Filipino Family & Community 2015

Learning Module
Euthenics 2
Filipino Family and Community
The course surveys Philippine culture in general and focuses
on the Filipino value system. Topics include interpersonal
relations, identity, behavior and personality.

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Learn the traits of a Filipino Families and Communities
2. Revive the heritage of a Filipino Family that was lost due to
certain circumstances
3. Improve the way of living by knowing your true identity not just
as individual but as a family

Teaching Strategies/Learning Activities

Lecture
Class Discussion
Video Presentation

Resources/Materials
Books
Journal Articles
Internet Sources

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Learning Concept
FILIPINO FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Family-oriented society

Extended family is usual

Filipinos are close usually up to the SECOND DEGREE of relatives

Go to church together on a Sunday

Every event is a family reunion

Strength of identity, emotional stability and support system

Financial Problems: The whole family will be working together to raise funds

Health Problems: Family members are willing to leave work to care for their sick loved one

TYPES OF FILIPINO FAMILY

1. Nuclear - is the traditional type of family structure. This family type consists of two parents
and children. The nuclear family was long held in esteem by society as being the ideal in
which to raise children. Children in nuclear families receive strength and stability from the
two-parent structure and generally have more opportunities due to the financial ease of two
adults.
2. Extended - structure consists of two or more adults who are related, either by blood or
marriage, living in the same home. This family includes many relatives living together and
working toward common goals, such as raising the children and keeping up with the
household duties. Many extended families include cousins, aunts or uncles and
grandparents living together. This type of family structure may form due to financial
difficulties or because older relatives are unable to care for themselves alone.
3. Single-parent -consists of one parent raising one or more children on his own. Often, a
single parent family is a mother with her children, although there are single fathers as well.
The single parent family is the biggest change society has seen in terms of the changes in
family structures.
4. Childless - While most people think of family as including children, there are couples who
either cannot or choose not to have children. The childless family is sometimes the
"forgotten family," as it does not meet the traditional standards set by society. Childless
families consist of a husband and wife living and working together.

Filipino Family & Community 2015

5. Stepfamily - involves two separate families merging into one new unit. It consists of a new
husband and wife and their children from previous marriages or relationships. Stepfamilies
are about as common as the nuclear family, although they tend to have more problems, such
as adjustment periods and discipline issues. Stepfamilies need to learn to work together and
also work with their exes to ensure these family units run smoothly.
6. Grandparent - Many grandparents today are raising their grandchildren for a variety of
reasons. One in fourteen children is raised by his grandparents, and the parents are not
present in the child's life. This could be due to parents' death, addiction, abandonment or
being unfit parents. Many grandparents need to go back to work or find additional sources
of income to help raise their grandchildren.

MEMBERS OF FILIPINO FAMILY

1. FATHER

Head of the Family

Homes Foundation or Haligi ng Tahanan

Works and provides

Strong and eminent figure

Strict and protects the family

Disciplines the children

2. MOTHER

Cares about the Domestic Needs of the family such as Emotional Growth and Values
Formation

Homes Light or Ilaw ng Tahanan

Soft and Calm

Balances the discipline from the father

Cooks food for the family

3. CHILDREN

They are considered Gift from God

Average of 3 to 4 kids in urban areas, while 4 to 5 in the rural places

Respect to everyone older is a custom

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4. OTHERS

Grandparents Lolo at Lola

Uncle and Aunts Tito at Tita

Cousins Pinsan

Helpers kasambahay

CULTURE OF RESPECT
1. RESPECT TO ELDERLY / PARENTS

Saying po and opo

Doing the Mano po

Permission or Paalam

Calling them not just by names but as Lolo, lola, tatay, nanay

Filipino elders remains home

2. RESPECT TO OLDER SIBLINGS

Saying po and opo

Calling them not just by names but as Kuya, ate

Advise is well regarded

3. RESPECT TO FILIPINO HOMES

Removal of shoes or slippers before going inside the houses

4. RESPECT TO WOMEN

Women in the Philippines have had high societal positions since precolonial times

Sexual equality

Courting (ligawan) happens at home, you have to court the whole family as well

Male siblings are becoming over protective with their sisters

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CHALLENGES TO FILIPINO FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES

Overseas Filipino workers usually suffers homesickness

Letting go of a marrying child is hard for the parents

Promotion of dependence to other relatives

Westernized culture of family