Developing a Filipino Identity: Values, Traits, Community and Institutional Factors
Filipino values and psychology are centered
around the concept of kapwa, which refers to a shared inner self. When someone regards another as a kapwa, they recognize a mutual sense of identity and consciousness with that person. This idea is important not just on an individual level, but also within the community. In the Philippines, there is a great emphasis placed on maintaining social harmony and seeking social acceptance. Consequently, concern for how others perceive one's actions and thoughts has a strong influence on social behavior. 3 Main Value Orientations Engendered by the Core Value of Kapwa
• Filipinos love to connect, especially to
people • Filipinos like to experience the multidimensional wholeness of life • Filipinos are highly participatory Some of the positive values that Filipinos have historically held important Some of the positive values that Filipinos have historically held important
Humor and positivity are also important
traits in Filipino culture. Despite the frequent occurrence of natural calamities, Filipinos are encouraged to remain optimistic and find the silver lining in difficult situations. Some of the positive values that Filipinos have historically held important
Religion and spirituality are deeply
ingrained in Filipino culture, with Catholicism and Islam having a significant influence. Religion plays a big role in society and shapes the values and principles of many, Filipinos. Some of the positive values that Filipinos have historically held important
Filipino hospitality is known for being
warm and welcoming, with hosts typically providing food, entertainment, and local tours to their guests. Guests are often given pasalubong, or souvenirs, to take home as a token of appreciation. Some of the positive values that Filipinos have historically held important
Finally, "bayanihan" or community spirit is a
core value in Filipino culture, with neighbors coming together to help each other and make tasks easier. This is often seen in rural areas where entire houses are moved with the help of wooden poles carried by a group of able bodied men, while women cheer them on and celebrate afterwards Some of the positive values that Filipinos have historically held important
Finally, "bayanihan" or community spirit is a
core value in Filipino culture, with neighbors coming together to help each other and make tasks easier. This is often seen in rural areas where entire houses are moved with the help of wooden poles carried by a group of able bodied men, while women cheer them on and celebrate afterwards 14 Negative Traits of Filipino Negative Traits of Filipino
The Filipino "Crab Mentality" is a harmful
perspective on competition that involves sabotaging others in order to be the only one at the top. Rather than being supportive, Filipinds discourage others from taking opportunities and even try to destroy their reputation. It would be better to see others' achievements as inspiration to reach one's own goals and to understand that everyone's success contributes to the betterment of the country. Negative Traits of Filipino
Procrastination or the "Mañana Habit" is a
behavior that slows down progress in the Philippines. This can be seen in the many government projects that have been left unfinished for years, which could have already benefited many Filipinos if they were completed on time. Similarly, many individuals delay starting tasks until the deadline, which often results in poor quality work. Negative Traits of Filipino
The "Bahala na" or "come what may" habit is a
destructive behavior in which people leave outcomes to chance rather than taking action to achieve their goals. This can be seen in students who spend more time playing computer games than studying, hoping to pass exams through luck rather than hard work. It is important to understand that faith alone is not enough to achieve success, and that work is necessary to accomplish one's goals. Negative Traits of Filipino
Hypocrisy or being two-faced is a negative
trait that contradicts the Philippines claimed values of morality. Many Filipinos try to live up to traditional societal standards but are unable to do so perfectly. This can lead to a double standard, in which people condemn others for failing to meet standards that they themselves do not follow. Negative Traits of Filipino
"Ningas cogon" is a behavior in which
people start projects or ideas with enthusiasm, but quickly lose interest and fail to finish them. This trait can be a significant barrier to progress in the Philippines. Negative Traits of Filipino
"Filipino Time" or tardiness is a negative
trait associated with being late in events and activities. This behavior can cause conflicts and discourage participation in productive activities. Negative Traits of Filipino
Gossiping is a behavior in which Filipinos
talk about other people's lives, often causing damage to relationships and reputations. This trait is not limited to women and can be just as harmful when practiced by men. Negative Traits of Filipino
Blaming others for mistakes is a trait that
shows irresponsibility and destroys teamwork. This behavior is especially harmful when practiced by public officials, as it can hinder progress in disaster relief and other critical situations. Negative Traits of Filipino
Ignoring or not following simple rules
and instructions shows a lack of discipline and can create disorder in communities. It is important to follow laws and regulations to create a harmonious society. Negative Traits of Filipino
Attention-grabbing or being an "epal" is a
behavior in which people seek attention by standing out. While it is natural to want to attract attention, this trait can be harmful and disrespectful to others. You know you're a Filipino when... 1. You point with your lips You do this simply because it's convenient! - Pointing with your fingers can be a waste of energy and besides, 'di ba sabi nila masamang mag-turo? 2. You nod when you greet someone - Again, it's much easier and less energy- consuming to nod instead of saying "Hi!" or "Uy, musta?". Pero siyempre, 'pag ang class muse or si-principal ang nakasalubong, kailangan mabilis ka mag isip ng greeting. You know you're a Filipino when... 3. You like eating, but you don't want the last bite - Bakit nga ba? Nag-kakahiyaan ba? Malamig na ba yung food kaya ayaw na kainin? O sadyang nagiging mapagbigay lang tayo kapag last piece na? 4. You collect "souvenirs" from hotels and restaurants - At some point in our lives, we all have discovered how our mamas and titas hoarded soaps, shampoos, ketchup packs, and sometimes even towels, as soon as we get home after that memorable beach or out-of-town trip we had as kids. You know you're a Filipino when...
5. You complete sentences with "ano" and
"kwan“ - These words are the temporary substitutes sa mga salitang nasa "dulo ng dila" natin. It can be confusing hearing this at first but as you grow old, you'll somehow develop telepathic powers and magegets mo na din siya. Establishing Democratic Culture
Democratic culture refers to the active
participation of individuals in the governance of public affairs that affect them. It requires a desire and ability to engage in collective decision-making and contribute to the common good. The existence of a democratic culture is characterized by the active and effective participation of civil society members in shaping policies that promote sustainable development, economicactivities, and scientific and technical progress. Establishing Democratic Culture
The development of a democratic culture is
not straightforward and requires the creation of a favorable environment for people to engage in democratic practices. This includes education forms that promote the emergence of a democratic culture, access to sources of expertise, and the active support of public and private institutions. The development of a democratic culture involves experimentation with democratic and cooperative forms that are tailored to the specific needs of each context. Establishing Democratic Culture
Culture plays an important role in democracy,
and there are two main arguments regarding its impact. Primordialist arguments treat culture as something that is objective and inherited, while constructivist arguments view culture as something that is constructed or invented. Primordialists argue that culture is a fixed, unchanging entity that can act as a barrier to democracy, while constructivists recognize that cultures can change in response to social, economic, and political actors. Cultures may not act as impenetrable barriers to democratization, but the speed at which cultures change can vary from culture to culture.