WHY IS PAKIKISAMA IMPORTANT TO FILIPINOS

“PAKIKISAMA”

It is a Filipino value that means price, worth and the like, we can only say that pakikisama is a Filipino
value because it refers to the Filipino culture and has a purpose to make people happy, to be in peace
with others and to be closer to each other and to have a good relationship with others and to avoid the
conflict pakikibaka.

The prevalence of pakikisama is one of the reasons that the Philippines is seen as such a friendly
country. People tend to smile and engage in fun, casual conversation.

The sense of togetherness or the camaraderie has always been in the hearts of the Filipinos. It does not
mean the Filipinos want to be dependent all the time. They just believe in the idea that in order to build
a better society, one must help each other. There must have a collective action in every development
taken place. What is best about it is that the Filipinos helping other people do not expect something in
return.    

They love to help without aiming of receiving something from the people they help. Whenever the
helping is backed with some motives, it is not considered a “pakikisama.”     

This is manifested by the fact that when a disaster occurs, the Filipinos respond by instinct. As a
Filipino, there is always the tendency, the availability to be of help, and at times, even at the risk of
one’s life. This trait can be seen clearly when a fire occurs around the neighborhood or when someone
is drowning or when a relative is sick.

Amidst the discrimination and prejudice Filipinos experience within foreign communities, there are
these special values they keep within their hearts towards their interaction with all the people including
non-Filipinos. They do not easily change despite bitter treatment from their bosses, landlords, foreign
customers, tourists, and non-Filipino acquaintances in the Philippines and abroad. While people from
other nations acquire similar traits, the Filipino people showcase different and rare version of goodness
portrayed to the people. 

Despite the poverty, family problems, and any other related issues confronting the Filipinos, these
values of theirs remain visible and influential, and indeed, have caused them to endure difficulties in
life by being grateful always and good to others all the time. It is their moral standard that makes them
resilient from any threat or problem.