Filipino Moral Character: Pros and Cons

Filipino cultural morality, especially that which concerns social ethics, centers on ideally having a “smooth interpersonal relationship” (SIR) with others.

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The definition of “smooth interpersonal relationship” in Philippine culture is principally supported by and anchored on at least six basic Filipino values: the concepts of

(1) ‘pakikisama,’

(2) ‘hiya,’

(3) ‘amor propio,’

(4) ‘utang na loob,’

(5) Filipino hospitality, and,

(6) respect for elders.

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1. Pakikisama

‘Pakikisama’ is having and maintaining ‘good public relations.’ This is usually being practiced to avoid clash with other people or a certain group.

It characterizes both a value and a goal that involves keeping good feelings in all personal interactions and getting along with others, oftentimes, at all costs.

Just like other Filipino values, however, ‘pakikisama’ can work either positively or destructively. To elude open displays of conflicts, clashes, and confrontations, Filipinos, because of ‘pakikisama,’ may do the following:

– submit to group opinion,

– overgenerously praise on one another,

– use metaphorical language rather than candid terms,

– conceal negative feelings or unhappy spirits underneath a pleasant demeanor,

– smile even when things go wrong,

– avoid to say ‘no,’ and

– refrain from venting anger or losing temper.

Filipinos believe that attaining SIR is much important that we may give up clear but offending communications.

2. Hiya

‘Hiya’ is described as a feeling of lowliness, shame or embarrassment, and inhibition or shyness which is experienced as somewhat distressing. Integrally, ‘hiya’ is related to the concept of ‘face’ and a concern with how one appears in the eyes of others.

This unique Filipino concept ‘hiya’ or ‘fear of losing face’ encompasses being afraid to do bad things as it may damage one’s reputation in the sight of other people. A person’s capacity for proper behavior with authority figures is a reflection of his or her family upbringing and this fear of losing face.

Too much ‘hiya,’ nonetheless, may lead to having inferiority complex and losing self-confidence. 

3. Amor propio (pride)

Like ‘hiya,’ the Filipino value of ‘amor propio’is derived from the concept of ‘face.’ Although commonly translated as ‘self-respect’ or ‘self-esteem,’ ‘amor propio’ has been “characterized as the high degree of sensitivity that makes a person intolerant to criticism and causes him to have an easily wounded pride” (“Amor Propio,” n.d.).

Concerning this Filipino value, some observe that “Filipinos learn to withstand a ‘loss of face’ in some situations, particularly when they perceive themselves to be at fault, but it is devastating to be publicly criticized, insulted, belittled, or humiliated, or to lose one’s self-respect” (“Amor Propio,” n.d.).

‘Amor propio’ comes from the person’s tendency to protect his or her dignity and honor. Because of pride or amor propio, for instance, a person may refuse offers even if he/she really wants to accept them.

4. Utang na loob (debt of gratitude)

The so-called ‘utang na loob’is likewise a fundamental aspect of upholding group harmony and relationships that demand the balancing of obligations and debts. This involves the concept ‘reciprocity’ or returning the received favor.

The inability to repay the “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) usually makes a person “walang utang na loob” or “walang-hiya.” To avoid being dubbed as “walang utang na loob,” some Filipinos sometimes do things that may be bad (like voting for unworthy candidate) just to return a received favor.

5. Filipino hospitality

‘Filipino hospitality’ refers to the innate ability and trait of Filipinos to be courteous and entertaining to their guests. Indeed, generally speaking, Filipinos are hospitable as they are internationally known to be warm, welcoming, and accommodating.

This trait, however, makes Filipinos prone to being abused or maltreated.

6. Respect to elders

Concerning ‘respect to elders,’ we, Filipinos, are not only respectful to elders, but also have unique ways of expressing this respect to elders. These include the use of ‘po’ and ‘opo’when talking to elders and ‘pagmamano’ or the putting of the elder’s hand to one’s forehead.

When excessive, nonetheless, respect to elders makes one dependent or irrationally obedient to parents or elders.

These Filipino social values are important to maintain harmony in Filipino relationships in social institutions such as family, school, and community. The ‘smooth interpersonal relationship,’ together with Filipino ‘pakikipagkapwa-tao,’ has been deemed as a central core of essential cultural traits that form and define an almost stereotypic Filipino character and moral behavior … continue reading

Read: A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People–Building a Nation by Patricia Licuanan

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*More and detailed discussions on the strengths and weaknesses of Filipino moral behavior can be read at the article “A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People–Building a Nation by Patricia Licuanan”. The article can be accessed through the search engine of www.OurHappySchool.com.

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