COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

THE POLITICAL SELF

A. Develop your own understanding of Filipino identity by exploring

. history, culture, and citizenship.
B. Identify and reflect on important Filipino values and traits that shape who we are as a nation.
C. Examine how your personal identity connects to your . national identity, and why these matters in
a democratic society.
.

Guide Questions:
1. How do your personal values influence the way you
participate in your community or society as a Filipino
citizen?
2. In what ways can understanding your identity help
you contribute positively to the nation’s growth and
development?

Developing Identity, Understanding Values, and Finding Our

Place in the Nation

When we talk about the political self, we’re not simply discussing
government, elections, or public officials. We’re talking about you
— your identity, your values, your role as a Filipino citizen, and how
you see yourself in relation to your country.
Every time you reflect on your responsibilities, your beliefs, and the
kind of nation you wish to help build, you are shaping your political
Ai-generated image. self.

Before we dive deeper, let’s walk through what it truly means to “be Filipino.”
SEEKING FILIPINO IDENTITY
According to Article IV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a Filipino citizen may be:
• Someone who was already a citizen at the time the Constitution was created
• Someone with a Filipino mother or father
• Someone born before January 17, 1973 to a Filipino mother who chooses Philippine
citizenship at age 18
• Someone who becomes naturalized according to law
But citizenship is just the starting point.
Identity is much deeper.
Being Filipino isn’t just about legal documents — it’s about how we understand our history, culture,
values, and shared experiences.
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 COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

FROM “INDIO” TO “FILIPINO”: A JOURNEY OF Guided Questions:

IDENTITY 1. How did the historical transition from being called
“Indio” to embracing the term “Filipino” shape the
national identity we have today?
Let’s take a moment to go back in time. 2. In what ways does understanding this journey help
you reflect on your own sense of identity as a
Filipino?
During the Spanish colonization, the term “Indio” was
used to describe Filipinos — and it wasn’t a
compliment. It meant “uncivilized, ignorant, inferior.” These labels were meant to make our
ancestors feel small and powerless.
But this is where the story becomes inspiring.
Rizal and the Ilustrados — young, educated Filipinos — refused to accept this false identity. They
asked the question that many of us still ask today:

“Sino ba talaga ang Pilipino?”

“Who are we, truly?”

Their courage to question injustice and redefine Filipino identity has influenced generations. And
just like Rizal, young people today continue to play a huge role in shaping our national
consciousness.

DEMOCRACY: FROM THEIRS TO OURS

Now let’s talk about democracy — something we often hear, especially during elections.
The idea of democracy in the Philippines didn’t naturally grow from our own cultural roots. It was
introduced to us by colonizers, particularly the Americans, and over time, it shaped our political
identity.

But here’s the challenge:

How can people truly participate in democracy if they don’t fully understand it?
The Constitution says that before we enjoy the blessings of democracy, the government must
ensure:
1. Peace and order
2. Protection of life, liberty, and property
3. Promotion of general welfare
These conditions make democracy possible, but democracy only becomes real when people
actively participate — when they vote, engage, speak up, and uphold shared values.
Today, we see more Filipinos expressing their concerns online, participating in community
movements, and becoming more aware of social issues. This is a sign of a growing grassroots
democracy — one that starts with ordinary people.

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 COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

YOUR ROLE AS A FILIPINO IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY Guided Question:

Understanding democracy is one thing. How can your everyday actions and
Living it is another. decisions as a Filipino help strengthen
democracy in your community and the
nation?
For democracy to thrive, two things must happen:
1. Filipinos must participate and be heard
Your voice matters — through voting, community involvement, or simply staying informed.
2. There must be consistency between the Constitution’s principles and daily life
It’s not enough to have good laws; these laws must be reflected in how people treat each other,
how leaders serve, and how communities work together.

Every time you choose fairness, speak up for someone, respect differences, or act responsibly —
you are strengthening democracy.

PHILIPPINE POLITICAL CULTURE: WHY UNITY IS A CHALLENGE

To understand our political behavior, we need to understand our cultural background.

A common challenge for Filipinos is the tendency to prioritize our family or small circle over the
larger community. While this strengthens family bonds, it can sometimes weaken our sense of
national unity.

This is where diversity plays a role.

Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

There are culturally 2 categories of communities:

1. Minority – they are culturally, ethnically, or racially distinct group that coexists with but is
subordinate
to a more dominant group.
2. Majority – would often be characterized by Tagalog/English speakers and with Christianity/
Catholicism as the basis of faith.

The Philippines is not a single cultural block. Our languages alone reveal this diversity:
Tagalog (basis of Filipino)
Cebuano (Visayan)
Ilocano
Kapampangan
Maranao
Tausug, and many more
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 COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

These differences shape the way communities engage with national identity.
If someone feels distant from the bigger national community, it becomes harder for them to feel
nationalism.

🇵🇭 Ethnic composition of the Philippines (2020)

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2020 Census of Population and Housing.
Ethnic group % of household population (2020)
Tagalog 26.0 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Bisaya / Binisaya 14.3 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
(Visayan)
Ilocano 8.0 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Cebuano 8.0 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Ilonggo / Hiligaynon 7.9 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Bikol / Bicol 6.5 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Waray 3.8 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Kapampangan 3.0 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Maguindanao 1.9 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Pangasinan / 1.9 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)
Pangasinense
Other local ethnicities ≈ 18.5 % (Cultural Atlas)

Foreign ethnicities / ≈ 0.2 % (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Others

In 2020, the Philippines had a total household population of about 108.67 million people,
according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. When it comes to ethnicity, the census didn’t just
look at the language you speak or where you live. Instead, it focused on ancestry—basically, who
you are by descent, whether through your mother, your father, or both.
Looking closer at the numbers, about 85.7% of the population were classified as non-Indigenous
Peoples. The remaining population included Indigenous Peoples (IPs), as identified by the
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the National Commission on Muslim
Filipinos (NCMF), along with a very small segment of people from foreign ethnicities.

BUILDING A STRONGER DEMOCRATIC CULTURE

To grow a democracy that truly serves the people, certain values must guide us. According to
Zialcita (1997), developing a democratic culture requires:

1. Respect for and affirmation of the individual

Every person has rights — and those rights end where another’s begin.

2. Recognition of human dignity

We treat people as human beings, not tools.

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 COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

3. Concern for the public good

We balance personal interests with the good of the nation.

4. Willingness to listen
Understanding begins when we give space for different voices and perspectives.
When we practice these values, we move toward a political identity that goes beyond family,
beyond region, and toward a shared Vision:
to be Filipino — in heart, mind, and action.

KEY TERMS MADE SIMPLE

Here are important concepts that shape the political self:

Citizenship – Your political identity within a state

Constitution – The highest law of the land
Democracy – Government where people have the right to participate
Nationalism – Loyalty and devotion to the nation
National Identity – Your sense of belonging to the country
Participative Democracy – Emphasis on citizen involvement
Race Jealousy – The drive to prove Filipinos are equal to other races

THE FILIPINO SELF: TRAITS AND VALUES WE

CARRY

Filipinos have a rich set of values that define who we

are. These traits shape our relationships and our identity
as a people. Let’s explore some of the most well-known
ones.

1. Hospitality
Foreigners love how warmly Filipinos welcome others.
Visitors are offered food, comfort, and care. No one
leaves the house without eating.

2. Respect
Using po and opo, pagmamano, and showing courtesy
to elders reflect this long-standing value.

3. Strong Family Ties & Religiosity

Family comes first.
We pray together, spend time together, and support
each other no matter what. AI – generated image.

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 COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

4. Generosity & Helpfulness

Even with limited resources, Filipinos still give — sharing food, helping neighbors, supporting
communities.

5. Strong Work Ethic

Filipinos work long hours, often sacrificing personal comfort just to provide for the family.

6. Love & Caring Nature

Filipinos show affection in simple yet meaningful ways — preparing food, checking on loved ones,
being faithful and thoughtful.

These traits are not just stereotypes — they reflect who we are as a people, shaped by history,
culture, and shared experiences.

Summary:
Your political self is not separate from who you are.
It is shaped by your family, culture, community, and the choices you make every day.
As you grow, you are not just building a personal identity — you are also building your identity as a
Filipino citizen. The more you understand your values, rights, and responsibilities, the more you
can contribute to the country you call home.

“Nation-building always starts with self-understanding.”

Wrapped up questions:
1. How does understanding your personal values help you participate more meaningfully in
democracy?
2. In what ways do Filipino traits like hospitality, respect, and family ties influence national
identity and unity?
3. How can citizens balance loyalty to family or community with responsibility to the nation as
a whole?
4. Why is active participation essential for democracy to thrive, and how can you contribute in
your own way?
5. How does knowing the historical journey of Filipino identity, from “Indio” to modern times,
shape your sense of being Filipino?

Module originally designed by:

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 COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Aguila, A. N. (2015). The Filipino, diaspora and a continuing quest for identity. Social Science Diliman: A Philippine Journal of Society and
Change, 11(2). UP Diliman Journals

Don, A., Manera, A., Caban, R., Alih, C., Tulawie, A., & Picpican, H. (2025). Cultural identity and historical consciousness: A study of
Philippine History instruction in tertiary education. International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion, 7(SI2), 19–35. Child Health
Journal

Loquias, V. J. M. (2022). From identity assertion to a participative political culture: Indigenizing philosophy in the Bikol region of the
Philippines. Prajñā Vihāra: Journal of Philosophy and Religion, 23(1). Assumption University Journals

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