ETHICS

HUM 102
Filipino Cultural
Values
 Cultural values are “our distinctive way of
becoming human on this particular place and
time” – Vitaliano Gorospe. The concept of
“becoming human” means “pagpapakatao”.
Filipino values spring from our peculiar way of
viewing life – its origin, its meaning, and its purpose.
Filipino Foremost among our values is pananalig sa
Maykapal. The Filipino puts his trust entirely in God’s
Cultural hand. He believes that his destiny, or suwerte,
depends on God’s wishes.
Values He entrusts to God any unresolved issues or suffered
injustice – “ipapasa-Diyos na lamang”.
The Filipino expresses concern for others through
pakikipagkapwa, pagmamahal sa familia, and
pagmamahal sa bayan. He believes in himself and
in his abilities.
 The Filipino believes moral integrity is the
essentiality of “becoming human”. It is above
the desire for material enrichment – “Di baling
mahirap, basta’t may dangal”.
Filipino The Filipino moral ideal coincides with what
other people of any culture regard as the
Moral Ideal greatest attribute of a human being. A person
must be caring, honest, hardworking, and
respectful of others. He must have an
impeccable character. Failing the moral
standard makes a person masamang tao.
 Filipino values are described as ambivalent,
because they are either advantageous or
disadvantageous to the person. For instance, the
value of family closeness promotes love and
mutual care, but at the same time promotes
dependence, lack of self-confidence and
initiative among its members.
Ambivalent Another example of ambivalence is pakikisama.
Values Coming from the word “sama”, or company, it
means fellowship or caring for another person.
But oftentimes it becomes a form of concession,
a giving in or yielding to the will of the leader or
of the majority. Thus, “magaling makisama”
refers to one who is disposed to do anything,
including that which is wrong, for his gang or
barkada.
 It is commonly held, for example, that it is alright
for a man to be unfaithful to his wife because
that is what masculinity means – a macho. On
the other hand, a woman is expected to be
modest, and pure. It is only in 2006 that the
Double- Congress of the Philippines ruled that adultery as
a single act of infidelity by either married man or
Standard woman so that either is accountable in the same
manner and degree.
Mentality The Filipino has a kind and forgiving soul. He
condemns sins but condones sinners. He regards
human nature as inherently weak and, therefore,
mistakes are expected – “sapagkat tao
lamang”.
 The double-standard mentality comes from the
following false norms of morality. Paradoxically,
Filipinos define what is right or wrong (1) on the
basis of group-centeredness or “group thinking”;
False or (2) on the basis of shame and fear of authority
figure.
Norms of Group-thinking is the mentality of the herd. What
Morality the group prefers, or what the dominant figure in
a group wishes, becomes the basis of individual
choice. Thus, instead of relying on his personal
conviction, a person becomes “sunod-sunoran”
or “uto-uto”.
 The double-standard mentality comes from the
following false norms of morality. Paradoxically,
Filipinos define what is right or wrong (1) on the
basis of group-centeredness or “group thinking”;
False or (2) on the basis of shame and fear of authority
figure.
Norms of Group-thinking is the mentality of the herd. What
Morality the group prefers, or what the dominant figure in
a group wishes, becomes the basis of individual
choice. Thus, instead of relying on his personal
conviction, a person becomes “sunod-sunoran”
or “uto-uto”.
 The other false norm is fear of shame of authority.
False This is the “don’t-be-caught” attitude. According
to this norm, it is alright to do wrong provided
Norms of one is not caught. Thus, it is alright for a student
to cheat during an exam, provided he is not
Morality caught by the teacher. This is the mentality of
palusot, or pagkukunwari.
 The double-standard mentality may be
corrected by removing its causes: ignorance,
complacency, and rationalization.
1. The Filipino does not often bother with the
Reorientation complexity of a situation, but plunges headlong
into action propelled by the impulse of “bahala
of Attitudes na”. The Filipino, therefore, must not be gullible,
and learn how good fortune is the result of
thinking and planning. Instead of putting his
hope on luck or “suerte”, he must trust himself or
seek guidance from reliable persons.
 2. The Filipino must free himself from the belief
that his life is a matter of destiny, and everything
that happens is “tinalaga ng Diyos”. “Ganyan
talaga ang buhay” expresses resignation to
one’s misfortunes. But instead of resigning to his
Reorientation fate, one must strive harder to improve his life.

of Attitudes
3. The Filipino must revolutionize his way of
thinking. Instead of rationalizing, inventing
excuses for his mistakes, one must accept and
correct them. He must assume responsibility over
his actions, and not blame others.
 1. A responsible person differentiates between
what is essential from what is accidental. The
Filipino must cultivate his moral sensibility so
he is able to discern what is good or bad in
a situation. He must be able to see through
the actuations of do-gooders so that he is
Characteristics not deceived by false promises or pretenses.

of a 2. A responsible person internalizes his values.

Values must be ingested and digested, so to
Responsible speak, so that they become part of your
character. An act of kindness, for example,
Person must come from the heart.
3. 3. A responsible person accepts the
consequences of his actions. He needs to
show more deeper maturity, accepting his
mistakes instead of attributing them to
others.
 Vitaliano Gorospe suggests the education of
Filipinos should center on these values, namely
– Truth, Love and Faith; Integrity, Industry and
Social Justice.

1. Truth, Love, and Faith

Core Values of
One should seek the truth relevant to his
the Filipino circumstances.
Love for the good should be the basis of
decisions and choices.
Religious faith is need too. Reason and good
intention are not enough. There are many
riddles in life which only faith can answer.
 2. Integrity
The word stands for completeness. It connotes
perfection, adhering to what is truth and
Core Values of committing oneself to what is good. It means
condemning deceit, cheating, stealing, fraud,
the Filipino hypocrisy and dishonesty in all its forms, such as
“lagay, padulas, areglo, palusot, and
palakasan”. It means internalizing values. It
means loving oneself.
 3. Industry
Filipinos believe in honest work and have qualms
about feeding their families through ill-gotten
money. The desire to improve his life and that of
the family drives the Filipino to work any place in
the world, and where he goes he is recognized
for his competence, diligence and honesty.
Core Values of
the Filipino 4. Social Justice
Social justice is more than just the act of charity.
It is founded on truth which holds all earthly
goods as belonging to all men and to be shared
equally by them, not in the mathematical sense
of equality but in the prudential sense, so that
everyone has access to a decent life.
 The Filipino has his strength and weaknesses.
But, like all other people in the world, he
possesses a beautiful soul. He is religious,
helpful, diligent, and honest. Anywhere in the
world today, the Filipino is admired for his
Conclusion honesty, competence, and dedication to work
– as doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers,
architects, artists, clerks, or household helpers.
Because of his talents and values the Filipino
belongs indeed in the fellowship of mankind.
 Reference/s:
Agapay, R. (July 2008). Ethics and the Filipino 2nd Edition. Philippines