Republic of the Philippines

Province of Cotabato

Municipality of Makilala

MAKILALA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Conception, Makilala North Cotabato

CRIMINOLOGY DEPARTMENT

CHARACTER FORMATION
Course Number: CFLM 1 Instructor: SHELLA MAE G. BEDUYA, RCrim

Course Title : Character Formation 1 Email Address : [email protected]

Credits Unit : 3 Units Module No :1

I. LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

1. recognize and compare positive and negative Filipino traits; and

II. TOPIC/SUBJECT MATTER

1. The most well-known traits and attitudes of the Filipino

2. Negative traits of Filipino

3. Filipino character and personality

4. Filipino values orientation

III. REFERENCE

Philippines Copyright, 2020 by: Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc. and Nicholas S. Caballero, Ph.D

Liza Joy B. Barican, MSCrim

IV. COURSE CONTENT

Character formation as defined by Donald(2006), is the process by which the individual, through interaction of biologically transmitted predispositions with the

environment, develops stable pattern of functioning, thinking and feeling. It is also known as, Character Building. It is that deeply internalized patterns of values and attitudes and the

consequent actions that are often established in precognitive times of life through the natural and normal educational patterns that are appropriate for young children.

Nursing,weaning,toilet training, birth of sibling and early relationship to the parents (especially to the mother) are some of the examples of character formation. Character traits are

usually formed through the identification with parents and other important adults in the child’s environment.

Everyone is partly responsible for one’s character. Aristotle noted that character develops over time as one acquires habits from parents and the environment either

through reward and punishment. Developing a good character is much learning to play a musical instrument. Initially, an individual may be under some pressure to practice, but

eventually, enjoys playing with skill and understanding (Hartman, 2013).

THE MOST WELL-KNOWN TRAITS AND ATTITUDES OF THE FILIPINO

Lesson 1: POSITIVE TRAITS

1. Hospitality- is a trait displayed by every Filipino, characterized by heart-warming generosity and friendliness exhibited to foreigners and locals alike.

EXAMPLE, when a person visits a friend’s house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome. The host will immediately let their visitor sit down and will

prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks for the visitor. The host will insist that the friend not leave the house with an empty stomach. A host will always make

sure you had a great time visiting them.

2. Respect- is often observed-not just by younger people but also by people of all ages. In the Philippines, respect for one’s elders is a tradition.

EXAMPLE, using PO and OPO, these words are spoken by the Filipino when talking to elders or showing respect to persons in authority. These Filipino words

mean “yes,” when answering or talking to the elders. Pagmamano another way of showing respect to the elders when greeting them. This is done by putting

their elder’s hands on their foreheads. Filipinos also shows respect at work by making a bow to their employers.

3. Strong Family Ties and Religions- Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the generations.

EXAMPLE, families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond, marking God as the center of their lives. Filipinos

believe in only one God and majority of the of the population are Catholics. It is a value system of the Filipinos to pray before eating, going to bed, before the

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 start of the meeting, conferences of program and gathering. On weekends, most Filipino families make sure to have quality time together by watching television

or eating a family meal, watching movies, or going to beach resorts.

4. Generosity and Helpfulness- aside from being hospitable, Filipinos are also well-known for being generous. They share what they have with the people around them

even when they only have little.

FOR EXAMPLE, during birthdays, weddings, or fiesta (party). When visitors came to celebrate great-tasting special foods are specially prepared for everyone. It is

shared by friends, families or even strangers. When you are in trouble, Filipinos cannot refuse to help you. They are always willing to assist you or lend a hand.

5. Strong Work Ethics- another good thing most Filipinos have is being hardworking people. They are always willing to work almost the whole day to provide for the needs of

their families.

FOR EXAMPLE, Filipino farmers though earning so little but they work harder with no much compensation. Aside from their regular work, Filipinos always find

creative ways to look for other sources of income like creating a small business from their home where they sell foods and items for the convenience of their

neighbors.

6. Loving and Caring- because of their generosity, hospitability and religiosity, Filipinos are found to be the sweetest and most loving people in the world.

FOR EXAMPLE, it is expressed by both foreigners and Filipino women that most Filipino men are so sweet and romantic when it comes to love. They will send their

beloved flower, bring her a very romantic place, text her sweet quotes and tell often how special she is to them. Filipino women are also romantic and very

caring, which often makes some foreigners want to marry them. Women tend to prepare dinner before their husband comes home. They love, and value the

relationship, always staying faithful to their husbands. They love deeply and sincerely.

Lesson 2: NEGATIVE TRAITS OF FILIPINOS

1. Fatalism (“Bahala Na” or “Come What May” Attitude)

When Filipinos are facing difficulties and shortcomings, they have this attitude of leaving it up to God to sort things out. An attitude of “What Goes Around Comes

Around.” Filipinos have a tendency to surrender the future to luck. They have that strong confidence that everything will work out in his interest without doing anything.

Filipinos often accepts bad news or circumstances without trying to stop or change them. This can sometimes be helpful in adversity, but it can also keep us from finding

ways out of situations. Also, constantly excepting the worst can get pretty depressing.

2. Mañana Habit (Procrastination)

True blooded Filipinos have the attitude of causing delays in accomplishing things or making transactions. When not interested or not in the mood, they wait or

reserve until tomorrow or the next day to finish what they are doing or meeting their transaction. However, some Filipinos nowadays take their time in doing things or in

making decisions promptly. There are some who are habitually late or not showing up at all. There are few Filipinos who are punctual for social meeting. In fact, it is not

expected of them to arrive exactly on time especially at party. The “bahala na” attitude results from the “mañana habit” when tasks are left undone. This is usually shown

and expressed by people who do not care much about what lies ahead and just leave everything in fate.

3. Crab Mentality

This is an attitude of some Filipinos where they tend to push each other down to clear the way for their own gain. Filipinos people with this kind of mentality od

attitude try best to ruin each other, either by making issues against the other for him to turn out bad to the public or to the company or organization so that people will

gradually put distance and loss their replacement.

4. Hypocrisy

This is trait of the Filipino where criticism to other failures to live with the moral standard of the society is inevitable. In the Philippines, morally is highly valued, most

of us try to live up to the standards set by the traditional society. However, as no one is perfect, many of us cannot sustain these standards. The fear of being an outcast

has forced a lot of people to live a double-standard life. To hide our failure in following a norm, we tend to condemn those caught red-handed. A perfect example could be

the criticism faced by those who become pregnant outside marriage. The sad fact behind this scenario is that some of these critics could have actually engaged in

premarital sex too---only that no proof is visible.

5. Ningas Cogon

Most Filipino are very good at the start when doing something. Nevertheless, after a few hours or days, that excitement to do or accomplish something is lost

and become too lazy to finish what we have started.

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 6. Tardiness (Filipino time)

Only in the Philippines that we have the so-called “Filipino time” but not exactly referring to the Philippine standard time but then again we use it to refer to the

“tardiness” of the person that we are waiting or who keeps on coming late to the set time schedule of events. Instead of being something to be proud of, ‘Filipino time’

brings a negative impression to our people. When the invitation says the program will start at 7pm, it is expected to begin at 9pm. This has not only caused conflict in

relationships, it also discourages other, including foreigners, from getting involved in supposedly productive activities as too much time can be wasted on waiting.

7. Gossiping

Filipino are fond of talking about others’ businesses. It is not true that only women are into gossiping. Even men can also be nosy about other people’s lives. Secrets

are brought out, failures and flaws are emphasized, and relationships are destroyed. Worse, as gossips are passed around, they tend to be twisted until final story becomes

too far from the original—thus, causing more damage.

8. Blaming

Filipinos can sometimes be too self-righteous. When mistakes happen, we do not want to take the blame, we lack the humility to accept our failures, and instead, we

point at others. This shows how irresponsible we are in our actions. This attitude destroys teamwork, and reliability becomes an issue.

9. Selfishness (being sensitive of others)

Most Filipinos are insensitive to the needs and situations of others. This could be an outcome of having too many Filipino problems and the tendency to focus on their

own needs first before others.

10. Disobedience to Simple Rules and Instructions

Despite the understanding of the purpose of laws and ordinances, some Filipinos have the inability to observe and follow them. Consequently, crime victimization and

accident rates in the Philippines are constantly rising, poverty is more rampant, and lifestyle development is relaxed.

11. Attention Taker

Filipinos are fun and people loving race. Thus, attracting attention is natural for them. Nevertheless, it is different thing to be an “epal” or “kapalmuks” simply, being

an attention grabber.

FOR EXAMPLE, we do things that are already embarrassing, like butting in conversations as a know-it-all or by being scandalous. This habit is also common to

our politicians. Instead of prioritizing their duty to give the best service to the people, they prioritize their thick faces to grab attention, bringing them more chance of

winning in the next election. But thanks to our vigilant netizens, this kind of politician earns more shame than fame.

12. Being Onion-skinned or too Sensitive

Another habit or attitude that we need to change is our being too proud which usually results to being oversensitive. If we think highly to ourselves, then we have the

tendency to put a wall around us and that signboard on our forehead saying, “I must be respected.” Therefore, when someone makes a joke or a not-so-positive comment

about us, we feel like we are not respected and we get offended. If all people in the country do not know to accept constructive criticism, then we can never expect unity.

13. Living beyond their means (social climbing)

One of the reasons why a lot of Filipinos live in poverty is because of overspending. Since most people want to live an elite lifestyle, many resorts to social climbing or

living beyond their means. Sometimes, some of us think that as long as we wear designer clothes and shoes and send our children to the most expensive schools, it is all

right to swim in credits and loans.

14. Passivity (lack of leadership)

Filipino’s lack of initiative for change is also one reason why our country does not progress. We keep on complaining against the government and other societal

issues. However, we do not do anything about them. One of our excuses is the lack of faith that our small actions can bring change. However, the worse reason for this

could be our lack of care for what is happening around us. Common Filipinos also lack courage and confidence. If you can notice it, in classrooms, churches, or conference

rooms, most of us don’t like to sit in the front seat.

15. Other Negative Traits

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 Some Filipinos women give birth at an early age 16 (Teenage Pregnancy). Some just don’t mind their own business. Some have many bad habits, like drinking,

smoking, and so many more negative doings. Some poor teenagers engage in prostitution. There are many broken families. A lot of bad words to choose from, which

Filipinos just can’t avoid saying those. Most Filipinos tend to be with friends most of the time than to be with their parents.

Lesson 3: FILIPINO CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY

THREE MAIN TRAITS UNDERSCORING FILIPINO VALUES

1. Personalism

Filipinos valued interpersonal relationships. It is firmly believed that a harmonious personal relationship is the key to successful endeavors. Amicable settlement od

dispute is the primary means of restoring broken relationships and a face-to-face open forum is considered once conflict is recognized in an organization or the community.

2. Familialism

Filipinos are family-oriented. Development programs and projects in the community are concentrated on the family. Decision on matters is centered on the welfare

and best interest of the family rather than on the betterment and interest of some individuals. The mistakes committed by a family member affect the credibility of the

immediate family and relatives.

3. Particularism

Displayed behavior by the individuals, may it be good or bad, is blamed against the family. It is based on the principle that home is the cradle of human personality

and character that is, the product of goodness is always good and those who are molded in wickedness will always show-off badness. Individuals strive to promote their own

and their family’s interests over community interest. On the other hand, knowing how to entertain people (marunong umasikaso ng kapwa) is important. Conformity to

proper codes of conduct reaps the rewards of cooperation and assistance; non-confirmity is punished by withdrawal of support.

Lesson 4: FILIPINO VALUES ORIENTATION

Values Orientation- is the approach that may influence work or social relationships by persons relating to objects, events, and ideas.

THREE MAIN OBLIGATIONS UNDERLYING FILIPINO VALUE ORIENTATION

The relational or face-to-face interactions and their resulting responsibilities are called interpersonal obligation. The is in relation to the value in Filipino cultural

orientation, personalism. Pakikiramay, pakikisama, bayanihan, and galang are the nature of the interpersonal relationship that are inherent to the pure-blooded Filipino people.

1. Pakikiramay

It is the Filipino value of going out of the way to help, without being asked, unsolicited help.

2. Pakikisama (Smooth Interpersonal Relations)

Regardless of whether someone’s views are agreeable or not, Filipinos are capable of getting along with it. Camaraderie, trust, confidence, and loyalty are

enhanced and developed by this Filipino value.

3. Bayanihan

As mentioned in the preceding topics, Filipinos are able to render services and generous enough to extend help without compensation. Somebody can request

help in time of need from those to whom it is extended.

4. Galang

Filipinos are basically oriented to revere the opinions of elders, peers, or those in authority, during important discussions and social encounters. Verbal clash or

any sign of extreme familiarity in public meetings is a sign of disrespect to elders or person in authority.

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