Weaknesses in Filipino values

and character

Present by:
Extreme family centeredness

Excessive concern means using one’s office and

power to promote family interests and thus
factionalism patronage, political dynasties and
protection of erring family members.

It results in lack of concern for the common good,

and acts as a block to national consciousness.
Extreme personalism
Takes things personally, cannot separate objective
task from emotional involvement.

Personal contacts are involved in any transaction

and these are difficult to turn down.

Preferences is usually given to family and friends

in hiring, delivery of services and even voting.
Lack of discipline
The Filipino’s lack of discipline is manifest in a
casual and relaxed attitude towards time and
space which manifests itself in lack of precision
and compulsiveness, in poor time management
and procrastination

An aversion for following strictly a set of

procedures and this results in lack of
standardization and quality control.
Impatience and unable to delay gratification or
reward, resulting in the use of short-cuts, in
skirting the rules (palusot) and the ningas cogon
Passivity and lack of initiative

Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others

(leaders and government).

Filipinos tend to be complacent and there rarely

is a sense of urgency about any problem.

There is high tolerance for inefficiency, poor

service and even violations of one’s basic rights.
Colonial Mentality
Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness,
appreciation and love of the country and an
actual preference for things foreign.

Filipino culture is characterized by an openness to

the outside-adapting and incorporating the
foreign elements into our image of ourselves not
build around a deep core of Philippine history and
language.
Kanya-kanya syndrome and
crab mentality
Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that
generates a feeling of envy and competitiveness
toward others, particularly one’s peers who seem
to have gained some status or prestige.

The kanya-kanya syndrome is also evident in the

personal ambition and the drive for power and
status that is completely insensitive to the
common good. Personal and in-group interests
reign supreme.
Lack of self-analysis and self-
reflection
There is a tendency in the Filipino to be
superficial and even somewhat flighty. In the face
of serious problems, both personal and social,
there is lack of analysis or reflection.

We joke about the most serious matters and this

prevents looking deeply into the problem.