1 Module 1 | CULTURE

Lesson 2- Filipino Culture and Values

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify the different Filipino culture and values;
2. discover one’s cultural identity;
3. describe how Filipino values system distinct to other;
4. analyze how Filipino values have something to do why the Philippines is left behind (in terms of
economic status) by other Asian nations; and
5. create a reaction paper based on the article entitled “PALACE ON DUTERTE KISSING AN OFW:
IT’S A PLAYFUL ACT ACCEPTED IN FILIPINO CULTURE”.

MODULE MAP

CLASSIFICATION OF VALUES
•Individualistic Values
•Family Values
•Professional Values
•National Values
•Moral Values
•Spitritual Values

FILIPINO CULTURE
•Value System
•Belief System

FILIPINO CULTURE PERSPECTIVES

•Traditonal Concept
•Nationalistic View
•Cultural Dualism

FILIPINO VALUES
•Positive Filipino Values
•Negative Filipino Values

The lesson map shows the various classifications of values, the Filipino culture compounded by its value and
belief system. And the Filipino culture perspectives as well as the positive and negative Filipino values.
2 Module 1 | CULTURE

Core Content

EXPLORE: EXPLORING FILIPINO VALUES

VALUES
Values are important for the enduring beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what
is good or desirable and what is not. Values strongly influence the behavior of an individual and serve as broad
guidelines in all situations.

CLASSIFICATION OF VALUES
Through heredity or through the environment, an individual acquires values. The influence of the family,
community, society, nation, and other individuals makes a person unique as he/she develops a set of values.
These values determine the priorities and lifestyle of the person. They also mold the personality of the person
and contribute to the growth of the individual, family, society, nature, and the entire human race.

1. Individualistic Values
The first law of nature is self-preservation. It is inherent to all you man beings and other animals to
protect, satisfy, and promote their own personal needs and desires to the extent of harming others. The selfish
notion of “helping oneself before others” seems to justify this individualistic perspective. Individualistic values
cannot be separated from human beings for these are essential to their survival.

2. Family values
The family is the natural and social institution founded on the conjugal union that binds together the
individuals composing it, for the common accomplishment of the material and spiritual ends of life, under the
authority of the regional ascendant who heads it.

The necessary care, training, and protection of every child are provided by the family. The family is an
essential factor in the general, social, and even political life of the nation. The living together or family members
contribute to the development of a strong sense of duty, of an aptitude for heroic sacrifices, and of conquest of
who preceded them ( Tolentino as quoted by Sepio-Diy, Family code of the Philippines,1995).

Therefore, the family ensures the continuity of values and tradition of the family. These are values that
the family has preserved for a long period of time, and that have enhanced their existence as a family, and
serve as their identity. These values are important because they have contributed to the success of family
members in many ways. Every family member is obliged to transmit these values to the next generation.
Ideally, every family member has to think of the family first and consider the self as secondary.

3. Professional values
There are organizations for professionals. These professionals are expected to conform to the values
demanded by their organizations. These values, in turn, served as their identity. It is also these values that
keep the members united and motivated.
3 Module 1 | CULTURE

Thus, an individual develops a set of values because of his/her profession. The values of lawyers are
different from the values of accountants and of soldiers. Lawyers are expected to be impartial, accountants to
be honest, and soldiers to be loyal.

Each profession has its own values, we profession. Yet, these values are necessary to keep the
professionals united and to deliver what is expected of them.

4. National Values
Each nation has a set of values that every citizen must manifest. These values define the traits of the
people and serve as their identity. Moreover, these values are cherished and the state is tasked to inculcate
them among the citizens. Usually, these values are embodied in the people’s supreme law which is the
constitution, and non-observance of these values carries a penalty, or worse, can damage the culture of the
nation. These values have evolved from the country's history, tradition and experiences. Examples of Filipino
values are patriotism, nationalism, love of humanity and respect for human rights (Article 14 Sec. 3 (1) of the
1987 Philippine Constitution)

5. Moral Values
Laws are enacted to maintain peace and order, eliminate injustice, and attain equality. These laws are
expected to bring harmony to the members of the society. Ideally, they should be implemented fairly to all.
But in a country where governmental powers are in the hands of the few, individualistic values are likely to
prevail. Although national values are strictly observed, obedience to the law by all citizens is still difficult to
achieve.
Legislators are expected to enact laws that will promote the welfare of the majority; law enforcers our
task to implement laws fairly to all. But some elected officials abuse their power to promote their selfish or
vested interests. They are expected to uphold justice, but they are the ones doing injustice to the people.

In this failure to instill good citizenship rates, moral values are still there to support and preserve the
ideals of society. Moral laws are often more powerful than law enforcement to lead the citizens to the right
path. Examples of moral values are the sacredness of marriage and the sanctity of life.

6. Spiritual Values
Spiritual values are often attributed to God. They are also called divine values. There is no specific
time as to when these values are given by God but they gave rise to other values. Since They are believed to
have originated from God, these values are, therefore, eternal or permanent. They are universal that all
humans can easily understand them even without formal education. Regardless of one's belief, race or
culture, every human being must possess these values.

Through these values, humans are united and there is harmony among the community of nations.
Examples of spiritual values include love, charity, compassion, justice, truth, kindness, and mercy.
4 Module 1 | CULTURE

FILIPINO CULTURE

A. BELIEF SYSTEM
Filipinos Are known to be religious by nature. They believe in supernatural powers and divine
intervention. Sometimes, the belief in supernatural powers makes them dependent on prayers rather than hard
work and pursuing their dreams. Generally, success is considered a blessing from above as a result of faith in
God.

Filipinos also believe that one's faith is sometimes attributed to God's plan and purpose. This result in
believing that everything is predestined or part of their destiny and that what God has planned cannot be
changed (kapalaran system).

Nonetheless, the religiosity of most Filipinos is inherently good. The belief and trust in God and the
power of prayers make the Filipinos distinct from other races.

B. VALUE SYSTEM
Cultural values are shared assumptions of what is right, good, or important. Values actually guide
people's behavior and action as they relate themselves to most situations in life.

Filipino values can best be seen from the aspects of personal and social relationships. Personally, the
Filipinos value their honor and status more than anything else. Majority Of them protect their owner (kapalaran)
rather than their wealth.

Socially, the Philippines consider their relationships with other people important. This can be seen
through the hospitality they extend to their visitors and friends. They love to mingle with friends and relatives.
They assist and cooperate with other people, and this is best exemplified to the bayanihan spirit.

In decision-making, Filipinos usually consult family members and try to arrive at a consensus.

In terms of emotional disposition, the Filipinos are friendly. They smile at people, even at strangers
when they are approached. They are warm and simple. Women in the Philippines are highly regarded and
respected and can be relied upon when it comes to domestic affairs.

CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO FILIPINO CULTURE

Filipino culture is a summation of indigenous forces and foreign influences that had come to bear upon the
people in varying degrees during the last five centuries. The Following races contributed much in shaping
Filipino culture,

1. Malays - the basic component of Filipino culture is the Malay temperament which could best be
described by “niceness and pleasantness” to others rather than by rigid obedience to the established
5 Module 1 | CULTURE

system of laws. In its closeness of culture, the Malay family clan or unit is the world's best security
system.
2. Chinese - Filial piety between parents and children, the flexibility to go along with people, and the
“sageliness within and the kingliness without” of the Filipinos are reflected of Confucian philosophy.
3. Indian - Indian influences are found in the languages, mode of dressing, architectural art, folk beliefs,
brass and copper wares and other cultural artifacts.
4. Hindu - the Hindu influence is most pervasive in the Filipino belief system. An example is the
predilection of Filipino readers for the horoscope and fortune-telling sections of the newspapers.
5. Spanish - Spain introduce a community-oriented rather than a family-oriented religion in the form of
Christianity.
6. Americans - The United States for their broadened this cultural heritage by introducing democracy that
called for individual liberty and equality as well as a national political community to which everybody is
supposed to participate through universal suffrage.

The Filipino Has there by a foothold in many cultural spheres- the Malay, the Anglo-saxon, the Hispanic,
the Hindu Islamic and even the Chinese.

FILIPINO CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

The Filipino cultural experiences- origin, evolution, and development- can be viewed and interpreted in
many ways:

1. Traditional Concept - the traditionalists maintain the Filipino culture is a conglomeration of physical,
intellectual, moral, and spiritual aspects. They assume that underneath the independent and widely
divergent culture as shown in Filipino way of life, there is an underlying basic foundation of unity that
holds the cultural tree together and infuses one clear, distinct substance through its veins. It is rooted
in the Philippine has art of living, philosophy in life, and attitudes toward God, nature, and fellowmen
(Rodriguez, 1948).
2. Nationalistic View - This concept regards culture as the summation of the needs of the people, the
description of their past and present conditions, an expression of their values, thoughts and emotions,
and the depiction of their historic struggles to liberate themselves. True national culture is inextricably
linked to the people's needs, ideas, emotions, and practices (Constantino, 1977).
3. Cultural Dualism - this view is from a philosophical perspective that believes in the existence of two
opposing sides in every phenomenon. This concept holds that Philippine society is composed of two
opposite sides: the traditional culture and the modern culture. The traditional culture represents the
old norms, folkways, values etc. while the modern one represents those introduced by colonizers or
adapted from another culture. Since these norms, folkways, and values contradict each other, conflict
then is inevitable. In order to resolve this conflict and maintain balance, Filipinos have to arrive at a
particular culture that is distinct, without sacrificing, rejecting an or abandoning any of the old or new
culture.
6 Module 1 | CULTURE

FILIPINO VALUES

Values Are an integral part of every culture. A common core set of values creates expectations and
predictability without which a culture would disintegrate and its members would lose their personal identity and
sense of worth. With worldview and personality, values dictate behavior. Values tell people what is good,
beneficial, important, useful, beautiful, desirable, constructive etc. They answer the question of why people do
what they do. Values help people solve common problems for survival. Over time, they become the roots of
traditions that groups of people find important in their day-to-day lives.

The values of the Filipinos that originated from their ancestors had been heavily influenced by their
colonizers. Some values are bipolar -they can be viewed from either positive or negative perspectives.

POSITIVE FILIPINO VALUES

1. Bayanihan system or spirit of kinship and camaraderie- the Filipino community spirit of cooperation in
which a group of individuals extends a helping hand without expecting any remuneration. It is
characterized by common work towards one goal exemplified in relocating a nipa house or pushing as
stalled passenger jeepney.
2. Damayan system- sympathy for people who have lost a loved one. The whole community sympathizes
with the bereaved family. Neighbours, friends, and relatives usually give a certain amount of money is
the way of condoling with the family of the deceased.
3. Familism or close family ties - the Filipino trait of prioritizing the family above other things. Filipinos feel
that a family member should be taken care of and supported regardless of whether he/she did
something wrong or not. A family member who has gone astray should not be abandoned.
4. Fun-loving trait - at traits common to most Filipinos that makes them unique. Even during calamities
and challenging times, Filipinos Always have something to be happy about, a reason to celebrate.’
5. Hospitality- the Filipino trait of being receptive and generous to guests.
6. Compassion- the Filipino trait of being kind to others even if the person is a stranger. An example of
this value is giving alms to the beggars. This gesture is usually accompanied by this sympathetic
remark: kawawa naman or nakakaawa naman.
7. Regionalism- the Filipino trait of giving his province mates preferential treatment as well as priority over
natives of other provinces.
8. Friendliness - the Filipino quality of being sincere, loyal, kind, and sociable.
9. Flexibility or kakayahang makibagay - The ability of Filipinos to adapt or adjust to the norms of other
groups just to maintain smooth and harmonious relationships.
10. Religiousity- most Filipinos possess strong adherence to religious doctrines both in words and in deeds.
11. Respect for elders- the Filipino trait of being courteous both in words and in actions to the elderly.
12. Remedyo attitude - the Filipino trait of being creative and resourceful. It is the ability to do things that
are next to impossible. An Example is fixing appliances that seem to be beyond repair.
13. Persistence - Filipinos are known for their tenacity and strong determination in every undertaking.
7 Module 1 | CULTURE

14. Utang na loob - a feeling of obligation to repay someone who has extended assistance to another. The
“repayment of one's debt” may take place in an undetermined time in the future and may come in any
form or in any method or way.

NEGATIVE FILIPINO VALUES

1. Bahala na Attitude - the Filipino trait characterized by retreating or withdrawing from certain undertakings
and leaving everything to God who intervenes and determines the outcomes of one's deeds.

2. Colonial complex or Blue-seal mentality - the Filipino mindset of regarding foreign products as superior in
quality and preferring them over locally manufactured goods.
Crab mentality- the filipino attitude of “pulling down” someone who has achieved success ahead of others.
This is done out of jealousy and insecurity.

3. Euphemism - Filipino way of substituting a word or phrase that is thought to be offensive or harsh with a mild
and acceptable one in order to not offend or hurt another person.
4. Filipino Time - In reality, it means “always late”, a Filipino attitude of impreciseness towards time.

5. Gaya-gaya attitude - a Filipino attitude of imitating or copying other culture specifically in mode of dressing,
language, fashion or even haircut.

6. Jackpot Mentality - a “get rich quick” mentality of some Filipinos who would rather engage in fast ways of
acquiring money than through hard work and sacrifice by getting in lottery, joining raffle draws and other.

7. Kapalaran Values - a Filipino trait of accepting his fate by believing that everything is written in his palm.

8. Manana habit - delaying or setting aside a certain task assigned on the next day although it can be done
today.

9. Ningas-Cogon - being enthusiast only during the start of new undertaking but ends dismally in accomplishing
nothing.

10. Oversensitive - ilipinos have the tendency to be irritated easily or hurt upon hearing some criticisms or
comment.

11. Lack of Sportsmanship - not accepting defeat in competitions but rather putting the blame either to their
opponents or to the sport officials.

13. Tsamba lang attitude - simplicity by declaring that his/her accomplishments are results of luck and not from
perseverance and ability.
8 Module 1 | CULTURE

TOPIC SUMMARY
• Values are individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another. They serve as a guide for
human behavior.
• Values strongly influence the behavior of an individual and serve as broad guidelines in all situations.
It can be classified into 6: individualistic, family, professional, national, moral and spiritual values.
• Some values have intrinsic worth, such as love, truth, and freedom. Other values, such as ambition,
responsibility, and courage, describe traits or behaviors that are instrumental as means to an end.
• On the other hand, Filipino culture can best be understand through the value and belief system and it
is found out that Filipino are known to be religious by nature and consider their social relationship with
others as important.
• Also, Filipino has there by a foothold in many cultural spheres- the Malay, the Anglo-saxon, the
Hispanic, the Hindu Islamic and even the Chinese.

REFERENCES
• Leano, R. & Corpuz, R. (nd).Society and Culture with Family Planning: C & E Publishing Inc.