Strengths of the Filipino Character 1/4 :Pakikipagkapwa-Tao

Filipinos are open to others and feel one with others. We regard others with dignity and respect and deal with them as fellow human beings. Pakikipagkapwa-tao is manifested in a basic sense of justice and fairness and in concern for others. It is demonstrated in the Filipino’s ability to empathize with others, in helpfulness and generosity in times of need (pakikiramay), in the practice of bayanihan or mutual assistance, and in the famous Filipino hospitality. Filipinos possess a sensitivity to people’s feelings (pakikiramdam), pagtitiwala or trust and a sense of gratitude or utangnaloob. Because of pakikipagkapwa-tao Filipinos are very sensitive to the quality of interpersonal relationships and are very dependent on them. If our relationships are satisfactory, we are happy and secure. Pakikipagkapwa-tao results in camaraderie and a feeling of closeness to one another. It is the foundation for unity as well the sense of social justice.

Strengths of the Filipino Character 2/4 :Family Orientation

 Filipinos possess a genuine and deep love for family which includes not simply spouse and children, parents and siblings, but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents and other ceremonial relatives. To the Filipino, one’s family is the source of personal identity, the source of emotional and material support and one’s main commitment and responsibility. Concern for the family is manifested in the honor and respect given to parents and elders, in the care given to the children, the generosity towards kin in need, and in great sacrifices one endures for the welfare of the family. This sense of family results in a feeling of belongingness and rootedness in a basic sense of security.

Strengths of the Filipino Character 3/4 :Joy and Humor

Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life and its ups and downs. We have a pleasant disposition, a sense of humor and a propensity for happiness that contribute not only to the Filipino charm but also to the indomitability of the Filipino spirit. Laughing at ourselves and the mess we are in is an important coping mechanism. Often playful, sometimes, disrespectful, we laugh at those we love and at those we hate and we make jokes about our good fortune and bad. This sense of joy and humor is manifested in the Filipino’s love for socials and celebrations, in our capacity to laugh even in the most trying of times, and in the appeal of political satire.The result is a certain emotional balance, optimism, a healthy disrespect for power and office and the capacity to survive.

Strengths of the Filipino Character 4/4 : Hard Work and Industry

 Filipinos have the capacity for hard work given proper conditions. The desire to raise one’s standard of living and to possess the essentials of a decent life for one’s family, combined with the right opportunities and incentives, makes the Filipino work very hard. This is manifested most noticeably in willingness to take the risks with jobs abroad and, while there, to work at two or three jobs. The result is productivity and entrepreneurship for some and survival despite poverty for others.

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character 1/4 : Extreme personalism

1/2 Filipinos view the world in terms of personal relationships and the extent to which one is able to personally relate things and people determines the recognition of their existence and the value given to them. There is no separation between an objective task and emotional involvement. This personalism is manifested in the tendency to give personal interpretations to actions, i.e., “take things personally.” Thus, a sincere question may be viewed as a challenge to one’s competence or positive feedback may be interpreted as a sign of special affection. There is in fact some basis for such interpretations as Filipinos are quite personal in criticism and praise. Personalism is also manifested in the necessity for the establishment of personal relationships before any business or work relationships can be successful.

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character 2/4 : Lack of Discipline

The Filipino’s lack of discipline encompasses several related characteristics. We have a casual and relaxed attitude towards time and space which manifests itself in lack of precision and compulsiveness, in poor time management and procrastination. We have an aversion for following strictly a set of procedures and this results in lack of standardization and quality control. We are impatient and unable to delay gratification or reward, resulting in the use of short-cuts, in skirting the rules (the palusot syndrome) and in foolhardiness. We are guilty of ningas cogon, starting out projects with full vigor and interest which abruptly die down leaving things unfinished. Our lack of discipline often results in efficient and wasteful work systems violations of rules leading to more serious transgressions and a casual work ethic leading to carelessness and lack of follow-through.

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character 3/4 : Passivity and Lack of Initiative

 Filipinos are generally passive and lacking in initiative. One waits to be told what has to be done. There is strong reliance on others (e.g., leaders, government) to do things for us. This is related to one’s attitude towards authority. Filipinos have a need for a strong authority. One is generally submissive to those in authority and is not likely to raise issues or to question decisions. Filipinos tend to be complacent and there rarely is a sense of urgency about any problem. There is high tolerance for inefficiency, poor service and even violations of one’s basic rights. In many ways, it can be said that the Filipino is too patient and long suffering (matiisin). Too easily resigned to one’s fate. Filipinos are thus easily oppressed and exploited.

Weaknesses of the Filipino Character 4/4 :Colonial Mentality

 Filipinos have a colonial mentality which is made up of two dimensions: the first is a lack of patriotism or an active awareness, appreciation and love of the Philippines; the second is an actual preference for things foreign. Filipino culture is characterized by an openness to the outside—adapting and incorporating the foreign elements into our image of ourselves. And yet this image is not built around a deep core of Philippine history and language. The result is cultural vagueness or weakness that makes Filipinos extraordinarily susceptible to the wholesale acceptance of modern mass culture which is often Western. Thus there is preference for foreign fashion, entertainment, lifestyles, technology, consumer items, etc.The Filipino colonial mentality is manifested in the alienation of the elite from their roots and from the masses as well as in the basic feeling of national inferiority that makes it difficult for Filipinos to relate as equals to Westerners.

By: Christian A. Cruz | Teacher I | Lucanin Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan