Presented at the DLSU Research Congress 2014

De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines

March 6-8, 2014

Traversing 21st Century Filipino Values and Clinical Competence of

Nurses In Selected Healthcare Institutions
in Bacoor City, Cavite
Jonathan R. Adanza
St. Dominic College of Asia
[email protected]

Abstract: This descriptive, correlational study sought to determine the relationship

between modern Filipino values and clinical competency of nurses in selected
hospitals and other health care institutions of Bacoor City, Cavite. Value mirrors
one’s personality. The 21st century Filipinos exemplify the five modern Filipino
values namely; pananalig, katapatan, pag-aaruga, kasipagan, and tibay ng loob.

All professionals should possess good values that might help and even
influence their clients. Nursing is being considered as one of the noblest professions.
It takes time to be called a nurse. A lot of skills enhancements, trainings and passion
are needed to become a full-fledge nurse. Filipino nurses should possess with them
good values most specifically the said five modern Filipino values, as they are given
the mandate to promote health and wellness, prevent disease, alleviate suffering,
and provide optimum health care to their patients. With 100 working nurses as
participants, selected through purposive sampling, at .05 level of significance, this
study shows a significant relationship between clinical competency of nurses and the
five modern Filipino values: pananalig (r=.788); katapatan (r=.788), pag-aaruga
(r=.687); kasipagan (r=.881) and tibay ng loob (r=.881). This means that the more
nurses exemplify the five modern Filipino values their level of competency in terms of
their knowledge, skills and attitude towards nursing escalates. This study may
further help Filipino nurses to improve their awareness on how to practice the
nursing profession in the most proper and unique way, boost their self confidence and
influence other people with positive modern Filipino values. Moreover, the study can
be replicated to other jobs outside nursing.

Key words: Filipino values; modern values; nurse clinical competency; correlation

INTRODUCTION and caring is calling. Not everyone is called to be a

nurse to care for both well and sick person. As a
Jean Watson (1998) posited that caring is nurse, one should be healthy in all aspects of his/
the essence of nursing. In the noble profession of her personality to be able to render quality nursing
nursing, caring is one of the most important care for one’s patients. The researcher believed that
elements that a nurse should possess to be able to to be a competent nurse, one should exemplify
promote quality nursing care and maintain the necessary values. Having knowledge and skills
optimum quality of health. To be a nurse is to care, about nursing is not enough to become competent.
Value is one of the various factors that mold and

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 Presented at the DLSU Research Congress 2014
De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
March 6-8, 2014

harness good nurses. There is no formula to Values can be also considered as a guide
become a perfect nurse because no one is born towards the betterment of life because without
perfect. Nurses can be perfect in the eyes of others, proper values, a person will never achieve what one
as long as one knows oneself, comply with the aspires for. Head knowledge is not enough to be
needs of themselves as well their patients and is called successful. This is evident in our society with
willing to face one’s weaknesses and shortcomings the so-called “intellectual giants but emotional
to improve not only oneself but also their pygmies.” Besides, values last a lifetime. Gonzales-
performance as a professional nurse. Lardizabal (1990) noted that a value is something
a person, chooses, prizes and cherishes, publicly
affirms, consistently acts on, and celebrates the
There are different ways in becoming a
acting of that something.
good nurse. There are many advantages and
disadvantages that would create a big impact in Values can either be personal, cultural,
health care. Our modern Filipino values will serve social and even universal. Personal values are
as nurses’ guide in patient care. Therefore, it is the implicitly related to choice of a person and
aim of this study to assess and describe to what serving as their guide in making decisions. They
extent the modern Filipino values affect the level of may be derived from those ethical or cultural
competency of nurses. group, their family values, religion or political
party. One’s family, race, culture and historical
environment are helpful in determining one’s
personal values. This is not to say that the value
Review of Related Literature concepts themselves are not universal, merely
that each individual possess a unique conception
Values of them appropriate for their own genes, feelings
and experiences (Retrieved in
Values are the actions, things and ideas
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/ Definition
that really matters to people. They are the rules by
_Personal_ Values.html on March 30, 2013).
which we make people decide for what is right or
wrong, good or bad and should or shouldn’t. Filipino values and traits vary depending
(Retrieved in http://changingminds.org/ on how they are raised in their respective homes.
explanations/values/ values_ morals_ethics htm on Their homes are their first school wherein their
March 29,2013). They can be inherited or otherwise mentors are their parents. Values are first being
learned. According to some sociologist there is no developed in home. Values represent basic
any evaluation or endorsement of values as being convictions that “a specific mode of conduct or end-
inherently “better” or “worse”. Since values are state of existence is personally or socially
abstract, they cannot be readily identified (Panopio preferable to an opposite or converse mode of
and Roldan, 2000). conduct or end-state of existence” (Robbin & Judge,
2009, p. 220).
Moreover, there are no positive and
negative values but a value’s morality largely
One of the important symbols of being a
depends on how one uses it. However, Gonzales and Filipino is his values. Being a Filipino nurse is not
Lardizabal (1990) stated that values may be that easy, one has to be always on time, one should
positive or negative depends on the person used it. be always aware of one’s environment, willing to
Positive values such as honestly, care, and love give oneself fully as a healthcare provider and most
contribute to people, growth, welfare, and progress. of all one should be diligent. These are in the
They make a person likable and pleasing. Negative
context of Filipino values. Being a Filipino nurse 24
values make a person unproductive and even hours 7 days a week is really not that easy, because
destruct to self and others. Positive values are has to meet people of different races, color, attitude
integrative and pro- social, while negative values as well as traditions and values. Nurses are obliged
are anti -social and may cause mental disorders to act in a respectable manner not only for one’s
and psychophysiological illness in the person.

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De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
March 6-8, 2014

patient but also to oneself. This is where Filipino Having these Filipino values will make
values are becoming relevant. one’s life become more disciplined and be concerned
with what is morally good and bad and also right or
A Filipino possesses numerous values; wrong. It can also apply to any system or theory of
some may either be negative and positive in nature. moral values and principles (Andres, 1989).
They all represent what a Filipino is, in the
physical, intellectual and so as the emotional point Moreover, building Filipino values at
of view. These values help mold a Filipino’s workplace is also a process of giving meaning and
maturity, experience and character. These values challenge to him to become productive. Personal
are passed down from generation to generation and concern for him is a big motivator for his
continuing to evolve through time. (Andres, 1989). productivity. To the Filipino the highest values are
to become responsible, respectable and important
Limitless ideas, Filipino values can be people. The hierarchy values of the Filipino in any
greatly seen here, because of the innovative ideas setting are the familism or the need to belong,
jam-packed with a twist of Filipino design. These reciprocity for the need to be reciprocated, social
values are present from the forms of writing, plays, acceptance for the need to be accepted in a bigger
latest construction models, interior designs, group, social motility or the need to climb the socio-
musical compositions and of course the famous economic level and the need to be esteemed and
digital designs. Lastly, is the tradition and culture, revered.
obviously in this field it is seen that all of our
Filipino traditions are abundant. There were few books and journals about
(http://divine07.multiply. com/journal/item/11 the relationship and importance of modern Filipino
Filipino_Values March 24, 2013). In the modern values in nursing leadership. Some sociologists also
times, Filipino values have evolved but the essence stated that there are no specific positive or negative
of them remained to be the same. Guevarra (2004), values. The researchers believe that this study may
compared the modern Filipino values to Ikebana of give a big help in adding more literatures and ideas
Japan which has various characteristics. These about how modern Filipino values and nursing
modern Filipino values are first, Pananalig (Faith); leadership relates to each other. This research
Madonna and Child epitomize the kind of faith study may also give another ideas and knowledge
every Filipino carries in the heart an assurance about on how to use Filipino values in most
that the Divine Being watches over each and every respective and proper way.
one of us. Second, katapatan (Faithfulness/honesty)
that resembles marriage bands. This arrangement Conceptual Framework
celebrates the modern Filipino hero's faithfulness
to husband or wife, as well as faithfulness to The review of related literature results to
country and all the ideals for which our Republic salient points. First, Filipino values mold workers
stands. Third, is Pag-aaruga (Nurturing). Every to become more competent in terms of their
Filipino child grows and learns under the wing of a knowledge, skills and attitude in the Philippine
mentor who instills in the child the sense of love, setting. Every decision making, communication and
compassion, heroism and courage. Fourth is interpersonal relationship of a worker is influenced
Kasipagan (Industry). The Fruits of the earth by one’s imbibed values; it may be positive or
spring forth only through our industry and it is negative.
only through our work that we will be able to
achieve the rebuilding of our mother country, the Second salient point is it is the truth that
task of every one of us, modern Philippine heroes it is not enough for styles, theories and principles to
all. Lastly, is Tibay ng Loob (Courage). Being create a competent Filipino worker. It entails
stalwart and firm in idealism and goodwill, the synergy of Filipino values. Third, there are various
modern Philippine hero stands by his or her values factors that can be considered as determinants and
and ideals (http://guevent.org). factors for the creation of this type of worker.
Factors such as gender and length of service cannot

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De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
March 6-8, 2014

be ignored completely in the formation of this type result shows very high reliability at α=.89, p>.01.
of worker. Percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson were used
to treat the data statistically.
Statement of the Problem
This study sought to assess and describe RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
the relationship of practiced modern Filipino values
and the level of clinical competency of nurses. To On Demographic Profile
address this problem, the following research
questions were addressed: The data succinctly show that according to
gender, 25 out of 100 respondents or 25.0% of the
1. What is the demographic profile of the population are male and 75 out of 100 respondents
participants in terms of: or 75.0 % are female. Moreover, first group in this
study are those nurses who have three through five
1.1 Gender
years in service, and accounts to 75 out of 100
1.2 Number of years in the service respondents or 75% of the total population. Then,
nurses who are 6-8 years in service, which has ten
2. To what extent nurses practiced modern out of 100 respondents or 10% of the total
Filipino values as to: population and lastly nurses who are 9-11 years in
2.1 Pananalig service who has 15 respondents belongs to this
group which is 15% of the population.
2.2 Katapatan
2.3 Pag-aaruga On Practice of Modern Filipino Values at the
Workplace
2.4 Kasipagan
2.5 Tibay ng Loob Table 1 shows the extent nurses practiced
the modern Filipino values at the workplace.
3. What is the nurses’ clinical competency
level? Table 1. Extent of Practice of Modern Filipino
Value at the Workplace
4. Is there a significant relationship
between practiced modern Filipino values and
Modern Mean Qualitative
clinical competency of nurses?
Filipino Values Interpretation
5. How pervasive nurses demonstrate and Pananalig 4.36 Very high extent
practice the modern Filipino values in the Katapatan 4.60 Very high extent
workplace? Pag-aaruga 4.48 Very high extent
Kasipagan 4.30 Very high extent
Tibay ng Loob 4.42 Very high extent
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 reveals the result of the computed
The researcher used the descriptive, mean of the 100 respondents for observed modern
correlational design to describe the relationship Filipino values at the workplace. All of the modern
between modern Filipino values and clinical Filipino values are observed and practiced to a very
competency of nurses. Using purposive sampling, high extent. It can be further gleaned from the
the researcher was able to recruit 100 professional table that the highest value observed and practiced
nurses working in several health care institutions is that of Katapatan (x=4.60). This is followed by
in Bacoor City, Cavite to become participants in Pag-aaruga (x=4.48), Tibay ng Loob (x=4.42),
this research. A researcher-made questionnaire Pananalig (x=4.36), and Kasipagan (x=4.30).
which was thoroughly validated was used in the
A result of x=4.60 for Katapatan, which is
study. The instrument underwent reliability
testing using the Cronbach alpha in which the interpreted as very high extent, is encouraging in

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De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
March 6-8, 2014

today’s modern society, where life is constantly this study measures knowledge, skills and attitude
changing. This result may indicate that nurses using Likert scale from one (1) to five (5), one (1)
nowadays are still faithful to their profession and being the lowest and five (5) the highest.
faithful in rendering direct nursing care for their Competency as to knowledge has the weighted
patient. They are still honest in every procedure average of x=4.75, skills has x=4.68, and attitude
they do for their patients. They make sure that has x=4.62. These data corroborates the claim of
everything that have been written in their nurse’s people from other countries of how excellent
notes are true, properly carried out and free from Filipino nurses are. Knowledge jives with skills and
errors which could endanger the lives of their attitude. That is the formula of an excellent
clients. Honesty and being faithful are the most nurse—an intelligent and adroit professional with
important values that a nurse should possess a big heart. Indeed, holism is one of the advocacies
because these values can contribute to the of several nursing theorists (Tomey and Alligood,
improvement and maintenance of the health of 2006).
their patients.
On the Relationship between Modern Filipino
Coming close is Pag-aaruga which is Values and Nurses’ Clinical Competency
interpreted as utilized to a very high extent.
Caring is the main purpose why there are nurses in The research question, is there a
this world. To be a nurse is to care (Watson, 1998). significant relationship between modern Filipino
Tibay ng Loob or being brave and courageous to values and clinical competency of nurses? Is
face challenges in life is at third, then Pananalig or answered in table 2.
having faith that could move mountains at fourth
and the least of all the values in this study is that Table 2. The Relationship between Nurses’ Clinical
of Kasipagan or being industrious and not lazy. Competency and Practiced Modern Filipino Values

Pananalig just shows that nurses’ Modern r- p- Qualitativ Decision

nowadays are still practicing their religious beliefs Filipino value value e
as Filipinos. Praying for their patients and values Interpreta
encouraging them to pray would serve as big help tion
for a person to recover from one’s sickness. As cited Pananalig .788 .000 Sig. (+) Reject H0
from http://nursing.advanceweb.com, spiritual care correlatio
has always been an integral part of nursing since n
the time of Florence Nightingale. Having a Katapatan .788 .000 Sig. (+) Reject H0
knowledge and skill in practicing one’s pananalig correlatio
or faith might help a patient to recover faster. This n
result can also help the nurses to be aware of how Pag-aaruga .687 .001 Sig. (+) Reject H0
they can make use of pananalig in practicing their correlatio
profession. The study does not show that nurses n
nowadays are not industrious despite kasipagan as Kasipagan .881 .000 Sig. (+) Reject H0
the lowest ranked modern Filipino value. It’s just strong
that nurses value more katapatan, tibay ng loob, correlatio
pag-aaruga and pananalig, n
Tibay ng .881 .000 Sig. (+) Reject H0
On Level of Clinical Competency of Nurses Loob strong
correlatio
To answer the research question, what is n
the nurses’ clinical competency level, the study
shows that the overall weighted average mean of
clinical competency of nurses is at x=4.68 (very Pananalig
high level of competency). Clinical competency in

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De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
March 6-8, 2014

It can be gleaned from table 2 that there is comfort and healing and prevent unnecessary
a significant positive correlation between suffering. Caring cannot occur without respect for
Pananalig with clinical competency at .05 level (2- each patient as a person who has unique needs.
tailed), as shown by r=.788, p=.000. This may mean Nursing interventions embedded in caring promote
that the level of competency of nurses increases a healing environment. Caring practices
when their Pananalig escalates. Ross (2006) acknowledge the give and take between nurses and
posited that becoming aware of one’s spiritual patients, in which mutuality is part of the
perspectives will enhance personal awareness and, relationship (Tomey and Aligood, 2006).
thereby, contribute to the provision of spiritual care
to patients. Studies have further corroborated that Kasipagan
nurses with religious affiliations have stronger
spiritual base and are more likely to provide A significant positive strong correlation is
spiritual care in practice (Cavendish, Luise, Russo, noted at 0.05 level (2 tailed), that is r=.881, p= .000.
Mitzeliotis, Bauer, Bajo, et al., 2004), as the nurse’s When a nurse exemplifies a value of kasipagan, his
own personal spirituality will permeate individual or her level of competency also improves further. To
nursing practice (Reed, 1987). be able to provide quality nursing care for patient a
nurse should possess a value of kasipagan or
Katapatan industriousness. Nurses are naturally made
industrious to be able to improve quality care
Moreover, there is a significant positive inside a healthcare facility. As shown in the result
correlation between Katapatan and clinical a strong correlation is noted, meaning when a
competency at .05 level (2-tailed), as shown by nurse is industrious he or she might serve as an
r=.788, p=.000. The nurses’ level of competency instrument for the improvement of health of his or
increases when a nurse increases in their her patient. As cited by Wright (2006) in his article
Katapatan. As cited in http://www.bioetica. retrieved from http://technorati.com/ sports/
uchile.cl/doc/honesty.html, honesty also matters to article/industriousness-and-enthusiasm–corner
the nurses, doctors and other medical professionals. stones-of-coach/, industriousness is the first
The loss of reputation for honesty in medical cornerstone of every successful individual likewise
practice means the end of medicine as a profession. to be a nurse one should also be industrious to be
Important as it is for patients, nurses and doctors, able to help and render care for their patients.
however, honesty has been neither a major concern
in medical ethics nor an important value for Tibay ng Loob
doctors. It may be an exaggeration to say that
honesty is neither taught in medical school nor A significant positive strong correlation is
valued in medical culture, but it is not too much of noted between Tibay ng Loob and level of
an exaggeration. competency, r=.881, p=.000. When a nurse
exemplifies a value of tibay ng loob, his or her level
Pag-aaruga of competency also improves further. This value is
very important not only for the emergency room
There is a significant positive correlation nurses but also to all the nurses in different areas
between pag-aaruga and level of competency at inside the hospital. Having the value of tibay ng
0.05 level ( 2-tailed ) as shown r = .687, p=.001. The loob or courage helps the nurse for wise decision
nurses level of competency increases when a nurse making. This value might also help the nurse and
increases in his or her Katapatan. Jean Watson patient during emergency cases. Courage is not
stated that caring is a science. She puts it by only about facing difficult problems and
asserting that caring is a science that encompasses circumstances in life, as a nurse courage is about
a humanitarian, human science orientation, human facing one’s challenges and one’s patient everyday
caring processes, phenomena, and experiences. during one’s shift.
Caring science includes arts and humanities as
well as science. Caring practices is to promote

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De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
March 6-8, 2014

Moreover, when the respondents were US Army Handbook. 1973

asked about the modern Filipino values Values. http://changingminds.org/
demonstrated in their workplace, they shared that explanations/values/ values_ morals_ethics
there is no positive and negative or good and bad htm March 29,2011
values because it depends upon the person on how Values. http://ezinearticles.com/?Philippine---
he or she utilizes it. Modern Filipino values serve Filipino-Values&id=3101614. Tetrieved on
as their guide not only on their performance in March 29,2013.
rendering direct patient care. They also added that Personal Values. http://www.selfgrowth
it is important to be fueled by modern Filipino .com/articles/ Definition _ Personal _
values because as a person it serves as one’s mirror Values.htmlMarch 29,2011
of personality. Values make people decide of what Values at Workplace. http://www.oppapers
is best. The most common values they are using .com/essays/Workplace-Values-And-
during their shift are honesty, caring, respect, Ethics/586720 on March 29,2011).
faith, being fair, and politeness. These values help Importance of Values.
them maintain their good character and manner as http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Importance-
humans. They also added that values help them of-Personal-Values on March 29,2011
improve their knowledge, skills and attitude not Negative Filipino Traits.
only about nursing but also about their own lives. http://www.qatarliving.com/node
/110388#ixzz1 IUiCvxTn March 29,2011
CONCLUSIONS Values of Modern Filipino. http://guevent.org/
December 1,2004).
Majority of the respondents are female. In
the field of nursing most female enrolled in the
BSN course than male. In terms of years in service
most nurses now days would like to practice
nursing profession at the early age of 24 to 29 years
old. Nurses nowadays perceive themselves as
competent. According to the results from the tables,
it is suggested that they are highly competent. The
researchers believe that these scores can further
increase with time.

The modern Filipino values such as

Katapatan, Pananalig, Pag-aaruga, Kasipagan and
Tibay ng Loob are very much exemplified by the
Filipino nurses today. Clinical competency of
nurses is very much influenced by practice of
modern Filipino values. This means, practicing the
modern Filipino values will make one a better
nurse.

REFERENCES
Andres, Tomas D. (1989). Filipino values.
Quezon City: Paulinian.
Andres, Tomas Q. 1991. Developing positive
Behavior by Filipino Values. Quezon City:
Paulinian.
Andres, Tomas Q.D. 1989. Management
Filipino Style. Quezon City: Paulinian.

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