Strength and Weaknesses of Filipino Characters

• Extreme family centeredness in the Filipino character results in excessive concern for family, which can lead to factionalism, patronage, political dynasties, and protection of erring family members.
• Extreme personalism in the Filipino character means taking things personally and using personal contacts, which can lead to graft and corruption.
• Lack of discipline in the Filipino character can manifest as a casual attitude toward time and space, poor time management, procrastination, and aversion to following procedures strictly.
• Passivity and lack of initiative in the Filipino character can lead to waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others, complacence, lack of sense of urgency, and tolerance of inefficiency.
• Colonial Mentality in the Filipino character is characterized by a lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness, appreciation, and love of the Philippines, and a preference for things foreign.
• Kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality in the Filipino character is evident in the personal ambition that is completely insensitive to the common good, as seen in the lack of a sense of service among people in the government bureaucracy.
• Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection in the Filipino character is characterized by the tendency to be superficial and somewhat flighty, and a lack of analysis or reflection in the face of serious personal and social problems.
• Emphasis on porma rather than substance in the Filipino character is reinforced by an educational system that is more form than substance.
• The Department of Education's vision is to help develop "Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation."
• Filipinos have deep faith in God.
• Values Education, now known as Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (K-12), was introduced as a separate subject in the basic education curriculum under the Values Education Framework program of Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing, then Department of Education, Culture and Sports Secretary in 1988-1990.
• Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life and its ups and downs.
• Faith in God is a strength but it also makes Filipinos dependent on forces outside themselves, doing nothing that makes them submissive to God's will.
• The core values of the Department of Education are Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan, Makabansa.
• Hard work and industry are characteristics of Filipinos.
• Values Education was conceptualized in 1987.
• The core courses in Values Education Framework were Philosophy of the Human Person and Personal Development.
• Pakikipagkapwa-tao is a characteristic of Filipinos, enabling them to empathize but also be envious of others.
• In 2002, values were integrated in the major learning areas or subjects.
• Hardworking is a characteristic of Filipinos, yet they can be lazy and passive at work.
• Filipinos' innate religiosity enables them to comprehend and genuinely accept reality in the context of God's will and plan.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity are traits of Filipinos.
• Family orientation is a source of personal identity, emotional and material support, and one's main commitment and responsibility.
• Concern for others, ability to empathize with others, openness to others, and regard for others' dignity and respect are characteristics of Filipinos.