• FILIPINO VALUE

SYSTEM
  Models of Filipino values
F. Landa Jocano - identified two models of the Filipino
exogenous model or the
value system. The first is the
foreign model, while the second is the indigenous
model or the traditional model.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:

1. although mankind shares universal human

values, it is obvious that certain values take on
for us a distinctively Filipino flavor. The Greek
ideal of moderation or meden agan, the Roman
in medio stat virtus, the Confucian and Buddhist
"doctrine of the Middle", find their Filipino
equivalent in hindi labis, hindi kulang,
katamtaman lamang.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:

2. when we speak of Filipino values, we do not mean that

elements of these Filipino values are absent in the value
systems of other peoples and cultures.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:

3. universal human values in a Filipino context

(historical, cultural, socio-economic, political,
moral and religious) take on a distinctive set of
Filipino meanings and motivations.
 Filipino values in a fourfold sense:
4. The Filipino concept of justice has evolved from
inequality to equality, and to human dignity; from the
tribe, to the family, and to the nation. Filipino
consciousness of these different values varies at different
periods of our history. It is only in the last two decades
that the Filipino people have become more conscious of
overpopulation and family planning,
environmental pollution (Kawasaki sintering plant) and
wildlife conservation (Calauit Island), and the violation
of human rights (Martial Law), active non-violence and
People Power (1986 non-violent Revolution).
Generally, there are Six types of Value System:
 Theoretical - places high importance on discovery of truth
through a critical and rational approach.
 Economic - emphasizes on the useful and practical form of
values.
 Aesthetic - places highest value on form and harmony

 Social - highest value is given to love of people

 Political - emphasizes on acquisition of power and

influence.
 Religious - concerned with unity of experience and
understanding of cosmos as a whole.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (The Filipinos have
different kinds of values, such as):

1. hospitable to their guests and kind to other people.

2. The Filipino children are very respectful to elders
especially their parent. They take their hand and hit it
gently in their foreheads. They do this every time they
meet an elder or a sign of respecting them.
3. Many Filipino cultural values reflect the desire to be
together as a group.
 * Many Filipino cultural values reflect the desire to be
together as a group:
examples are:
a. pakikisama. This is the ability to get along in a group, and
to enjoy camaraderie and togetherness. One who understands
pakikisama will yield to group opinion and sacrifice individual
welfare for group welfare.
b. utang na loob. This is the Filipino obligation to repay a
debt or favor upon request, and repay it with interest. Every
Filipino has utang na loob to someone, while others have utang
na loob to him. Filipinos also believe strongly in suki, which is
the building of personal bonds between businesses and
customers and loyal patronage.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (The Filipinos have
different kinds of values, such as):

4. Filipinos believe strongly in saving face.

This is why, in response to an invitation, when a
Filipino says yes, it might mean “yes”, but could mean
“maybe”, or even “I don’t know.” It is often difficult for
Filipinos to bring themselves to say no, and it is a good
idea to confirm a dinner invitation several times to ensure
that they did not say yes because they could not find a
proper way to say no.
Examples of saving face are:
[Link] propio, - which means self respect;

[Link] - which means shame.

A Filipino would be thought of as lacking amor

propio if, for example, they accepted criticism weakly or
did not offer honored guests the proper hospitality. Hiya is
felt by those whose actions are seen as socially
unacceptable, and one of the ultimate insults in Philippine
society is to be labeled walang-hiya, which roughly
translates to being shameless.
FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES: (The Filipinos have
different kinds of values, such as):

5. Another value that is common in Philippine culture is

bahala na - which means, literally, leaving things to God.
It indicates the Filipino’s fatalistic view of life, and is a way
of coping with conflicts that can result from tight kinship
within groups. By adopting this attitude, one lets the
circumstance take care of itself.
Generally, common Filipino Cultural
Values are:
1. Irrationalism. This refers to a certain superstitious
beliefs of Filipinos that still practiced up to now. People
still believed in gods of the nature and spirits and offer
them foods and placate the sprits to heal the illness and
provide them a good harvest.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

2. Social Belongingness. Filipinos want to be

accepted by the group or to the community, so, sometimes
Filipinos are doing things just to please somebody. We are
not true to ourselves. Sometimes we avoided to be franked
to others just not hurt others feelings, because we are so
sensitive.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

3. Close family ties. The family is the most

important in our life. We are totally dependent with our
family. We are doing things for the common good or for
the benefits of the family. Children should obey their
parents because if they will defy parental advises it will
bring misfortune or their life becomes tragic.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

4. Sense of debt gratitude. In Filipino term, it

is “utang na loob”. We are obliged to do something in
return for what others do for us. We are very particular in
stressing this owing a debt of gratitude, that’s why we are
always expecting for repayment. This value has been taken
advantage by others especially the politicians. This “utang
na loob” may result to faithfulness and a cause for graft
and corruption.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

5. Emphasis on authority. Father is the

head of the family; Mayor is the head of the town and
whatsoever. We give more emphasis to what the person is.
The status of the person depends on his wealth and
acquisition of land.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

6. Personal improvement. Most Filipinos are

aiming to raise their family in standard living. We believed
that we will obtain success only when we will finish our
education. Education has played a major role in obtaining
success that’s why parents would sacrifice themselves just
to send their children to school. In return, older brother and
sister would help their younger ones to go to school and
would not get married until they help their parents.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

7. "Mano po“ - "Mano po" (pronounced mah-noh

poh) refers to a physical gesture of taking the hand of an
elder and bringing it towards your forehead. This is a sign
of respect for the elder and is usually done at the point of
greeting or farewell. Children are expected to perform this
gesture towards adult relatives & adult family friends.
Failure to perform "mano po" would be considered as
disrespectful.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:
8. "Kuya" or "Ate“. The Filipino culture is very big
on respect. The older an individual is, the more they call
for respect. The term 'kuya' (pronounced koo-yah) refers to
an older male person; it means 'big brother.' Its verbal
usage indicates that you respect the older male and
recognize the difference in age.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:
9. The power of the eyebrows.
In American culture, the eyebrows usually convey emotion
via a variety of facial expressions. In Filipino culture,
raising your eyebrows can also communicate a positive
affirmation of "yes" when a yes/no question have been
asked. So, should a Filipino fail to verbally answer your
question, look at their eyebrows before feeling like you
were being ignored. In reality, they may just be answering
you non-verbally through the raising of their eyebrows.
Raising your eyebrows accompanied with strong eye
contact can also serve as a greeting or farewell to an
individual you cannot physically touch.
Another common Filipino Cultural Values:

10. ningas-kugon / ningas kugon -

"flaming cogon grass" = quickly going up in
flames, refers to the Filipino cultural trait of very
enthusiastically starting things, but then quickly
losing enthusiasm soon after.
Categories of Filipino Values:
[Link] Value or kapwa: (kapwa, means “togetherness”) – is the core
construct of Filipino Psychology.
Two categories of Kapwa:
[Link] tao (“outsider”): there are five domains

* pakikitungo (civility)
* pakikisalamuha (act of mixing)
* Pakikilahok (act of joining)
* Pakikisama (being united with the group)
* Pakikibagay (conformity)
[Link] Ibang Tao (“one – of – us”): there are three domains

* pakikipagpalagayang-loob (act of mutual trust)

* Pakikisangkot (act of joining others)
* Pakikipagkaisa ( being one with others)
Categories of Filipino Values:

b. Pivotal Interpersonal Value

* Pakiramdam ( Shared inner perception).

Filipinos use damdam, or the inner
perception of others’ emotions, as a basic tool to
guide his dealings with other people.
Categories of Filipino Values:

c. Linking Socio-personal Value

* kagandahang-Loob ( Shared humanity).

This refers to being able to help other
people in dire need due to a perception of being
together as a part of one Filipino humanity.
Categories of Filipino Values:
d. Accommodative Surface values
* Hiya (Loosely translated as “Shame”) , by Western
psychologists, hiya is actually “Sense of Propriety” (sense
of good conduct or behavior)
* Utang na Loob (norm of Reciprocity). Filipinos are
expected by their neighbors to return favors – whether
these were asked for or not – when it is neded or wanted.
* Pakikisama and Pakikipagkapwa (SIR - Smooth
Interpersonal relationship). This attitude is primarily
guided by conformity with the majority.
e. Confrontative Surface values
* Bahala Na (This attitude, loosely translated into English
as “FATALISTIC PASSIVENESS”). This actually
describes the Filipino way fo life, in which, he is
determined to do his best, hence, the term bahala na,
which actually came from the phrase “Bathalan Na” –
which means “I will do all my best, let God take care of
the rest”.
* Lakas ng Loob – This attitude is characterized by being
courageous in the midst of problems and uncertainties.
* Pakikibaka (in English, it means CONCURRENT
CLASHES. It refers to the ability of the Filipino to
undertake revolutions and uprisings against a common
enemy.
Filipino Society & Culture

[Link] Family Values

The family is the centre of the social structure and includes
the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and
honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close
family friends.
People get strength and stability from their family. As such,
many children have several godparents.
Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage
provided to family members when they seek employment.
It is common for members of the same family to work for the
same company.
 In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that
preferential hiring will be given to family members.
Filipino Society & Culture

B. Filipino Concept of Shame

Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour.
 It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal
norms of behaviour.
Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards
of behaviour and if they fail to do so they bring shame not only
upon themselves, but also upon their family.
 One indication of this might be a willingness to spend more
than they can afford on a party rather than be shamed by their
economic circumstances.
 If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not
live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.
Etiquette & Customs:

A. Meeting Etiquette
Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of
greeting the eldest or most important person first.
 A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard
greeting.
 Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet.

Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the

person's surname until you are invited to use their first
name, or even more frequently, their nickname.
Etiquette & Customs:
B. Gift Giving Etiquette
If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner bring
sweets or flowers to the hosts.
If you give flowers, avoid chrysanthemums and white
lilies.
 You may send a fruit basket after the event as a thank you
but not before or at the event, as it could be interpreted as
meaning you do not think that the host will provide
sufficient hospitality.
Wrap gifts elegantly as presentation is important. There
are no color restrictions as to wrapping paper.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Etiquette & Customs:
C. Dining Etiquette: (If you are invited to a Filipino's
house):
It is best to arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited for a
large party.
 Never refer to your host's wife as the hostess. This has a
different meaning in the Philippines.
Dress well. Appearances matter and you will be judged on
how you dress.
Compliment the hostess on the house.

Send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts in the week

following the dinner or party. It shows you have class.
Etiquette & Customs:
D. Table manners
Wait to be asked several times before moving into the
dining room or helping yourself to food.
Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.

Do not start eating until the host invites you to do so.

Meals are often served family- style or are buffets where

you serve yourself.
A fork and spoon are the typical eating utensils.

 Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to
the spoon in your right hand.
Whether you should leave some food on your plate or
finish everything is a matter of personal preference rather
than culture-driven.