Chapter 3: The Filipino Way

Chapter 3: The Filipino Way

• Prepared by Paulo Manuel L. Macapagal.
• Includes history of culture, moral character, strengths, and weaknesses.

Introduction

• Filipino culture blends indigenous roots, colonial history, and global interactions.
• Aims to understand history and culture's influence on Filipino values and character.
• Focuses on Filipino strengths and weaknesses and highlights universal values.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the history of Filipino culture.
• Analyze the qualities of Filipino moral identity and moral experiences.
• Evaluate elements needing change.
• Identify why universal values are necessary for human survival.

History of Filipino Culture

• The Philippines had ancient inhabitants and diverse tribes ruled by their leaders.
• In 1521, Magellan claimed the islands for Spain, Manila became the capital in 1571.
• Spanish rule introduced Catholicism and institutions, altering beliefs.
• Challenges involved indigenous uprisings and external threats.
• Free trade in the 19th century brought economic prosperity.
• The execution of priests in 1872 caused reform movements, leading to revolutionary action.
• Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence in 1898, unrecognized by the US.
• The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) resulted in US control, improving literacy and religion.
• The US aimed for Philippine independence, granting Commonwealth status in 1935.
• World War II brought the Japanese invasion and casualties.
• Sovereignty was regained on July 4, 1946, though faced challenges from rebel groups and communism.
• Ferdinand Marcos became president in 1965 and declared martial law in 1972 to retain power.
• The assassination of Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr. in 1983 led to political reform demands.
• Marcos allegedly won the 1986 election, which led to the People Power revolution and his exile.
• Corazon Aquino became president and faced corruption, debt, and insurgencies.
• Economic growth suffered from the East Asian Financial Crisis, corruption, and the 2001 revolution.
• Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's presidency was marked by scandals.
• Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III secured funds for development.
• Rizal Park represents the country's political history.

Filipino Moral Character and How Culture Shapes It

• Philippine geography leads to regional cultures.
• The cultural tapestry is a blend of Eastern and Western influences.
• Heritage is both Asian and Western.
• Interactions with Chinese, Spanish, and American forces shape culture.
• Spanish linguistic influence can be observed.
• Warm hospitality, emotional approach, and Catholicism are traits.
• "Taglish" and contemporary artworks reflect cultural amalgamation.
• 'Mano' gesture signifies reverence to elders.
• There is strong hospitality.
• Family orientation emphasizes loyalty, deference to elders, and guidance.
• 'Bayanihan' spirit showcases unity, especially in crises.
• Resilience is seen as Filipinos recover and rebuild after adversities.
• Religion has a central role.
• There is a deep respect for culture and tradition.

Filipino Values: Nature, Constellation, and Context

• Values are benchmarks for assessing desirability and significance.
• Filipino values are a unique system from culture shaping path toward humanity.

Four Folds of Filipino Values

• Filipino culture embodies universal values of moderation from Greek, Roman, Confucian, and Buddhist traditions, expressed as "hindi labis, hindi kulang, katamtaman lamang."
• Cultural differences highlight the uniqueness of Filipino values.
• Universal human values uniquely interpreted by history, culture, socio-economics, politics, morality, and religion in traditional and nationalistic ways emphasizing individualism, unity, fellowship, and heroism.
• Filipino values and disvalues are interconnected, forming clusters around principles such as social acceptance, economic security, and social mobility across sectors like education, government, and business.

Filipino Values and Moral Development

• In 1992, Senator Leticia Shahani and Dr. Patricia Licuanan studied Filipino values and moral development.
• A "Moral Recovery Program - Building a People, Building a Nation" was proposed to the Senate.
• The program assesses positive and negative aspects of Filipino moral attributes.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Filipino Moral Characters

• Strengths include fellowship, family orientation, joy and humor, adaptability, creativity, hard work and industry, faith and religiosity, and ability to survive.
• Weaknesses include extreme personalism and family centeredness, lack of discipline, passivity, lack of initiative, colonial mentality, kanya-kanya syndrome, and lack of self-analysis and self-reflection.

Universal Values

• Challenges the idea that there are no independent references for right and wrong, apart from culture.
• Values shared across cultures globally, despite Western and Eastern differences.
• Values can be personal, human, social, cultural, aesthetic, and spiritual.
• Values like family, freedom, respect, honesty, education, love, and justice are practiced universally.
• Disparity between cultures isn't primarily due to conflicting values but from differing belief systems regarding specific applications.
• Culture and customs are shaped by various factors beyond values.
• Upholding values like honesty is crucial for communication and survival.
• Moral values are universal and guide behavior for harmony and relationships.
• Adhering to moral values contributes to moral character development.

The Universal Values for Human Survival

• Universal values are vital for survival.
• Moral principles shape a better world.
• Implementing moral principles is crucial for justice.
• Moral rules are imperative.
• Life-valuing moral tenets should be upheld.
• Kindness and compassion are essential for sustenance.
• These values are crucial for the survival and advancement of human species.
• Kofi Annan's speech "On Global Ethics" supports universal values.

Conclusion

• Filipino cultures provide insights into ethics and morality, helping individuals confront moral problems.
• Cultural perspectives prepare people to address ethical issues.
• Universal values are crucial for peaceful communities.
• Ethical behavior comes from good actions rooted in moral character.
• Virtuous actions lead to goodness.