Input No.

2: The Basic Values of the Filipinos

NSTP as a citizenship training scheme focuses on translating the good citizenship values as reflected in
the Preamble of the Constitution into concrete action in building a better Philippines. Hence, emphasis in
this input is placed on the 16 basic Filipino values based on the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Preamble

We, the sovereign Filipino people

imploring the aid of Almighty god,

in order to build a just and humane society

and establish a Government

that shall embody our ideals and aspirations,

promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony,

Meaning of Preamble

The term preamble is derived from the Latin word “preambulare” which means “to walk before”. It is
the prologue of the Constitution. Cluster below are the good citizenship values that are reflected in the
Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution:

The Maka-Diyos Cluster The Maka-Tao The Maka-Bayan The Maka-

Cluster Cluster Kalikasan Cluster
1 .Faith in the Almighty
God 6. Love [Link] 16. Concern For the
Environment
2. Respect for Life 7. Freedom 12. Equality

3. Order 8. Peace 13. Respect for the law

and Government
4. Work 9. Truth

The Good Citizenship Values Clusters

Faith in the Almighty God

The Bible says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe
that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)

Respect for Life

We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for
spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there
came to them Our messengers with clear sign, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit
excesses in the land (5:32) Qur’an.

Order
Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided
himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss. You
certainly are not their keeper (39:41) Qur’an.

Work
Confucius says, “Give fish to a man, he will have food to eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he shall
have food throughout his lifetime.” And, “if man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Concern for the Family and Future Generations

“The family is an essential factor in the general, social and even political life. Constant living together of
husband and wife, and of parents and children, contributes to the development of a strong sense of duty, of
an aptitude for heroic sacrifices, and of the love by future generations of the traditional and moral conquest
of those who preceded them. The family is an indispensable element of social cohesion and equilibrium”.
I shall live a life that is based on the right values and serve as an inspiration to others who may be
struggling to strengthen their own faith in God.

1. I have the gift of faith in God;

2. The gift of faith in God in me needs to be nurtured;
3. My life is strengthened by my faith in God; and
4. A strong faith in God, coupled with other important values, will improve my life and those of others.

The Maka-Tao Cluster

Love
“When man has love, he is no longer at the mercy of forces greater than himself, so he, himself becomes the
powerful force” ( Leo Buscaglia). Moreover, “love is the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one’s own
or another’s spiritual growth” (M. Scott Peck).
Moral Lesson:Love is a powerful force in
nurturing man.
Freedom
According to Pope John Paul II, “freedom consist not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we
ought”.

Peace
It is always great to remember, what the Bible says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of
God”.( Matthew 5:9)
Moral Lesson: Let there be peace on
An unknown author wrote about the value of peace, as such: earth….andlet it begin with me.

Juanito was an idealistic person. He wanted everybody to be happy and lead meaningful lives. So one day, he
strode to church and prayed hard for World Peace. He continued praying for the same intention for a year, yet nothing
seemed to change.

One day, he decided to narrow down his scope and pray for peace in his own country instead. He prayed for the
same intension for another year, yet violence and disturbance still seemed to be in an upsurge.

Anxious for his prayer to be finally heard, he decided to pray for peace within his family instead. He kept this
intention for another year with no significant result.

Finally, on the verge of frustration, he decided to pray for peace. He prayed for this intention for the next year.
Each time he did so, he felt more at peace with himself and his personal issues, his family, his neighbors until it
reached a point in time that Juanito was considered a man of peace, a friend of everybody especially of the neediest
among his countrymen.

The UNESCO Constitution also reminds us that, “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men
that the defenses of peace must be constructed”.
Moral Lesson:Let the peace of the nation
begin in the minds of its citizens.

Truth
It is worthwhile to be familiar and understand some of the following famous quotations and anecdotes which make
us better and wiser persons:

1. Quotations
“ A man who seeks truth and loves it must be reckoned precious to any human society.” (Frederick the
Great)

“An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens”.(Thomas Jefferson)

“No legacy is as rich as honesty.”(William Shakespeare)

 2. Anecdotes (complied by J. Maurus)
When Mahatma Gandhi appeared for the London Matriculation Examination, the paper on general
knowledge contained the following question: “What is more golden than gold?”

Justice
According to Martin Luther King Jr., “injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere.”

To Jimmy Carter, “the law is not the private property of lawyers, nor is justice the exclusive province of judges and
juries. In the final analysis, true justice is not a matter of courts and law books, but a commitment in each of us to
liberty and mutual respect”.

In Matthew 7:12, it says, “Treat others the way you want to have them treat you”.

And by the Institute for Development Education Center for Research Communication, “justice is giving every man
his due”.

Moral Lesson:Giving justice to anyone is a

fair treatment to everyone.

The Maka-Bayan Cluster

Unity
The value of unity can be realized by practicing the virtues stated in the following quotations:

“Behold how good and pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity.”(Psalm 133.1)

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that
house will not be able to stand.” (Mark 3:24-25)

“Make my joy complete by being of the same kind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one
purpose.”(Philippians 2;2)

“As a body in one, thought it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also
Christ.”(Corinthians 12-12)

“Remember, upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.” (Alexander the Great)

Equality
To appreciate the value of equality, consider this anecdote

Skulls Moral Lesson: Each person may

differ in worldly stature, but each
Andrew Maria Almonte, MMHC one bears the same amount of
dignity as another and all share
one common destiny.

One day, a group of skulls in a cemetery had a conversation.

“Hey,” said a skull to another, “who were you when you were alive?”

“Yes, I was once his slave,” replied another skull. “He was a tyrant, a
ruthless and merciless king!”
The Maka-Kalikasan Cluster
Concern for the Environment

The Giving Tree

Fr. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD

Once there was a tree… and she loved a little boy. And everyday the
boy would gather her leaves, make them into a crown and play king
of the forest. The boy would also play hide and seek, climb her
branches and eat her shade. And the boy loved the tree…very much…
and the tree was very happy.

But the time went on…and the boy grew older. And the tree was
often alone. Then one day, the boy went to the tree who said:
“Come, boy, come and climb up my trunk, swing from my branches,
eat my mangoes, paly in the shade and be happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time…Then one day, the boy
came back to the tree who shook with joy and said: ”Come, boy,
come and climb up my trunk, swing from my branches, eat my
mangoes, play in the shade and be happy.” “I am too busy to climb
trees”, said the boy. “ I want a house to keep me warm.” I want a
wife and children and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?” “
I have no house,” said the tree. ‘ The forest is my house, but you may
cut off my branches and build a house.” And so the boy cut off her
branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was
happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time…Then one day, the boy
came back and the tree was so happy that she could barely speak.
“Come boy,” she whispered, “come and play.” “I am too old to play,”
said the boy. “I want a boat that will take me far away from her. Can
you give me a boat?” “Cut down my trunk and make a boat,” said the
tree. “Then you can sail away…and be happy.” And so the boy cut
down the trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was
happy…but not really.

And after a time, the boy came back again. “I am sorry, boy,” said the

Personal Resolution:

I am a steward of creation. I understand that my existence

and that of generations after me are threatened by the
destruction of the environment. I pledge to be more discerning
individual by using all environmental resources properly and
prudently. I shall develop a conscious effort to preserve and
protect the environment from further degradation. I shall treat
the environment as though it were my own masterpiece, giving it
great care and priding myself of its wonder and beauty. I shall
ever be thankful of the grace of God and the dedication of people
in their work to ensure that my family and I have clean air to
breathe, clean water to drink, clean oceans to launch adventures
and above all, a life that’s healthy and a future worthy to be
shared with the next generations.
 Some examples of how participants may cultivate and encourage the value of Concern for the Environment
for student-trainees

1. Develop a more conscious and consistent habit of keeping your surroundings clean as well as using
environmental resources such as water and electricity wisely and prudently.
2. Have a deeper understanding of the dire state of the environment and in your own capacity contribute to the
work of preserving it.
3. Understand the process of recycling and apply this process in school and in your homes.
4. Protect rivers and waterways along the community by teaching people alternative waste disposal systems and
by encouraging them to use the rivers instead for livelihood and other meaningful purposes.

Local communities depend on their citizens to help make it a great place to live and work.

Good Citizenship and Good Governance for National Transformation

⮚ How do we become good citizens?
● These values define our identity as a people.
● We become good citizens by living according to these values.
● We become good citizens by being good Filipinos.
⮚ All Filipinos must be good citizens.
● All Filipinos are citizens of our republic
● All Filipinos must live according to these values, whether rich or poor, young or old, Catholic, Muslim or
Protestant.
● We must live according to these values in all our actions, at all times, in all circumstances.
● Living according to these values is not going to be easy.
● However, living according to these values will bring good fruit.
⮚ Good Citizenship contributes to nation-building
● The good fruit of good citizenship actions will not only benefit us personally but will benefit our country
as well.
● The fruit of good citizenship is what contributes to nation-building
⮚ Good Citizenship engenders love of country.
● Good citizenship, no matter how small, contributes to nation-building.
● Through good citizenship
- Even the poor can contribute to nation-building
- Even children can contribute to nation-building
● Through good citizenship, we show our love for our country
● Through good citizenship, we develop our sense of nationhood, which has heretofore eluded us, as a
people.
⮚ Good Citizenship engenders unity
● Our core Filipino values are our shared values
● A sense of our shared values can be strong face to unite us, as a people, despite our differences.
● Citizenship based on shared values can be a basis for unity.

Input No. 3: Nationalism and Patriotism

The history of nationalism and patriotism in our country is as old as the history of humankind.
The term “nationalism” is generally used to describe two things, first the attitude that the members of a nation
have which includes the concept of national identity such as common origin, ethnicity and cultural ties. The other one
is the actions that the members of the nation take when seeking to achieve (or sustain) self-determination. These
involve having full statehood with complete authority over domestic and international affairs. On the other hand,
“patriotism” is love of and/ or devotion to one’s country. However, patriotism has had different meanings over time,
and its meaning is highly dependent upon context, geography and philosophy. Although patriotism is used in certain
vernaculars as a synonym for nationalism, nationalism is not necessarily considered an inherent part of patriotism.
Likewise, patriotism is strengthened by adherence to a native religion, particularly because such a community usually
has its holy places inside its motherland. This also implies a value preference for a specific civic or political
community.
Nationalism is characterized by an attachment of superiority to one’s country, an aspiration for its continuity,
prosperity, and maintaining a high regard and respect for the laws, principle and policies of that country.

Salient Provisions of Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (as

embodied in Republic Act No. 8491)
The Philippine Flag

A flags is a sacred and respected feature of the nation which it symbolizes. Each nation’s flag has a specific way
in which it should be displayed and folded.
Our national flag is symbol of our country. It shows our unity as a people. It stands for our high ideals and noble
heritage. Therefore, when you show respect for the flag, you also show respect for our country and people. One way to
show respect is to handle the flag properly.
The Philippine National flag is said to be the primary symbol of the nation’s camaraderie, solidarity
and unity. It is therefore, the symbol of nationalism and patriotism in our country. And so, let us learn more about its
history and origin.
The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolor with equal bands of blue and red, and with a white
equilateral triangle based at the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays,
each containing three individual rays; and at each corner of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star.
The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo. The first flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela
Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Dona Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Jose Rizal, the Philippines
national hero. The flag is displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with the red field on top in times
of war .The Philippine flag is unique in the sense that it can indicate a state of war when the red field is displayed on
top or on the observer’s left when the flag is displayed vertically, with the white equilateral triangle at the top end.

Construction
The Flag’s length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2 The length of all the sides or the
white triangle is equal to the width of the flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that one of its tips points toward
the vertex at which it is located.

Flag Protocol
The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas, and schools every
day throughout the year. The days of the 28th of May (National Flag Day) and the 12th of June ( independence Day) are
designated as flag days, during which all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business
establishment, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag. But in recent years, the flag
days are now from May 28 to June 30 yearly. By law, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated
at night at the following locations:

1. Malacanang Palace, the Presidencial Residences

2. The Congress of the Philippines buildings:
a. Senate of the Philippines building
b. House of Representatives of the Philippines building ( Batasang Pambansa Complex)
3. Supreme Court of the Philippines building
4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
6. Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
8. Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion
9. All international ports of entry
10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute

Half-mast
The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Upon the official announcement of the death of the
President or a former President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following
the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined by the
National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the building
and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent
member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as
may be determined by the National Historical Institute.
When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast
position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

Folding the Flag

1. Hold the flag at each of its four corners and pull it taut. The folder holds the corners at the end with the blue
and red fields.
2. Fold the flag in half, lengthwise, with the red field covering the blue field. Pull it taut again making sure the
open side’s edges are flush with one another.
3. Fold it in half again, the closed side over the open side, again maintaining the flattening tension and parallel,
flush edges on the open side. The blue field should now be displayed face up.
 4. Take the closed side’s blue field corner and fold it over the open side such that what was the bottom edge is
now parallel and flush with the open side forming a right triangle ( a triangle with a ninety-degree angle).
5. At the right angle, fold the flag again such that a new right triangle is formed, still keeping the open edges
parallel.
6. Fold the right-angled corner of the new triangle over such that it forms a new right triangle with what had
been the bottom edge now flush with the side of the flag below it.
7. Continue this sequence of folds creating right triangles until the flag is completely folded into a right
triangular bundle. The white field and yellow sun should now predominate in the visible areas of flag.

Prohibited Acts

According to Republic Act 8491 itself, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:

1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute, or adding additional marks on flag;
2. A drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of s costume or a uniform
3. As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;
4. As a part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and
5. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.
Moreover, the flag may not be displayed “horizontally face-up, or under any painting, picture or platform.” It may
also not be displayed in |discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or
where frivolity prevails.”

Pledge

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag, “Panunumpa sa Watawat” (distinct from the Patriotic Oath of
Allegiance, “Panatang Makabayan”) should be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised
shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to
excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at
attention.

Filipino English Translation

Ako ay Pilipino I am Filipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa I pledge my allegiance
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas To the flag of the Philippines
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag And to the country it represents
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan With honor, justice and freedom
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Put in motion by one nation
Maka-Diyos For God
Maka-tao for the People,
Makakalikasan at for Nature and
Makabansa. for the Country.

The law makes no statement regarding the language in which the pledge must be recited, but the pledge is written
(and therefore recited) in Filipino Language.

The National Anthem

The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang.

 The National Anthem shall always be sung in national language within or without the country. The following shall
be the lyrics of National Anthem:

Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minimahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement
and composition of Julian Felipe.
When the national anthem is played at public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by
any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if
there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At first note, all person shall execute a salute by placing their
right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms
shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.

The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the
following occasions:
1. International competitions where Philippines is the host or has a representative;
2. Local competition
3. During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;
4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and
5. Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

All officials and employees of the national and local government, and any agency or instrumentality thereof,
including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities or offices displaying the national
flag and government institutions of learning are hereby directed to comply strictly with the rules prescribed for the
rendition of the anthem. Failure to observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.

The National Motto

The National Motto shall be “Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa.”

The National Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two(2) pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent studded with
three(3) mullets equidistant from each other; and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant with eight
minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS”, inscribed thereon.

The Great Seal

The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as described in the preceding section, but without the
scroll and inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be double marginal circle within which shall appear the
words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS”. For the purpose of placing The Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be
deemed essential but tincture representation must be used.
 The Great Seal shall also bear the National Motto.

The Great Seal shall be affixed to or places upon all commission signed by the President and upon such other
official document and papers of Republic of the Philippines as may be provided by law, or as may be required by
custom and usage. The President shall have custody of the Great Seal.

The 12 Little Things We Can Do For Our Country are Small Acts of Patriotism

First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law

Traffic rules are the most basic of our country’s laws. If we learn to follow them, it could be the lowest form of
national discipline we can develop as a people. A culture of discipline is crucial to our destiny as a nation.

Whenever we follow traffic rules, we show our love for our neighbor, our love for the Filipino.

Second: Always ask for an official receipt

Asking for ORs leads to higher tax collections, which means more funds for our government, which couls strengthen
our economy and lead us to progress.

Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbor.

Third: Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino

Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other countries. Buying Pilipino means supporting the
Filipino.

Whenever we support oneanother as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbors.

Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country

Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us, wherever we maybe, is a salesman of our country.

Seventh: Support your Church

When we help our church, we help our Creator in His works on earth.

Whenever we help our church, we show love for our neighbor.

Eight: During elections, do your solemn duty

When we fight for our votes, we fight for our right to make our destiny, as a people and as a nation.

There is love of neighbor when we elect good leaders for our country and people.

Ninth: Pay your employees well

A company must bring prosperity not only to its owners but also to its employees. Blessings must be shared. It builds
families. It builds our nation.

There is love of neighbor when we value and pay our employees appropriately.

Tenth: Pay your taxes

Taxes are the lifeblood of our government. It is what builds our public schools, hospitals and roads. It is what pays
our teachers, soldier and other public servant.

There is love of neighbor whenever we pay our taxes properly so our government can help more people.

Eleventh: Adopt a scholar or a poor child

Investing on our youth is investing on our country’s future. Every family who can afford, should adopt one poor child
as a scholar.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-AWARENESS

I am just as important as anyone else is. I have the right to express my opinion whenever I feel like it, no
matter what.
I just need to loosen up and be myself. I can always be as serious as I want, and I can always be as ridiculous
as I want. It doesn't matter, just as long as I'm being me. But..."who am I?"

What is your level of experiencing and manifesting life? - Everything has awareness. Humans have a wide
range of awareness....

Who are you?

What can make you happy?

What are your beliefs in life?

What stops you from moving forward? What do you want to achieve in your life?

Were you able to answer the questions in the snap of a finger? Your ability to answer these simple yet
powerful questions reflect how truly aware you are of yourself.

Self-awareness is a journey towards self-discovery. It is all about understanding different facets of yourself -
how you think, what you feel, how you react to a situation, how you trust your creativity and inner guidance.
It is all about progressively raising your consciousness and awareness so you can experience more of life.