VALUES EDUCATION (FINAL TOPIC)

Self-Awareness and Values Development

During the NSTP sessions that discussed the different Filipino characteristics
and Filipino Citizenship values, an understanding of the Filipino culture and
Filipino value system was explained. It reiterated that actions, decisions and
manner an individual acts and thinks can be attributed to the values they were
taught and practiced since their birth.

For this chapter, it will discussed the different values that are exemplified in
the social setting especially in the community. It is better to keep in mind that
these values are very essential in bringing forth changes and progress in the
community. These values can be an important instrument in influencing the
people in the community towards productive change and development.

Below are several values that can help in bring together people for a common
goal and advocacy.

1. Pakikisama / Camaraderie – refers to an interpersonal relationship where

people are friendly with each other. To be with someone and to get along with
each other indicates basic human friendliness and affinity. It is a basic
tendency for Filipinos and is expressed in their private lives, their public
workplaces, and in their relationship with their neighbors. Filipino believe that
they live and act together with co-equals and consider it only natural that the
consideration they show other will be reciprocated. So, people show a strong
tendency to help, share and cooperate with those they are with.

2. Familial / Close Family Ties – Filipino are said to value and take good care
of their family. Genuine concern for the family is manifested in the honor and
respect given to parents and elders, in the support and care extended to
children and in the great sacrifices one endure for the welfare of the family.
This family orientation makes every member develop a feeling of belongingness
and sense of safety and security.
3. Hospitality – refers to the warm welcome that the Filipino gives to
visitors who come to his and her home, especially strangers. Filipinos tend
to create relationship and open their homes regardless of any stereotypical
biases. They are easy to get along with and treats them as though they were
family members.

4. Damayan System – refers to the sympathy for people who suffered lost
and in unfavorable situations. Filipinos tend to express their sympathy very
easily and pull people in their intimate circle for comfort and support.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability – Filipinos can keep up with whatever life

throw at them. They deal with the challenges and changes in their everyday
lives as it happens. They easily conforms to the situation as well as in
dealing with the unexpected. This is the ability of the Filipinos to adjust to
the norms of other groups to attain smooth and harmonious relationship.
This is exemplified during disaster wherein many families are displaced in
evacuation centers and need to cope with the hard times.

6. Resiliency – nothing can keep the Filipino down. Even in dire situation,
Filipino always find a reason to laugh at the difficulties and proceed with
their lives. This is the ability to recover and regain readily one’s particular
state and recover without intervention. This can be summed up with the
phase “to rise from the rubble” .
Nationalism is a belief, creed or political ideology that involves an individual
identifying with, or becoming attached to, one’s nation. It is the feeling of
oneness among the people of a certain country. A state of awareness that a
nation does exist and is made of people who owe allegiance not only to a tribe,
clan or region nor to any religious or political entity. Simply, it is the devotion
and love of country with all its inhabitants.

In the article by Luz Leanie Reyes of OurHappySchool.com entitled “10 Modern

Ways to Express Filipino Nationalism”, she presented how Filipinos can
express their nationalistic pride.

1. Respect the Philippine flag and value the Filipino identity - Being
Filipinos, we should respect our Philippine flag and its purpose. The history
and value of this flag are connected to the freedom we have today. Encourage
our fellowmen to participate and respect our flag and its anthem and even our
different symbols. They provide us our identity as Flipinos or citizens of the
beautiful Republic of the Philippines.

2. Be a productive citizen – Be industrious and make ourselves productive,

not only for ourselves but for our country as well. Serve the people, serve our
nation.

3. Be aware of the issues in our country – We must be aware and updated on

the significant issues happening in the country. Extend help to the needy
fellowmen, especially the victims of disasters like typhoons, flooding, and the
like.

4. Stand proud for every Filipinos achievement – Filipinos is globally

competitive in many aspects. They are proud to be a Filipino and for the honors
they bring to our country. They unite every Filipino for their achievements. We
can be proud of Filipinos like Manny Pacquiao, the Azkals Football Team, the
Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Team, and many more.

5. Patronize and support our own products – The Philippines has rich
resources to create quality goods and products. The manpower services we
provide are also globally competitive. Our economy will improve more if we
ourselves patronize our own products which characterize our creativity,
resourcefulness, and industry.
6. Preserve the Filipino culture – Philippines is rich in various colorful
cultural elements. They are our identity. Be proud and preserve the culture we
have for they are our treasure. We have to keep them for the future generation.

7. Respect everyone and value our traditions – Filipinos are very courteous
and respectful. Even in modern times, many Filipinos show and value their
noble norms and traditions. So we Filipinos must continue to exercise these
good traditions like respecting our elders and others, by using “po at opo”,
being hospitable, and being religious.

8. Speak out our own language – Using our own language is manifesting and
preserving our national identity. It is our unique means of communicating and
interacting with our fellowmen. Our language is an important tool to achieve
further unity and national development.

9. Filipinos who died for our democracy, freedom, and independence.

Some fought using their pens and tongues, while some used the power of their
arms and weapons. Each had their own way of showing their love and respect
to our country. In today’s generation, let us value and treasured our heroes
sacrifices and devotion for our country.

10. Love our family, our neighbors, and our compatriots – Love and help
one another. That way, we are showing the world that we are proud to be
Filipinos. Stand united! Do something to help each other and for the greater
good for mother country. Love everyone and love our country as we love
ourselves.
Patriotism came from the Latin word “pater” which means “father”. It is the
willingness and determination to lay down one’s life for the fatherland – the
constant resolve to sacrifice one’s life and limb for the preservation of the
country. It is the total realization of that love for the country, which is
nationalism. In other words, to be patriotic is to be nationalistic.

How can one show their patriotism? Here are some ways you can show your
patriotic pride:

1. Display your pride. This is the cheapest and easiest way to show
your patriotism. However, bear in mind that you need to observe the
proper way of showing your nationalistic pride.

2. Stay informed. Know what is going on the country. Understand the

concern and issues plaguing the society. Look at the issues especially
the problems from both sides. Stay objective and find the facts.

3. Learn about your country. Learn the history, culture and influences
of the place where you are born and living in. Don’t be ignorant
about the heritage and legacy of our heroes and modern social
movers.

4. Be proud of your country. Celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of

the country. Highlight the good side of the country.

5. Keep the environment clean. No one will take care and safeguard
the country’s resources but their own people. Make it last for the
succeeding generations.

6. Buy local. Support the local businesses and local products to better
boost the local producers like farmers, fishermen etc.

7. Pay your taxes. Contribute to the country’s budget to create change

and development which shall be supported by paying the right
amount of taxes.

8. Vote. Exercise your rights and participate in the government. Chose

the leaders that could shape out country’s direction and future.
9. Keep the government honest. Don’t tolerate corruption and red
tape. Keep an eye out for any malpractice in the government and
abusive government leaders and employee.

10. Volunteer. Get involve and advocate for worthwhile issues. Share
your time and talent for a cause that could help the country.
 Human Person

THE HUMAN PERSON: OVERVIEW

What is a human person? What is the nature of a human person? How does a
person attain his highest potential that can create a positive result towards
society?

Even during ancient times, these questions had been consistently raised and
evaluated. Brilliant psychologists, philosophers, theologians, and even natural
scientists had written and made in- depth analyses on the topic of human
nature using wide range of theories and observations.

It is essentially difficult to define man. This perspective aims to revisit and

challenge, in all humility, our perception of human nature; and the possibility
of achieving a productive society through the actualization of a person’s highest
potential.

THE HUMAN PERSON: REVISITED

When we talk about the human person, it is obviously everything that pertains
to man - physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual attributes. There are
several definitions of a human person based on different perspectives:

Aristotle and Boethius described man as a rational being. As rational being, a

person is able to know, reason out and apply what he knows.

Theologians describe a human person as a substance of physical and

spiritual. Spiritual in nature because man has a soul and is created by a
Superior Being with a divine purpose. Physical in nature, because a person is
created with body and faculty that correspond to his relationship with society.

Dictionaries define a human person as a living, self-conscious animal or a

thing.

WHO AM I?

To fully understand the meaning of a person, let us re-evaluate and

understand the characteristics of a person: CHARACTERISTICS OF A
PERSON Eddie Babor discussed in his book “The Human Person, Not Real
But Existing” that the human person have several characteristics, among
which are the following:
1. Rational - Every person is a rational being. This is what distinguishes a
person from all other creatures in the world. As a rational being, a person is
free to think and has the capacity to reason. He can distinguish what is right
and what is wrong because he has intellect.

2. Free - All human beings are born free. A person has the freedom to do or
not to do a specific action. However, every person must be responsible for his
own action. In other words, a person can do whatever he pleases but not to the
extent of doing harm to his co-creatures.

3. Unique - Every person is unique. Every person has his own identity such
that no two persons are the same. Generally speaking, human beings have the
same characteristics and physical features and but no two persons are the
same because every person has its own perception, has different sets of values
and priorities in life.

4. Social being - Every person is intrinsically a social being. He cannot detach

his “being” from others and all other creatures in the universe. Human nature
is characterized by his togetherness and relationship towards other creatures;
be it a thing, object or his fellowman.

5. Sexual - All created living things are sexual in nature but the uniqueness of
expression of a person’s sexuality makes it all different. The expression of a
person’s emotions, attitudes, feelings, actions and thoughts in sexual activity
best exemplifies his uniqueness from animals.

Considering the characteristics, and their definitions, given above, it can be

deduced that a human person is the ultimate expression of the Supreme Being
that has the freedom, capacity and ability to reason, reflect and relate to his
co-existence.
 CORE AND RELATED VALUES

DIMENSION VALUES
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Physical Fitness, cleanliness,
harmony with the material
universe, beauty and art
INTELLECTUAL TRUTH
Knowledge, creative and critical
AS SELF

thinking
MORAL LOVE
Integrity/honesty, self-worth/self-
esteem, personal discipline
SPIRITUAL SPIRITUALITY
Faith in God
SOCIAL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Family Society Mutual Love/respect, fidelity,
responsible parenthood, concern for
others/common good,
freedom/equality, social justice/
respect for human rights, peace/active
non-violence, popular participation
ECONOMIC ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
Thrift/conservation of resources, work
ethics, self- reliance, productivity,
scientific and technological knowledge,
vocational efficiency, entrepreneurship
IN COMMUNITY

POLITICAL NATIONALISM
Person

Common identity, national unity,

esteem of national heroes,
commitment, civic consciousness/
pride, “Bayanihan”/ solidarity, loyalty
to country
Human

GLOBAL SOLIDARITY
International understanding and
cooperation
SOURCE: Values Integration and Promotion: A Civic Welfare Service Core and
Related Value

THE ESSENCE OF A PERSON

By understanding the character and the definition of a person, the next
question would be “how are we going to maximize these characteristics to be
able to create a positive result?” There are several guiding principles in
realizing a person’s competence and ability. The totality of the person is best
explored in the field of humanistic psychology. This study theorized that a
person’s behavior and relationship with others is shaped by his inner feelings
and self-image. One of the foundations of humanistic psychology is Abraham
Maslow and his theory on the hierarchy of needs as illustrated below:

The hierarchy of needs has five levels, namely:

1. Physiological Level - these are biological needs such as food, water and
clothing. They are the strongest needs because when a person is deprived of
these, the person will ultimately find ways to fulfill its satisfaction.

2. Safety - when physiological needs are met, the person transcends in finding
security and protection from physical and emotional harm.

3. Social and Belongingness - when the needs for physiological and safety
had been satisfied, the desire for affection, belonging, friendship can become
active. Maslow states that people seek to overcome feeling of loneliness and
alienation.
4. Esteem - there are two esteem needs: The self-esteem that include
achievement, mastery, confidence and the esteem the person gets from others.
These include recognition, respect, attention etc. When these needs are
satisfied, the person feels self-confident and valuable as a person in the world.
However, when these needs are not met, the person may feel inferior, weak,
helpless and worthless.

5. Self-Actualization - it is the highest form of motivation. Maslow describes

this need as reaching the person’s peak potential.