2. FILIPINO MORAL CHARACTER:
STRENGTH 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 (De
Guzman et Al. 2016 and Arcega et Al., 2018).
3. 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)
4. Filipino values is “pakikisama”
or sense of togetherness.
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.
5. ‘Utang na loob’ or dept of
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 Arega 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.
6. ‘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.
Like ‘hiya’ the Filipino values 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
criticisms and causes him to have
7. •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 propio, for instance, a
person may refuse offers even if he/she
wants to accept them.
8. FILIPINO TRAITS
Trait is 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.
9. 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.
Respect for elders is also observed
to the Filipinos. They obey elderly
and consider their suggestions in
major life decisions.
Saying po and opo as well as mano
po are taught to children as sign of
respect to elders.
Calling kuya and ate the person
who is older in age.
10. • These Filipino social values are important to
maintain harmony in Filipino relationship in
social institutions such as family, school , and
community. The ‘smooth interpersonal
relationships,’ 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 moral behavior (De Guzman et
Al. 2017)
