CRIMINOLOGY

MODULE 4
FILIPINO CORE VALUES

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this module the students should be able to:

Recognize and relate Filipino values, its structures, models, philosophical foundations,
and elements.

BASIC CONCEPT OF VALUES

Core values are a person’s or organization’s fundamental beliefs. These guiding
principles dictate conduct and can assist individuals to know the distinction between right and
wrong. It also assists organizations by establishing an unwavering guide to determine if they are
on the correct track and fulfil their objectives. Values are essential because they assist us to
grow. They assist us build the future that we want to experience.
Hundreds of choices are made every day by every person and every organization. The
choices we make reflect our values and beliefs and are always aimed at a particular purpose.
That aim is our person or collective (organizational) needs to satisfy. When we make choices
using our values, we create a conscious decision to concentrate on what matters to us. They
create inner cohesion within a group when values are shared.
FILIPINO VALUES SYSTEM

Race strains and cultural components such as Aeta have derived Filipino values.
Indonesians, Malayan, Hindu, and Chinese who created our moral scruples core. Cultural
individuality combined with Spain-derived cultural components. The U.S. and the contemporary
planetary society (Panopio and Rolda. 2000). You can find Filipinos in almost every part of the
globe. We rejoice at the sight of other co-Filipinos when we are in a foreign nation as if there is
something that connects us. Sometimes, if we do not know a person’s nationality, but he or she
looks like a Filipino, we often ‘ask, “Filipino ka ba”? And we are happy when he or she answered
“yes”. However, if someone fails to satisfy our expectations in the manner they act, we say in
frustration, “kapwa Filipino pa naman”.
Landa Jocano, a famous sociologist says that “there are no negative Filipino values, only
the wrong use of values”. Values slowly alter, but it depends on how powerful families are to
preserve, promote, and pass on our cultural values from one generation to the next.
Here in the Philippines, values are really of importance and should be respected. As we grow
older, our parents shaped us different values. From the time we are born. Pagkalinga, pag-
aaruga, at pakialam (Care) were given by them. This value shapes our real Filipino culture,
showing that we are conscious of others.
The Filipino value system relates to the set of values or the value system that has
historically been held by most Filipinos in their life. This system of Philippine values involves the
distinctive combination of coherent ideologies, moral codes, ethical procedures, cultural

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etiquette, and private values promoted by the Philippine society. However, as with any culture,
the values held sacred by any person may vary on the grounds of religion, education, and other
variables.
As a general description, Filipinos’ separate value system is mainly rooted in private
alliance systems, particularly those based on kinship, duty, friendship, religion (especially
Christianity) and business interactions.
PHILISOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF FILIPINO VALUES

For the most part, Filipino values are focused on preserving social harmony, mainly
driven by group’s willingness to be accepted. The primary sanction against diverging from these
values are “Hiya” ideas, approximately translated as “a sense of shame”, and “Amor proper”, or
“self-esteem”. Social approval, group recognition, and group membership are significant issues.
Caring for what others believe, say or do is a powerful influence on Filipinos ‘social behavior.
The Filipino philosophy is basically ‘non-dualistic’ according to anthropologist Leonardo
Mercado. He concludes, based on his linguistic analysis of Filipino value terms such as “loob”
(Cebuano buot), that Filipino desire harmony, not only in interpersonal relationships, but also
with nature and religion, while remaining non-dichotomous. The Filipino wants to harmonize the
object and the subject while keeping both as distinct at the same time.
MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES
a. Exogenous Model or the Foreign Model
A “legal and formal” model is defined as the international model. Filipinos from western
cultures, particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans, inherited the foreign model.
An example of foreign or exogenous impact is the bureaucracy displayed in the
Philippine government.
b. Indigenous Model or the Traditional Model
Described as a “traditional and non-formal” model or guide, the indigenous model is
deeply integrated in the Filipinos ‘subconscious.
STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS OF FILIPINO VALUES
The Filipino value system is known to possess significant key components based on
research, surveys, observations, anecdotes, and other literatures developed by scholars and
researchers in relation to Filipino social values or core values, together with the Filipino
character or identity of a person or individual known as the Filipino.
One may notice how Hiya (ownership/ dignity), Pakikisama (companionship/ esteem),
and Utang Na Loob (gratitude/ solidarity) are simply Surface Values-readily seen and
appreciated by many Filipinos. These three values are deemed branches of a single origin-
Filipino Personality’s real core value- Kapwa.
It implies ‘totality’, referring to society, or not doing stuff alone. Ibang Tao (other people)
and Hindi Ibang Tao (not other people) are two types of Kapwa. The Surface Values spin off
Core Value through Pakikiramdam’s Pivotal Aspect or mutual internal perception (“feeling for
someone else”).

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Other notable elements or motivations are optimism about the future, pessimism about
current circumstances and activities, concern and concern for other individuals, the presence of
friendship and friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, spiritual nature, respect for oneself and
others, respect for the female members of society, fear of God, and abhorrence of cheating and
other acts.
The values of the Filipinos specifically uphold the following elements: family unit
solidarity, security of the Philippine economy, orientation towards small groups, personalism, the
concepts of “loob” or “kalooban” meaning (“what is inside the self”, the “inner self” or the “actual
personal feelings of the self”), existence and maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships,
and the sense of the self.
In a broader image, these values are categorized into clusters or “macro clusters”:

 Cluster of Relationships
 Social cluster
 Cluster of Livelihoods
 Cluster of Inwardness
 Cluster of Optimism
THE FIVE CORE FILIPINO VALUES

Based on Dr. Ramire z’s study “The Filipino Worldview and Values” and her
perspectives as a phenomenological sociologist from centuries of practice, here are the Five
Core Filipino Values based on a Filipino’s Basic Aspirations.
Mapagpasalamat
This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to “Pamumuhay” (Life) and “Pananalig sa
Diyos at Kapwa” (God and People Faith). Filipinos understand how life can be enjoyed. We
have plenty of vacations, celebration, occasions, and meetings. Filipinos are cheerful and
sociable, of course. Even in depressing circumstances, we wear smiles on our faces. That is
because we are always looking at life’s bright side.
We always have a positive outlook because, even in the smallest things, we always find
things to be grateful for. We should always say “Salamat sa Diyos” (Thank God) whenever
excellent things occur because Filipinos would attribute the blessings of life to the Higher Being
from whatever religion. We also recognize other people’s excellent acts towards us and do our
utmost to return the favor.
Matatag
Filipinos, being in a nation susceptible to natural disasters, have adjusted and learned to
be powerful in moments of need and in difficult circumstances that life throws at us. This power
is derived from our love for our family and our belief in the greater being. This is based on
Filipino’s “Kaayusan” (Order) aspiration.
The popular phrase of the Philippines “Ayos Na”. When we can overcome problems, we
say “Ayos Na”. We Filipinos are longing for “Kaayusan”, and we will endure all and be powerful
during hardships and challenges until we overcome this barrier.
Masigasig
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We do everything we can to get it when Filipinos dream of something. We are doing it for
our love one’s and relatives. This is based on “Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa”
(Relief) aspiration of Filipinos. Not for himself, but for his family. A Filipino aspires to abundance.
Masaganang Bagong Taon (Beautiful New Year) is the Filipino translation for Happy New Year
because we match happiness and celebration with abundance.
“Ginhawa” in Bisaya implies breath. And its soft breath flow is the soft life flow we call
“Ginhawa”. It is the feeling of well0being in a Filipinos according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de
Mesa. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) would be an instance of enduring being away from
home to offer their families healthy life-abundance and relief from hardships.
Mapagmalasakit
It is because of our family love extended to friends, neighbors, and other that naturally
sympathetic Filipinos. This compassion allows us to assist others without in exchange asking for
anything. This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other
People). “Loob” is seat of the dignity of the Philippines. Filipino’s personality is expressed in his
“kalooban”. Filipinos tune in the “kalooban” of each other by checking the situation of each other
and talking about the life of each other.
Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not only to a stranger, but to a relative, a neighbor next
door, a distant relative, or a friend because of our family culture. Our characteristics of
“Mapagmalasakit” makes it simple for us to promote the spirit of Bayanihan-to unite and assist
one another during calamities and to celebrate together on unique occasions.
Magalang
The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (hand kissing) are separate methods of regard for
Filipino people. We say these phrases and use this gesture to demonstrate our respect and love
to elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other people’s
properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people. Our language is also respectful because
it has no sex bias. For example, the phrases “kapatid” (brother/sister) or asawa (husband/wife)
or “biyenan” (father-in-law/mother-in-law) or “anak” (son/daughter) do not show differences.
These words are certainly sex friendly Filipino uniquely. Our respect for other people is an
integral part of our culture and our language. This is based on our “Lakas ng Loob” or
“Kagandahang Loob” aspiration.
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CORE VALUES

Being a noble profession, the police service demands from its members specialized
understanding and abilities, as well as great standard of ethics and morality.
The members of the Philippine National Police must therefore conform to and internalize the key
principles of:

 Love of God.
 Respect for authority.
 Respect for women.
 Respect for sanctity of marriage.
 Stewardship over material things.
 Responsible dominion.

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 Truthfulness
The Police service in the Philippines is expressed in the acronym SERVICE. The acronym
SERVICE stands for:
SERVANT HOOD
As police affirm its unconditional service and love for the nation and individuals, Police
value a supportive and professional role serves and protects its clientele and community with
honesty, utmost devotion and commitment and above private concern.
EXCELLENCE
Police are committed in doing and making things occur effectively and efficiently in all
their efforts as they strive to accomplish more consistently and outstandingly with tangible
outcomes and far beyond their best.
RESPONSIBILITY WITH ACCOUNTABILITY

Police carry out and execute their responsibilities and tasks as their moral duty is to
serve the public with due diligence and always bearing in mind that they are accountable, and
duty bound to promote the public interest.
VALUING PEOPLE AND RSEPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Police always maintain their fellow human beings’ dignity whenever they cater their
needs and are delicate and cautious in serving and protecting them with compassion and
utmost regard for their human rights.
INTEGRITY

Police take an uncompromising and coherent position in the fulfillment of their obligation
to live an honest, upright, and dignified life according to the highest ethical and moral norms
where their advocacy, values, and convictions are compatible with their words and actions.
COURAGE

From their moral strength police draw their collective and individual power of approach to
always accept difficult duties, and they are courageous enough to speak out against temptation,
anomalies, corruption, and exploitation and stand firm.
EMPOWERMENT

Police reach out and create bridges of collaboration, nurture volunteerism, and operate
in harmony with their clientele by training individuals for a better and safer society in the
process.

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