MODULE 5

GMRC IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

LESSON 1 : THE UNIVERSAL VALUES

AND CULTURAL BEHAVIORAL
FILIPINO VALUES

LEARNING
OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:

 identify the core values as a Filipino ;
 compare and contrast the Filipino values with the universal, generic frameworks and
 formulate ways of developing the desirable behavioral Filipino values of the young.

INTRODUCTION

“ Every society needs to be bound together by common values, so that its members know
what to expect of each other, and have some shared principles by which to manage their
differences without resorting to violence”

In this age of globalization, there is a need to examine whether we still value values; or
whether our values are intrinsic ( honestly and kindness) or extrinsically driven by fame or
wealth. We oftentimes hear of complaints that our young generation has a distorted value
system or there is the loosening of the moral fiber of society.
 Teachers and would- be teachers are key players as values are both caught and taught. The
school is the indispensable partner of the home in reinforcing or strengthening what has been
formed at home especially the positive , desirable values.

We need a Philippine society today which is committed to core ethical values that all people
should strive to achieve, such as honesty, kindness, compassion, respect and personal
responsibility.

ABSTRACTION

 Values are the essence of who we are.

 Values are the principles that we hold to be of worth in our life.
 Values are the moral ideas, general conceptions or orientations.
 Values are not chosen, they are inherent to each person.
 Values are concepts or beliefs that guide how we make decisions about and evaluations
or behaviors and events.
 Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions.
 Values are transmitted to the child through various media. Values are first developed at
home through the parents as the primary teachers of Filipino values.
 According to Indian sociologist, R.K. Mukherjee, “ Values are socially approved desires
and goals that are internalized through the process of conditioning , learning or
socialization and that become subjective preferences, standards, and aspiration”.
 According to American psychologist , Abraham Zaleznik and David Moment states that
“Values are the ideas in the mind of men compared to norms in that they specify how
people should behave. Values also attach degrees of goodness to activities and
relationships”.

Thus values are important because they:

Provide standards of competence and morality.

Are ideas that we hold to be important.
Govern the way we behave, communicate and interact with others.
Transcend specific objects, situations or persons.
Are relatively permanent and there is resistance to change them.
The foundation for understanding the level of motivation.
Are our perception to help understand what ought to be or what ought not to be.
Imply that certain behaviors on outcomes are preferred over others.
 Allow the members of an organization to interact harmoniously. These make it easier ti
reach goals that would be impossible to achieve individually.
Are goals set for achievements, and they motivate, define and color all our activities
cognitive, affective and connective.
Are the guideposts of our lives and they direct us to who we want to be.

FRAMEWORKS FOR UNDERSANDING VALUES

A. Milton Rokeach’s Two Types of Values One framework to be used is Milton Rokeach’s
classification of values. Rokeach was an American social psychologist who did research
on values and developed the Rokeach Value Survey. According to him, values are
divided into two types.

TYPES OF VALUES

1. Terminal Values
 These are values that we think are most important or most desirable. They refer
to desirable end states of existence, the goals a person would like to achieve
during his or her lifetime.
 They include happiness, self- respect, recognition, inner harmony, leading a
prosperous life and professional excellence.
2. Instrumental Values
 Deal with views on acceptable modes of conduct or means of achieving the
terminal values.
 These include being honest, sincere, ethical and being ambitious. These values
are more focused on personality traits and character.

Table 1: List of terminal and instrumental values

TERMINAL VALUES INSTRUMENTAL VALUES

A comfortable life (a prosperous life)
An exciting life (a stimulating, active life)
A sense of accomplishment (lasting
contribution)
A world of piece (free of war and conflict)
Ambitious (hardworking)
Broadminded (open-minded)
Capable (competent, efficient)
Cheerful (lighthearted)
A world of beauty (the beauty of nature and
the arts)
Equality (brotherhood, equal opportunity for
all)
Family security (taking cares of love once)
Freedom (independence, free choice)
Happiness (contentedness)
Inner harmony (freedom from inner conflict)
Mature love (sexual and spiritual intimacy)
National security (protection from attack)
Pleasure (an enjoyable, leisure life)
Salvation (saved, eternal)
Self-respect (self-esteem)
Social recognition (respect, admiration)
A true fried (close companionship)
Wisdom (a mature understanding of life)
Clean (neat, tidy)
Courageous (standing up for your beliefs)
Forgiving (willing to pardon)
Helpful (working for the welfare of others)
Honest (sincere, truthful)
Imaginative (daring, creative)
Independent (self-reliant, self-sufficient)
Intellectual (intelligent, reflective)
Logical (consistent, rational)
Loving (affectionate, tender)
Obedient (dutiful, respectful)
Polite (courteous, well-mannered)
Responsible (dependable, reliable)
Self-controlled (restrained, self-discipline)

B. Hodgson’s Magnificient Seven Universal General Principles ( 1992)

The second framework is Kent Hodgson’s Magnificent Seven Universal General
Principles. A management consultant, Kent Hodgson, has identified seven general moral
principles that individuals should follow when making decisions. He calls these “ the
Magnificent Seven “ and suggests that they are universal values that can be used to
make principled, appropriate, and defensible decisions.
1. Dignity of human life
 The lives of person are to be respected.

Example: not intending or doing harm to others.

2. Autonomy
 All persons, including ourselves, are intrinsically valuable and have a right to self
determination.

Example : acting in ways that demonstrate each person’s worth; acting for one’s
own legitimate needs.

3. Honesty
 The truth should be told to those who have a right to know it.

Example : speaking and acting in ways that reflect the way things are in reality.

4. Loyalty
 Promises, contracts, and commitments should be honored.
 Example: honoring confidentiality and keeping proprietary information secret;
honoring written and oral contracts; doing what one says one will do.

5. Fairness
 People should be treated justly.

Example : one’s right to life’s necessities and the duty to ensure them for others; the
right of all to fair treatment under work contracts, company policies, and the law;
duty to help those in deep need, those in danger and those who are helpless.

6. Humaneness
 Our actions should accomplish good.
 Our actions should avoid evil. Actions should be of benefit to ourselves and
others.

Example : performing good acts, not evil ones; acting and speaking to be of benefit
to others; acting and speaking in ways that benefit one’s own valid self- interest.

7. The common good

 Actions should accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Example : speaking and acting, whenever possible for the welfare for the most
people as long as individual rights are not violated.

UNIVERSAL MORAL VALUES

“ There is a universal moral law written on the human heart” ( Pope St. John Paul II)

 The most agreed upon universal moral value is the Golden Rule, which state, “ Do unto
others are you would have them done unto you” found within the laws and codes of all
the major religions.
 Kinnier, et al. ( 2000) utilized ethnographic content analyses of religious texts and
secular documents of different religious and secular organizations to come up with a list
of universal moral values. The values cut across different world religions and
organizations.

The list includes four major categories and more specific values under each category:

1. Commitment to something greater than oneself

 To recognize the existence of and committed to a Supreme Being, higher
principle, transcendent purpose or meaning to one’s existence.
  To seek the Truth ( or truths )
 To seek Justice
2. Self – respect, but with humility, self- discipline, and acceptance of personal
responsibility
 To respect and care for oneself
 Do not exalt oneself or overindulge- to show humility and avoid gluttony; greed
or other forms of selfishness or self- centeredness
 To act in accordance with one’s conscience and to accept responsibility for one’s
behavior
3. Respect and caring for others ( the Golden Rule)
 To recognize the connectedness between all people
 To serve humankind and to be helpful to individuals
 To be caring, respectful, compassionate, tolerant and forgiving of others
 To not hurt others ( e.g., do not murder, abuse, steal from, cheat or lie to others)
4. Caring for other living things and the environment
 The list may not be exhaustive but provides us a picture of what are common
among the major religions of the world and does not take a stand or bias in favor
of any religion.

THE FILIPINO PHILOSOPHY OF VALUES

 The Filipino people have a reputation for being cultural hybrids. Culturally, the
Filipino people reflect the diversity of external influences; Oriental ( Eastern) and
Occidental ( Western)

TWO MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES

1. Exogenous Model
 Or the foreign model considered as the legal and formal model explains that
Filipinos have inherited from Western cultures many of our beliefs, practices
particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans.
2. Indigenous Model
 Or traditional model considered as traditional and non-formal explains and the
Filipino values are deeply embedded in the Filipino subconscious.

THE ROOTS OF THE FILIPINO

 The roots of the Filipino are Malay, Chinese and Indian.

 The Malay temper is the main component of the Filipino culture. Readiness to
adjust to a new situation and desire to be above all nice are the two strongest
 strains in the Malay character. The Malay respect for “ niceness” is one of a kind.
The Malay is frivolous.
 The Chinese mind, a blend of philosophy and pragmatism has been transplanted
to the Filipino psyche. Patience, perseverance, hardiness and foresight, frugality
and thriftiness have been were imbibed by the Filipinos from the Chinese who
came to the Philippines as traders and craftsmen.
 The Indian influences can be seen mainly in art, manners, beliefs and language.

THE HEART OF THE FILIPINO

 The heart of the Filipino is Spanish Christian. Christianization and social organizations
along Western lines leading to political unity and to the Western institution called
nation were contributions of the Spaniards to the Filipinos.
 The religion of 80% of the Filipinos is Spanish Catholicism. Many of the value judgments
are Spanish in origin. Generosity and arrogance are traced to Spanish. Gentility or the
emphasis on appearance , reputation, priviledge, and status are all Spanish.

THE MIND OF THE FILIPINO

 The mind of the Filipino is American. American influences include the public health
system, road system, mass education, English language, modern mechanics and
techniques of Westernized democracy, public service and administration, presidential
system, congress and municipal government.
 The American influenced open up the Filipino thinking to become pragmatic. The docile
and obedient mind of the Filipino became questioning. The Filipino was influenced to
develop a system of thought wherein what matters is concern with things, with
quantities, with achievements and not just feelings and what others would think.
 The Americans brought the Protestant ethics of rationality, of questioning of
independent thinking and of direct communication.

THE FILIPINO VALUE ORIENTATION

 The Filipino value orientation is more outer than inner- directed. There is the tendency
to go for foreign models to structure thinking, management style, decision- making,
problem solving process and even establishing confidence and competence.
 The outer- directedness of the Filipino value orientation is indicative of an inner
inferiority complex. This sense of inferiority can be attributed to more than four
centuries of Spanish domination and other foreign forces which landed and left their
marks in the country.
  In these present times, the millennials , Generation Z and Alpha Generation have other
sources of influence brought about by various social media platforms.

TYPOLOGY OF FILIPINO VALUE ORIENTATION

A. Ultimate ends: individual self, individual family kinship, prosperity and happiness in its
holistic sense, family and individual prestige and fame.
B. Character structure and Life organization:
1. The financially successful man- image who has achievements without much
hardship; who is Christlike but also mundane enough to enjoy the fruits of his work.
2. Virtues: shrewd, acquisitive, calculating, modestly ambitious but not too
hardworking, manipulative of persons and things, cooperative.
C. Person : inherent worth and dignity of person; a son of God with an immortal soul and
infinite value.
D. Competition : Competition is inevitable in life but must be avoided, if possible. If it
cannot be avoided, one must come out a winner by hook or by crook; If working with
competitors is advantageously good, work with them.
E. Cooperation : stress on mutual aid , service with ulterior motives.
F. Wealth and property : frugality and extravagance; my property is mine, your property is
ours, public property is mine; a symbol pf respectability, prestige: some things are
valuated quantitatively in monetary units; a comfortable level of living regarded as
desirable.
G. Social change, intellectual inquiry, and creativity: resistance to social change; not so
inquisitive about technology; ultra- conservative in substantial matters but ultra-
progressive in accidental things: psychological blocks to creativity.

THE FILIPINO VALUE SYSTEM

The Filipino value system is comprised of several layers. According to Clare W. Graves,
human beings exist at different levels of existence and that both individuals and social systems
evolve and regress through these clusters. Thus an individual operating at a particular
predominant level will exhibit the values, beliefs and behavior that form a consistent package
for that level (Andres 1981).

The levels of the Filipino value system include:

I. SUBSISTENCE LEVELS

The first six levels of existence are classified as substance levels are individual
survival and dignity. This world comprise this category:
1. Automatic existence
 Filipino value which is within this levels is economic security. At the level,
the Filipino seeks for the immediate satisfaction of his/her basic
psychological needs.
2. Tribalistic existence
 Filipino values which fall in the category are: personalistic view of the
universe, super-naturalistic world view, nonscientific and non-rational
beliefs, cyclic and psychological time-orientation, bahala na, suwerte,
gaba, awa ng Diyos.
 At the level, the Filipino defends a life s/he does not understand. He
trusts that his tribal ways are inherent in things. Here is life based on
myth, traditional, and mystical phenomenon full of spirits, magic and
superstations.
3. Egocentric existence
 Filipino values like amor propio, hiya, kaulaw, kaikog, kataha, tayo tayo
system, Filipino subservience, ambivalence, non-interference are in this
level. These is the tendency that the raw, rugged, self-assertive
individualism of the Filipino surface.
 Both the authoritarian and the submissive aspects develop standards
which they feel will insure them against threat.
4. Saintly existence
 Pagtitiis, solidarity, utang – na – luob, bayanihan, religiosity are some of
the Filipino values in this level.
 The Filipino perceives that living in this world does not bring about
ultimate pleasure. Obedience to God will lead to everlasting life
someday.
5. Materialistic existence
 Filipino values within this level are economic security, social mobility,
palakasan, nepotism and relation to Filipino concepts of property.
 At this level, the Filipino learns trade secrets in order to conquer the
world. At this level, may use various methods to meet his/ her
materialistic needs.
6. Personalistic existence
 Filipino values within this level are social acceptance, pagsasarili,
acceptance of the person, fear of rejection, sensitivity to personal affront,
smooth interpersonal relations ( SIR), pleasantness, desire to please and
not to hurt, pakikisama, euphemism, and use of go- between, Filipino
hospitality and love for affiliations.
  The Filipino becomes concerned with knowing the inner self and of
others for harmony to exist and for people to bet at peace with self and
the world.

II. BEING LEVEL

7. Cognitive existence
 Filipino values within this level are love for education and self-
development, refinement. The Filipino aspires what he can become and
can continue to become. The Filipino uses intellect knowledge and
rationally to put the world together.
8. Experientialistic existence
 Filipino values within this level are family, kinship system, barkada,
grading, general social power, region, language, deep sense of personal
worth , self esteem, love and respect for life. At this level, humanness is
highlighted.

THE FILIPINO AIMS, GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS

Fr. Frank Lynch identifies social acceptance, economic security, and social mobility as
the three basic aims that predominantly motivate and control the behavior of the Filipino (
Andres, 1981).

1. Social acceptance as a goal

 Social acceptance is defined as being taken by one’s fellow for what he/she
believes to be and being that image in accordance with his/her status.
 Acceptance is usually enjoyed when it includes an outward manifestation of
approval that makes clear to the individual that he/she is liked by those with
whom one deals or is considered important by others.

Attainment of social acceptance is assisted by two intermediate values, which are:

A. Smooth Interpersonal Relationship (SIR)

 The ability to get along with others in such a way as to avoid outside signs of
conflict. The methods used to maintain SIR include pakikisama, euphemisms, and
the use of go- between.

A.1. Pakikisama

Giving in or yielding to the wish of the leader of the majority, even of

sometimes it contradicts one’s idea or the common good. Most Filipinos
 would want to get along with everyone and considers it necessary to
maintain good relations.

A.2. Euphemisms

The art of stating an unpleasant truth, opinion, or request as pleasantly

as possible.

A.3. The go – between

She/he serves to prevent a direct confrontation between individuals or

groups. The intermediary is usually requested assist to avoid shame or
embarrassment.

B. Sensitivity to personal affront.

 The loss of social acceptance is guarded against two sanctions discouraging
behavior descriptive of those relations.

B.1. Hiya or Shame

A painful emotion arising from a relationship with an authority figure or

with society, inhibiting self- assertions in a situation which is perceived as
dangerous to one’s ego.

B.2. Amor propio

The sense of self- esteem that protects the person from losing face
especially when his or her highly valued attributes are at stake. It is the
sensitivity to personal insult or affront that motivates the person to
protect the self from loss of social acceptance.

FILIPINO BELIEFS, CONVICTIONS AND ATTITUDES

 The Filipino looks at the world and nature as controlled by other beings and forces
above him. There is the tendency for Filipinos to have a personalistic world view and
explain the physical reality in a religious and metaphysical manner. This fatalism leads
the Filipino to believe that one’s life is shaped and directed by superior forces beyond
control. This attitude can be seen in our use of bahala na and swerte mentality.
 The Filipino may attribute one’s success to external sources such as suwerte, fate, God’s
mercy, panalangin ( prayer) or the help of others. The possibility of attributing sources
of failure follows a similar pattern.
  The Filipino time orientation is psychological rather than mathematical; cyclic, not
linear; relative, not exact. There is so – called Filipino time based on one’s perception of
the event because all things come in their own good time.

FILIPINO PRINCIPLES AND NORMS

1. Structure
 According to Jocano ( Andres, 1981), the basic element of the Filipino social
structure is kinship. Philippine society is segmented into subgroups with which
the members identify themselves to the exclusion of others.
 The most important and highly valued segment in Philippine society is the family
and the kinship system. Filipinos generally consider their family obligations of
primordial importance.
 The Filipino family is either extended or nuclear in set- up. Nowadays there are
emerging family structures such as blended families and those with same sexed
parents.
 The language of the Filipino denotes deep – seated respect for elders especially
in use of po, kayo, inyo, or ninyo ( second person), atin, natin, tayo, (first person)
and sila, nila, kanila( third person).
 Another important Filipino structural principle is regionalism. This is the
tendency to emphasize and value, at times to extremes the qualities and
characteristics of life in a particular region.
 Filipino have the natural tendency to band together segregating themselves
according to regions and hometowns.
2. Operational
 Equivalence and solidarity refer to how the segments are viewd by members of a
group and by those not belonging to it. Individual members are equated with the
total group membership, be it a family or a social group.
 Utang na loob a feeling of indebtedness is incurred when one receives a favor,
service or good and a deep sense of obligation to reciprocate when the
appropriate time comes.
 Awa , kaluoy or compassion is a sentiment of sympathy, mercy, or pity aroused
when someone suffers misfortune or injustice. It is the willingness to be
identified with the victim of fate or human cruelty.
 Personalism places major value to the personal factors in getting things done.
This value can be the foundation of genuine commitment, authentic respect for
the human person, meaningful involvement deep loyalty, and mature freedom.
  Palakasan is the Filipino version of the spoils system whereby privileges benefits
and other materials or financial profits are divided among members, allies or
friends of the clique in power.
 Pagsasarili it is the burning ambition of every Filipino to be self – reliant to be
himself, to be a person in his/her own right, to make up one’s own mind and do
the thing.

FILIPINO HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

The Filipino hierarchy of needs is unique. It is reflective of the values of the Filipino. It
does not parallel Abraham Maslow’s theory.

 The first need of the Filipino is familism or the need to belong to a family or group. The
family is being looked up as a defense against the hostility of the world, an insurance
against hunger and old age, an eternal source of food, clothing and shelter.
 The second need of the Filipino is the need to be reciprocated. This is based on the
utang na loob values. The Filipino has a high sense of personal dignity. The Filipino
respects other people and must also be afforded the same respect.
 The third need is social acceptance. This pertains to the need to be taken by one’s
fellows for who the person is and treated according to one’s status. The Filipino needs
to be accepted by those who can help especially in times of need.
 The fourth need of the Filipino is social mobility. Social acceptance can contribute to
social mobility. Once social acceptance is satisfied, social mobility arises. The Filipino
wants to earn more money in order to climb to sical ladder. The Filipino aims to move
upward economically.
 The fifth and highest need of the Filipino is pagkabayani (“ being a hero”). The value of
dignity, honor, and pride come in. here enters the value of hiya which in the broadest
sense is best defined as self – esteem.
 LESSON 2: THE WESTERN AND EASTERN
INFLUENCE ON FILIPINO VALUES AND
GOOD MANNERS AND RIGHT CONDUCT

LEARNING
OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:

 discuss the western and eastern influences on Filipino values and Good Manners and
Right Conduct (GMRC) ;
 identify the positive and negative Filipino values and their implications to economic
development and
 appraise one’s personal values and understood its implications to being an GMRC
teacher.

INTRODUCTION

This module focuses on the Western and Eastern influences on Filipino values and Good
Manners and Right Conduct ( GMRC). It has three parts. It begins with the discussion on the
contributory factors to Filipino culture highlighting on the different foreign influence that
contributed in the shaping of a Filipino culture. The second part deals with the belief and value
system of the Filipinos with emphasis on the description of the different Filipino values. The
end part contains the list of positive and negative Filipino values identified by Corpuz et al
(2019).
 ABSTRACTION

CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO FILIPINO CULTURE

The 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 centuries. These foreign
influences that contributed in the shaping of a Filipino culture.

 THE MALAYS
 The basic component of Filipino culture is the Malay temperament which could
be best described by “ niceness and pleasantness” to others rather than by
virtue of law abiding features. In its fluidness of culture, the Malay family clan or
unit is the world’s best security system.
 CHINESE
 Filial piety between parents and children , the flexibility to go along with other
people and the “ sageliness within and kingliness without” of the Filipino is
believed to be due to Chinese influence.
 THE INDIAN INFLUENCE
 Is found in the languages, mode of dressing, architectural art, folk, beliefs, brass
and copper- ware.
 THE HINDU INFLUENCE
 It is the most pervasive in the Filipino belief system. For instance is the
prediction of Filipino newspaper readers for horoscope and fortune – telling
sections.
 THE SPANISH HERITAGE
 It is reflective of more developed societies at their point of contact, broadened
the outlook of the Filipino. Spain introduced a community – oriented rather than
a family – oriented religion in the form of Christianity. It contributed to an elite
class. A social and political organization, according to Western institutions, was
brought to the Philippines.
 THE AMERICANS
 The United States further broadened this heritage by introducing a democracy
that called for individual liberty and equality as well as a national political
community to which everybody was supposed to participate through national
suffrage.

LATIN INFLUENCE ON FILIPINOS

 The Filipino character has been described as a mix of Hispanic and Asian cultures. Many
say Filipinos have more common with Latin Americans than they do with Asians. Life in
 the Philippines often has a slow pace. Big gatherings and fiestas are common. There is a
manana attitude about time. Being punctual is called “ American time”.
 Machismo culture is prevalent on television, in the workplace and in everyday life. One
Filipino woman told Newsweek, “ our culture teaches that men are to be strong”. The
roots of the macho lie both in Spanish colonial and traditional familial hierarchal
structures. Latin America is often described as violent, passionate and intense. Crime
rates and often murder rates are high.
 Latin Americans are very hospitable and generous and it often seems that the poorer
people are more willing to give. Guests are honored with special dishes and treats.
Honor is important and defended vigorously, sometimes even physically. Personal
criticism is taken very seriously and should be avoided. Because individuals are
considered far more important than schedules, punctuality at meetings may be admired
but not strictly observed. These ideas and values also exist in the Philippines.
 Cleanliness is a virtue despite how dirty things seem on the street level. Much time is
spent making sure that the house is tidy and clean. Floors are mopped on daily basis and
walls are scrubbed weekly. The condition of a house is a reflection on the family and
especially the mother. The streets are beat up and full of trash but homes are clean.
People keep their homes clean but often litter in public.
 Latin Americans sometimes seem to have difficulty distinguishing between reality and
myth. People believe in miracles and the power of divine intervention. Charismatic
leaders and sports heroes are worshiped as gods and their faults are glossed over. It is
no surprise that the literary movement of “ magical realism” championed Columbian
writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez sprung up in Latin America. These ideas are very much
alive in the Philippines.

ASIAN INFLUENCE ON FILIPINOS

 National Geographic photographer Karen Kasmauski said, Filipinos “ are more

expressive and emotional than other Asians, yet they still have a polite Eastern restraint
and civility about them and a strong aesthetic sense an appreciation of beauty –
particularly beautiful women.” Despite having a reputation for being emotional,
Filipinos are surprised by overt expressions of emotion and don’t like when people raise
their voice.
 An emphasis is placed on skills to smooth interpersonal relations and minimize
interpersonal conflict. When a difference of opinion arises, an effort is made to settle
the matter with euphemisms and go- betweens rather than open criticism. Pakikisama
– the art of smooth interpersonal relations – is of utmost importance to Filipinos. Social
control is exerted through customs similar to that found elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
  “ Face” is important in the Philippines as it is elsewhere in Asia, where it has been said
that “ face is more important than truth or justice” and losing face is often an individuals
greatest fear. Face is essentially respect in a community and is a crucial underpinning of
society. Lost of that respect threatens the relations of individuals with almost everyone
in his or her world and is hard to get back once lost and thus is avoided at all cost.
 “ Face” is equated with honor and “ losing face” is equated with shame, disrespect and
humiliation. Maintaining dignity and avoiding embarrassment is at the heart of
maintaining face. Some people describe the West as a guilt- based society where
people’s behavior is dictated by their personal hang ups. Asian societies, on the other
hand, are often described as shame- based societies in which behavior is often defined
by fear of losing face. It is considered very bad taste to criticize a person in public since it
results in a loss of face within the community. Necessary criticisms and suggestions
should be made in way that no one is blamed and shame is not cast upon any individual.
 Filipinos and Southeast Asians consider it rude to say “ no” directly. They often say
something like “ maybe”. “ I am busy” or even “ yes” when they really mean “ no” or
convey a no answer in a way that foreigners don’t understand. This behavior sometimes
causes confusion with Westerners who like a “yes” or “no” answer, and who tend to
believe there is a possibility of a “yes” unless they are told.

THE FILIPINO CULTURE

BELIEF SYSTEM

 Filipinos are religious. They believe so much in supernatural powers and view
themselves as only a speak in this wide universe.
 This Filipino belief in the supernatural powers taught them to trust prayers rather than
hard work in the realization of their dreams. Success is considered a blessing from
above, a result of good luck and faith. It is also taught him/her to value traits like
perseverance, patience and endurance.
 Good is considered relative. What is considered good to one may not be good to
another. Elders, parents and superiors and respected and obeyed. Hospitality is one
practice Filipinos believe in because it is their way of implementing the golden rule: “ Do
unto others what you want others do unto you.”
VALUE SYSTEM

 Cultural values are shared assumption of what is right, good or important. Values
actually guide a person’s behavior and action as he/she relates himself in most
situations in life.
 The Filipino values can best be seen from the aspects of personal and social
relationships. Personally, the Filipinos value more their honor and status than anything
else. Majority of them take care of their honor ( karangalan ) rather than wealth.
 In decision- making, the Filipinos usually consult and take into consideration the
consensus of the family members and the feelings to those who are to be affected.
 Socially , the Filipinos give more emphasis on social relationships. This can be seen
through the hospitality they give to their visitors and friends. They love to migle with
people particularly with friends and relatives. They engage themselves in mutual
cooperation, which is best pictured through the “bayanihan.”
 In terms of emotion, the Filipinos are friendly. They smile at people , even with 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 family affairs.

THE FILIPINO VALUES

Values are standards people use to determine desirable goals and outcomes. These are
the criteria on which people base their judgments regarding behaviors and decisions. The
following are the Filipino values:

1. Utang na loob - it is a technique of reciprocity of debt of gratitude to others within the

family circle or primary group, spmetimes unlimited in nature, emotional rather than
financial or rational.
2. Pakikisama – it is the value of belongingness and loyalty to the small in- group with
sensitivity tio the feelings of others on the principle of “ give and take”.
3. Hiya – this controls to a large extent the behavior of the individual and most likely, is
generally dependent on what other will think, say and do.
 4. Bahala na – a common expression among Filipinos in this rests on the fatalistic outlook
and strong dependence on the “ spirits” who will take care of everything if they are
really meant for a person.
5. Authoritarianism – it is the dependence of Filipinos in a paternalistic rather than in a
stern way upon the elders of the family, upon their boss, if employed and upon people
in authority as their father figure.
6. Individualism – it is a pattern of behavior which characterizes the Filipino as self-
centered.
7. Amor propio – it is the individual’s highly emotional reaction to protect his or her honor
and dignity when he/ she is threatened and questioned and so retaliates.
8. Strong family ties – it is one of the core values of families. Strong mutual relationship
bonded by love, understanding and respect towards each family members.
9. Kawanggawa – it is being sympathetic to others even if the person is a stranger.
10. Gaya – gaya – it is imitating or copying other culture specifically the mode of dressing,
language, fashion or even haircut.
11. Good sense of humor in the midst of difficulties – a trait found in most Filipinos ; a trait
that makes them unique that even in time of calamities other challenges in life, they
always have something to be happy about, a reason to celebrate.
12. Balikatan / Bayanihan – Filipino term taken from the word by=ayan, referring to a
nation, town or community. The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal
unity or effort to achieve a particular objective.
13. Remedyo attitude – creative and resourceful.
14. Matiyaga – tenacity and strong determination in every undertaking.
15. Ningasbao / kugon – being enthusiastic only during the start of new undertaking but
ends dismally in accomplishing nothing.
16. Crab mentality – characterized by retreating or withdrawal from certain undertaking
and leaving everything to God to interfere and determine the outcome of his deeds.
17. Colonial mentality – value of showing admiration and preference to foreign produced
goods over local ones.
18. Karma/ Kapalaran – accepting fate by believing that everything is written in his palm.
19. Filipino time – means always late. Impreciseness towards time.
20. Tsamba lang attitude – simplicity by declaring that his / her accomplishments are
results of luck and not from perseverance and ability.

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CULTURAL FILIPINO VALUES

Corpuz et al ( 2019) identified inherent traits that make Filipinos different from other
nationalities. These traits have formed part of the Filipino identify. It is interesting to note that
the values enumerated here reveal the influence of eastern thought for Filipinos being “ other –
oriented” in nature. Below are the positive and negative Filipino values.

POSITIVE FILIPINO VALUES

1. Bayanihan
 As a practice of the spirit of kinship and camaraderie, the custom of bayanihan is
observed whenever a helping hand is extended to accomplish a task as a group.
2. Damayan
 Filipino always extend sympathy for people especially for those who lost their
loved ones or who were victims of calamities.
3. Familism or Close Family Ties
 Filipinos are known to prioritize the welfare of family members above other
things.
4. Optimism
 Filipinos have the attitude of looking at all ways to be happy and to maintain a
positive outlook even in times of calamities and other challenges in life.
5. Hospitality
 Filipinos are identified to be warm, friendly, generous and accommodating to
other people fellow Filipino or not.
6. Regionalism
 Outside the “ significant others” Filipinos have this attitude of giving more
priority to their province mate.
7. Respect for Elders
 Filipinos are thought to show courtesy towards the elderly at all times.
8. Remedyo Attitude
 Filipinos are known for being creative and resourceful.
9. Matiyaga
 Filipinos are known for their grit and strong determination in every undertaking.
10. 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 CULTURAL FILIPINO VALUES

1. Bahala na Attitude
 this is a Filipino trait of leaving to fate and luck, the outcome of a certain
undertaking, hence the expression bahala na.
2. Colonial Mentality or Blue – Seal Mentality
  It is a Filipino value of giving high regard to foreign products and treating the
local as inferior and low in quality.
3. Crab Mentality
 It is a Filipino attitude born out of jealousy and insecurity characterized by an
attempt to pull down those who are ahead of them in life.
4. Euphemistic
 This is Filipino attitude of not being frank and straightforward so as not to offend
or hurt another person.
5. Filipino Time
 This manifests among Filipinos through lack of punctuality.
6. Gaya –gaya Attitude
 This is a Filipino trait of copying or imitating others’ work, product, type of
business, fashion, and the likes.
7. Jackpot Mentality
 This is characterized by an “ instant millionaire” mentality of some Filipinos who
would rather engage in fast ways of acquiring money by betting in lottery,
participating in a contest, and sending entries in raffle draws rather than working
hard to have a better life.
8. Belief in Kapalaparan
 It is a Filipino trait of believing and accepting that one’s fate is already written in
the stars.
9. Manana Habit
 Manana, from the phrase mamaya na means “ I’ll do it later” is an attitude of
Filipinos characterized by stalling on doing tasks instead of doing them
immediately.
10. Ningas Kugon
 This is characterized by the attitude of being enthusiastic only at the beginning
of an endeavor.
11. Oversensitivity
 It is the inability of some Filipinos to withstand and accept criticisms they are
easily hurt as they take those personally and negatively instead of constructively.
12. Pakikisama
 It is a Filipino attitude of always adhering or submitting to the will of the group
they are part of.
13. Lack of Sportmanship
 It is an attitude of Filipinos manifested in how they cannot seem to accept
defeat.
14. Tsamba lang Attitude
  It is an attitude characterized by the refusal to take the credit for one’s own
accomplishments, instead owing it to charm and luck.

ASSESSMENT

Activity 1:

Direction : Name 5 Filipino values ( both positive and negative) and explain their relevance to a
Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) Teacher.

FILIPINO VALUES PERSONAL RELEVANCE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Activity 2:

Direction : Answer the following questions:

1. Why are values important?

2. What Filipino values do we need to mobilize to help the country cope and heal in times
of crises like calamities and the pandemic?

3. Why is there a need for the citizens of the world to adhere to some universal, global
beliefs like the Golden Rule?
 4. Are you proud of being a Filipino ? why and why not?

5. Who are the colonial influencers of these Filipino values and good manners and right
conduct?

Activity 3:

Direction : Choose the correct answer.

1. It is the most pervasive in the Filipino belief system.

a. Indian influence
b. Hindu influence
c. Chinese influence
d. Latin influence
2. It is a folk concept of good public relations and avoidance of conflict with the leaser or
majority of the groups.
a. Utang na loob
b. Hiya
c. Bahala na
d. Pakikisama
3. Filipinos are identified to be warm, friendly, generous and accommodating to other
people, fellow Filipino or not.
a. Hospitality
b. Optimism
c. Regionalism
d. Respect for elder
4. This is a feeling of gratitude, recognition of one’s indebtedness and obligation to repay
someone who has extended assistance to another.
a. Pakikisama
b. Hiya
c. Utang na loob
d. Bahala na
5. These are values that we think are most important or most desirable.
a. Understanding values
b. Spiritual values
c. Terminal values
d. Instrumental values
6. These values are more focused on personality traits and character.
a. Understanding values
b. Spiritual values
c. Terminal values
d. Instrumental values
7. The lives of persons are to be respected.
a. Autonomy
b. Dignity of human life
c. Humaneness
d. Fairness
8. People should be treated justly.
a. Autonomy
b. Dignity of human life
c. Humaneness
d. Fairness
9. Filipino value which is within this level of economic security.
a. Materialistic existence
b. Egocentric existence
c. Automatic existence
d. Automatic existence
10. Filipino values like amor propio, hiya , kaulaw, kaikog, kataha, tayo-tayo system, Filipino
subservience, ambivalence, non- interference are in this level.
a. Materialistic existence
b. Egocentric existence
c. Automatic existence
d. Tribalistic existence