Filipino core values, along with the Filipino character or Filipino identity of a person or an individual known as the Filipino, the Filipino value system are found to possess inherent key elements of. value system which includes their own unique assemblage of consistent ideologies, moral codes, ethical practices, etiquette, and cultural and personal values that are promoted by their society. As with any society though, the values that an individual holds sacred can differ on the basis of religion, upbringing and other factors.
There are several strengths that Filipinos are known for namely Pakikipagkapwa-Tao. This strength can be fully exemplified by means of valuing the meaning of relationship they create as they open up for some space for individual or group of person. Filipinos are open to others. They feel one another and are sensitive to others feeling. It is demonstrated in the Filipinos ability to empathize with others, in helpfulness and generosity in times of need , in the practice of bayanihan or mutual assistance, and in the famous Filipino hospitality.
Pakikipagkapwa-tao results in camaraderie and a feeling of closeness one to another. It helps promote unity as well a sense of social justice. Filipinos are also known for being a Family Oriented person. Filipinos are known for a close family relationship, they possess a genuine and deep love for their families which include not only their parents but also their siblings, and other relatives.
Filipinos have a strong belief in “ Blood is thicker than water” Concern for family is manifested in the honor and respect given to parents and elders, in the care given to children, the generosity towards kin in need, and in the great sacrifices one endures for the welfare of the family. This sense of family results in a feeling of belonging or rootedness and in a basic sense of security. Another thing that Filipinos should be proud of is the value of having Joy and Humor. Filipinos have a pleasant disposition.
They can afford to laugh at their own mistakes and can make jokes about their good and bad fortune. This sense of joy and humor is manifested in the Filipino love for socials and celebrations, in our capacity to laugh even in the most trying of times, and in the appeal of political satire. Flexible, Adaptable and Creative, Filipinos have a great capacity to adjust and adapt to different circumstances, surroundings as well as to the environment he’s in with, both physical and social. Unplanned or unanticipated events are never overly disturbing and disorienting to the
Filipinos. Creative, resourceful and quick learners and have the ability to improvise and make use whatever is available. Being a hard working and Industrious, Filipinos have the capacity for hard work given the proper conditions, the desire to raise one’s standard of living and posses the essentials of a decent life for one’s family, makes the Filipino work very hard. Faith and Religiosity , Filipinos as Catholics have a deep faith and respect to God. The results of Filipinos faith are courage, daring optimism, inner peace as well as the capacity to accept tragedy and death.
Ability to survive, this strength is manifested in Filipinos capacity for endurance despite difficult times and their ability to get by on so very little. Having learned the desirable Filipino traits mentioned above, it is hoped that these will be cultivated and reinforced so that you will become a better person and a better Filipino citizen. We Filipinos will truly stand out if we reinforce or apply these traits in our daily lives Values define as a principle, standard, or quality that has been freely chosen from alternatives and acted upon which is considered worthwhile or desirable.
A person can discover values or principles through one’s behavior, feelings, ideas and important choices one has made. Values can never be static but must be continually re-chosen as a person matures. As a person grows, he/she is continually choosing values and fashioning his/her hierarchy of values. These “ values” are not helpful, but having a positive outlook on these “ negative traits” is only a way of saying that these traits are contextually not negative per se but rather they afford us Filipinos some mechanism to cope with everyday life.
Denying that they are not part of our Filipino psyche, consciously or unconsciously, is like denying that Filipino blood runs in our veins and arteries. Among them are optimism about the future, pessimism with regards to present situations and events, the concern and care for other people, the existence of friendship and friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, religious nature, respectfulness to self and others, respect for the female members of society, the fear of God, and abhorrence of acts of cheating and thievery.
Though there are positive values that Filipinos are possessing, there lays a side called negative values. There is shame/sensitivity because it arrests or inhibits one’s action. This trait reduces one to smallness or the “ morality of slaves”, thus congealing the soul of the Filipino and emasculating him, making him timid, meek and weak. Positive, because, a person considers other people’s feelings and avoids arguments or offense to others. Procrastination, by all standards, because it begins ardently and dies down as soon as it begins.
This trait renders one inactive and unable to initiate things or to persevere. Positive, in a way, because it makes a person non-chalant, detached, indifferent, nonplussed should anything go wrong, and hence conducive to peace and tranquillity. Group loyalty, because one closes one’s eyes to evils like graft and corruption in order to conserve peace and harmony in a group at the expense of one’s comfort. Positive, because one lives for others; peace or lack of dissension is a constant goal.
Indebtedness, because one overlooks moral principles when one is indebted to a person. One who is beholden to another person will do anything to please him, thinking that by doing so he is able to repay a debt. One condones what the other person does and will never censure him for wrongdoing. Positive, because it is a recognition of one’s indebtedness. This trait portrays the spirit behind the Filipino saying, “ He who does not know how to look to the past will never reach his destination.
In recognizing the vital role of the youth in nation building, the state shall promote their civic-consciousness and develop their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs. Another equally important trait that Filipino should foster and develop is loyalty to our country showing this by speaking our national language, giving importance to our heroes, national symbols and our national anthem, and by doing your part in helping our country grow and develop.
