Developing a Filipino Identity

Developing a Filipino Identity

• A Filipino's identity is formed by three facets: Social-Political Dimension, Cultural Roots, and Consciousness.

Social-Political Dimension

• A Filipino is a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines, with the right and privileges to participate in political activities and public affairs.
• A person can be considered a Filipino if:
  • Born in the Philippines
  • Having parents who are citizens of the Philippines
  • Naturalized in accordance with law

Cultural Roots

• Culture shapes the way Filipinos think, do things, feel, behave, and relate to others.
• Filipino values are products of culture.
• Important cultural values include:
  • Hiya (timidity, shyness, or feeling of embarrassment)
  • Utang na Loob (debt of gratitude, or reciprocity)
  • Pakikisama (ability to get along with others to maintain harmonious relationships)
  • Pakikiramdam (heightened awareness and sensitivity to the situation of others)

Consciousness

• Consciousness is the psychological dimension or awareness of oneself as a Filipino, leading to pride in being a Filipino.
• Core values of Filipino consciousness include:
  • Kapwa (shared identity, or shared inner self)
  • Pakikiramdam (shared perception, or using inner perception of others' emotions to guide dealings with others)
  • Kagandahang-loob (ability to help others in dire need due to a perception of being together as a part of one Filipino humanity)
• Surface values of Filipino consciousness include:
  • Accommodative values: Utang na Loob, Hiya
  • Confrontative values: Bahala Na (fatalistic passiveness), Lakas ng Loob (being courageous in the midst of problems), Pakikibaka (ability to undertake revolutions against a common enemy)

Strengths of the Filipino Character

• Pakikipagkapwa-tao (ability to empathize with others, bayanihan)
• Family Orientation (high regard for the elderly, care for women and children, sympathy towards relatives, and sacrifices for family's well-being)
• Sense of humor (ability to laugh even in worst circumstances)
• Flexibility, Adaptability, Creativity
• Hard work or Industry
• Spirituality (strong faith in God, giving a strong moral conscience)

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character

• Extreme Personalism (tendency to give personal interpretations to actions, leading to graft and corruption)
  • Examples include Pakiusap (request), Palakasan (power and influence), Nepotism, and Favoritism