ETHICS-The Filipino Character- Strengths and weaknesses

ETHICS-The Filipino Character- Strengths and weaknesses

1. The Filipino Character

2. Identify at least 3 strengths of the Filipino character.

3. The Filipino Character: Strengths and Weaknesses

4. The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report “A Moral Recovery Program Building a People, Building a Nation” are as follows: Extreme family centeredness - Excessive concern for family means using one's office and power to promote family interests and thus factionalism patronage, political dynasties and the protection of erring family members. It results in lack of concern for the common good, and acts as a block to national consciousness.

5. 2. Extreme personalism "Takes things personally," cannot separate objective task from emotional involvement. Because of this the Filipino is uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with rules and regulations and with standard procedures. He uses personal contacts and gives preference to family and friends in hiring, services and even voting. Extreme personalism leads to the graft and corruption evident in Philippine society.

6. 3. Lack of discipline A casual attitude toward time and space, manifested in lack of precision and compulsiveness, in poor time management and procrastination. Aversion to following procedures strictly results in lack of standardization and quality control. Impatience results in short cuts, palusot , ningas cogon. Lack of discipline often results in inefficient work systems, the violation of rules and a casual work ethic lacking follow through.

7. 4. Passivity and lack of initiative Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others (leaders and government), complacence, lack of a sense of urgency. There is high tolerance for inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of one's basic rights. Too patient and matiisin , too easily resigned to his fate, the Filipino is easily oppressed and exploited.

8. 5. Colonial mentality Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness, appreciation and love of the Philippines and an actual preference for things foreign.

9. 6. Kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality Done by tsismis , intriga , unconstructive criticism... It is evident in the personal ambition that is completely insensitive to the common good, eg , the lack of a sense of service among people in the government bureaucracy. This results in the dampening of cooperative and community spirit and in the trampling upon other's rights.

10. 7. Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection The tendency to be superficial and somewhat flighty. In the face of serious personal and social problems, there is lack of analysis or reflection and instead satisfaction with superficial explanations and solutions.

11. 8. Emphasis on porma rather than substance This lack of analysis and emphasis on form is reinforced by an educational system that is as more form than substance.

12. These weaknesses are rooted in many factors: home, social and economic environment; culture and language; history: religion educational system; mass media; leadership and role models.

13. Change is possible, however, and the following goals are proposed to develop in the Filipino: a sense of patriotism and national pride; a sense of the common good; a sense of integrity and accountability, the values and habits of discipline and hard work; the value and habits of self-reflection and analysis; the internalization of spiritual values and the emphasis on essence rather than on form.

14. In the same report in 1988, Senator Leticia Shahani said, The strengths of the Filipino character are: pakikipagkapwa-tao , family orientation, joy and humor, flexibility, adaptability and creativity, hard work and industry, faith and religiosity and ability to survive.

15. Values Education in Schools "Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation" and to its core values - maka-Diyos , maka-tao , makakalikasan and makabansa - it is an uphill battle for Philippine schools to realize these considering the weaknesses of the Filipino character.

16. Philippine schools have to intensify values education in the curriculum which in essence is moral education. To help every Filipino child grow morally and ethically, he/she must be helped acquire the strengths of the Filipino character at the same time, he/she must be made to realize that his/her strengths also become his/her source of weaknesses.

17. Universal Values

18. Be honest, even if others are not. Be honest Even if others will not Even if others cannot He who walks honestly, walks securely. -Abhishek Tiwari

19. Questions Is honesty or truth telling considered a universal value. Why or why not? What are possible consequences of dishonesty?

20. Universal values are for human survival. Universal values are the ultimate bases for living together and learning how to live together. Without respect for human life by all then people will just kill each other. If honesty or truth telling is not valued by all, there will be endless lack of trust among people.

21. Related to the empirical findings on the universal values, Dr. Kent M. Keith (2003) came up with a list of fundamental, or universal moral principles that can be found throughout the world. These are grouped into negative and positive statements as follows:

22. DO NO HARM . Do not do to others what you would not like them to do to you. Do not lie. Do not steal. Do not cheat. Do not falsely accuse others. Do not commit adultery. Do not commit incest. Do not physically or verbally abuse others. Do not murder. Do not destroy the natural environment upon which all life depends.

23. DO GOOD . Do to others what you would like them to do to you. Be honest and fair. Be generous. Be faithful to your family and friends. Take care of your children when they are young. Take care of your parents when they are old. Take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Be kind to strangers. Respect all life. Protect the natural environment upon which all life depends.