strength of filipino character essay

12 Positive Filipino Traits and Values

The Philippines is known for its amazing sights, delicious food , colorful history, and unique culture. But at the heart of it all is the Filipinos themselves — a group of people who are recognized globally for their skills, talents, creativity, and positive attitude.

What makes Filipinos unique? Is it their cheery disposition, welcoming smiles, respectful attitude, or all of the above? In this article, we will take a closer look at the positive traits and values that characterize the Filipino people, no matter where they may be in the world.

Table of Contents

List of Positive Pinoy Traits and Values

What are Filipinos best known for? Here is a list of positive traits and values that we can attribute to Pinoys:

1. Hospitality

Hands down, this is perhaps the Filipinos’ most recognizable trait. The moment you enter a Pinoy’s home, you can expect to be treated as if you are part of the family! They will go out of their way to provide you with food, comfortable accommodations, and generally make sure that you have an enjoyable stay.

2. Creativity

The list of popular Filipino singers, dancers, painters, animators, fashion designers, and other artists is definitely a long one! With a passion for videoke, for example, it’s really not surprising that many Filipinos become world-famous singers!

Here’s another example: If you go to the town of Paete in Laguna province — you will find that there are many homegrown artists with immense talents in drawing, painting, and sculpting. The town is popular for its wood works and handicrafts, an industry that requires “artistic” skills.

These are just a few examples of the vast talent and creativity that most Filipinos have, no matter what industry they are in.

3. Helpfulness

Filipinos are helpful by nature. When you travel to a new place, for example, the people are bound to help if you ask for directions. When you need assistance in carrying your things, or perhaps you need local information, you can expect that Pinoys will come to your aid.

4. Good Work Ethics

When it comes to work, Filipinos are diligent and tend to go the extra mile, wherever they may be. This could be the reason why most employers, including those overseas, prefer to hire Filipinos. They are hardworking and like to give their best in the workplace.

5. Adaptability

Perhaps another reason why there are so many OFWs around the world is because of their adaptability. Indeed, wherever you go — be it in Europe, Asia, North or South America — you are likely to encounter a fellow Pinoy somewhere. Many have adapted well to their place of work, and some have even learned the local language. Indeed, Filipinos are known to be flexible, which is definitely a great trait to have!

6. Respect for Elders

Until today, many Filipinos practice “pagmamano,” where a young person takes an elder’s hand and places it on his or her forehead as a sign of respect, and also as a way to ask for their blessing. You will also hear young people say “po” and “opo” — language markers that signify politeness and respect.

Meanwhile, “homes for the aged” are not so common in the Philippines. Most grandmothers and grandfathers usually stay with their immediate families. This way, they get to enjoy their senior years with their children and grandchildren.

Perhaps you have heard stories about Filipinos returning money or cellphones that they found somewhere, as well as taxi drivers returning bags and wallets left behind by passengers? Generally, Filipinos are an honest lot, which makes them great friends and co-workers, too!

8. Strong Family Ties

There’s no doubt about it, Filipinos are some of the most family-oriented people in the world. It’s common to see families living together in one house (or one compound) — with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, etc. In fact, most cousins grow up together, treating each other almost like siblings! During special occasions, many Filipinos gather for family reunions and get-togethers.

9. Community-Centered

Whether based in the Philippines or abroad, Filipinos are community-centered. They like to gather for birthdays, christenings, graduation, and other special occasions. In many places, Pinoys like to have “potluck dinners,” where everyone brings food to share. In case there is extra food, it’s also common for guests to bring home “leftovers” from the party, hence the popularity of the term “balot” (take out)!

When you read about Filipino history, traditions, and culture, you might encounter a picture of a group of people carrying a “bahay kubo” (small hut) on their backs. This is the classic example of “bayanihan,” a symbol of Filipino unity and cooperation.

These days, the bayanihan spirit is still very much alive, both in the Philippines and abroad. When a Filipino needs help, his/her kababayans will come together and offer support. No matter a person’s background or beliefs, a fellow Filipino will not hesitate to lend a hand, especially to those who need help the most.

11. Cheerfulness and Optimism

If you are abroad, and you happen to encounter a group of Asians who are talking, laughing, and clearly having fun — most likely they are your fellow kababayans .

We can’t help it! Filipinos are a cheerful lot. We know how to smile, laugh, and look at the bright side, no matter how difficult a situation may be. Have you ever watched news reports of super typhoons that hit the Philippines? Even in the middle of a flood, you are likely to see Filipinos smiling as you take their picture.

Brownout? Earthquake? No biggie. Filipinos will still be able to crack a joke, to grin and bear even the most difficult situations — with sunny smiles and sheer optimism!

And last, but certainly not the least, Filipinos are known for their strong faith in God. Majority of the people are Catholic, though there are those who practice Christianity, Islam, and other religions, as well.

Regardless of their specific beliefs, most Filipinos are devoted to prayer, attending church, and participating in activities related to their faith. Indeed, we can attribute the Filipinos’ strength and resilience to their strong faith in God.

Filipinos are generally known for the above traits, wherever they may be in the world. Whether you are based in the Philippines, or you are an OFW living and working in another country, you should be proud of having these traits, which make us unique among all others.

Speaking of unique, Filipinos are also known for celebrating the Christmas season as soon as the “ber” months start! Check out this next article to learn more about how OFWs celebrate Christmas abroad.

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Lesson 8: The Filipino Character

Intended learning outcomes.

Analyze crucial qualities of the Filipino moral identity

Evaluate elements of the Filipino character

Preparation

INTRODUCTION

After having learned that culture influences the human person as a moral agent of and after having understood the meaning of culture relativism let us now examine the Filipino character to determine which one does not help him/her grow in moral character.

1. Group yourselves by 5. Identify at least 3 strengths of the Filipino character.

These strengths sometimes also become weaknesses. Do you agree? Explain your answer and illustrate with an example.

Presentation

The Filipino Character: Strengths and Weaknesses

Below is an excerpt of the Report "A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People, Building a Nation submitted on April 27, 1988 by the Task Force to President Corazon Aquino, the Senate and the members the press by then Senator Leticia Shahani, the moving spirit behind the program.

The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

1. Extreme family centerednes s- Excessive concern for family means using ones office and power to pròmote family interests and thus factionalism patronage, political dynasties and the protection of erring family members. It results in lack of concern for the common good, and acts as a block to national consciousness.

2. Extreme personalism - "Takes things personally," cannot separate objective task from emotional involvement. Because of this the Filipino is uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with rules and regulations and with standard procedures. He uses personal contacts and gives preference to family and friends in hiring, services and even voting. Extreme personalism leads to the graft and corruption evident in Philippine society.

3. Lack of discipline - A casual attitude toward time and space, manifested in lack of precision and compulsiveness, in poor time management and procrastination. Aversion to following procedures strictly results in lack of standardization and quality control. Impatience results in short cuts, palusot, ningas cogon. Lack of discipline often results in inefficient work systems, the violation of rules and a casual work ethic lacking follow through.

4. Passivity and lack of initiative - Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others (leaders and governnment), complacence, lack of a sense of urgency. There is high tolerance for inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of one's basic rights. Too patient and matiisin, too easily resigned to his fate, the Filipino is easily oppressed and exploited.

5. Colonial mentality - Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness, appreciation and love of the Philippines and an actual preference for things foreign

6. Kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality - Done by tsismis, intriga, unconstructive criticism.. It is evident in the personal ambition that is completely insensitive to the common good, eg., the lack of a sense of service among people in the government bureaucracy. This results in the dampening of cooperative and community spirit and in the trampling upon other's rights.

7. Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection - The tendency to be superficial and somewhat fighty. In the face of serious personal and social problems, there is lack of analysis or reflection and instead satisfaction with superficial explanations and solutions

8. Emphasis on porma rather than substance - .. This lack of analysis and emphasis on form is reinforced by an educational system that is more form than substance..

These weaknesses are rooted in many factors: home, social and Economic environment; culture and language; history; religion; educational system; mass media: leadership and role models. Change posible, however, and the following goals are proposed to develop he Filipino: (1) a sense of patriotism and national pride; (2) a sense of the common good; (3) a sense of integrity and accountability (4) the values and habits of discipline and hard work; (3) the value and habits of self-reflection and analysis; the intèrnalization of spiritual values and the emphasis on essence rather than on form. (Shahani, Leticia. (1988). A Moral Recovery Program: Bulang a People, Building a Nation.)

In the same report in 1988, Senator Leticia Shahani said , The strengths of the Filipino character are: 1) pakikipagkapwa-lao, 2) family orientation, 3) joy and humor, 4) flexibility, adaptability and creativity, 5) hard work and industry, 6) faith and religiosity and 7) ability to survive.

There is so much good in the Filipino but so much needs to be changed, too. Many of our strengths as a people are also sources of our weaknesses. Shahani's report explains that "family orientation becomes in-group orientation that prevents us from reaching out beyond the family to the large community and the nation." For the Filipino, charity begins at home and at the same time ends there.

Values Education in Schools

Senator Shahani's Report was given in 1988. But its findings as reported may still be true today. If the Department of Education has to be true to its vision to help develop ... "Filipinos who love their passionately country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to nation" building the and to its core values - and makabansa - maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makakalikasan it is an uphill battle for Philippine schools to realize these considering the weaknesses of the Filipino character: 1) extreme family centeredness, 2) extreme personalism, 3) lack of discipline, 4) passivity and lack of initiative, 5) colonial mentality 6) kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality, 7) lack of and self-analysis self-reflection and 8) emphasis on porma rather than substance.

So that it will not be "'more form than substance" as described in Senator Shahani's in Report, Philippine schools have to intensify values education in the curriculum which in essence is moral education. In fact, in response to this Report, Values Education now Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the K to 12 Curriculum was introduced as a separate subject in the basic education curriculum under the Values Education Framework program of Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing, then Department of Education, Culture and Sports Secretary in 1988-1990. The Values Education Framework was conceptualized in 1987. In 2002, the Basic Education Curriculum (Grade 1-6, and First-Fourth Yecar High School) integrated values in the major learning areas or with subjects. Beginning the K to 12 Curriculum in 2013, Values Education was renamed Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) for Grades 1-10. In the Senior High Curriculum (Grades 11-12), there is no course with the title, Values Education or Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao but core courses such as Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person and Personal Development, are in essence Values Education subjects and Moral Education subjects themselves.

To help every Filipino child grow morally and ethically, he/she must be helped acquire the strengths of the Filipino character at the same time, he/she must be made to realize that his/her strengths also become his/her source of weaknesses.

Other Studies on Filipino Moral Character

There had been studies of the Filipino moral life, the more popular of which were those Fr. Jaime Bulatao, Fr. Leonardo Mercado, Fr. Francis Senden, and Fr. Vitaliano Gorospe. Fr. Bulatao's research identified the kami" mentality of Filipinos. In "kami" (a Filipino term which means us") he says, "I identify with my family and relatives...We are opposed to all who are not kami." Fr. Vitaliano Gorospe, SJ referred to this way of thinking as "group-centeredness" or "group thinking" characterized as follows:

One norm of morality in the Philippines is based on "group- centeredness" or "group-thinking." One's in-group determines for the individual what is right or wrong. The individual who has not yet attained moral independence and maturity will ask: What will my family, or my relatives and friends, or my barkada think or say?" "What will others say" usually determines Filipino moral behavior; it is "conscience from the outside. "For instance, parents tell their daughter who is being courted: "Tha, please entertain your boyfriend at home. Do not go outside. What will the neighbors say? Nakakahiya naman. "Shame or hiya makes the parents and the girl conform to the social expectations of the neighbors lest they become the object of tsismis or gossip. Here again there is a conflict betwecn the individual and social morality, between internal and external morality. The norm of morality should be internalized so that the mature individual should form his own moral "conscience from the inside." (Gorospe, 1977)

The "group thinking" cited by Fr. Gorospe is called "sakop mentality" by others like Fr. Leonardo Mercado. (1977) The sakop may refer to "person's relatives, peers, classmates, townmates, officemates, etc." This thinking or mentality explains the "pakikisama" in both positive and negative sense; it explains the barkada attitude, euphemism, the laughter of affimation of gutter language; it explains subservience to an illegal or immoral order. Hence, Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz (1986) observed in her article published in the St. Louis University Rescarch Journal:

O ne can estimate the consequences of this sakop mentality by imagining how it works in decision making. Since sakop welfare is the ultimate value, then a lot of principles may be sacrificed for the sake of it. One can kill and hide the body of the crime by reason of being part of the sakop. One can tell a lot of lies for the sake of the sakop. One can pick some vegetable from his neighbor 3 backyard and is.. not bothered by a sense of guilt because one does not steal from a member of the sakop. The sakop determines for the individual what is right or wrong.

Impact of Culture on Morality

Speaking of the significant impact of culture on the morality of people, let us think of the Japanese "shame culture." "Guilt cultures emphasize punishment and forgiveness as ways of restoring the moral order; shame cultures stress self-denial and humility as ways of restoring the social order" What keeps Japanese from acting contrary to moral standards is the fear of being put to shame. At most they would do when put to shame is hara-kirl, (suicide). Contrast this to the "guilt culture" in the Philippines. When a Filipino commits an immoral act, he would of course feel guilty, but after confessing his sin, he may feel as if he is back to the normal thing and can sin again.

Can it be said that a society that easily resorts to mob rule, mob mentality, where only a few have the guts to stand up and insist on what conscience dictates, is in need of moral development? Filipino homes and schools have to do something, to teach the moral development they want or hope to see.

According to the report, one weakness of the Filipino character is analysis and lack of emphasis on form (porma). The of report states that this lack analysis and emphasis on form is reinforced by an educational system that is more form than substance...

What is meant by an educational system that is more form than substance?

Do you agree that the Philippine educational system is more form than substance? If yes, why? if not, why not?

2. Teacher observes that when students submit report, the more ornate and artistic the folder is, the less substantial the report. Which weakness in the Filipino character is pointed to? If you were the teacher how do you counteract such?

3. In line with the government's austerity program, DepEd Order # 2, s. 2019 , reiterates the following policies:

a. Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful to encourage civil rights, a sense of community, and personal responsibility. While these rites mark a milestone in the life of the learners, these should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire or extraordinary venue.

b. Moving Up or Completion Ceremonies should be simple, involving only the learners, their parents and the school...

Which of the weaknesses of the Filipino does this DepEd Order wish to help eliminate? Explain.

4. Group A reported in class first while the other groups listened. The other groups were asked to raise questions and comments. Group B gave a lot of not-so-good comments and many points for improvement. Group A concluded Group B is biased against their group. Which Filipino weakness is revealed? What should be done?

5. Cite instances where 1) extreme family centeredness, 2) discipline, 3) passivity and lack of initiative, 4) colonial mentality, 5) kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality, 6) lack of self-analysis and self-reflection are manifested in Philippine society. When can we say that Filipino has developed an integrated personality?

6. What is meant by integrated personality? Or what is integrity? In mathematics, an integer is a whole number. Does this help in understanding the meaning of integrity? When can we say

7. The Taoist principle states: "What I think must be the same as what I say and what I say must be the same as what I do." What does this principle mean?

Performance

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Accomplish this Table.

REFLECTION:

Among the weaknesses of the Filipino character which applies to What have you done to you counteract such to become the moral person you are called to be?

The become Filipino has a number of strengths. His/her strengths when they become extreme, however, also become his/her weaknesses.

His/her strengths help him/her become ethical and moral but his weaknesses obstruct his/her moral and ethical growth.

Culture has a significant impact on morality. make it difficult for The Filipino group-centeredness and "kami"- mentality make it difficult for the Filipino to stand up against the group when that is the moral thing to do.

There is much need for home, school and society as a whole to help every Filipino grow into the strong moral person everyone is called to become. For the Filipino to become the moral and ethical person, he/she should capitalize on his/her strengths and eliminate his/her weaknesses.

Back to Chapter 1

Strengths of the Filipino Character: Key to MRP

This Module 2, Lesson 2, the Strengths of the Filipino Character, is part of the course Legal Bases of Values Education in the Philippines.

In the previous lesson, if you remember, the Senate Task Force was directed by Senate Resolution Number 10 in 1987, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character.

And so, they were able to identify the following strengths: pakikipagkapwa-tao; family orientation; joy and humor; flexibility, adaptability and creativity; hard work and industry; faith and religiosity; and ability to survive.

Tingnan natin ito isa isa.

Filipino character #1: Pakikipagkapwa-tao

Likas sa ating mga Pilipino ang husay sa pakikipagkapwa. Palagi tayong bukas sa ibang tao at ramdam natin ang isa`t-isa. Mataas ang pagpapahalaga natin sa dignidad ng bawat tao, at sa respeto sa bawat isa.

Ang Pakikipagkapwa-tao ay naipapamalas natin sa pagpapahalaga natin sa katarungan, pagiging patas, at malasakit sa kapwa. Naipapamalas din natin ito sa ating likas na kakayanan na makiramdam sa iba, sa pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan, pakikiramay sa mga kapos-palad lalo na sa mga biktima ng mga sakuna, sa iba`t-ibang anyo ng bayanihan o pagdadamayan, at bantog sa lahat, ang ating magiliw na pagtanggap sa kapwa o hospitality.

Filipino character #2: Family orientation

Napakalalim, tapat at maalab ang pagmamahal ng mga pinoy sa pamilya, na binubuo hindi lang ng ina, ama at mga anak, kundi pati ng lolo at lola, mga pinsan o kamag-anak, pati nga ninong at ninang, at iba pang tao na mahalaga sa atin.

Para ating mga Pinoy, ang ating pamilya ang pinag-uugatan ng ating pagkakakilanlan (identity), ang pinagmumulan ng emosyunal, materyal, o anumang uri ng suporta; at para atin, ang pamilya ang pangunahing pokus at responsibilidad ng bawat isa.

Filipino character #3: Joy and humor

Likas na magiliw at masayahin tayong mga Pinoy, kahit pa tayo ay may dinadalang problema o may pinagdadaanang unos sa buhay.

Meron tayong positibo at kaaya-ayang disposisyon, sense of humor, at pagkahilig sa kasiyahan o katatawanan na nakakadagdag hindi lang sa ating charm, kundi pati sa tibay at lakas ng ating diwang Pilipino.

Palagi tayong may baon na mga kwentong katatawanan o jokes na nagpapagaan ng ating oras. Minsan nga kahit sa mga seryosong sitwasyon na nagbibigay ng tensyon, nagagawa pa rin nating ngumiti o magpatawa.

Filipino character #4: Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity

Isa sa kahanga-hangang katangian nating mga Pinoy ang kakayanan nating magadjust sa anumang sitwasyon, kalagayan, o kapaligiran. Paborito nating imahe ang kawayan dahil sa kakayanan nitong mag adjust sa hina at lakas ng hangin na nagpapahapay dito. Tulad ng kawayan, humahapay tayo pero hindi natutumba o dumadapa sa hamon ng buhay. Ikaw ba naman ang makaranas ng mahigit dalawampung bagyo sa isang taon kung di ka matutong mag adjust sa buhay? Diba?

Ang mga pangyayaring biglaan o hindi inaasahan ay hindi malaking issue sa atin, dahil mabilis tayong makaangkop sa mga biglaang pangyayari.

Tayo rin ay malikhain, maparaan, at mabilis matuto. Mahusay din tayong mag-improvise ng mga bagay na nasa paligid natin upang matugunan ang pangangailangan, o mapagkakitaan.

Filipino character #5: Hard work & industry

Napaka-masigasig nating mga pinoy pag dating sa trabaho, kahit pa nga mahirap ang sitwasyon.

Malalim ang pinaghuhugutn natin. Syempre number 1 palagi ang ating pamilya na hangad nating maitass ang antas ng ating pamumuhay, at matugunan ang mga pangangailangan sa araw-araw.

May pabuya man o wala, palagi nating pinahahalagahan at pinaghuhusay ang ating trabaho dahil dito tayo kumukuha ng ikabubuhay.

Filipino character #6: Faith and religiosity

Napakalalim ng pananampalataya nating mga Pilipino.

Ang ating likas na pagka-relihiyoso ay tumutulong sa atin na maunawaan at tanggapin ang anumang pangyayari sa ating buhay, sa konteksto ng kalooban at plano ng Diyos. Kaya naman ang mga sakuna, kalamidad, kasawian, kahirapan, o anumang kapalaran ay madali nating natatanggap, at nanatiling positibo ang pananaw.

Ang ating pamumuhay ay kakambal ng ating relihiyon. At ang pananalangin ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating buhay.

Filipino character #7: Ability to survive

Dahil sa husay nating mga Pinoy na dumiskarte, kayang kaya natin mabuhay kahit saan. Sabi nga sa aming probinsya sa Bicol, “kaya nating mabuha sa tagilid na lupa”. Ibig sabihin, kahit anong sitwasyon sa buhay, kahit tagilid sa laban ng buhay, kayang-kaya nating makibaka at mabuhay ng marangal.

Kahit kapos tayo sa buhay, mahirap man ang kalagayan, natuto na tayong makibagay sa mga ganitong sitwasyon.

And those are the Strengths of the Filipino character.

Of course marami pa tayong strengths or mga kahanga-hangang kaugalian, pero ito muna yong dominant strengths identified by the Senate Task Force.

And favor please, paki-lagay naman po sa comment section ang iba pang magagandang kaugalian natin mga pinoy na naiisip mo. Salamat po!

That`s the Module 2, Lesson 2: Strengths of the Filipino Character under the course Legal Bases of Values Education in the Philippines.

Check previous lessons under the Legal Bases of Values Ed in the Philippines:

• Pertinent documents
• The 1997 Values Ed Framework
• The Moral Recovery Program

___________________

References:

Quisumbing, L. R. (1994).  A study of the Philippine Values Education Program (1986-1993) . International Conference on Education, 44th Session. International Conference Center of Geneva. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, Office of Educational Research and Improvement. ( EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER , ERIC)

Kabisig People’s Movement, (1993).  Filipino Values and National Development . Kabisig People’s Movement.

Values Education for the Filipino. 1997 Revised Version of the DECS Values Education Program. UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, Education Committee Project

Values Education Program www.valueseducation.net

Living Values Education

About Dominic San Jose

Hello! I`m Teacher Doms! I am a teacher, Christian missionary and entrepreneur. This personal website is my simple way of sharing my experiences. It is my hope that you may get something valuable from this site. Cheers to your success!

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Philippine E-Journals

Home ⇛ philippine journal of counseling psychology ⇛ vol. 19 no. 1 (2017), a survey of character strengths of filipinos using via-is filipino version.

Ron R. Resurreccion

The Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) is a widely used on-line personality test that measures an individual’s best qualities. The present study aimed to describe the character strengths valued by Filipinos. The VIA-IS was administered to 1158 (730 females, 428 males) participants from different colleges and universities in the Philippines. Results showed that all subscales of the Results also revealed that the top Character Strengths of Filipinos are kindness, fairness, hope, teamwork, and judgment. Implications of the results on counseling were discussed.

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