Binalonan, Pangasinan

A.Y. 2023-2024

Name: Carmela Cabantac Rivares Prgm.&yr.lvl. BSED II - BLOCK 6 Date: November 12, 2023

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Filipino Character: A Socio-Cultural Issue

A. List the 8 weaknesses of the Filipino character and explain each in a sentence.
1. Extreme Family Centeredness - Filipino families are very attracted to each one of them to the point that
they have to use their power in order to protect and promote their family agendas.
2. Extreme Personalism - One of the weaknesses of the Filipinos is the Extreme Personalism where they
can’t separate their emotions to their task; they are easily swayed by their emotions and leads them to
distraction.
3. Lack of Discipline - Doubt about where and when develops inefficiency, procrastination, and poor time
management, which in turn creates an informal work culture, a lack of standards, and equality over
control.
4. Passivity and Lack of Initiative - Despite knowing the necessary actions, Filipinos delay them until
they receive instructions from someone else or hear from someone else.
5. Colonial Mentality Lack -Even though we Filipinos have our own tourism industry and product that we
can market to others, we still prioritize showing our patriotism to other nations over our own.
6. Kanya-kanya Syndrome, Talangka Mentality - This shows the ‘ayaw malamangan’ because that
person always wants to be on top; creating tense, walls, and boundaries between two or more people.
7. Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection -When handling significant personal and societal issues, the
propensity to be anxious and shallow frequently results in a lack of analysis and reflection.
8. Emphasis on porma rather than substance - The educational system's inclination towards prioritizing
appearances over content is perpetuated by various external factors such as home environment, social
dynamics, economic disparities, cultural influences, historical context, religious beliefs, institutional
practices, mass media, leadership, and the influence of role models, thereby perpetuating and
exacerbating inherent weaknesses in the system.

B. List the 7 strengths of the Filipino character, then in a phrase explain when that strength becomes a weakness.

● Pakikipagkapwa-Tao (Social Orientation): Overemphasis on communal harmony leads to conformity at the

expense of individual expression.

● Family Orientation: Excessive focus on family values may hinder openness to diverse perspectives outside the
family unit.

● Joy and Humor: Constant pursuit of enjoyment might undermine the seriousness required in certain situations.

● Flexibility, Adaptability, and Creativity: Excessive flexibility may lead to indecision or lack of stability in
critical circumstances.

● Hard work and Industry: Overemphasis on hard work may result in burnout and neglect of work-life balance.

● Faith and Religiosity: Extreme religious adherence can lead to intolerance and conflict with differing beliefs.

● Ability to Survive: An exclusive focus on survival may limit long-term planning and growth opportunities.

Bonus (5 points )

What is your Key Takeaways about you readings about The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Filipino Character?

The analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character highlights socio-cultural issues affecting
the nation, including family-centeredness, personalism, lack of discipline, passivity, colonial mentality, and a kanya-kanya
syndrome. These issues, influenced by factors such as home, social environment, and education, contribute to challenges
like corruption and inefficiency. The proposed goals for Filipino development stress instilling patriotism, accountability,
and a strong work ethic. Despite challenges, the Department of Education aims to cultivate citizens who love their
country, guided by core values. The report underscores the need for intensified values education in Philippine schools to
address weaknesses and foster holistic character development, as reflected in the K-12 curriculum's inclusion of Values
Education. This initiative aims to shape morally conscious and responsible individuals contributing meaningfully to
nation-building.