Understanding the Self Learning Module

Lesson: The POLITICAL SELF and Being a Filipino

STARTING ACCURATELY

INTRODUCTION

This topic will help you reflect and understand more with regard to your political self. They say it
is difficult to describe the Filipino identity. As we all know we were colonized by the Spaniards for more
than 300 years. We were also influenced by the Chinese, Japanese, and the Americans because they also
colonized us.
Have you ever asked yourself what is truly a Filipino identity? Recall an instance, or maybe you
can imagine a moment when you are the only Filipino conversing among a group of people from different
nationalities. Will you be proud of speaking about all the beautiful things about your country and of being
a Filipino? Are you going to speak ill of your country or will you be just quietly mortified by the fact that
you are a Filipino?

Truly, we have a lot to be proud of. If only we realize that there are things unique to the identity
of the country, we might be able to rethink our sense of pride.

In this topic, we will trace the historical roots of our values and traits, and we will consider the
community and institutional factors that affect the Filipino identity. Secondly, we will consider the role of
the self in establishing a democratic culture. The primary goal of this lesson is to help you discover one's
source of pride which the national heritage from which one can truly develop a political self with an
authentic Filipino identity.

Motivation:

Look at the following pictures. What Filipino traits are being shown? What comes to mind upon seeing
these pictures? What are your insights? How do you feel upon seeing these photos?
INCULCATING CONCEPTS

LESSON PROPER

This lesson will focus on the historical context as to how we Filipinos develop our traits and
identity. The following readings will help you refresh your mind and take you back in your Philippine
History and social science classes. The following are important concepts defined in order for you to have
clearer understanding of the lesson.

Important Concepts

Politics – activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the
debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. (Oxford
Languages, 2020)

Power – Implies possession of ability to exert force, authority or influence.

Political self – Refers to the aspect of the self developed through the interplay of social factors
affecting its political dimension

Factors affecting Political Self

These are interrelated factors affecting the dimensions of your political self. The following factors are
discussed below.

1. Family
*Orientation and dynamics
*Personality
The family's central role in forming the individual's political personality derives from its role as
the main source and locus for the satisfaction of all his basic, innate needs. The child therefore
tends to identify with his parents and to adopt their outlook toward the political system. The
father becomes the prototypical authority figure and thereby initiates the child's view of political
authority. Under familial and other social circumstances in which the child progresses from
dependence to autonomy, he is likely to develop into a mature and responsible citizen. When he
suffers physical or emotional deprivation, he is likely to establish a pattern of chronic
dependence that includes the political. When conflict generates between his own emerging
needs, family patterns for satisfying them, and the demands and opportunities of the large
society, the growing child is in mental turmoil. Only gradually, then, can he change from
hierarchized to equalized patterns of political behavior, in which he can responsibly share power
with his new equal fellow citizens.

Despite family disagreements and generation gaps, children tend to grow up and vote the way
their parents do. Families are generally the first, and often the most enduring, influence on young
people's developing political opinions. As people grow older, other influences crisscross the
family, and naturally their attitudes tend to diverge from those of their parents. However, the
influence still remains. Logically, the more politically active your family, the more likely you are
to hold the same beliefs. Just look at the Bush family. This relationship is less strong on specific
issues like school prayer, abortion, and welfare programs but they all hold the same general
political view.

2. School/Educational Institution
School often have multiple roles to play. Not only should they give students the knowledge they
need to enter the labor market, they should also teach young people about democracy, and
develop students’ capacity to exercise their citizenship. A third task for schools is to enhance
political equality in society by supporting the least privileged students. In this study, we explore
how school can contribute to increased equality by strengthening students’ political efficacy. 

3. History
a. Colonization of Spanish, American, Japanese and among others

Our historical experience provides a profound true or how our identifying values and
traits have developed. Studying history enables us to develop better understanding of the world
in which we live. Building knowledge and understanding of historical events and trends,
especially over the past century, enables us to develop a much greater appreciation for current
events today. 

4. Culture/Belief System
Culture certainly influences politics. As such, culture is intrinsic to society and to the
human being. It is not meaningful to see culture as an outside force which limits the
freedom of the individual but rather as that which makes the individual human. It is
hard to envisage a person not tempered by culture, or a society not governed
according to the values, beliefs, and norms embedded in a particular culture. Our
basic point of departure is the centrality of culture in societal development, its
particularity and dynamism, and not least its intertwinement with politics.

5. Religion/Church

Religious beliefs are significantly related to national political participation. For religious
activities, identifying with a religious tradition reduces participation, but participation in
church activities increases political participation.
Beliefs influence personal and social identity as the values and religious beliefs make up
part of an individual's identity. The different influences however may have a negative or
positive effect in influencing beliefs. For example if a value such as healthy relationships
is taught in a family but the parents’ divorce that may lead to a negative part of their
identity and those values changed.
Older studies dating to the late 1940s generally show that Jewish voters are more likely to
support Democrats than are Catholics or Protestants. Catholics tend to be more liberal on
economic issues (such as minimum wage and taxes) than they are on social issues (such
as abortion and divorce). More recent studies have focused on how affiliates of the
"Religious Right" differ in their political attitudes and behavior from everyone else.
The RELIGIOUS RIGHT tends to support more conservative candidates for public
office, and they are more likely to contribute to the Republican Party than to the
 Democratic Party. This tendency is more clearly associated with social issues such as
school prayer, abortion, and divorce, than with economic issues or foreign affairs.

6. Media

Media's portrayal of religions can impact strongly on to a person’s beliefs as the media is
a strong influence and can frame or shape certain perceptions. For example if a TV show
promotes Buddhism then those who idolize the TV show may be strongly impacted to
believe in such religions.

7. Government
Government implies that there are relations of power between rulers and ruled, but the
context of rule is not limited to the state. Government in this sense is in operation
whether the power relationship is between states and citizens, institutions and clients,
parents and children, doctors and  patients, employers and employees, masters and dogs,
or even oneself and oneself. (Think of the training regimes, studying routines, or diets
people put themselves through as they seek to change or direct their lives in a particular
way). The role of the state and its influence on society (and vice versa) is just one aspect
of governmental relationships.

Who is a Filipino?

Filipino Traits and Values

The Filipino Family has values that have been treasured and passed on for many generation
already. These values are believed to be beneficial it fulfill some of the basic needs of people.

Filipino Values may be attributed into many influences. These can be from its ancestors or
influenced from its colonizer. Some values are bipolar meaning it can be positive or negative.

Positive Values

1. Bayanihan

A Filipino community spirit and cooperation wherein a group of individuals extend helping
hand without expecting any remuneration. It is characterized by communal work towards one
goal exemplified in carrying a nipa house or pushing a passenger jeepney.

2. Damayan System

Sympathy for people who lost their love ones. In case of death of a certain member of the
community, the whole community sympathizes with the bereaved family. Neighbors, friends,
and relatives of the deceased usually give certain amount of money as their way of showing
sympathy.

4. Fun-loving trait

A trait found in most Filipinos, a trait that makes them unique that even in time of calamities
and other challenges in life, they always have something to be happy about, a reason to
celebrate.

5. Hospitability

A Filipino trait of being receptive and generous to guests.

6. Compassionate

A Filipino trait of being sympathetic to others even if the person is a stranger. An example of
this is giving alms to beggar. This is observed when we hear Filipino saying “kawawa naman
or nakakaawa naman.”

7. Respect to elders

A Filipino trait of being courteous both in words and in actions to the people of older people.

Negative Values:

1. Bahala na Attitude

A Filipino trait characterized by retreating or withdrawal from certain undertaking and

leaving everything to God to interfere and determine the outcome of his deeds.

2. Colonial Complex or Blue- Seal Mentality

A Filipino value of showing high admiration and preference to foreign produced goods over
local ones.

3. Crab Mentality

A Filipino Attitude characterized by an attempt to “pull down” someone who has achieved
success beyond the others. This is done out of jealousy and insecurity.

4. Filipino Time

In reality, Filipino time means “always late”, a Filipino attitude of impreciseness towards
time.

5. Pakikisama
 Submitting oneself to the will of the group for the sake of camaraderie and unity. Failure to
comply with the group demand, the person will be called “walang pakikisama or selfish.”
The adherence to group demands have taught our young to engage in bad habits like
smoking, alcoholism, and even drug addiction.

6. Manana Habit

Delaying or setting aside a certain task assigned on the next day although it can be done
today.

Kultura, Tradisyon, Paniniwala at Pagpapahalaga sa Pagiging Mamamayan ng Bansang

Pilipinas                            

 Ang kultura ng Pilipinas o kalinangan ng Pilipinas ay pinaghalong impluwensiya ng mga

katutubong tradisyon at mga kultura ng mga unang mangangalakal at mananakop nito
noon. Ang pananakop ng mga Kastila sa Pilipinas, sa pamamahala ng Mehiko, na
tumagal ng mahigit 333 taon, ay may malaking kontribusyon sa Kultura ng Pilipinas.
Ang Wikang Pilipino, na mas kadalasang kilala bilang Tagalog, ay maraming hiniram na
salita galing Kastila.   
MGA KULTURA AT TRADISYON NG MGA PILIPINO

1. Ang paggunita sa mahal na araw

2. Ang pagpaalala sa santong patron ng bayan
3. Ang pagdiriwang ng ibat ibang uri ng pista ng pinoy
4. Mga katutubong sayaw
MADALAS NA KAUGALIAN

 Pagmamano – Ang pagmamano ay kaugalian ng mga Pilipino upang ipakita ang

paggalang sa nakatatanda. Tinutukoy nito ang pagkuha sa kamay ng nakatatanda at
paglapat nito sa noo, sabay ang pagsabi ng mano po. Madalas itong ginagawa bilang
pagbati sa pagdating o bago umalis. Maagang itinuturo sa mga bata ang pagmamano
bilang isang tanda ng paggalang.
 Paggamit ng “po at opo” sa nakatatanda – ito’y simbolo ng pagrespeto sa mga
nakatatanda.
 Mahilig makipagkapwa-tao -kapag madalas silang may nakakasalamuhang tao.
 Mapagkumbaba – nananatili pa rin ang kanilang mga paa na nakaapak sa lupa.

MADALAS NA PANINIWALA O PAMAHIIN

Sa Kusina:

1. Bawal kumanta sa harap ng kalan - may masamang mangyayari.

2. Bawal kumanta sa hapag-kainan – simbolo ng hindi pagrespeto.
 3. Bawal paglaruan ang apoy – maaaring lumabo ang mata.
4. Hindi dapat makabasag ng pinggan sa araw ng okasyon – ito ay simbolo ng kamalasan.

Sa Kasal:

1. Bawal isukat ang damit pangkasal – Maaaring hindi matuloy ang kasal
2. Bawal magkita ang magkapareha bago ang araw ng kasal – maaaring mamatay ang isa sa
kanila.
3. Dapat unahan ng babae ang lalake na lumabas ng simbahan – upang hindi siya maliitin.
4. Kapag umulan sa araw ng kasal – simbolo ng kaswertehan.

Kapag may sumakabilang-buhay:

1. Bawal matulog sa tabi ng kabaong – maaaring hindi mo mapipigilan ang paggalaw ng ulo
mo.
2. Bawal magkamot ng ulo – maaaring magkaroon ng kuto.
3. Pagsuutin ng pulang damit ang mga bata/ Pagtawid ng mga bata sa kabaong – upang
hindi sila guluhin ng namayapa.
4. Dapat putulin ang kwintas na nakakabit sa namayapa – upang hindi na siya masundan.
5. Bawal magwalis sa araw ng burol – bilang respeto
6. Bawal matuluan ng luha ang kabaong – upang hindi siya mahirapan sa pag-akyat sa
langit.

Iba pang pamahiin:

1. Bawal maggupit ng kuko sa gabi – upang hindi malasin.

2. “Friday the 13th” – mag-ingat sa araw na iyon sapagkat may maaaring mangyari sa iyong
masama.
3. Paggsing ng alas tres ng madaling araw – maaaring may dumalaw sa inyo. Paggising ng
mga ispiritu.
4. Kapag may nakita kang taong pugot ang ulo – maaari siyang mamatay (pwede itong
mapigilan basta ibaon lang ang kanyang damit sa lupa).

Developing a Filipino Identity: Values, Traits, Community and Institutional Factors (Villafuerte et.
al., 2018)

 Our historical experience provides a profound true or how our identifying values and traits have
developed. In the precolonial era, the Filipinos were free.

 The system of government was wide-ranging in small units called balangay -a term derived from
wooden boat used by a community of families for their living.
 The notes of Antonio Pigafetta, the scribe of the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan, revealed
that the natives of the Philippine islands were autonomous and economically prosperous.

 When the Spanish colonizer, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made a kinship pact, the sanduguan, with
a native chieftain Sikatuna of Bohol, the pact was initially understood as a mutual promise, like
blood brothers, of helping one another in times of need and development. The blood compact was
primarily grounded on the Filipino value of katapatan (true to one's promise).

 For over three centuries the Filipinos helped the colonizers build their military fortress paid their
taxes, joined their civil guards and constructed their government and religious infrastructures.
However the Spanish colonizers did not remain faithful to the pact that they have agreed with the
Filipinos. They required the natives to render forced labor; they have monopolized the market by
determining the price of farm products produced by the natives; they have grabbed the lands of
the farmers; they have limited the freedom of the natives and they have kept the Filipinos
ignorant.

 Towards the end of the third century under the Spanish colonial rule, a few educated indios
(Filipino natives), reminded themselves of the original kinship pact, and faithful to the traditional
values and traditions of the prosperous balangay, they manifested the value of katapangan
(courage) to fight back against the oppressive rule of the colonizers.

 The reformist Dr. Jose Rizal of Laguna used his talent and skill as a poet and a writer toenlighten
the Filipinos about the oppressive structures brought by the colonizers. He burned in them the
spirit of pagka-makabayan (patriotism) once again after centuries of hopelessness and
desperation. He trusted the Filipino intelligence and bunk'd on it to awaken the consciousness of
the people. His satirical novels - Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo candidly depicted the
worsened tyranny, oppression and domination of Filipinos under colonial rule.

 Although he never involved and succumbed to the invitation of the bloody revolution, the last
poem written by Jose Rizal -Mi Ultimo Adios- seemed to favor the armed wing of the same
revolutionary struggle of Andres Bonifacio. The latter justified the need for a bloody revolution
by the fact that there was betrayal of the pact between brothers. This philosophy honors more
than just the social contract existing between the colony and the colonizers. It seeks to uphold and
advocate the pact between brothers to sustain kalayaan (liberty) and pakikipagkapwa-tao (being
faithful to the goodness of the other).

 While the colonial power and influence were so ingrained in the Filipino system. The
revolutionary movements against the Spaniards began lo claim only little and scattered victories
all over the county. Then the Americans intervened to help the Filipinos win the war and gain
liberation from Spain. In 1898, the country gained its independence from Spain.

 However, for the next fifty years, the Americans remained in the country and continued to
intervene with its political, educational, economic and military affairs. In the course of many
years, the Filipino revolutionists, never blinded of their desire for real independence, began to
suspect that the Americans do not have the plans to leave the country. Thus, the Philippine-
American war broke and costed the lives of thousands of Filipinos and American.

 The superiority and might of American military led to the surrender of Philippine President
Emilio Aguinaldo. This signified the end of the revolutionary struggles of the Filipinos.
 Nonetheless, the desire for freedom was still burning in the heart of every Filipino. This led the
political pragmatist Manuel Quezon to bring the fight to the US Congress and eventually won the
Jones Law. He became the Commonwealth President, and in 1946 county firmly received its
independence.

Establishing a Democratic Culture

 Just shortly after we made independence from the United States, Filipino democracy
started to take shape; the Japanese occupied the country and established the Japanese-
sponsored Philippine Republic. President Jose Laurel cushioned the impact of the
atrocities and violence by constantly winning the trust of the Japanese while faithfully
serving the suffering Filipinos. He was the guerilla who fought his battle not in the
jungles but in the embattled office in Malacañang.

 The defeat of Japan in World War II also meant the regaining of Philippine
independence. Since then, we struggled to rebuild our communities and the structures of
our democracy. Filipinos lived their liberated hopes and dreams until the establishment of
the 1973 Marcos Constitution. This placed the entire nation under the authoritarian rule
of President Ferdinand Marcos. We have once again lost our freedom. We have once
again succumbed to the mercy not of foreign colonizers but of a fellow Filipino wanting
to pursue his development ideologies. The dictator initially delivered the needs of the
Filipino people by improving infrastructures and government systems. After 13 years
under Martial Law the people became fed up with so much corruption, injustice and
violence that eventually led to EDSA Revolution. The People Power in EDSA remains to
be a compelling message to the world that the Filipinos value freedom so dearly.

 The historical bloodless EDSA People Power Revolution guided the promulgation of the
1987 Constitution. This document defined how the institutions and systems of
government function in the way of democracy. Since President Corazon Aquino, until the
present administration under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Filipinos became highly
vigilant and watchful to safeguard the democratic processes in communities. The people's
assertions to peaceful and assertive means of participation to government and democratic
election and representation are healthy indications that the Filipinos have matured in their
quest for real independence.

In recognition of the importance of People Power, and the fortification of democratic culture, the 1987
constitution ensures the following:

1. That the government and afford full protection of Filipino workers here and abroad, and provide
equality of employment opportunities (Article XIII Section 3);
2. That everyone guarantees the right of workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and
negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities in accordance
with law (Article XIII, Section 3);
3. That institutions coming the nights of farmers and land owners. As well as cooperatives and farmers’
organization (Article XII, Section 3);
4. That authorities protect the rights of subsistence fisher folks (Article XIII, Section 7);
5. That the people may pursue and protect within the democratic Framework, their legitimate and
collective interest through peaceful (Article XIII, Section 15);
6. That the government ensures the right of the people and their organizations effective and reasonable
participation at all level of social, political and economic decision-making (Article XII, Section 16),
and
7. That congress provides a system of initiative and referendum where people can directly propose and
enact or reject laws passed by congress or local legislative body (Article XVI, Section 32)

All these, among others, ensure the protection of the rights of every individual, and the development of a
democratic culture that is fit to the long-standing desire of the Filipinos to achieve peace and liberty.

THE RULE OF THE PEOPLE

Democracy is described as the awareness and understanding that the self and community are
both the foundation of democratic practice and the result of it. Yet, studies confirm that the presence of
democratic institutions is no guarantee that the people are able to exercise their rights and obligations.
What are the attributes of democracy? Based on the discussion above, the following are identified as
attributes of a democratic society: empowerment the people, consultation, popular decision-making, total
development, delivery of services, fair and impartial system of justice, accountability of public officials,
promoting respect for the rights of others, concern for their welfare, unity, justice and equity.

ACTION AGENDA FOR A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

1. Improve the political and social environment and reduce poverty through structural reforms in order
to foster a sense of community and enable citizens to exercise their responsible for value formation so that
rights and fulfill their obligations
2. Continually re-examine societal institutions they inculcate rather than indoctrinate democratic and
citizenship values.
3. Incorporate cross-cultural activities in public and private sector programs, including those of schools,
churches, NGOs and POs, so as to recognize ethnolinguistic and cultural diversity in the country and
encourage the sharing of experiences.
4. Further promote the use of Filipino and Philippine languages in all transactions so as to enable the
articulation of citizenship and democratic views and values.
5. Continue to harness institutional as well as informal mechanisms that open up space for the exercise of
citizenship and democracy - conflict resolution processes, face-to-face dialogues, partnership among
groups, sectors, even the government.

If the government officials and the society cooperate with each other, respect each other, know how to
handle situations, this will lead to a better democratic government, a stronger sense of community, a
stronger sense of belonging and a more stable, more meaningful and healthier sense of self.

In conclusion, the vibrant history of our nation emphasized our fidelity to our promises and our desire to
attain independence. We have explored all the possibilities to attain and sustain these values. The colonial
influence may have tainted our values and traits but we remain faithful to one another and to our nation.
Despite numerous foreign influences, and the imposition of authoritarian rule, we continue to build
democratic communities and strong institutions to demonstrate distinct and separate national identity.

REFERENCES:
Villafuerte, Salvacion, et. al., (2018): Understanding the Self. Nieme Publishing House Co. Ltd.,
Cubao, Quezon City