan, 1994).
•

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character [1]

Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan also pointed out our weaknesses. This is important because this enables the Filipino to identify
the areas that need improvement in order to grow and develop as a person. An informed and improved Filipino will also
result in a stronger and more progressive nation.

1. Extreme Personalism 5. Colonial Mentality

2. Extreme Family Centeredness 6. Kanya- kanya Syndrome
3. Lack of Discipline 7. Lack of Self- Analysis and Self-reflection
4. Passivity and Lack of Initiative

Licuanan noted that Filipinos function in the world by personally relating to things, events, and the people. We find it difficult
to separate objective tasks and emotional involvement.

❖ This is where the palakasan system spring from. Filipinos want to get special treatment and will always look for
“inside connections” in most (if not all) of his or her transactions.

❖ For example, family and friends are given preference in hiring; in the delivery of services; and even in voting. Since
personal contacts are involved, requests of this nature also become difficult to turn down.

❖ Extreme personalism is another element that led to the prevalence of graft and corruption in the country.
The family may be a source of strength for Filipinos, but extreme family-centeredness is also his/her flaw.

❖ Family is valued above anything and everyone else. Thus, concern for the rest of the community and for the common
good is less important.

❖ Extreme family-centeredness is manifested in our political system where political dynasties lord over our elected
government posts starting from the barangay level all the way up to the national positions (McCoy, 1994; Licuanan,
1994).

The Filipino’s lack of discipline is characterized by our idiomatic expression ‘ningas cogon’.

❖ Projects start out with full enthusiasm and interest, but no sooner was it started that the enthusiasm and interest
just as soon died down.
❖ Another related characteristic is “Filipino time”. Filipinos are known to be always late-arrive late or we start late.
❖ Since global trends strictly follow schedules, this trait that disregard the importance of time is adversely affecting
Filipino productivity (Tan, 2016).

Filipinos have very high respect for authority. Unfortunately, this also led to general passivity and lacking initiative.

❖ For instance, there is strong reliance on leaders and government to solve the nation’s problems but ordinarily
Filipinos also do not feel the need to initiate or contribute to the solution.

❖ This trait is also related to our lack of discipline. Look at our traffic problem. We expect the government to solve
the monstrous traffic jam; yet, traffic rules and regulations are also blatantly ignored every day.

Generally, Filipino loves anything foreign. Foreign elements are adapted and incorporated into our image.

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❖ In the process, we are also losing our cultural identity. Licuanan noted that this colonial mentality is connected
to our general feelings of inferiority, where we think foreigners- especially Westerners are superior (1994).

The kanya-kanya syndrome is related to the Filipino traits of extreme personalism and extreme family-centeredness.

❖ Personal and in-group interests are supreme and the drive to fulfill these interests is completely insensitive to the
common good.

❖ The kanya-kanya syndrome dampened our sense of community and cooperation-and we trample on each other’s
rights as a result. The expression crab mentality, where we tend to pull others down to climb up, exemplify the
kanya-kanya syndrome.

Dr. Licuanan further observed that joyful and fun-loving Filipino also has the tendency to be superficial and somewhat
flighty. This means that in times of crisis, either personal or social, there is a general lack of analysis and reflection.

❖ A manifestation of this lack of self- analysis and self-reflection is the expression that Filipinos are “madaling
makalimot” or have a short memory.

❖ This means, as a nation, we easily forget the mistakes we made; hence we make the same mistakes again. This
is one reason why traditional politicians or “trapos” are always re-elected into office.

The Filipino character is a contradiction.

❖ For example, our bayanihan culture coexists comfortably with our kanya- kanya syndrome. Many of our strong
points, in fact are linked to our weaknesses.

❖ Despite these weaknesses, however, there is still much good in the Filipino character. What is important is that we
know our values as a nation because these help us grow and develop.

❖ We need to understand our character as a Filipino because this is the first step towards creating the future we
want as an individual and as a nation. [1]

Filipino Moral Character: Strength and Weaknesses [2]

Filipino cultural morality, especially at which concerns social ethics, centers on ideally having a ‘smooth interpersonal
relationship (SIR) with others.

The definition of SIR in Phlippine culture is principally supported by and anchored on at least 6 basic Filipino values: the
concept of: 1.) ‘Pakikisama,’ 2.) ‘Hiya,’ 3.)’Amor propio,’ 4.)’Utang na loob,’ 5.) Filipino hospitality, 6.) Respect for elders.

1. ‘Pakikisama’ – having and maintaining ‘good public relation.’

➢ Usually being practiced to avoid clash with other people or a certain group.
➢ Characterizes both a value and a goal that involves keeping good feelings in all personal interactions and
getting along with others, oftentimes, at all costs.

Just like other Filipino values, ‘pakikisama’ can work either positively or destructively.

❖ To elude open display of conflicts, clashes, and confrontations, Filipinos, because of ‘pakikisama,’ may
submit to group opinion, overgenerous praise on one another, using metaphorical language rather than
candid terms, concealing negative feelings or unhappy spirits underneath a pleasant demeanor, smiling,
even when things go wrong, avoiding to say ‘no,’ and refraining from venting anger or losing temper.

We, Filipinos believe that attaining SIR is much important that we may give up clear but offending communications.

2. ‘Hiya’ –
➢ is described as a feeling of lowliness, shame or embarrassment, and inhibition or shyness which is
experienced as somewhat distressing, integrally, ‘hiya’ is related to the concept of ‘face’ and a concern
with how one appears in the eyes of others.

➢ ‘Hiya’ or ‘fear of losing face’ encompasses being afraid to do bad things as it may damage one’s
reputation in the sight of other people.

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❖ Too much ‘hiya’ may lead to having inferiority complex and losing self-confidence.

3. ‘Amor propio’ – is derived from the concept of ‘face’

➢ Although commonly translated as ‘self-respect’ or ‘self-esteem,’ ‘amor propio’ has been “characterized
as the high degree of sensitivity that makes a person intolerant to criticism and causes him to have an
easily wounded pride” (“Amor propio,” n.d.).

❖ Concerning the Filipino value, some observe that Filipinos learn to withstand a ‘loss of face’ in some
situation, particularly when they perceive themselves to be at fault, but it is devastating to be publicly
criticized, insulted, belittled, or humiliated, or to lose one’s self-respect (‘Amor propio,” n.d.).

‘Amor propio’ comes from the person’s tendency to protect his/her dignity and honor.

❖ Because of pride or amor propio, a person may refuse offers even if he/she really wants to accept them.

4.) ‘Utang na loob’ – a fundamental aspect of upholding group harmony and relationships that demand the balancing
of obligation and debts.

❖ This involves the concept of ‘reciprocity’ or returning the received favor.

❖ The inability to repay the “utang na loob’ (debt of gratitude) usually makes a person” walang utang na loob”.

❖ To avoid being dubbed as “walang utang na loob,” some Filipinos do things that may be bad (like voting
for unworthy candidate) just to return a received favor.

5.) ‘Filipino hospitality’ – the innate ability and trait of Filipinos to be courteous and entertaining to the guest.
➢ Filipinos are hospitable as they are internationally known to be warm, welcoming, and accommodating.

❖ This trait, however, makes Filipinos prone to being abused or maltreated.

6.) ‘Respect to elders’ –

➢ Filipinos are not only respectful to elders, but also have unique ways of expressing this respect to elders.

➢ These include the use of ‘po’ and ‘opo’ when talking to elders and ‘pagmamano’ or the putting of the
elder’s hand to one’s forehead.

❖ When excessive, respect to elders make one dependent or irrationally obedient to parents or elders.

These Filipino social values are important to maintain harmony in Filipino relationships in social institutions such as family,
school, and community.

The ‘smooth interpersonal relationship,’ together with Filipino ‘pakikipagkapwa-tao,’ has been deemed as a central core of
essential cultural traits that form and define an almost stereotype Filipino and moral behavior. [2]

UNIVERSAL VALUES [1]

Why there are Universal Values

The dangers that cultural relativism present led thinkers such as ethics expert Dr. James Rachels to reject
cultural relativism because it is implausible. The empirical basis of cultural relativism is that cultures are dramatically
different in its views of what is right or wrong. However, when it comes to important moral issues, three are considered
universal values (Rachels,2004). [1]

3 Universal Values shared by all cultures:

1.) Caring for the young; 2.) Murder is wrong; 3.) Tell the truth

- The theoretical point here is that “there are some moral rules that all societies will have in common, because those
rules are necessary for society to survive” (Rachels 2004).

- Imagine if human beings do not care for their young. Homo sapiens will eventually be an extinct species. In the
same manner, we will be eventually wiped up out too if people were free to kill other people.

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- Moreover, what kind of society will it be if the presumption of everyone’s statement is that it is a lie?
- What reason do you have to pay attention to anyone? If lying is our way of life, how can you believe what your
teacher is teaching? What is the use of having a teacher in the first place? What is the use of talking to each other
at all? [1]

More on Universal Values [2]

By universal values, we mean those values generally shared by cultures. The existence of the so-called universal
values is a strong proof that cultural relativism is wrong. If certain value exists both in Western and Eastern cultures
(including Filipino culture) despite the distance, then cultural relativism’s claim that cultures’ moralities radically differ from
each other is mistaken. [2]

Going back to the contention that Eskimos are also protective of their children, Rachels submits the following sound
argument (1999, p.29):

Human infants are helpless and cannot survive if they are not given extensive care for a period of years.
Therefore, if a group did not care for its young, the young would not survive, and older members of the group would not
be replaced. After a while, the group would die out. Therefore, any cultural group that continues to exist must care for
its young. Infants that are not cared for must be the exception rather than the rule.

The same form of argument could be used to reasonably show that other values must be generally shared by many cultures.

✓ Giving value on (1) truth telling, for, instance, is indispensable in the existence of a society, for without it there
would be no reason to pay attention to what anyone communicates with anyone.

And because complex societies cannot exist without communication among their members, the very existence of
these societies proves that truthfulness is valued in those cultures. The very few situations in which it is thought
to be permissible to lie are more of “exceptions to the rule” (1999, p. 30). [2]

Rachels also mentions of the case of (2) valuing or respecting life which necessitates the prohibition on murder.
In a society where no one thought there was anything wrong with killing others at will, everyone would have to be
constantly on guard. Avoiding people would become a mechanism for survival and large-scale societies would
therefore be improbable. [2]

The “general theoretical point” here, Rachels concludes, is that “there are some moral rules that all societies will have
in common, because those rules are necessary for society to exist.

➢ Cultures may differ in what they regard as legitimate exceptions to the rules, but this disagreement exists
against a background agreement on the larger issues.”

➢ Therefore, “it is a mistake to overestimate the amount of difference between cultures” (1999, p. 30). In
fact, not every moral rule can vary from society to society. This definitely flies in the face of Cultural
Relativism. [2]

IV. REFERENCES
1. Gallinero, W. B. et al 2018 Ethics. Mutya Publishing House Inc. Pateros Malabon City, emaul: www.mutyapublishinghouse.com
2. De Guzman, J.M. et al 2017 Principles of Ethical Behavior in Modern Society. Mutya Publishing House Inc. Potrero, Malabon, email:
www.mutyapublishing.com.ph
3. Bulaong, O. G.et al 2018 Ethics Foundations of Moral Valuation. Rex Bookstore Inc. Nicanor Reyes
St. Recto Ave. Manila, Philippines, email: www,rexpublishing.com.ph
4. fertlitynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Clarify-your-life-values.pdf

VI. ASSESSMENT TASK:

(Assignment/activity will be sent to students’ respective sections)

Rubrics

Poor 1 Fair 2 Good 3 Excellent 4

Focus on No attempt has been
Assigned Topic made to relate the
work to the assigned
topic.
Some part of the work is
related to the assigned topic,
but a reader does not learn
much about the topic.
Most part of the work is
related to the assigned
topic. The work wanders
off at one point, but the
reader can still learn
something about the
topic.
Entire work is related to
the assigned topic and
allows the reader to
understand much more
about the topic.

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20%
Reflection of Little or no explanation Does not go deeply into the Relates learning with Shows great depth of
Personal or reflection on reflection of learning, research and project, knowledge and
Learning learning, no or few generalizations, and limited personal and general learning, reveals
details to support insight, uses some detail. reflections included, uses feelings and thoughts,
reflection. concrete languages. abstract ideas reflected
through use of specific
details.
20%
Mechanics Many grammatical A few grammatical spelling Almost no grammatical No grammatical
spelling or punctuation or punctuation errors. spelling or punctuation spelling or punctuation
errors. errors. errors.
20%
Organization Ideas seem to be The work is a little hard to The work is well The work is very well
randomly arranged. No follow. Paragraphs are organized. One idea may organized. One idea or
effort at paragraph unclear. The transitions are seem out of place. Clear scene follows another
organization. sometimes not clear. transitions are used. in a logical sequence
with clear transitions.
20%
Conclusion Incomplete and/or The conclusion does not The conclusion restates The conclusion is
unfocused. adequately restate the the learning. engaging and restates
learning. personal learning.
20%
Total: 100%

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