Module 6 – Self and Filipino Society

Roots of Filipino Character

At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:

Learning Objectives
a) review the roots of Filipino Character
b) explain why Filipinos have mixed characters
c) enumerate Filipino character that affect our progress, unity and success as a nation
d) appreciate being a Filipino

Roots of the Filipino Character

Learning Content
The Philippines has a rich and vast history so as its people. Having been colonized by the
Spaniards for three – hundred and thirty tree (333) years, the Commonwealth for more than a
decade and the most brutal Japanese occupation made Filipinos adapt and internalize the traits
shown by the invaders.
The strengths and weaknesses of Filipino character was influenced by the following
factors as identifies by Shahani (1993) which comprised:
1. Family and home environment - Filipinos are known to have a very close family tie. Parents
believe on the notion that the more children they will have, the bigger the chance they can
alleviate their life from poverty. Child rearing is also encouraged by the church, however, as the
condition of living becomes harder, Filipinos are now practicing family planning to control the
population. Too much closeness of the family leads to high nurturance, over- protecting and low-
discipline.
2. Social Environment - The social environment of the Filipino is characterized by a feudal
structure with great gaps between the rich minority and the poor majority.
3. Culture and language – Language and culture cannot be separated. As an archipelago, the
Philippines has a very rich cultural structure, beliefs, dialects and traditions that are both
beneficial and challenging at times.
4. History – We are the product of our colonial history, which is regarded by many as the culprit
behind our lack of nationalism and our colonial mentality. Colonialism developed a mind-set in
the Filipino which encouraged us to think of the colonial power as superior and more powerful.

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Module 6 – Self and Filipino Society

5. Educational system- Aside from the problems inherent in the use of a foreign language in our
educational system, the educational system leads to other problems for us as a people. The lack
of suitable local textbooks and dependence on foreign textbooks, particularly in the higher school
levels.
6. Religion – Religion is the root of Filipino optimism and its capacity to accept life's hardships.
However, religion also instils in the Filipino attitudes of resignation and a preoccupation with the
afterlife. We become vulnerable also to being victimized by opportunism, oppression,
exploitation, and superstition.
7. Economic environment- Many Filipino traits are rooted in the poverty and hard life that is the
lot of most Filipinos. Our difficulties drive us to take risks, impel us to work very hard, and
develop in us the ability to survive.
8. Political environment – The Philippine political environment is characterized by a
centralization of power. Political power and authority is concentrated in the hands of the elite and
the participation of most Filipinos often is limited to voting in elections.
9. Mass media - It is the primary means of communication used to reach the vast majority of the
general public.
10. Leadership and Role Model - Filipinos look up to their leaders as role models. Political
leaders are the main models, but all other leaders serve as role models as well. Thus, when our
leaders violate the law or show themselves to be self-serving and driven by personal interest--
when there is lack of public accountability--there is a negative impact on the Filipino.
Filipino Character
1. Pakikisama – Is giving to the will of the bulk merely so to acquire along with everybody and
avoid marks of struggle.
2. Bahala na Attitude – Leaving matters/ things as they are because nature will take it class.
3. Bayanihan or Team Spirit – This is the Filipino value of chumminess or assisting one
another in clip of demands.
4. Utang na Loob or Reciprocity/ Debt of Gratitude – Portrays our true individuality based on
concern and response to others particularly in our pattern of pagpapakatao and pakikipagkapwa –
tao.
5. Bukas-loob na Pagtanggap or Hospitality – It is a welcoming attitude which is a strong
Filipino trait where they open their Black Marias to aliens and visitants and offer them the best in
their places.
6. Gulong ng Palad – Life’s ups and downs.

BatStateU - National Service Training Program 1 – CWTS/LTS

Module 6 – Self and Filipino Society

7. Tsamba – Undeserved success brought about by fortune.

8.Tadhana – Decried by destiny.
9. Swerte or Buenas – Good fortune.
10. Faith and Religiosity – Faith in God and having a high regard to religious institution and
doctrine.

Learning Activity
Directions: Choose a partner and have a ten - minute debate on the
following topic. Save your debate in google drive and send the link to your teacher for checking.
The rubrics for grading are: Substance – 70 , Clarity of Speech – 30.

1. Life is a destiny.

2. Feasts should be celebrated at all costs.

3. Population should be controlled.

4. Favor is a way to show debt of gratitude.

Directions: Answer the following in a short paragraph.

Learning Assessment
1. Do you think values are taught? Or caught? Why do you say so?

2.What are your concept of Filipino values?

Learning References
Guillo Jr., Romeo M. Content Standards of Literacy and Training Service, Morlanda Publishing,
2011.

August 8, 2020 Moral Recovery Program, Dumayac Levi, slideshare.net

https://www.slideshare.net/levodumayac/roots-of-filipino-characters

BatStateU - National Service Training Program 1 – CWTS/LTS