CHARACTER FORMATIONS: NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM
MODULE 10: Philosophical Foundations of Filipino Values
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LESSON PROPER
PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF FILIPINO VALUES
the philosophical foundation of Filipino values is deeply rooted in a combination of indigenous
cultural traditions, historical influences, and religious beliefs, particularly those from Christianity
(especially Roman Catholicism), as well as philosophical ideas from the West. Below are key
elements that form the foundation of Filipino values:
1. Kapwa (Shared Identity and Relational Personhood)
• Philosophical Basis: Kapwa reflects the Filipino concept of shared identity, where the self is not
seen as an isolated individual but as inherently connected to others. This relational self is akin to
the philosophical idea of intersubjectivity, where one’s existence is always in relation to others.
• Influences: Indigenous animistic beliefs, which viewed all beings and nature as interconnected,
laid the groundwork for the value of kapwa. It also ties into Asian philosophies such as
Confucianism, which emphasizes the importance of relationships and roles in society.
2. HIYA
• According to Philippines Australia Business Council, it is a shame, shyness, losing face, and
embarrassment or a combination of these. It is a Filipino reaction to anything which is an affront to
his honor, dignity, or pride. It reflects in all his personal relations, as well as how he looks himself
relative to another individual. A person would say “Di baleng saktan mo ako, huwag mo lang ako
hiyain.” (I would not mind if you hurt me physically, just do not shame me.) or it can be say as “Ang
sugat ng itak ay mahanay kaysa sa sugat ng masamang pangungusap.” (The wound from a knife
is more bearable than an offensive word.) Another Filipino proverb which stresses the importance
of hiya says “Kung gumagaling ang isang sugat, di kumukupas ang masamang pangungusap.” (A
wound may heal, but an offensive word never fades away.”)
• They try as much as possible to avoid feeling “hiya”, a painful emotion or deep shame arising from
a realization of having failed to live up to the standards of the Filipino society. It is a kind of anxiety,
a fear of being left exposed, unprotected and unaccepted. It is a fear of being shunned by their
society, which would mean personal humiliation.
CHARACTER FORMATIONS: NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM
MODULE 10: Philosophical Foundations of Filipino Values
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Amor propio is a Spanish term that directly translates to "self-love" or "self-respect." In Filipino
culture, it is a significant value that centers on maintaining one’s personal dignity, pride, and self-
esteem. Amor propio can be understood as a person's strong sense of honor and personal worth,
deeply intertwined with how others perceive them.
Social approval is a critical concept in Filipino culture and in many societies around the world. It
refers to the positive recognition or acceptance an individual receives from their community, family,
or peers for conforming to certain social norms, behaviors, or values. In the Filipino context, the
desire for social approval is closely linked to several key cultural values, including hiya (sense of
shame), pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relations), and kapwa (shared identity).
It refers to a recognition of group, or being belong to a group.
MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES
The Exogenous Model or Foreign Model refers to a framework of Filipino values that highlights the
influence of external or foreign cultures on the development of Filipino society and value systems.
This model contrasts with endogenous (internal) models that focus on native or indigenous values
rooted in pre-colonial Filipino culture. The exogenous model emphasizes the impact of
colonization, foreign religions, trade, and globalization on Filipino values, particularly the legacies
left by Spanish, American, and other foreign influences.
Key Values in the Exogenous Model
1 Democracy and Freedom: American colonization brought democratic ideals to the Philippines,
fostering values such as kalayaan (freedom), karapatan (rights), and pantay-pantay (equality).
These values are now embedded in Filipino political life and reflect the importance of civic rights
and participation.:
2. Education and Progress:
• The American emphasis on education left a lasting impact on Filipino values. Education became a
key pathway for social mobility and success. This led to the importance of values like pagsisikap
(hard work) and pag-aaral (studying) as routes to personal and professional achievement.
Disadvantages of the Exogenous Model
• Loss of Indigenous Values: The influence of foreign values may lead to the erosion of indigenous
Filipino traditions and values, which are vital to the cultural identity of the nation.
CHARACTER FORMATIONS: NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM
MODULE 10: Philosophical Foundations of Filipino Values
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2. The Indigenous Model or Traditional Model of Filipino values refers to the set of beliefs, norms,
and practices that originate from the pre-colonial period and are deeply rooted in the indigenous
culture of the Philippines. Unlike the exogenous model, which highlights foreign influences, the
indigenous model focuses on the core values that are intrinsic to Filipino society, reflecting the
collective consciousness and social structures of early Filipino communities. These values
emphasize community, interpersonal relationships, respect for nature, and spiritual beliefs.
Key Concepts and Values of the Indigenous Model
1.Ginhawa (Well-being and Comfort)
• Ginhawa represents the state of well-being, comfort, or relief from suffering. In pre-colonial times,
ginhawa was closely associated with physical and emotional balance, which was achieved through
harmonious relationships with nature, the community, and the spiritual world.
• This value is connected to indigenous health and wellness practices, emphasizing the importance
of holistic well-being.
2.Lakas ng Loob (Inner Strength or Courage)
• Lakas ng loob is the value of inner strength or bravery in the face of adversity. It represents the
resilience of early Filipino societies in overcoming challenges, whether in the form of natural
disasters, conflicts, or survival in a demanding environment.
• This value promotes self-reliance and the ability to persevere, while also maintaining a strong
sense of integrity and honor.
3. Katarungan (Justice and Fairness)
• Pre-colonial Filipino communities had a strong sense of justice and fairness, where decisions were
often made communally and were meant to benefit the entire group. Katarungan emphasizes the
importance of fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources.
• This value was reflected in the barangay system, where community leaders or datus were
expected to govern with fairness, ensuring that disputes were resolved in a way that maintained
social harmony.
STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS OF FILIPINO VALUES
CHARACTER FORMATIONS: NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM
MODULE 10: Philosophical Foundations of Filipino Values
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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 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 called as surface values – readily seen and appreciated by
many Filipinos. These three values are deemed branches of a single origin – Filipino Personality’s
real core values – Kapwa.
“Kapwa” implies ‘totality’, referring to society or not doing stuff alone. Ibang Tao (other people) and
Hindi Ibang Tao (no other people) are two types of Kapwa. The Surface Values spin off the Core
Value through Pakikiramdam’s Pivotal Aspect or mutual internal perception (feeling for someone
else).
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 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”, existence and maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships, and the sense of
self.
In a broader image, these values are categorized into particular clusters or “macroclusters”.
1. Cluster of Relationship
2. Social Cluster
3. Cluster of Livelihood
4. Cluster of Inwardness
5. Cluster of Optimism
