CHAPTER IV

FILIPINO CORE VALUES

Objectives:
 Recognize and relate Filipino values, its structures, models philosophical
foundations and elements.

Basic concept of Values

Core values are a person’s or organization’s fundamental beliefs. These guiding

principles dictate conduct and can assist individuals to know the distinction between right
and wrong. It also assists organizations by establishing an unwavering guide to determine
if they are on the correct track and fulfil their objectives. Values are essential because
they assist us to grow. They assist us build the future that we want to experience.

Hundreds of choices are made every day by every person and every organization.
The choices we make reflect our values and beliefs and are always aimed at a particular
purpose. That aimed is our person or collective (organizational) needs to be satisfied.
When we make choices using our values, we create decision to concentrate on what
matters to us. They create inner cohesion within a group when values are shared.

Filipino Values System

Race strains and cultural components

such as Aeta have derived Filipino values.
Indonesians, Malayan, Hindu and
Chinese who created our moral scruples
core. Cultural individuality combined
with Spain-derived cultural
components. The U.S and the
contemporary planetary society (Panopio and
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Rolda. 2000). You can find Filipinos in almost every part of the globe. We rejoice at the
sight of other co-Filipinos we’re in a foreign nation as if there’s something that connects
us.
Landa Jacano, a famous sociologist says that “there are no negative Filipino
Vaues”. Values slowly alter, but it depends on how powerful families are to preserve,
promote and pass on our cultural values from one generation to the next.

The Filipino values system relates to the set of values or he value system that
has historically been held by a majority of Filipinos in their life. This system of the
Philippine values involves the distinctive combination of coherent ideologies, moral
codes, ethical procedures, cultural etiquette and private values promoted by the
Philippine society. However, as with any culture, the values held sacred by any person
may vary on the grounds of religion, education, and other variables.

Philosophical Foundation of Filipino Values

For the most part, Filipino values are focused on preserving social harmony, mainly
driven by a group’s willingness to be accepted. The primary sanction against diverging
from these values are “Hiya” ideas, approximately translated as “ a sense of shame” and
“Amor proper” or “self-esteem.” Social approval, group recognition, and group
membership are significant issues. Caring for what others believe, say or do is a powerful
influence on Filipinos ‘social behavior.
The Filipino philosophy is basically “non-dualistic” according to antrhropologist
Leonardo Mercado. He concludes, based on his linguistic analysis of Filipino value terms
such as “loob” that Filipinos desire harmony, not only in interpersonal relationships, but
also in nature and religion, while remaining non-dichotomous. The Filipino wants to
harmonized the object and the subject while keeping both as distinct at the same time.

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MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES

1.) Exogenous Model or The Foreign Model

A “legal and formal” model is defined as the international model. Filipino from
Western cultures, particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans, inherited the foreign
model. An example of foreign or exogenous is the bureaucracy displayed in the Philippine
government.

2.) Indigenous Model or The Traditional Model

Described as a “traditional and non-formal” model o guide, the indigenous model
is deeply integrated in the Filipinos ‘subconscious.

STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS OF FILIPINO VALUES

The Filipino value system is known to possess significant key components based
on research, surveys, observations, anecdotes and other literatures developed by
scholars and researchers in relation to Filipino social values or core values, together with
the Filipino character or identity of a person or individual known as the Filipino.

One may notice how Hiya (ownership / dignity) ,Pakikisama (companionship /

esteem, and Utang na loob (gratitude / solidarity) are simply Surface Values- readily seen
and appreciated by many Filipinos. These three values are deemed branches of a single
origin- Filipino personality’s real core value- Kapwa

It implies’ totality,’ referring to society, or not doing stuff alone. Ibang Tao (other
people) and Hindi Ibang Tao (not other people) are two types of Kapwa. The surface
values spin of the core value through Pakikiramdam’s Privotal aspects or mutual internal
perception (feeling for someone else).

The values of the Filipinos specifically uphold the following elements: family unit

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solidarity, security of Philippine economy, orientation towards small groups, personalism,
the concepts of “loob” or “kalooban” (meaning “what’s inside the self”), existence and
maintenance of smooth interpersonal realtionships, and the sense of the self.
In a broader image, these values are categorized into particular clusters or
“macroclusters”.
1.) Cluster of Relationships
2.) Social Cluster
3.) Cluster of Livelihoods
4.) Cluster of Inwardness
5.) Cluster of Optimism

THE FIVE (5) FILIPINO CORE VALUES

Based on Dr. Ramirez’s study “The Filipino Worldwide and Values” and her
perspective as a phenomenological sociologist from centuries of practice, here are The
Five Filipino Core Values based on a Filipino’s Basic Aspirations.

Magpasalamat
This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to
“Pamumuhay’ (Life) and “Pananalig sa Diyos at Kapwa”
(God and People Faith). Filipinos understand how life
can be enjoyed. We have plenty of vacations,
celebrations, occasions, and meetings. Filipino are
cheerful and sociable of course. Even in depressing
circumstances, we wear smiles on our faces. That’s
because we’re always looking at life’s bright side.
We always have a positive outlook because, even in the
smallest things, we always find things to be grateful for. We would always say “Salamat
sa Diyos” (Thank God) whenever excellent things occur because Filipinos would attribute
the blessings of life to the Higher Being from what ever religion. We also recognize other
people’s excellent acts towards us and do our utmost to return the favor.

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Matatag
Filipinos, being in a nation susceptible to natural disasters, have adjusted and
learned to be powerful in moments of need and in difficult circumstances that life throws
at us. This power is derived from our love for our family and our belief in the greater being.
This is based on Filipino’s “Kaayusan” (Order) aspiration.
In reality, the popular phrase of the Philippines is “Ayos Na.” We Filipinos are
longing for “Kaayusan,” and we will endure all and be powerful in the midst of hardships
and challenges until we overcome the barriers.

Masigasig
We do everything we can to get it when Filipinos dream of something. We’re doing
it for our loved ones and relatives. This is based on the “Kasaganaan” (abundance) and
“Ginhawa” (Relief) aspiration of Filipinos. Not for himself, but for his family, a Filipino
aspires to abundance. Masaganang Bagong Taon (Bountiful New Year) is the Filipino
translation for Happy New Year because we match happiness and celebration with
abundance.

“Ginhawa” in Bisaya implies breath. And the soft breath flow is the soft life flow
we call “Ginhawa.” “Ginhawa” is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino, according to lay
theologian Dr. Jose De Mesa. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) would be an instance
of enduring being away from home to offer their families a healthy life- abundance and
relief from hardships.

Mapagmalasakit

It is because of our family love extended to friends, neighbors and others that
naturally sympathetic Filipinos. This compassion allows us to assist others without in
exchange asking for anything. This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to “Loob at
Damdamin” and “Kapwa”(Other People). “Loob” is the seat of the dignity of the
Philippines. Filipino’s personality is expressed in his “Kalooban.” Filipinos tune in the

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“kalooban” of each other by checking the situation of each other and talking about the life
of each other.
Filipinos use “Kapwa” to refer not only a stranger, but to a relative, a neighbor next
door, a distant relative, or a friend because of our family culture. Our characteristic of
“Mapagmalasakit” makes it simple for us to promote the spirit of Bayanihan- to and assist
one another during calamities and to celebrate together on unique occasions.

Magalang
The use of “Po”, “Opo,” and “Pagmamano” (hand kissing) are separate methods
of regard for Filipino people. We say these phrases and use this gesture to demonstrate
our respect and love to elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but
also to other people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people. Our
language is also respectful because it has no sex bias.
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) CORE VALUES
Being a noble profession the police service demands from its members specialized
understanding and abilities, as well as great standard of ethics and morality.
The members of the PNP must therefore conform to and internalize the key
principles of:
Love of God
Respect for authority
Respect for Women
Respect for sanctity of marriage
Stewardship over material things
Responsible dominion
Truthfulness

The Police service in the Philippines is expressed in the acronym SERVICE. The
acronym SERVICE stands for:

SERVANT HOOD

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 As police affirm its unconditional service and love for the nation and individuals,
Police value a supportive and professional role serves and protects its clientele and
community with honesty, utmost devotion and commitment above private concern.

EXCELLENCE

Police are committed in doing

and making things occur effectively and
efficiently in all of their efforts as they
strive to accomplish more consistently
and outstandingly with tangible
outcomes and far beyond their best.

RESPONSIBILITY WITH
ACCOUNTABILITY

Police carry out and execute their responsibilities and tasks as their moral duty is
to serve the public with due diligence and always bearing in mind that they are
accountable and duty bound to promote the public interest.

VALUING PEOPLE AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Police always maintain their fellow human beings’ dignity whenever they cater their
needs and are delicate and cautious in serving and protecting them with compassion and
utmost regard for their human rights.

INTEGRITY

Police take an uncompromising and coherent position in the fulfillment of their

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obligation to live an honest, upright and dignified life according to the highest ethical and
moral norms where their advocacy, values and convictions are compatible with their
words and actions.

COURAGE

From their moral strength police draw their collective and individual power of
approach to always accept difficult duties, and they are courageous enough to speak out
against temptation, anomalies, corruption and exploitation and stand film.

EMPOWERMENT

Police reach out and create bridges of collaboration, nurture volunteerism and
operate in harmony with their clientele by training individuals for a better and safer society
in the process.

Reference Constantino, Renato, “A Past

Revisited” Constantino, Renato,
“Continuing the Past” De Leon,
Hector, “The 1987 Philippine
Constitution”

Video Links Topics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCjYaatMJuY Values | Ethics Defined
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcgiG4Tadw The Filipino Value System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHfbtn3QtqU PNP CORE VALUES Crim 4