5 Filipino Values

Soc Sci 1
Filipino Values
Values
- beliefs, behavior and material objects that constitute a person’s way of life (Maciones, 1997).e.g.
honesty and integrity of a person, nobility and applicability of an idea, fruitfulness and productivity of
an action.
- collective conceptions of what is considered good, desirable, and proper – or bad, undesirable,
and improper – in culture (Schaefer, 2001).
- from the Latin word valere, meaning strong and vigorous.
- whatever is actually liked, prized, esteemed, desired, approved or enjoyed by anyone at anytime
(Edgar Brightman).
Importance/Functions of Values
1. Values provide the framework within which judgments are made. Values are guides for behavior.
2. Values give purpose and direction to the lives of people. If values are clear, consistent, and well-
chosen, people tend to live in a meaningful and satisfying way. If a society lacks values or the values
held are in conflict or confusing, life would be confusing and frustrating.
3. Values give meaning and significance to life and to the totality of society.
4. Values make things desirable, satisfying and worthy of approval.
5. Values define what are important to people, what are worth living for and, if need be, what are
worth dying for. Life is meaningful when a man has found something capable of arousing his
commitment to it.
6. Values provide for the gap between knowledge and action.
7. Values have a primordial place in education, in the total formation of the person.
Classification of Values
1. Economic Values – objects with material value.
Example: Money, Properties
2. Behavioral Values – internalized guides to behavior. Example: affection
a. Instrumental values (means) or the mode of behavior.
b. Terminal Values (outcome/end) or the result of behavior
3. Social Values – values arising from interpersonal relations.
a. Prescriptive or “thou shall” values
Example: Thou shall love thy neighbor.
b. Proscriptive or “thou shall not” values
Example: Thou shall not kill.
4. Non-social or self-concern values.
Examples: taking a bath everyday, amicable disposition
5. Moral and Spiritual values
Examples: ethical values, Godly virtues.
General Filipino Values
1. Family Closeness and Security

The Philippines is known to be a family centered nation. The Filipinos recognize their family as an
important social structure that one must take care of. They give importance to the safety and unity of
one’s family. The Filipino family is so intact that it is common for members of the same family work
for the same company. It is also common to find the whole clan living in the same area as that the
Filipinos are afraid to be too far from their own family.
2. Politeness
Filipinos are taught to become respectful individuals. This is mainly due to the influence of
Christianity that tells us to honor both our parents and our elders. The use of ‘’po’’ and ‘’’opo’’’
when in conversation with an elder or someone who is older is a manifestation of how Filipinos
respect their elders.
3. Hospitality
The Filipinos are very hospitable when it comes to their fellowmen. They will invite their visitors to
come into their homes and offer them treats such as snacks and drinks after a long journey. There are
also instances when the Filipinos will serve only the best to their visitors even if at times they may not
be able to afford it. They also go the extremes as to give up the comfort of their own bedrooms for
their guests and to the point of sleeping on floor just to ensure that their guests are comfortable.
4. Gratitude
Gratitude or ’’utang na loob’’ is a very popular Filipino characteristic. One does not forget the good
deeds that others may have done to him or her especially at times of great need. This debt of gratitude
are sometimes abused by those who have done well to others as they may ask favors or things that
may either be unreasonable or beyond the means of the one in debt.
5. Shame
Shame or ‘’Hiya’’ is a very common Filipino value. It is said that Filipinos would go to great lengths in
order for one not to be ashamed. Hiya has a great influence on one’s behavior for one will do
everything, even if it is beyond his means just to save his reputation as well as the family’s. Filipinos
feel pressured to meet the status quo of the society when it comes to economic standing. 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.
6. Flexibility, Adaptability, and Creativity

Filipino's sense of joy and humor is evident in their optimistic approach to life and its travails. The
ability to laugh at themselves and their predicament is an important coping mechanism that contributes
to emotional balance and a capacity to survive. These are manifested in the ability to adjust to often
difficult circumstances and prevailing physical and social environments. Filipinos have a high
tolerance for ambiguity that enables them to respond calmly to uncertainty or lack of information.
Filipinos often improvise and make productive and innovative use of whatever is available. These
qualities have been repeatedly demonstrated in their capacity to adapt to living in any part of the world
and in their ability to accept change.
7. Loyalty
Loyalty or ’’Pakikisama’’ is another Filipino value. Filipinos are said to be loyal to their friends and
fellowmen in order to ensure the peace in the group. This is manifested in their basic sense of
justice and fairness and concern for other's well-being. Filipinos recognize the essential humanity of
all people and regard others with respect and empathy. With this orientation, Filipinos develop
sensitivity to the nature and quality of interpersonal relationships, which are their principal source of
security and happiness.
8. Hard work and Industry

The related capacity for hard work and industry among Filipinos is widely recognized. Filipinos are
universally regarded as excellent workers who perform well whether the job involves physical
labor and tasks or highly sophisticated technical functions. This propensity for hard work, which
often includes a highly competitive spirit, is driven by the desire for economic security and
advancement for oneself and one's family. This achievement orientation is further accompanied by
typically high aspirations and great personal sacrifices.
9. Resignation
Trust in God or the concept of ‘’Bahala na’’ has been over-used time and again. This ideal is used
when a person does not know what to do or is too lazy to do anything at all. This belief to put fate
in God’s hands may be a sign of how religious Filipinos may be at the same time, it may show that
the Filipinos are free-spirited and that they put their life in fate’s hands.
10. Bayanihan
Bayanihan is the Filipino value that denotes camaraderie among the people in the community and
connotes helping one another in time of need. It demands unity of spirit, heart and mind among
members of a group towards an objective.

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Soc Sci 1

1. Family Closeness and Security

6. Flexibility, Adaptability, and Creativity

8. Hard work and Industry

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