Episode 34 - Issues in Filipino Values Formation

Summary

In this lecture series, the speaker from the University of the Philippines Los Banos explores the challenges in Filipino value formation. They discuss the cultural paradox where Filipinos excel abroad but revert to perceived negative behaviors at home. The late Dr. Eand Hoko's monograph is used to examine the internal incongruence caused by the clash between exogenous and indigenous value models in the Philippines. The lecture highlights how cultural practices like familism and gift-giving are misinterpreted in formal institutions, leading to a culture clash that affects national development. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating Filipino values when implementing rules and regulations.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker teaches Filipino philosophy at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and discusses Filipino values and ethics.
• 🌏 The lectures cover issues and challenges in Filipino values formation, revisiting concepts of Philippine values, and proposing 'bayanan' as a core ethical concept.
• 🤔 The script addresses the perceived contradictions in Filipino behavior, such as being rule-abiding abroad but not adhering to rules at home.
• 📉 It discusses the economic decline of the Philippines from being second to Japan in economic performance in the 1960s to being second to Bangladesh by the 1990s.
• 🔍 The lecture suggests that the country's poor performance is not due to flawed character or negative values but rather an 'inner incongruence' caused by a clash of exogenous and indigenous value models.
• 🏠 The indigenous model is characterized by customary, non-formal, flexible, non-confrontational, and consensus-based behaviors, in contrast to the exogenous model which is more formal, rigid, and confrontational.
• 🏢 The script highlights the culture clash between these models in both formal and informal Filipino organizations, leading to misinterpretations of cultural practices.
• 🚦 Examples of cultural misinterpretations include nepotism, favoritism, cronyism, personalism, and authoritarianism, which are seen differently in bureaucratic and community contexts.
• 💼 The lecture emphasizes the importance of following definite procedures in bureaucracy based on formal law, contrasting with the community's preference for consultation and consensus.
• 🔄 The conclusion suggests that while rules and regulations should be followed, Filipino values can be integrated into their implementation to address the cultural clashes.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the lecture series by the speaker?

The main theme of the lecture series is the exploration of Filipino values, ethics, and the challenges faced in values formation, particularly focusing on the cultural and societal differences between exogenous and indigenous models.

What are the two models of Filipino values discussed in the script?

The two models of Filipino values discussed are the exogenous model and the indigenous model. The exogenous model refers to values influenced by external systems and formal institutions, while the indigenous model represents deeply ingrained, culturally subconscious values.

How does the speaker describe the Filipino behavior in public affairs?

The speaker describes Filipino behavior in public affairs as sometimes violating rules and regulations, such as ignoring traffic lights when no police are present or offering bribes despite complaining about bribery.

What is the 'cronyism' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to Filipino culture?

Cronyism refers to the appointment of friends in positions of power, which is seen as a cultural practice of prompt service and loyalty in Filipino culture. However, it is viewed negatively in bureaucratic settings as favoritism.

Why does the speaker believe Filipinos perform well abroad but revert to old habits upon returning home?

The speaker suggests that Filipinos perform well abroad due to the adoption of exogenous models required in foreign environments. Upon returning home, they revert to indigenous models, which are more culturally ingrained and may include habits perceived as inefficient or lazy.

What does the speaker attribute the economic decline of the Philippines to?

The speaker attributes the economic decline not to negative values or flaws in character but to the inner incongruence caused by the clash of values between exogenous and indigenous models.

How does the speaker define 'inner incongruence' in the context of Filipino values?

Inner incongruence refers to the conflict between the values and attitudes derived from exogenous and indigenous models, which leads to inconsistencies in behavior and performance in different settings.

What is the role of kinship, loyalty, and familism in Filipino culture as discussed in the script?

Kinship, loyalty, and familism are deeply rooted in Filipino culture, promoting a sense of community and mutual support. However, these values can be misinterpreted as nepotism and favoritism in bureaucratic settings.

How does the speaker view the application of formal rules and regulations in Filipino society?

The speaker views the application of formal rules and regulations as necessary for order but suggests that it often contradicts many cultural values and practices, leading to challenges in values formation and behavior.

What is the speaker's proposal for integrating Filipino values with formal institutions?

The speaker proposes using Filipino values in implementing formal rules and regulations to bridge the gap between exogenous and indigenous models, thus addressing the cultural clashes and promoting a more harmonious values system.