Lesson 1: Physical, Material, and Digital - Some people who are not endowed ang blessed with a

beautiful face according to society’s standards may

Aspect of Self be prone to bullying.
Physical Self - They can be ridiculed or called names.

Physical Aspect of Self - In this imperfect world, inequality exists in various

contexts, such as physical appearance.
The Self as the Body
- Physical appearance is attributed to both genetics and
- The physical self refers to the body
the environment, an individual has no control over or
- It is the tangible aspect of the person that can be choice as to how he or she looks like.
directly observed
- However, being beautiful is sometimes a liability.
- The physical self is defined by physical characteristics
- People perceived as beautiful may find it difficult to get
that are visible
rid of many stalkers; their privacy and security may be
- These characteristics are the defining traits and at risk.
features of the body
- Present culture prescribes that being beautiful is a
- When describing a person we commonly describe them necessity, an obligation in order to be liked and loved.
based on:
- Many products are created to change or improved
- Gender one’s appearance.
- Height and Weight
- Some opt to undergo medical procedures.
- Complexion
- Hair - Caring for one’s beauty is very different from altering or
- Facial features modifying it.
* cosmetic surgery
^ leaves first impression
* filters and apps
- The physical aspect if the self does not include * make up and cosmetic products
characteristics that are internal to the self such as:

- Kindness
Will There be Beauty If There ss No Sight?
- Generosity
- Loyalty - Total blindness incapacitates a person to see.
- Obedience
- In many love storied, in literature and in film, beauty is
- Other similar qualities
described or projected as purity of heart or goodness
of heart, something that is within a person and
cannot be judged based on one’s physical
Impact of Culture on Beauty and Body Image
appearance.
- Usually only the physical features such as the face and
- Beauty is contextualized into two categories:
body figure are considered as bases for beauty
* one that is seen by the eye
- The appearance of a person can be an asset or a * one that is felt by the heart
liability.
- Beauty is not only seen but may also be heard.
- A person with a beautiful face is likely to receive
- Stories or personal experiences relayed or narrated by
recognition and enjoy being described as angelic or
another person that involve positive feelings are also
having a face that could launch a thousand ships.
considered to be beautiful.

- Aesthetics may have laid down the laws and principles

of determining beauty as seen by the naked eye but
 the very essence of beauty transcends the sight – it
can be heard, felt and understood.
Achieving Physical Well-Being
- Eat healthy food
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Follow proper hygiene
- Engage in daily exercise
- Take vitamins and drink fruit juices
- Avoid stress
- Spend less time in front of computers and gadgets
Material Self
Material Aspect of Self
- The concept of being fixated on acquiring material
things as a way to identify oneself.
- This concept is related to William James’ (1890)
MATERIAL SELF.
- James defined Material Self as the self that consists of
the body, clothes, immediate family, home and other
things that one considers to be his or her own.
- The more people invest themselves in their
possessions, the more attached they become.
- An individual’s body is the primary component of
his or her material self
- One has control over his or her body and how he or she
would like to present it for others to see.
- There are also instances when people opt to alter their
physical features by getting tattoos, piercings, and
surgeries or other medical procedures.
- One’s immediate family is also part of one’s material
self.
- One’s family members can be seen as an extension of
one’s identity because the members affect one’s
actions and disposition in the environment.
- Another component is one’s home.
- It is a space that one considers as his or her own.
Aside from one’s body, clothes, family and home, any
other material thin that one considers to be his or
possession composes the material self.
The Consumer Culture on One's Sense of Self and
Identity
- In the early 2000s, the use of credit cards became
more popular and more people started patronizing
them.
Advantage
- It brought convenience, security and comfort in the
way people engage in the consumption of goods and
services in society.
- High-income earners has access to credit cards in
the past
Disadvantages
- Hidden charges or unauthorized credit card
transactions and frauds.
- Credit Cards definitely changed consumer culture
and its role in how individuals, as consumers, function
as part of the process of production and consumption
- Credit card holders are vulnerable to incur too much
debt.
- Credit cards also modified how transactions and
payments are made and done. This also changed how
individuals function as consumers.
- Credit cards may lessen one's opportunity to save
money because one's incoming income will be
allotted for paying credit card debt.
Advertising
- Innovations and developments in advertising changed
Consumer Culture.
- Advertising is influenced in shaping how and why
people consume goods and services.
- Advertisements in any form, when viewed by an
individual, emphasizes his or her identity as a
consumer with the ability to avail of goods and
 services based on his or her financial capacity,
preferences and practical interest.
Need
- Is something that a person must have in order to
live.
- Food, clothes, shelter, medicine and many other
things necessary for survival are needs.
Want
- Is something that a person desires to have but can
live without.
- Things that are considered as luxuries are wants
Needs versus Wants
- One person's wants may be another person's needs.
- People have different buying behaviors.
- Some people are considered to be IMPULSE BUYERS.
- Impulse Buyers means buying anything without
giving much thought to what they buy and the
consequences that may come later on.
- Some may also reason that they are working hard in
order to buy things.
- Other people work in order to ensure that they have
everything they need.
- Others work in order to have both needs and wants.
- Other consumers do not easily differentiate their
needs from their wants because they do not inculcate
self-control in their buying behaviors.
- There are some people wherein they spend more
money on luxurious things in order to keep up with
the latest trends.
- We need to balance needs from wants.
- As a consumer, one should know what to prioritize
that would benefit him or her in the long run.
- One should also allocate part of his or her earnings
for savings so that when important reasons to expend
comes in the future he or she is ready.
- In spending money, one should be practical and
prudent.
Digital Self
Digital Aspect of Self
I, Me, Myself and My Online Identity
Front and Back Stages of the Self
- Front – things we see online
- Back – things we do not know
Goffman (1967), as cited by Delise (2012), theorized
notions concerning the presentation of self in daily
face-to-face interactions.
In Goffman;s DRAMATURGICAL THEORY, he claimed
that life is a series of interactions and
performances where people enact the
presentation of self on a daily basis.
This theory presents social life as a stage, where in we
are all actors and audience.
The basic dimensions include the SETTING:
- where the interactions take place
- how interaction and presentations are contextual
– time and location are important to the outcome
of a particular behavior
An individual’s performance on the FRONT STAGE is
what can openly be seen by the audience.
BACKSTAGE on the other hand, can be linked to what
individual would like to be kept secret or hidden.
Human, as social beings, are conscious of how the
present themselves to others and what they choose
keep for themselves.
Performing one’s identity means that these are aspects
of self that are not easily seen by a particular
audience.
In social media, there are people who might upload a
picture or a video showing they are happy, humble,
selfless, etc. However, in reality, it might be
something different.
Many videos or pictures uploaded by people are their
front stages according to Goffman.
Their backstages remain hidden so that the identities
that they portray in public are preserved, thereby
maintaining the current trust, respect, recognition
and admiration given to them by others.
Digital Self
It consist of how one expresses himself or herself in
various online platforms.
The use of photo manipulation such as photoshop or
mobile apps that can make you thinner, fairer and
can even change your eye color is widely popular.
These manipulated images simply serve as
representations of one’s ideal self – what one whats
to be.
The self adopts to the environment that is domintaed by
digital technology.
To satisfy individual dreams and desires outside of one’s
inner self, things, products or services allow people to
believe that they can change, enhance or improve
their self.
WHAT NOT TO POST ONLINE
- Sexy or revealing pictures
- Pictures or videos showing private momebts
with loved ones
- Pictures or videos showing bad habits
- Negative comments on another person’s
attitude
- Posts announcing conflicts with other people
- Posts of the results of a particular competition
with the names of defeated participants
- Comments showing strong opposition to certain
issues
- Comments with foul, vulgar, indecent and
offensive words
- Pictures or videos revealing one’s financial status
- Pictures or videos showing family trips
- Pictures or videos displaying one doing good
deeds
- Pictures or videos in hospitals
- Posts of every single things you do
Dichotomies of the Self
Producer or Consumer. Do your material possessions
define who you are? A person who wears branded
clothes from head to toe and imitates their
favorite idols, the way they walk, what food they
eat and even the language that they speak.
Offline versus Online. Do you know someone who
posts good things that are happening to him/her
online but in reality he/she is actually having a
hard time in his/her life? In that instance, the
online self is different from the offline or actual
self
Body versus Technology. In your case, would you
change your look on your profile picture just to
impress this particular person you like or met
online? Technology deceived people. Your picture
might look great online however, it is totally
different if they will meet you in person.
Are You a Responsible Netizen?
With the rampant use of the internet, specifically social,
media, there are issues that need to be recognized
and thus be addressed. Here are some of the issues
that one needs to address if one wants to be seen as
a responsible netizens.
1.Sharing Fake News
2. Cyberbullying
3. Sharing viruses
A NETIZEN should be responsible for whatever he or she
shares online and must always ensure that he or she
will not post malicious content that may damage
other people in any way.
How to Fight Social Media Addiction
If you are spending more than three hours of your time
everyday on social media, then you can be considered
as a social media addict.
Social media has many benefits but spending too much
time can be harmful. Generally, the negative effects
of too much social media on health include: Eye
problems, Headache and Nausea.
For students it may affect their academic performance.
For employees, it is neglect of duty and a form of
dishonesty when official work time is used in social
media - this can be grounds for disciplinary action or
even termination.

Online Gossiping can lead to:

Online scams
Cyberbullying
Hate messages
Destroyed friendships

The maximum hours of using social media should be less

than three hours. The lesser the better. People can
reach you in other platforms other than social media.
This can help you control your time online.

Do not participate in the discussion of political issues - it

is time-consuming and never-ending. Do not post
comments supporting or opposing certain issues. This
might lead to argument and persuading people to
accept your stand. Do not post on social media just
for the sake of posting. Posting daily activities just for
the sake of acquiring many "likes" or positive
comments and praises can be a sign of low self-
esteem. People with low self-esteem always seek
recognition and affirmation from other people

Read books instead of spending time reading news,

articles and issues on social media. Books are reliable
sources of genuine and accurate information.

Spend time communicating personally to your family at

home or neighbors. Real life conversation can
strengthen your relationship with others especially to
you family.

Consider friends you have on social media. Make sure

that they are people worth keeping in touch. If not,
you may need to "unfriend" or "unfollow" them. If
some pages oppose your beliefs on some issues
(politics, religion, etc.), it would be more relaxing to
eliminate them from your newsfeed.
Lesson 2: Sexual Aspect of Self
Sexual Selves in Social Context
Interactionist Perspective
The idea that the self (and its aspect) develops as a result
of our interaction with others given a specific social
context. The self is also shaped and molded by the
different forms of self--description and self-judgment
that we use as a result of our social interactions.
Foundations of the Development of Sexual Self-Concept
Inextricably tied to bodily changes during puberty
- The development of the adolescent brain
- The development of primary sex characteristics
- The development of secondary sex
characteristics
According to Ganon and Simon (1974), our sexual
identity is also constructed.
But in the construction of our sexual identity, having a
gendered sense of self happens first.
Children cannot become sexual selves without being
able to understand the kind of language through
which acts, feelings, and relationships become
sexually meaningful to them.
This understanding is achieved only through the
perspective of a 'gendered" individual.
The Process of Becoming a Sexual Self
Sexual selfhood depends on having the ability to make
sense of the self as sexual. But as children, we first
understand ourselves as gendered, because that is
how everyone treats us.
Three Social Processes of Social Categorization in
relation to Gender:
- Baby's genitals = sign of sex
- Baby is reduced to its sex (it's a boy; it's a girl)
- Girling the girl; Boying the boy
The Process of Becoming a Sexual Self
- The self is formed thru gendered terms:
- The child comes to understand itself as gendered
- The child comes to understand that it interacts with
gendered others; the child learns to locate itself
within a gendered social field
- The process of self-formation does not necessarily
differ for the boys and girls they simply differently
gendered selves by participating in gendered social
interaction.
- Gendered selfhood is variable (no single way of being a
little girl or boy), BUT understanding gender differences
helps us to navigate a gendered social world.
- This is why, in growing into adulthood, sexuality
becomes braided into the self and becomes closely
intertwined with gender.
- We do not become sexual all at once
- Our concept of a sexual self comes from other people
around us (particularly adults)
- We assimilate things from their social environment that
is potential sexual relevance (as facilitated by language)
- We come to realize that there are things that are
permitted and things that are not:
- Sense of their own bodies (according to what adults
say) - ALLOWED
- Conventions of morality, modesty and decorum -
ALLOWED
- Erotic components of sexual scripts - WITHHELD
We come to realize also that:
- We acquire common sense knowledge about the
institution of heterosexuality BEFORE they become
aware of sexual activities these entails - ALLOWED
- Homosexuality is treated as taboo - WITHHELD
As a result: Heterosexuality becomes the privileged norm
(in most cultures)
Straight people are not called upon to account for their
sexuality
Thus, straight people do not have the same negative
experiences as homosexuals.
In contrast, those who have non-normative sexuality are
often targets of strongly held negative attitudes.
 - Verbal harassment and abuse is a universal
experience (often normalized).
- Discrimination extends well into adulthood.

But we now know that Human Sexuality is fluid; It is a

continuum rather than dichotomous (APA, 2008)

The Development of Sexual Self-Concept

- Eventually, we will piece it together (Allowed +

Withheld) and develop a provisional (subject to change)
picture of sexual world.

- New knowledge and experience is made sense of in

relation to past knowledge and experience
(reinterpretation)

- We modify what we know of ourselves

- This is the reason why our identity (and its aspects)
change overtime.

This is why we develop "story" of our continuous self

(one that has a past, present and future). And the 'story'
that we tell about us, is our IDENTITY.
Lesson 3: Spiritual Aspect of Self
Sexual Selves in Social Context
SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF SELF
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME:
Identify the different forces and institutions that impact
the development of various aspects of self and identity.
The Practice of Religion
Religion
- Religion introduces the concept of supreme being
(God, gods or goddesses) as cause or reason of all
phenomena.
- The traditional concept based on Judaism,
Christianity and Islam regards god as an independent
being, the creator of the universe and distinct from
the universe that this supreme being created.
- All agree that this supreme being is:
Omnipotent (all-powerful)
Omniscient (all-knowing)
Omnipresent (everywhere at once)
- According to Anthony Wallace (cited by Haviland, Prins,
Walrath and N/cbride, 2008), religion is a set of
rituals made to coordinate with the goal of either
obtaining or hindering changes in human condition
and nature's state.
- These rituals or practices are usually justified by myths.
- When people are unable to fix serious, anxiety-causing
problems through technological or organizational
means, they resort to manipulation of supernatural or
spiritual beings and powers.
- Wallace elaborated that a hallmark of religion is the
belief in supernatural beings and forces.
Religion has many functions such as:
-Providing sense of the world
-Strengthening norms and identity
-Setting sanctions for individual behavior
-Giving serenity in facing life challenges
The Concept of the Soul
Monism
- It is a view that there is only one substance and only
one being.
Dualism
- It is a view that mind and body are two independent
substance.
Soul
- Western philosophers believed that the human
person is a rational being which constituted of soul
and body.
Soul:
- is superior to the body and can exist
independently without the body.
- it is invisible and immortal and it directs the
physical body.
- is the life-force of the body.
- it is the source of motion as well as the
intelligence or mind of a person that pre-exists
bodily existence.
Death is viewed as the release of the soul from the
body. But death does not mean the end of
personal experience.
The Filipino term for soul or spirit is KALULUWA. It is
believed that it has two existence:
Physical: in which the soul is connected to the
human body
Spiritual: which exists on its own
80% of the Philippines' population are Roman
Catholics.
Roman Catholics believe in the immortality of the
soul and life after death.
Eternal Life can be attained by - good deeds,
following the commandments of God, and avoiding
sins.
The SOUL can be purified through confession.
A Catholic who failed to live a moral life is believed
to be thrown to hell (impyerno).
DUNGAN: The Bisayan Concept of the Soul
- People of Panay and Negros called the soul in Ilonggo
as DUNGAN.
- Dungan lacks material substance and it is extremely
light that it travels with the wind. - Roman Catholics are expected to do rituals that are
- It dwells above the surface of the earth before usually observe during Lenten season.
inhabiting the human body.
- Stations of the Cross
- It patiently chooses an unborn child's body to inhabit.
- Salubong
- It grows proportionately with the physical body.
- Self-flagellation
- Ilongos believe that it must be protected and nurtured
- Carrying of a Cross
since it is vulnerable to USUG.
- Infliction of wounds at a person's back using a whip
- The DUNGAN that causes USUG is said to be
- Walking barefooted
overpowering the person.
- Crucifixion
- Ilonggos believe that when the dungan separates from
the body it appears as a butterfly, grasshopper or other
small animals. The faithful believe that doing these acts will: Cleanse
- Elderly usually uses the dungan to threaten children to their sins, Cure their illnesses, and Grant their wishes.
eat well.
- If they will not eat well, their dungan will come out of - Observance of fasting and abstinence and even the
their body and get some rice to eat in the kitchen and prohibition of playing loud music during Good Friday are
could be mistaken for an insect and might be killed. being observe during Lenten season.
- Religious and institutional rituals signify and strengthen
- While those people who live in Visayas believe that the sense of belongingness.
when the dungan leaves the body the person can see his - Public ceremonies provide the avenue to build
or her own dungan when dreaming. harmonious relationships among people in a social unit.
- For the Visayans, dungan means willpower.
- A strong dungan has the intellectual and psychological Rites of Passage
capacity to control and influence a person's way of These are rituals that mark important stages in an
thinking individual's life cycle.
Arnold van Gennep: Examples: Birth Three Stages:
Puberty Marriage
Religious Rituals - French social Parenthood Separation
- Rituals are patterns of behavior or practices that are scientist Advancement to a Transition
- Analyzed the rites higher class Incorporation
related to the sacred. In Catholicism, rituals are called of passage that help Occupational
Sacraments. individuals through specialization Death
the crucial crises or
There are 7 sacraments: major social
transitions in their
Baptism lives.
Holy Eucharist
Confirmation
Finding and Creating Meaning in Life
Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick Perspectives from the Roman Catholic and the Atheists
Marriage
For the Roman Catholics, God is:
Holy Order
- the architect and the designer of all things on earth.
- the one who created the world according to his
plans and purposes.
Religious Rituals
- the one who created the world out of his love and
- Followers of a certain religion use rituals to give honor everyone is called to follow his examples.
to the divine power or powers they believe in and to
Catholics believe that:
serve as a reminder of their religious obligations.
- Human existence on earth is temporary
- Religion establishes norms that mold or shape human
- Faith gives the believers hope that in life after death
behaviors.
 they will meet their Creator in a place where there is
no sadness and pain, a place they called Heaven.
For the existentialists, God is dead, there is no life after
death, and life has no meaning. They posit that it is
the person who should create his or her own meaning
of existence. To have a meaningful existence here on
earth, a human being has to satisfy all his or her
bodily desires for there is no heaven. Furthermore,
existentialists assert that heaven is here on earth and
this entails the worldly things and deeds that satisfy
one's sense.
Albert Camus, a well-known existentialist and atheist,
human life is absurd. He posited that life is absurd
because people are constantly looking for answers,
reasons or justifications for the good and the bad
things happening in the world. He pointed out that
humans have a sense of justice and fairness which
they project onto the world.
But the world always disappoints them by not adhering
to their established standards of fairness. Humans
seeks answers for so many questions and end up with
nothing. This illustrates absurdity which is the term
used to describe the search for answers in an
answerless world. Since there is presence of
Absurdity, it does not matter whether God really exist
or not. For Camus, meaning or purpose does not
exist.
Essence versus Existence
For Plato and Aristotle, all have core elements and
without those, things would not be what they are.
Those elements, collectively called ESSENCE.
Essence are inherent properties that give
things their defining features.
Plato and Aristotle agreed that everything has essence
including humans and they believed that essences
already exist before the time of birth. People are
created to fulfill a specific purpose and that endows
them the essence of life. This is the philosophy of
ESSENTIALISM.
Jean Paul Sartre argued that, "existence precedes
essence." Human beings are not defined by any
predetermined properties or essences. People are
free to live their lives and they should define what
they are, not in accordance with an idealized set of
characteristics. One creates his or her own meaning
in the act of maximizing his or her absolute freedom.
Sartre mentioned that, "Man is nothing else but that
which he makes of himself " What matters is how and
what one does with life at this moment and not what
will happen to him or her after death for there is no
reward for good deeds coming from God. This is the
philosophy of EXISTENTIALISM.
Theistic Existentialism tries to invalidate the concept
that God created humans and the entire universe for
a specific purpose. Followers of theistic existentialism
believe that the existence of God is possible but God
does not predetermine the meaning of life or
existence of His creations. In the fundamental
philosophy of existentialism, people are born into the
world wherein their existence, actions, and world do
not possess real and inherent importance. It has to be
noted that existentialism is not synonymous to
atheism for there are existentialists who believe in
the existence of God.
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl, who wrote the book Man's Search for
Meaning (1946), was a neurologist who developed
logotherapy.
Logotherapy is based on the guided principle that the
primary motivational force of every individual is to
find meaning in life.
Man's Search for Meaning
A psychotherapeutic approach, logotherapy is anchored
on 3 basic principles:
1. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even
the most miserable ones
2. The drive to live is one's will to discover meaning
in life
3.Humans are free to discover meaning in
everything they do, in what they experience, or at
least in the decision they make when faced with
immutable suffering.
Regardless of how long one lives, one's life still has
meaning. Frankl asserted that life has meaning and it
is mentally unhealthy if humans' search for meaning
is suppressed. Humans continuously search for and
work on their meanings.
For Frankl, there are three ways to find meaning in life:

1. Doing an action
2. Having personal experiences and interpersonal
interactions
3. Evaluating one's attitude in the midst of suffering
Upon discovering the meaning of life, humans must
prepare to face any type of suffering. To deal with
suffering, one has to undergo a change of attitude.
Lesson 4: Political Aspect of Self
Political Culture
Political Aspect of Self
Course learning outcome: identify the different forces
and institutions that impact the development of various
aspects of self and identity.
Man as Political Animal
Aristotle
According to Aristotle, man is a "political animal".
Similar to being a "social animal", humans come
together and form a political body. The creation of a
political body is intended for the attainment of a good
life. Aristotle believed that humans, like animals,
intrinsically work together to achieve a common goal.
Why is Politics Necessary?
People make decisions that affect all of them as a
group. Example: The government decides where to
construct overpass or diversion roads, what cars are
allowed on the main roads on particular times and
days, or how to dole out funds for the poorest
families in barangays. Each of these decisions
requires the setting of a common policy for the
group, a single decision that affects all members of
the group.
The formulation of a general policy for a group of
people constitutes politics, and the questions about
these policies are political questions - questions that
affect both personal and public interests.
Political Culture
It is the pattern of individual attitudes and orientation
towards politics among members of a political system
(Almond & Verba, 1965)
Characteristics of Philippine Political Culture
Dominance of family ties or kinship system
- Political dynasty
- Consanguinity (blood relations
- Ritual kinship or kumpadre system
Euphemism
- Parinig or patutsada
- They do not confront the officials in regards to
problems or issues
- Problems and issues are not given immediate
attention.
Utang na loob
- Debt of gratitude
- People vote corrupt and incompetent officials
because they feel indebted to them.
- Construction of infrastructures.
- Money use is from the people's taxes not the
politicians' own money.
Sense of overdependency
- Some constituents rely on an elected official for their
personal and economic needs.
- This also result in lack of initiative or be active
participants in policy making.
- This passive attitude is sometimes abused by
authorities to remain in power.
Belief that majority of politicians are corrupt
- Buwaya - signifies corrupt politicians's greed for
money and power.
- "Kulang long ng padulas"
- "Wala namang pulitikong di kurakot"
Lack of political maturity
- People elect officials based on popularity and
personality and not on performance and platform.
- It seems that people are more interested in
entertainment rather than the serious presentation of
platforms and plans of action for the country.
- Showbiz personalities - sheer popularity
Establishing a Democratic Culture
What is Culture?
Culture - is defined as the way of life followed by a
people and which consists of learned and shared values,
behavior, traditions, etc.
Culture has two major elements:
Material
Non-material
What is Democracy?
The system of government in the Philippines has been
democratic. Democracy - It is a system of government in
which all citizens are eligible members of the state.
Sovereign power belongs to the people. In democratic
country, it is expected that there is rule of the
Upholding the rule of law. Democracy should be under
majority, human rights are protected and the rule of
law is upheld.
In fact, the very first principle in the 1987 Philippine
Constitution states that the
"The Philippines is a democratic and republican state"
THIRD:
the rule of law and not rule of men. Loyalty to the
Constitution and adherence to the law should be the
guiding light for law enforcement agencies and the
judicial branch of the government in making policies
and decisions.

Democratic culture has become a way of life for Filipinos The utang na loob culture in politics should be put aside
and it has been inculcated by the nation's heroes to allow the rule of law to reign. Patriotism must be
before the arrival of the Americans. measured based on the obedience to the Constitution
and not on the obedience to the President and other
Elections and majority rule have been practiced by the
high-ranking officials.
first republic ever declared in the Philippines, the
Biak-na-Bato republic, before it was formally
embodied in the first-ever Philippine Constitution.
- In the end, the citizens should serve as watchdogs for
Democracy was subdued in the Philippines because of possible abuses of authority.
many years of colonization to the martial law period
- Filipinos continue to value and cherish the nation's
(from 1972 up to 1986).
democratic culture.
The democratic culture is never lost in the Filipino
- A culture that has been part of their identity as a
consciousness but there are challenges to it.
nation.
Basic features of democracy:

FIRST:
Ideal Citizen Citizenship
The rule of the majority: in choosing leaders and in
- Citizenship denotes the status of being a legal member
important political processes, whether the decision of
of a nation-state.
the majority is correct or not, in the end, it is the
people who will suffer from the consequences of - How can we say if a person is a citizen of a specific
their decisions. country such as the Philippines?
In most constitutions, citizenship is acquired through
Vox populi, vox dei - translated as "the voice of the
blood relations. A child follows the citizenship of his
people is the voice of God"
or her parents. One could also be a citizen through his
It justifies that the decisions made by the people are or her birthplace.
blessed by the will of a higher being. In some countries, if a person is born in that
particular country, he or she automatically becomes a
SECOND:
citizen of that country.
The protection of human rights. One of the provisions Others needs to undergo the legal process of
stated in the Philippine Constitution is that: "The naturalization.
State values the dignity of every human person and
An ideal citizen can be a person who follows the laws,
guarantees full respect for human right"
protects and take care of the environment and
It is important that citizens are aware of their basic contributes to the welfare of other people.
human rights in order to protect themselves from any
An ideal citizen carries out his or her civic responsibilities
abuses that may be inflicted by other individuals and
- duties that help shape a better society for all
even the authorities. Basic human rights:
citizens.
Right to life
Right to liberty
Right to property
Article XIV, Section 3, Paragraph 2 of the Philippine
Constitution identifies the qualities expected of
citizens to possess, thereby creating ideal citizens
The provision states that an ideal citizen is:
Patriotic
Nationalistic
Fosters love of humanity
Has respect for human rights
Appreciates the role of national heroes
Know the rights and duties of citizenship
Has strong ethical and spiritual values
Has good moral character and personal discipline
Governance
It is defined as the traditions and institutions that
determine how authority is exercised in a particular
country. This includes:
- The process by which governments are selected, held
accountable, monitored, and replaced
- The capacity of governments to manage resources
efficiently and formulate, implement and enforce
sound policies and regulations
- The respect of citizens and the state for the institutions
that govern economic and social interactions among
them
Good Governance
British Prime Minister John Major created the
Committee on Standards in Public Life to outline
proper behavior by public servants in 1994.
Nolan Principles - named after the committee's first
chairman, Lord Michael Nolan. It is the first report
that was released by the committee.
The principles aim to eliminate corruption in the
government.
There are 7 principles of public life.
Selflessness - it means caring for what the people
need and want instead of promoting personal
interests.
Objectivity - it means being neutral and free from
biases in making decisions.
Integrity - it means maintaining a good name and
character.
Honesty - it means telling the truth, hiding nothing
and being transparent at all times.
Accountability - it means being liable and responsible
for one's actions.
Openness - it means being transparent with whatever
information one handles.
Leadership - it means being able to lead the way for
development that would benefit all.
Filipino Values
- There are inherent traits that make Filipinos different
from other nationalities.
- Socio-anthropological self - Filipino identity
- "Others-oriented"
Positive Filipino Values
Bayanihan
It started from Filipino traditions of helping out a
neighbor who is a member of the community.
Damayan
Filipinos always extend sympathy for people
especially for those who lost their loved ones or
victims of calamities.
Familism or Close Family Ties
Filipinos are known to prioritize the welfare of
family members above other things
Optimism
Filipinos have the attitude of looking at all ways to
be happy and maintain a positive outlook even in
times of calamities and other challenges in life.
Hospitality
Filipinos are identified to be warm, friendly,
generous and accommodating to other people,
fellow Filipino or not.
Regionalism
Filipinos have this attitude of giving more priority
to their provincemate.
Flexibility
Filipinos have the ability to adapt or conform to
 the expectations or will of other people to achieve
smooth and harmonious relationships.

Religious
This is characterized by strong faith and
submission to the will of a supreme being.

Respect for Elders

Filipinos are thought to show courtesy towards
the elderly at all times. Ex. Pagmamano and
po/opo

Remedyo Attitude
Filipinos are known for being creative and
resourceful.

Matiyaga
Filipinos are known for their grit and strong
determination in every undertaking.

Utang na Loob
This is a feeling of gratitude, recognition of one's
indebtedness and obligation to repay someone
who has extended assistance to another.

Negative Filipino Values

Bahala na Attitude
Colonial Mentality or Blue-seal Mentality
Crab Mentality
Euphemistic
Filipino Time
Gaya-gaya Attitude
Tsamba lang Attitude
Jackpot Mentality
Belief in Kapalaran
Mariana Habit (Mamaya na)
Ningas Kugon
Oversensitivity
Pakikisama
Lack of Sportsmanship