Lecture notes 7 Filipino Moral Characters: Strengths and Weaknesses PDF

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MODULE 7THE FILIPINO WAYIntroduction This module discusses the different Filipino values and traits which could explain the moral characters of Filipinos. It also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each values and traits and to what circumstances these are sometimes applied by individuals to ...

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MODULE 7 THE FILIPINO WAY

Introduction This module discusses the different Filipino values and traits which could explain the moral characters of Filipinos. It also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each values and traits and to what circumstances these are sometimes applied by individuals to attain smooth interpersonal relationship with other people.

Learning Objectives a) b) c) d)

At the end of the topic, students are expected to: Differentiate Filipino values and Filipino traits. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of Filipino moral characters. Apply more the positive implications of each values and traits and lessen. Appraise oneself and determine how to lessen the influence of negative implications of Filipino characters.

Learning Content

Filipino Moral Characters: Strengths and Weaknesses Filipino cultural morality especially that which concerns social ethics, centers on ideally having a “smooth interpersonal relationship (SIR) with others (De Guzman et al. 2017). The definition of “smooth interpersonal relationship” in Philippine culture is principally supported by and anchored on the following Filipino values and Filipino traits and values (De Guzman et al. 2017 and Arcega et al., 2018). Filipino Values Values are those aspects in life that include customs, traditions, etc., which the people regard as necessary and important in their dealings with one another (Agoncillo et al., 2010). One of the Filipino values is ‘pakikisama’ or sense or togetherness. It refers to doing somebody a good deed, such as helping a relative or neighbor build a house without asking for compensation, or helping someone looking for a job and so on (Agoncillo et al., 2010). It is not only practiced in neighborhood but also at work and school. Helping other people even in small little way may show ‘pakikisama.’ Like offering help if someone cannot carry a bunch of documents or buy goods that an office-mate or classmate sells to support his/her relative in medication or education (Arcega et

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al., 2018). According to De Guzman et al. 2017, ‘pakikisama’ is having and maintaining ‘good public relations.’ This is usually being practiced to avoid clash with other people or a certain group. Just like other Filipino values, ‘pakikisama’ can work either positively or destructively. To elude open displays of conflicts, clashes, and confrontations, Filipinos, because of ‘pakikisama,’ may submit to group opinion, overgenerous praise one another, using metaphorical language rather than candid terms, concealing negative feelinsg or unhappy spirits underneath a pleasant demeanor, smiling even when things go wrong, avoiding to say ‘no,’ and refraining from venting anger or losing temper (De Guzman et al. 2017). ‘Utang na loob’ or dept or gratitude is very important to Filipinos. It is recognizing and returning the favor to that person in the same measure who help them in times of need (Agoncillo et al., 2010). According to Arcega et al., (2018), Filipinos may have ‘utang na loob’ if other people help them during sickness, medication, sending their children to school, finding a job, or they were saved in a life threatening situation. Once Filipinos surpass those challenges in life, they will return to the person whom they have debt of gratitude to give back the favor they received or they will help that person in times of need. However ‘utang na loob’ may not be good if the person is forced to do somethings even against his/ her will or against the law just to pay the debt of gratitude. The person will do this to avoid being reproved or having confrontations, clashes and conflicts with the person whom they have ‘utang na loob.’ ‘Hiya’ or ‘kahihiyan’ or sense of shame is another Filipino values (Agoncillo et al., 2010). ‘Hiya’ may be observed to Filipinos in accepting the food that are offered to them. Even though they are hungry, they will feel sense of shame accepting the food given to them or they will say that they are not yet hungry. They also feel ‘hiya’ in approaching higher authorities like school principal, teachers/ professors, deans, and executives. They will look someone whom they think have the courage to approach higher authorities (Arcega et al., 2018). On the other hand, ‘kahihiyan’ maybe observed in the Filipino families. They try to avoid doing things that may dishonor their family’s name and reputation. If problems arise in the family, as much as they could, they will hide it within the family because for them, the stink of a member will be the stink of the whole family (Arcega et al., 2018). Sense of shame maybe observed also during family’s occasion like wedding, baptism and feast (Agoncillo et al., 2010). Others will borrow money from relatives or other people offering 5/6 or with higher interest rates just to be used in the occasion. They will spend so much not to receive bad comments from other people that they cannot afford to spend money for the event. At the end, they need to settle their obligations or else the interests will get higher (Arcega et al., 2018). Like ‘hiya,’ the Filipino value of ‘amor propio’ is derived from the concept of ‘face.’ Although commonly translated as self-respect or self-esteem, ‘amor propio’ has been characterized as the high degree of sensitivity that makes a person intolerant to criticism and causes him to have an easily wounded pride (“Amor Propio.” n.d). Concerning this Filipino value, some observe that Filipinos learn to withstand a loss of face in some situations, particulalrly when they perceive themselves to be a fault, but it is devastating to be publicly criticized, insulted, belittled, or 1

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humiliated or to lose one’s self-respect (“Amor Propio.” n.d). According to De Guzman et al., (2017), ‘amor propio’ comes from the person’s tendency to protect is or her dignity and honor. Because of pride or amor proprio, for instance, a person may refuse offers even if he/she wants to accept them. Filipino Traits Trait is a distinguishing feature or character of a person or a group of people (Agoncillo et al., 2010). One of the common traits among Filipino is hospitality or keeping the strangers feel warm and welcome. Filipinos are known by other nations through this trait because they really make an effort to welcome their guests. It is not only applied to foreigners but it also applied to everybody. New kitchen utensils, bed sheets and pillow covers, bath towels etc., are used by their guests. They also cook delicious foods for them. They want their guests happy, contented and comfortable (Arcega et al., 2018). This trait however, makes Filipinos prone to being abused or maltreated (De Guzman et al., 2017). Family is the unit of society and consists, at least very recent times, of the parent, grandparents, and the children (Agoncillo et al., 2010). Filipinos are also known for having close family ties. As much as possible, they want to live in a house together with their grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. Father is the head and the provider of the family. All of his salary will be given to his wife to budget all the expenses and needs of the family. He will fix anything that are damaged in their house. On the other hand, mother is the light of their home. She will guide their children in their assignment and school activities. She will do the house chores like going to market, cleaning the house, cooking dishes, washing and ironing the clothes and etc (Arcega et al., 2018). On the other hand, this Filipino trait may not be good sometimes if daughters and sons who have their own family still live under their parents’ custody. Their aging parents who should be enjoying their retirement age, still support their children and grandchildren in many ways such as providing them basic needs, shoulder the payment of utilities, or even support grandchildren in their studies because the former either have no capacity to support their family, have no stable job, are immature parents or used to be dependent to parents even they have their own family. Respect for the elders is also observed to the Filipinos. They obey elderly and consider their suggestions in major life decisions like choosing a course in college, marriage, burial, changed of residents and others. Saying po and opo as well as mano po are taught to children as sign of respect to elders. Children are also taught not to interrupt or mingle with the elders while they are having conversations. Calling kuya or ate the person who is older in age even they are not biologically related is also a a way f showing respect (Arcega et al., 2018). When excessive, nonetheless, respect to elders make one dependent or irrationally obedient to parents or elders (De Guzman et al. 2017).

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These Filipino social values are important to maintain harmony in Filipino relationships in social institutions such as famly, school, and community. The ‘smooth interpersonal relationship,’ together with Filipino ‘pakikipagkapwa-tao,’ has been deemed as a central core of essential cultural traits that form and define an almost stereotypic Filipino character and mora behavior (De Guzman et al. 2017)....