Filipino Value System

• Values are standards of desirability and importance that guide behavior and decision-making
• A value system is a representation of the dominant motivations and principles influencing people's behavior
• The Filipino value system is a set of values integral to the Filipino identity

Origin of Filipino Values

• The Filipino value system was influenced by various cultures and historical interactions.
• Malays contributed values like resiliency, friendliness, and open-mindedness
• Hindu-Indians introduced hospitality, respect, goodwill, and faithfulness
• Chinese influence brought respectful name-calling, respect, and obedience
• Spaniards influenced faithfulness to God (spirituality), strong family ties, and “delicadeza” (sense of propriety)
• Americans introduced achievement-oriented mentality, equality, and humanitarianism

Factors Affecting the Formation of Filipino Values

• Home environment involves high nurturance, low independence, and low discipline in child-rearing; children are taught to value family
• Social environment is warm and friendly, but has a significant gap between the rich and the poor
• Religion is a root of optimism and acceptance of life's hardships, instilling an attitude of resignation
• Economic environment: Poverty drives Filipinos to take risks, work hard, and survive
• Political environment: Centralized power, political power in the hands of the elite, and lack of integrity among public servants
• Mass media reinforces colonial mentality through advertisements, with both positive and negative effects on social interaction and learning

Key Values Dominating the Philippine Way of Life

• Non-rationalism involves belief in adapting to nature and external forces, with success/failure often attributed to supernatural beings or spirits
• "Bahala na" (come what may) mentality is a common expression of non-rationalism
• Personalism involves allegiance to individuals to get things done, creating favoritism, nepotism, and corruption in government services
• Nationalism is advocating for making the nation distinct and separate from others, though challenges like "national amnesia" and "colonial mentality" persist
• Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude): the obligation to repay someone who has done a favor, with failure seeming rude or ungrateful
• Bayanihan is the willingness of community members to help individuals, families, or other communities in times of need, originating from rural traditions