FILIPINO VALUE SYSTEM

Models of Filipino Values

Landa Jocano - identified two models of
the Filipino value system. The first is the exogenous
model or the foreign model, while the second is the
indigenous model or the traditional model.
 Filipino Values in a fourfold sense:

1. Although mankind shares universal human values, it is

obvious that certain values take on for us a distinctively
Filipino flavor. The greek ideal of moderation or meden
agan, the roman in medio stat virtus, the confucian and
buddhist "doctrine of the middle", find their filipino
equivalent in hindi labis, hindi kulang, katamtaman lamang.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:
2. When we speak of Filipino values, we do not mean that elements of these
Filipino values are absent in the value systems of other peoples and cultures.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:

3. Universal human values in a Filipino context

(historical, cultural, socio-economic, political, moral
and religious) take on a distinctive set of Filipino
meanings and motivations.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:
4. The Filipino concept of justice has evolved from
inequality to equality, and to human dignity; from the
tribe, to the family, and to the nation. Filipino
consciousness of these different values varies at different
periods of our history.
Generally, there are six types of value system:
 Theoretical - places high importance on discovery of truth through
a critical and rational approach.
 Economic - emphasizes on the useful and practical form of values.
 Aesthetic - places highest value on form and harmony
 Social - highest value is given to love of people
 Political - emphasizes on acquisition of power and influence.
 Religious - concerned with unity of experience and understanding
of cosmos as a whole.
Filipino cultural values: (the Filipinos have different kinds of
values, such as):

1.Hospitable to their guests and kind to other people.

2.The Filipino children are very respectful to elders especially
their parent. They take their hand and hit it gently in their
foreheads. They do this every time they meet an elder or a
sign of respecting them.
3.Many Filipino cultural values reflect the desire to be together
as a group.
 * Many Filipino cultural values reflect the desire to be
together as a group:
Examples are:
a. Pakikisama. This is the ability to get along in a group, and to enjoy
camaraderie and togetherness. One who understands pakikisama
will yield to group opinion and sacrifice individual welfare for
group welfare.
b. Utang na loob. This is the Filipino obligation to repay a
debt or favor upon request, and repay it with interest.
Every Filipino has utang na loob to someone, while
others have utang na loob to Him. Filipinos also believe
strongly in suki, which is the building of personal bonds
between businesses and customers and loyal patronage.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (the Filipinos have
different kinds of values, such as):
Filipinos believe strongly in saving face.
This is why, in response to an invitation, when a
Filipino says yes, it might mean “yes”, but could mean
“maybe”, or even “I don’t know.” It is often difficult for
Filipinos to bring themselves to say no, and it is a good
Examples of saving face are:
1. Amor propio, - which means self respect;
2. Hiya - which means shame.
A Filipino would be thought of as lacking amor
propio if, for example, they accepted criticism weakly or
did not offer honored guests the proper hospitality. Hiya is
felt by those whose actions are seen as socially
unacceptable, and one of the ultimate insults in Philippine
Filipino cultural values: (the Filipinos have different kinds of
values, such as):

5. Another value that is common in Philippine culture is bahala na

which means, literally, leaving things to God.
It indicates the Filipino’s fatalistic view of life, and is a way of
coping with conflicts that can result from tight kinship within
groups. By adopting this attitude, one lets the circumstance
Generally, common Filipino cultural values
are:
1. Irrationalism. This refers to a certain superstitious
beliefs of Filipinos that still practiced up to now. People
still believed in gods of the nature and spirits and offer
them foods and placate the sprits to heal the illness and
provide them a good harvest.
Another common Filipino cultural values:

2. Social belongingness. Filipinos want to be

accepted by the group or to the community, so, sometimes
Another common Filipino cultural values:

3. Close family ties. The family is the most

important in our life. We are totally dependent with our
Another common Filipino cultural values:

4. Sense of debt gratitude. In Filipino term, it is

“utang na loob”. We are obliged to do something in return for
Another common Filipino cultural values:

5. Emphasis on authority. Father is the head

Another common Filipino cultural values:

6. Personal improvement. Most Filipinos are aiming

to raise their family in standard living. We believed that we
will obtain success only when we will finish our education.
Another common filipino cultural values:

7. "Mano po“ - "mano po" (pronounced mah-noh poh)

Another common Filipino cultural values:
8. "Kuya" or ”Ate“. The Filipino culture is very big
on respect. The older an individual is, the more they call
Another common Filipino cultural values:
9. The power of the eyebrows.
In American culture, the eyebrows usually convey emotion
So, should a Filipino fail to verbally answer your question, look
at their eyebrows before feeling like you were being ignored.
In reality, they may just be answering you non-verbally
through the raising of their eyebrows. Raising your eyebrows
accompanied with strong eye contact can also serve as a
greeting or farewell to an individual you cannot physically
touch.
Another common Filipino cultural values:

10. Ningas-kugon / ningas kugon -

Categories of Filipino Values:
A. Core value or kapwa: (kapwa, means
“togetherness”) – is the core construct of Filipino psychology.
Two categories of kapwa:
1.Ibang tao (“outsider”): there are five domains
* Pakikitungo (civility)
* Pakikisalamuha (act of mixing)
 Two categories of kapwa:

2. Hindi ibang tao (“one – of – us”): there are three domains

* Pakikipagpalagayang-loob (act of mutual trust)

* Pakikisangkot (act of joining others)
* Pakikipagkaisa ( being one with others)
Categories of Filipino values:

B. Pivotal interpersonal value

* Pakiramdam ( shared inner perception).

Categories of Filipino values:

C. Linking socio-personal value

* Kagandahang-loob ( shared humanity).

This refers to being able to help other people in dire need due to
Categories of Filipino values:

D. Accommodative surface values

* Hiya (loosely translated as “shame”) , by western
psychologists, hiya is actually “sense of propriety” (sense of
good conduct or behavior)
* Utang na loob (norm of reciprocity). Filipinos are
expected by their neighbors to return favors – whether these
were asked for or not – when it is needed or wanted.
E. Confrontative surface values
* Bahala na (this attitude, loosely translated into English as
“FATALISTIC PASSIVENESS”). This actually describes
the Filipino way of life, in which, he is determined to do his
best, hence, the term bahala na, which actually came from
the phrase “bathalan na” – which means “I will do all my
best, let god take care of the rest”.
* Lakas ng loob – this attitude is characterized by being
courageous in the midst of problems and uncertainties.
FILIPINO SOCIETY & CULTURE

A.FILIPINO FAMILY VALUES

THE FAMILY IS THE CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND
INCLUDES THE NUCLEAR FAMILY, AUNTS, UNCLES, GRANDPARENTS,
COUSINS AND HONORARY RELATIONS SUCH AS GODPARENTS,
SPONSORS, AND CLOSE FAMILY FRIENDS.
PEOPLE GET STRENGTH AND STABILITY FROM THEIR FAMILY. AS
SUCH, MANY CHILDREN HAVE SEVERAL GODPARENTS.
CONCERN FOR THE EXTENDED FAMILY IS SEEN IN THE PATRONAGE
PROVIDED TO FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN THEY SEEK EMPLOYMENT.
IT IS COMMON FOR MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY TO WORK FOR
THE SAME COMPANY.
 IN FACT, MANY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS STATE THAT
PREFERENTIAL HIRING WILL BE GIVEN TO FAMILY MEMBERS.
FILIPINO SOCIETY & CULTURE

B. FILIPINO CONCEPT OF SHAME

HIYA IS SHAME AND IS A MOTIVATING FACTOR BEHIND BEHAVIOR.
 IT IS A SENSE OF SOCIAL PROPRIETY AND CONFORMING TO
SOCIETAL NORMS OF BEHAVIOR.
FILIPINOS
BELIEVE THEY MUST LIVE UP TO THE ACCEPTED
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR AND IF THEY FAIL TO DO SO THEY BRING
SHAME NOT ONLY UPON THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO UPON THEIR
FAMILY.
 ONE INDICATION OF THIS MIGHT BE A WILLINGNESS TO SPEND MORE
THAN THEY CAN AFFORD ON A PARTY RATHER THAN BE SHAMED BY
THEIR ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES.
 IF SOMEONE IS PUBLICLY EMBARRASSED, CRITICIZED, OR DOES NOT
LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS, THEY FEEL SHAME AND LOSE SELF-
ESTEEM.
Etiquette & customs:

A. Meeting etiquette
Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of
greeting the eldest or most important person first.
 A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard
greeting.
 Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet.
Etiquette & customs:
B. Gift giving etiquette
If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner bring
sweets or flowers to the hosts.
You may send a fruit basket after the event as a thank you
but not before or at the event, as it could be interpreted as
meaning you do not think that the host will provide
sufficient hospitality.
Etiquette & customs:
C. Dining etiquette: (if you are invited to a Filipino's house):
It is best to arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited for a
large party.
 Never refer to your host's wife as the hostess. This has a
different meaning in the Philippines.
Dress well. Appearances matter and you will be judged on
how you dress.
Etiquette & customs:
D. Table manners
Wait to be asked several times before moving into the dining room or
helping yourself to food.
Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
Do not start eating until the host invites you to do so.
Meals are often served family- style or are buffets where you serve
yourself.
A fork and spoon are the typical eating utensils.
 Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to the spoon in