NSTP-CWTS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of

Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

1. MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO NATIONAL assembled:

SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM Section 1. Short Title – This Act shall be known as the
“National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001”.
Overview:
Section 2. Declaration Policy – It is hereby affirmed the
Research findings of psychologists reveal that there is a
prime duty of the government to serve and protect its
positive effect on learning when the learner perceives
citizens. In turn, it shall be the responsibility of all
the knowledge, attitude, and competency to be
citizens to defend the security of the State and in
acquired as valuable. CWTS instructors should,
fulfillment thereof, the government may require each
therefore, exert effort to make learning in the CWTS
citizen to render personal, military, or civil service.
relevant.
Recognizing the youth’s vital role in nation-building, the
a. It will be of great help for teachers to come up
State shall promote civic consciousness among the
with performance objectives that relate to the
youth and shall develop their physical, moral, spiritual,
development of the youth as nation-builders
intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in
equipped with literacy and civic welfare
the youth patriotism, nationalism, and advance their
competencies, as envisioned by R.A. 9163, the
involvement in public and civic affairs.
National Service Training Program Act of 2001.
b. A thorough understanding of the NSTP Law, In pursuit of these goals, the youth, the most valuable
PUP General Information, and PUP-NSTP resource of the nation, shall be motivated, trained,
General Information should be provided organized, and mobilized in military training, literacy,
through an intensive general orientation to give civic welfare and other similar endeavors in the service
students further reflection on the contents of of the nation.
these papers towards developing in them a
Section 3. Definition of Terms – For purposes of this Act,
deeper appreciation for CWTS as a course.
the following are hereby defined as follows:
It is hoped that this subject will mold them as
a. “National Service Training Program (NSTP)” is a
responsible citizens. Hence, the NSTP Law, PUP, and
program aimed at enhancing civic
NSTP General Information are presented in this module.
consciousness and defense preparedness in the
Objectives: youth by developing the ethics of service and
patriotism while undergoing training in any of
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
its three (3) program components. Its various
• identify the provisions of Republic Act No. 9163 – components are specially designed to enhance
NSTP law the youth’s active contribution to the general
welfare.
• identify the PUP Vision, Mission, Philosophy, Strategic b. “Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)” is a
Objective and Shared Values; and, program institutionalized under Sections 38 and
• identify the PUP NSTP Vision, Mission, Goals, and 39 of Republic Act No. 7077 designed to provide
Objectives. military training to tertiary level students in
order to motivate, train, organize and mobilize
Unit 1: Republic Act No. 9163- NSTP Law them for national defense preparedness.
c. “Literacy Training Service” is a program
(NSTP) FOR TERTIARY LEVEL STUDENTS, AMENDING FOR
designed to train students to become teachers
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7077 AND
of literacy and numeracy skills to school
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1706, AND FOR THE OTHER
children, out of school youth, and other
PURPOSES
segments of society in need of their service.
 d. “Civic Welfare Training Service” refers to In lieu of the two (2) semester/programs for any of the
program or activities contributory to the components of the NSTP one (1) summer program may
general welfare and the betterment of life for be designed, formulated and adopted by the DND,
the members of the community or the CHED, and TESDA.
enhancement of its facilities, especially those
Section 7. NSTP Offering in Higher and Technical-
devoted to improving health, education,
Vocational Educational Institutions – All higher and
environment, entrepreneurship, safety,
technical-vocational institutions, public and private,
recreation, and morals of the citizenry.
must offer at least one of the program components;
e. “Program component” shall refer to the service
Provided, that State universities and colleges shall offer
component of the NSTP as enumerated in Sec. 4
the ROTC component and at least one other component
of this Act.
as provided herein; Provided, further, that private
Section 4. Establishment of the National Service higher and technical-vocational education institutions
Training Program. – There is hereby established a may also offer the ROTC if they have at least three
National Service Training Program, which shall form part hundred and fifty (350) cadet students.
of the curricula of all baccalaureate degree courses and
In offering the NSTP whether during the semestral or
of at least two (2) – year technical vocational courses
summer periods, clustering of affected students from
1. The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), different educational institutions may be done, taking
which is hereby made option and voluntary into account logistics, branch of service and
upon the effectivity of this Act; geographical considerations. Schools that do not meet
2. The Literacy Training Service; and, the required number of students to maintain the
3. The Civic Welfare Training Service. optional ROTC and any of the NSTP components shall
allow their students to cross-enroll to other schools
The ROTC under the NSTP shall instill patriotism, moral
irrespective of whether or not the NSTP components in
virtues, respect for rights of civilians, and adherence to
said schools are being administered by the same or
the Constitution, among others. Citizenship training
another branch of service in the Armed Forces of the
shall be given emphasis in all three (3) program
Philippines (AFP), CHED and TESDA to which schools are
components.
identified.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and
Section 8. Fees and Incentives – higher and technical
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
vocational institutions shall not collect any fee for any of
(TESDA), in consultation with the Department of
the NSTP components except basic tuition fees, which
National Defense (DND), Philippine Association of State
shall not be more than fifty percent (50%) of what is
Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Coordinating Council
currently charged by schools per unit.
of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines
(COCOPEA) and other concerned government agencies In the case of ROTC, the DND shall formulate and adopt
may design and implement such other program a program of assistance and/or incentive to those
components as may be necessary in consonance with students who will take the said component.
the provisions of this Act.
The school authorities concerned, CHED and TESDA
Section 5. Coverage – Students, male and female, of any shall ensure that group insurance for health and
baccalaureate degree course or at least two (2) - year accident shall be provided for students enrolled in any
technical vocational courses in public and private of the NSTP components.
educational institutions shall be required to complete
Section 9. Scholarships – There is hereby created a
one (1) of the NSTP components as requisite for
Special Scholarship Program for qualified students
graduation.
taking the NSTP which shall be administered by the
Section 6. Duration and Equivalent Course Unit – Each CHED and TESDA. Funds for this purpose shall be
of the aforementioned NSTP program components shall included in the annual regular appropriations of the
be undertaken for an academic period of two (2) CHED and TESDA.
semesters.
Section 10. Management of the NSTP Components – other program component of their choice, the Basic
the school authorities shall exercise academic and ROTC course he has completed shall be counted for the
administrative supervision over the design, formulation, purpose of completing the NTSP requirement; Provided
adoption and implementation of the different NTSP further that once he has shifted to another program
components in their respective schools; Provided, that component, he shall complete the NSTP in component.
in case a CHED or TESDA accredited non-government
Section 14. Suspension of ROTC Requirement – the
organization (NGO) has been contracted to formulate
completion of the ROTC training as a requisite for
and administer a training module for any of the NSTP
graduation is hereby set aside for those students who
components, such academic and administrative
despite completing all the academic units as of the
supervision shall be exercised jointly with that
effectivity of this Act have not been allowed to
accredited NGO; Provided, further, that such training
graduate.
module shall be accredited by the CHED and TESDA.
Section 15. Separability Clause. If any section or
The CHED and TESDA regional offices shall oversee and
provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional
monitor the implementation of the NSTP under their
or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected
jurisdiction to determine if the trainings are being
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
conducted in consonance with the objectives of this Act.
Periodic reports shall be submitted to the CHED, TESDA Section 16. Amendatory Clause. Sec. 35 of
and DND in this regard. Commonwealth Act No. 1, Executive Order No. 207 of
1939, Sections 2 and 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1706
Section 11. Creation of the National Service Reserve
and Sections 38 and 39 or Republic Act No. 7077, as well
Corps. – There is hereby created a National Service
as laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations and other
Reserve Corps, to be composed of the graduates of the
issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
non-ROTC components. Members of this Corps may be
hereby deemed amended and modified accordingly.
tapped by the State for literacy and civic welfare
activities through the joint effort of the DND, CHED and Section 17. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen
TESDA. (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of
national circulation, but the implementation of the Act
Graduates of the ROTC shall form part of the Citizens’
shall commence in the school year of 2002-2003.
Armed Force, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7077.

Section 12. Implementing Rules. – The DND, CHED and Unit 2: PUP Philosophy, Vision, Mission, Shared
TESDA shall have the joint responsibility for the Values and Principles, and Ten Pillars
adoption of the implementing rules of this Act within 60 The PUP Philosophy
days from the approval of this Act.
As a state university, the Polytechnic University of the
These three (3) agencies shall consult with other Philippines believes that:
concerned government agencies, the PASUC and
COCOPEA, NGOs and recognized student organizations 1. Education is an instrument for the development
in drafting the implementing rules. of the citizenry and for the enhancement of
nation building; and
The implementing rules shall include the guideline for 2. That meaningful growth and transmission of the
the adoption of the appropriate curriculum for each of country are best achieved in an atmosphere of
the NSTP components as well as for the accreditation of brotherhood, peace, freedom, justice and
the same. nationalist-oriented education imbued with the
Section 13. Transitory Provisions – students who have spirit of humanist internationalism.
yet to complete the Basic ROTC, except those falling Vision
under Section 14 of this Act, may either continue in the
program component they are currently enrolled or shift PUP: The National Polytechnic University
to any of the other program components of their
Mission
choice; Provided, that in case he shifts to any of the
Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and Pillar 8: Synergistic, Productive, Strategic Networks and
promoting lifelong learning opportunities through a re- Partnerships
engineered polytechnic university by committing to:
Pillar 9: Active and Sustained Stakeholders’ Engagement
1. Provide democratized access to educational
Pillar 10: Sustainable Social Development Programs and
opportunities for the holistic development of individuals
Projects
with global perspective.

2. Offer industry-oriented curricula that produce highly-

skilled professionals with managerial and technical Unit 3: PUP NSTP Vision, Mission, Goals and
capabilities and a strong sense of public service for Objectives
nation building.
Vision
3. Embed a culture of research and innovation.
The PUP National Service Training Program envisions
4. Continuously develop faculty and employees with the itself as the Nation’s prime mover in community-
highest level of professionalism. building, involvement, and linkaging.
5. Engage public and private institutions and other Mission
stakeholders for the attainment of social development
goal. The PUP National Service Training Program is
committed to provide a globally competitive reserved
6. Establish a strong presence and impact in the corps (whether civilian or military) who shall be leading
international academic community. agents in attaining a better quality of life, sustainers of
Shared Values and Principles peace, unity, cooperation, and growth in the
communities.
• Integrity and Accountability
Goals
• Nationalism
• Offer components of NSTP
• Spirituality
• Provide comprehensive lessons and trainings in all the
• Passion for Learning and Innovation NSTP components
• Inclusivity • Develop a spirit of volunteerism among the students
• Respect for Human Rights and The Environment • Adopt participative learning
• Excellence • Provide instructional and training paraphernalia
• Democracy • Present highly qualified pool of NSTP trainers who will
Ten Pillars provide capability enhancement for civic welfare

Pillar 1: Dynamic, Transformational, and Responsible • Produce service-oriented and responsive students
Leadership who will be of help to the University and community

Pillar 2: Responsive and Innovative Curricula and Objectives

Instruction The PUP NSTP Department shall:
Pillar 3: Enabling and Productive Learning Environment • Inculcate among students the ideals of patriotism and
Pillar 4: Holistic Student Development and Engagement nationalism and enhance their involvement in public
and civic-oriented activities
Pillar 5: Empowered Faculty Members and Employees
• Train the students in various fields of endeavor
Pillar 6: Vigorous Research Production and Utilization imbued with moral values that enhance their
Pillar 7: Global Academic Standards and Excellence
intellectual, physical, moral, spiritual, and social well- • identify the Filipino values system; and,
being
• cite situations which Filipino values are
• Establish linkages with government, non-government depicted.
institutions, and other relevant organizations that can
Course Materials:
provide trainings, exposures, and practical application
opportunities to students A good Filipino citizen is one who plays an active and
intelligent role as a member of the community. The one
• Adopt a highly contextualized, fun, and innovative
who is responsible for his duties and obligations to the
way of training the students who shall become
government and society. The one who possesses the
productive, concerned, and highly-involved
traits of respectfulness, courtesy, and consideration for
volunteers/leaders in the community.
parents and elders and for others. The one who
• Train/re-train NSTP Trainers in the different capability observes punctuality, promptness, and good moral
enhancements programs. conduct.

NSTP-CWTS
Unit 1: The Maka-Diyos Cluster
1. Faith in the Almighty God – A good Filipino obeys
2. MODULE 2: GOOD CITIZENSHIP VALUES God and lives according to His teachings.

Overview: One of the identified strengths of the Filipino is their

faith in God. In one way or another, Filipinos have a
As citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, our values basic concept of a Supreme Being who to them always
as Filipinos define our identity as people. As such, we gives a beacon of hope no matter how bleak the current
must strictly impose these values on ourselves – situation may be. This makes them resilient, driven by
regardless of age, status or religion. We must see to it great hope stemming from their faith in Someone
that we observe these values in all our actions, at all whom they believe has the power to deliver them from
times and in all circumstances. Embodying these values even the most miserable situation.
will not always be a piece of cake but will bring great
rewards for us and our country in the near future. This is quite evident in the Filipinos’ response during the
onslaught of disasters. From disasters brought about by
Good citizenship stimulates love of country making the natural phenomenon such as earthquakes and storms
seemingly gargantuan task of building the nation easier. to manmade ones like the tragic garbage landslide in
Through good citizenship, even the poor, the young, Payatas, the Filipino always bounces back as if the
and the old can contribute to nation building. Good disasters and tragedies did not happen.
citizenship likewise strengthens unity. As Filipinos, we
have our shared values which can be a strong force to It is also this trait that brings conviction to a Filipino not
unite us as people despite our [Link] nation is to do anything bad, for the same Supreme Being who
oftentimes in crisis. And at these times, people are watches over him will be the same eyes who shall judge
suffering. By being good citizens, we will not be a part of him should he engage in wrongdoings.
the problem instead, we will be a part of the solution. 2. Respect for Life – A good Filipino recognizes the
NSTP, as citizenship training, focuses on translating the absolute value of human life and the human dignity of
good citizenship values as reflected in the Preamble of every person including himself.
the 1987 Philippine Constitution into concrete actions in Being pro-life means not engaging in abortion nor being
building a better Philippines. in favor of it. Being pro- life includes valuing other
Objectives: people – how they feel, what could harm their physical,
mental, moral, and spiritual well-being. Among the
At the end of this module, you should be able to: practices that show respect to others and their dignity
as a person are not smoking in public, not throwing
• discuss the good citizenship values;
litter which will cause accidents or put their health in
• identify some basic Filipino values;
peril, not saying words that will hurt people and scar 5. Concern for the Family and Future Generations – A
them for life. good Filipino looks after the welfare of one’s family and
the future generation. One helps in household chores,
Most importantly, being pro-life means valuing oneself
has a loving relationship with all the members of the
and seeing oneself as a person of great worth and value.
family, is kind and considerate to them, and shows a
When one respects life, he will take good care of his
good example to the younger members.
hygiene, he is mindful of the things that he says about
himself, and he will be careful not to do things that will As the basic unit of society, the family is the child’s first
harm his moral, spiritual, physical, and social well-being. glimpse of community, hence, it is important that
children are shown good examples in their respective
3. Order – A good Filipino values orderliness.
homes early in life. Whatever is learned from the family
has big implications on how one is going to treat other
people in one’s community. Among the good practices
Valuing order means respecting laws and procedures. that a family could adopt is open communication. A
By following these sets of laws and/or procedure in the child raised in a family which has maintained open
home, school, and the community as a whole, one communication is most unlikely to turn to harmful
respects the human rights of others and invites influences for solutions to problem or for affirmation.
excellence in everything one does.
Unit 2: The Maka-Tao Cluster
Setting things in order could range from maintaining
cleanliness in the home, to coming to school on time, to 1. Love – A good Filipino looks after the good and
falling in line, and to following traffic rules and welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
regulations.
Love should always be the driving force when we want
4. Work – A good Filipino values diligence and to achieve or do something. This does not refer to
excellence in everything one does. He earns an honest romantic love alone. As a leader, family member, or a
living and does not engage in crime and corruption. He member of the society, we can exercise the value of
goes to school on time, does his homework, and love. A heart motivated by love will always look after
participates in school activities. He does his best in other people’s welfare. This person is kind and
everything and is not contented with the mediocre. compassionate, forgives offenses and is not vengeful.
This person has a sacrificial heart and is always willing to
As a worker, Filipinos are versatile, hardworking, and
extend help to the less fortunate.
creative. In practically every nation of the world,
Filipinos are fast becoming valued business partners and A person filled with love will always see the goodness in
treasured workers. This could be attributed to the every person. This does not mean however that one will
Filipinos’ inherent diligence, coupled with authentic allow other people to look down upon him or trample
concern, and peppered with another good Filipino trait on his rights like a doormat. Instead, speaking the truth
– his sense of humor. Filipinos don’t mind taking on any in love, he gently instructs the erring person on the
kind of work and are great salesmen and negotiators. things that he is doing wrong.
Not to be taken negatively, the Filipino could make
If the wrongdoing involves violation of the law, he does
great sales pitches. He is good in selling ideas. From the
not tolerate or cover up the wrongdoing but submits
ordinary man on the street selling rags, to the
the matter to the proper authorities. He remains
businessman in his Makati office trying to close a deal.
supportive until the person has corrected his erroneous
The Filipinos are likewise very creative. He is the only ways.
one who could sell practically all parts of a chicken and
2. Freedom – A good Filipino asserts one’s rights
name them creatively as well – a helmet for chicken’s
especially if it means being able to do the right thing.
head; adidas for chicken feet, and betamax (after its
shape) for chicken’s blood to name a few. He could One respects the freedom of others; doesn’t impose
almost always find something to laugh about even in one’s will on others; exercise one’s freedom responsibly
the harshest work conditions. so that one will do no harm to anyone; does not use
coercion or intimidation to make others do what one 1. Unity – A good Filipino works with and cooperates
wants them to do or what one wants them to be. with others.

3. Peace – A good Filipino lives and works in harmony Unity does not mean a group of people should act the
with one’s fellow human beings. same nor should they sport the same hairstyle and wear
the same clothing. Just imagine how chaotic it would be
A Filipino avoids violence as a way of settling disputes
if everyone wants and does the same thing. Unity
and looks for ways to resolve conflict in a peaceful way.
means synergizing the different talents and skills for the
He maintains a harmonious relationship with others, at
success of an endeavor.
home, at work, in the community; and helps clear out
misunderstanding among friends and family members. A good team player does not promote intrigue,
dissension and mistrust. One helps others in the family,
A peace-loving Filipino stops conflict whenever and
school, and community grow and is genuinely happy for
wherever one can. This includes not passing gossip and
theachievements of the members of his team even if
unkind words around for the sake of socialization. One
that means the spotlight is not on him.
understands that words and news blown out of
proportion destroys friendships and harmonious 2. Equality – A good Filipino treats others as brothers
relationships and could ruin a person for life. When you and sisters being children of one God and one nation.
are not part of the problem nor part of the solution,
One does not give preferential treatment to the rich
even if the news is true – it is categorized as gossip.
and the powerful; treats everyone with respect
One’s upbringing or the shortcomings of the community regardless of status or position; and does not take
one lives in shouldn’t be the gauging mechanism why advantage of anyone because they are poor, ignorant,
one would observe peace. A peaceful person does not or powerless.
rely on the absence of chaos to exercise peace.
3. Respect for the Law and Government – A good
In the movie Magnifico, a supposedly simpleminded Filipino obeys the laws of the land and supports
ordinary boy served as an agent of peace. In the government programs.
seemingly complicated world of adults looking after
From simply not engaging in vandalism, to following
their own interests or busy solving conflicts or fighting
traffic rules; to reporting lawbreakers, to promoting
their own battles, Magnifico showed love, compassion,
stability of the nation, a good Filipino submits to the
and selflessness. In the end, his example became a
laws of his nation and will not engage in anything that
catalyst of peace and love in his family and the
will threaten one’s country.
community he lives in. He showed them that in a world
where everyone is practically shouting, all it takes is a 4. Patriotism – A good Filipino places high regard for
gentle, selfless voice to get everyone to listen. one’s country.
4. Truth – A good Filipino stands up for the truth and He considers what is good for the country in his words
avoids intrigue and mudslinging and values integrity in and actions. This includes patronage of native products
one’s life, family, work, and country. He observes and promotion of his [Link] is mindful not to do
proper pricing of goods and does not patronize nor is he that would give his country a bad image. He takes extra
a cohort in fixing or bribing in business transactions. He care not to say anything that would malign the
admits his mistakes and does something to correct his reputation of his country. Statements like “ganito talaga
fault. sa Pilipinas, hindi na magbabago” or “huwag kayong
pupunta sa Pilipinas kung ayaw nyong manakawan” are
5. Justice – A good Filipino gives everyone their due
sweeping derogatory statements that malign our
even if it is difficult. He does not oppress or take
country and us Filipinos as well.
advantage of anyone. He is fair in all his dealings
especially with the poor and powerless, not getting
more than what is rightfully his.

Unit 3: The Maka-Bayan Cluster

Being patriotic includes choosing wisely whom to vote Good examples of this are businessmen who do not
during elections. A good Filipino does not sell one’s mind foregoing the potential of earning a sizable
rights or dignity as a person but instead entrusts the income from a development plan if it means
country’s welfare to the hands of someone whom he endangering nature and people’s health. Further, one
knows has the capacity to really govern well. helps the less fortunate and goes out of his way to
engage in activities that will benefit his fellow human
Knowing one’s national emblems like the Philippine
beings especially in the area of poverty alleviation.
National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Filipino Flag is also an act of patriotism. Below are the Unit 4: The Maka-Kalikasan Cluster
lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem and the words
of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Filipino Flag. Concern for the Environment – A good Filipino
conserves natural resources such as water, land and air.
Lupang Hinirang One gets involved in efforts contributory to the welfare
of the environment such as planting trees and
Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan
implementing proper waste segregation. One keeps his
Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y buhay surroundings clean, and does not throw garbage in
canals and waterways.
Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting
We all like to do our share to help the environment. But
Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil
as time goes on, we’re seeing new environmental
concerns. We all need to be ready and prepared to
tackle the 5 main environmental threats.
Sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw
1. Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the most complex and
May dilag ang tula at awit sa paglayang minamahal vital feature of our planet. It is essentially every living
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y tagumpay na nagniningning thing and ecosystem that makes up the environment.
From the tallest giraffe to the smallest microorganism,
Ang bituin at araw nya, kalian pa ma’y di magdidilim everything plays an important role in the maintenance
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta of our world.

Buhay ay langit sa piling mo But with the increase in global warming, pollution, and
deforestation, biodiversity is in danger. Billions of
Aming ligaya, na pag may mang-aapi species are going or have gone extinct all over the
world. Some scientists, in fact, are suggesting that we
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa yo
are in the beginning of a 6th mass extinction, posing
Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas issues for our planet and ourselves. Reducing our meat
intake, particularly red meat, as well as making
Ako ay Pilipino, buong katapatang
sustainable choices can help to keep our planet running
nanunumpa sa watawat ng Pilipinas smoothly.

At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag 2. Water. Water pollution is a huge concern for us and
our environment. Not only is polluted water a huge
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan financial strain but is also killing both humans and
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang maka-Diyos, marine life. With oil spills, an abundance of plastic
waste and toxic chemicals entering our waterways,
makakalikasan at maka-bansa we’re damaging the most valuable resource our planet
5. Promotion of the Common Good – A good Filipino has to offer.
puts the welfare of the greater number of people over By educating people on the causes and effects of water
one’s own. pollution, we can work together to undo the damage
A good Filipino is not greedy and selfish; instead, one humans have caused. Laws also need to change to make
considers the welfare of others in everything one does. pollution tougher, consistently across national borders.
3. Deforestation. We need plants and trees to survive. have strength or valor in every endeavor. It is the basis
They provide oxygen, food, water and medicine for on which his strength in facing the challenges of life
everyone, all over the globe. But if deforestation should be directed.
continues at the rate it’s occurring, we won’t have much
Dr. Tomas Q. D. Andres (1986) would define values as
of the valuable forestry left.
“things, persons, ideas or goals which are important to
With natural wildfires, illegal logging and the mass life; anything which enables life to be understood,
amount of timber being harvested for commercial use, evaluated, and directed.” On the other hand, Edgar
our forests are decreasing at an alarming rate. As well Sheffield Brightman defines value as “whatever is liked,
as reducing our supply of oxygen, the loss of forests is prized, esteemed, desired approved, or enjoyed by
contributing around 15% of our greenhouse gas anyone at any time. It is the actual experience of
[Link] help, you can buy more recycled and enjoying a desired object or activity. Hence, value is an
organic products, limiting the amount of paper and existing realization of desire.”
cardboard you use.
Collectively, the values of a society would be the
4. Pollution. Pollution is one of the primary causes of standards or principles for which an act is judged to be
many of the other environmental concerns, including what is right or wrong, correct or incorrect. As such, it is
climate change and biodiversity. All 7 key types of the goal set for every member of the community to
pollution – air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, light, and attain what is desirable. In other words, values in a
thermal – are affecting our environment. society give meaning and direction to every individual’s
life and influence his human behavior. Based on these
All types of pollution, and environmental concerns, are
definitions, we can say that values are those which are
interlinked and influence one another. So, to tackle one
considered by the society as desirable and important
is to tackle them all. That’s why we need to work
and have attained the status as moral impetus behind
together, as a community, to reduce the impact that
every action of each member geared towards the
pollution is having on our environment.
desired end or goal.
5. Climate Change. As pointed out by a recent UN
Understanding Filipino Values
report, without ‘unprecedented changes’ in our actions
and behavior, our planet will suffer drastically from The characteristic that makes a Filipino vary from
global warming in just 12 years. Greenhouse gases are different society is his uniquely blended culture and
the main cause of climate change, trapping in the sun’s values from different influences. Filipino values, for
heat and warming the surface of the earth. An reason of several influences that shaped its identity, are
increased ocean temperature is affecting the sea life bipolar like a coin that has two sides. They may either
and ecosystems habituated there. The rise in global sea be positive or negative in polarity. Let us take for
levels is shrinking our land, causing mass floods and example the value of utang na loob, or debt of
freak weather incidents across the world. If we continue gratitude. The value of utang na loob, the altruistic
as we are, the world will suffer irreversibly. drawing of interior goodness of a person by returning a
debt of gratitude, is by itself positive. However, when
Saying no to driving more will reduce your carbon
one is coerced to honor a debt of gratitude and return
footprint, as will switching off electrical items when
the favor, then it becomes negative.
they’re not in use. More importantly, we need to
educate the world on the effects and severity of global Due to this ambivalence of Filipino values, they have the
warming, before it is too late. potential of being used for good or evil. They may either
help or hinder personal and national development,
Unit 5: The Filipino Values System depending on how they are understood or practiced or
Before delving into the discussion of values – Filipino lived. In order to shape the Filipino society into a
values, in particular – it is worth analyzing the word successful and progressive nation, there is a need to
itself. The word “value” has its root in the Latin word reevaluate the different values that influence every
“valere” which means to be strong and vigorous. This Filipino individual’s action to a set of circumstances. We
proceeds from the premise that a human person has to need to identify the positive side of every Filipino value
and develop them in order to yield a more successful gratitude is a lean excuse of a translation because it
and developed society. does not even approximate the fertile concept of the
Filipino loob.
According to [Link] and Philippines
Australia Business Council, there are three (3) main Utang na loob is a situation where an individual is
traits that underlie the Filipino values and value- required to return a favor or service received. However,
orientation These traits have a strong influence in the the return of such service or favor cannot be translated
behavior and mentality of the Filipinos. These also have into monetary equivalent, and may reciprocated in a
an effect in the Filipinos’ personal beliefs, cultural month of service or even a lifetime.
traditions and practices.
For example, a congressman proudly gives a town a new
1. Personalism is a Filipino trait wherein they give chapel, a bridge, or a waiting shed (no matter whether
importance to interpersonal relations or face-to-face the money came from his pocket or from the
encounters. Filipinos usually extends their work or government), this makes the people indebted to him.
services through “personal touch” or handles problem And when elections come, he recites the litany of his
solving through good personal relations. projects and people “ought” to repay these through
their votes. Not to repay this form of debt means that
2. Familialism focuses on the welfare and interest of the
those who were benefited are walang utang na loob.
family over those of the community. The family is the
After having been elected, the people would approach
basis of group action and almost all community activity
this congressman for return of the favor by seeking
centers on the family. In decision making, it is the family
employment for them. Thus, this would end into a
that decides rather than the individual on important
vicious cycle, where the person na pinagkakautangan ng
matters. It takes into consideration the welfare of the
loob becomes the giver and the giver becomes the
family and not the individual. The family’s honor, not
person na may utang na loob.
the personal image, that is at stake when a family
member makes a mistake. However, utang na loob may be interpreted in a positive
outlook. If it is used with the concept of justice, truth,
3. Particularism relates to the strong family influence
and human dignity, it would reflect the beautiful aspect
on the individual or group behavior. This is shown when
of the Filipino character. Thus, this altruistic feeling
an individual strives to promote their own and their
must voluntarily come from within the person himself,
family’s interest over the community’s interest.
kusang loob; and should not be demanded by coercing
Popularity among peers is prevalent and observable.
the person who has utang na loob, so as blind his sense
Thus, Filipinos make special efforts to entertain friends
of judgment. Furthermore, this value should be used
and relatives. Pakikisama is very important. Conformity
discriminately. The pagtatanaw ng utang na loob should
to proper codes of conduct yields rewards of
emerge from within the self of an individual with sense
cooperation while non- conformity results to
of justice so as to repay the person for the favor or
withdrawal of support.
services rendered.
It is also important to know that there are three (3)
We should always remember that in demanding for the
main obligations that underlie the Filipino value
return of indebtedness, the golden rule “Do unto other
orientation namely – relational (pakikipagkapwa),
as you would want them to do unto you.” By
emotional (damdamin) and moral (karangalan). One or
demanding the return of the favor, would you wish to
all of these may have influence in Filipinos’ lives and
become indebted in return? And when indebted, would
social relationships.
you want that person to act the same way when they
Let us then try to discuss some of the values in the are demanding the return of the favor?
Filipino society and re-evaluate them to develop a more
B. Bahala Na
positive value for the Filipino individual.
Filipinos, by nature, are a religious group of people.
A. Utang na Loob
They firmly believe in the supernatural and in all kinds
There is no specific translation that can approximate the of spirit dwelling in individual persons, places or things.
meaning of this Filipino value of utang na loob. Debt of They believe in a Supreme Being who will take care of
things for them. The Filipino is very religious who has a ‘bahay-kubo’, can be moved using wooden poles which
saint to pray to each day of the week. are carried from the old place to the new one. This
requires a group of people to lift and carry the house on
The term bahala na comes from the words Bathala na. It
their shoulders. Able-bodied men usually participated in
reflects the Filipino's dependence on the supernatural
such feats, while women stood and watched, casually
being and on fate. This tends to move toward the
chatting and cheering the men on. Afterwards, there
commonly conceived procrastination character of the
will be a small gathering as a form of celebration and
Filipino.
socialization.
C. Mañana Habit

Mañana Habit can be traced back to the Spanish

colonization era. The term “Mañana” is a Spanish word
that means “tomorrow”. This is a Filipino trait that
enforces procrastination - practice of putting off work to
be done in the near future or in the last minute. This
habit is exemplified through the “Mamaya na” or
“Bukas na”.

D. Ningas Kugon

The term Ningas Kugon translates to “burning of cogon

grass”. As a Filipino trait, it means that Filipinos tend to
have a strong enthusiasm in the beginning of each work
or endeavor but gradually slows down and lose their
drive to work and finish the job. It is said that in work
Filipinos tend to do their job half- baked or leave it
unfinished.

E. Amor Propio

As a reinforcement to the Philippine trait of “Hiya” or

NSTP-CWTS
shame, Filipinos are akin to the traditional attitude of 1. MODULE 3: GOOD CITIZENSHIP VALUES
saving “face”. Amor propio is another Spanish term that
means a sense of self-esteem or self-respect that
prevents a person from swallowing his pride. It also
means ego defensiveness or maintaining one’s dignity
and personal pride. According to the Philippines
Australia Business Council, amor propio often implies a
vindictive reaction to questioning an individual’s action,
integrity, or honor.

F. Bayanihan

In an article titled “Filipino Culture: Bayanihan: The

Filipino Value that Must be Retained”, it describes
bayanihan as:

“Bayanihan is a core essence of the Filipino culture. It is

helping out one’s neighbor as a community, and doing a
task together, thus lessening the workload and making
the job easier. It is also called the ‘community spirit’. It
is best exhibited when people wish to move locations in
the rural area. The traditional Filipino house, the