Institute of Philippine Culture’s study on Filipino values
IF YOU were to rationally choose between character and talent, which one would you rather have and why? Some would say it is character because they believe that in life only those who know how to respond well to any situation lives. These are people whose response is proactive. But some would also say that for as long as you have talent, you will never go hungry. These people are economists. Baby Boomers Filipinos or those born before Generation X have kept sacred innate Filipino values that they naturally dream their children to learn and keep intact as well for their successors.
There are still many of them who are keen on leaving the legacy anchored on Filipino values because they feel assure of the interests this kind investment will have in the future of their loved ones. When you are abroad and are starting to raise your own family, parents would rather send their kids home no matter how difficult it is for them so their kids will learn Filipino values at home and in school where they will go and in the community where they live. Baby Boomers Filipinos and some of the Generation X uphold so dearly the Filipino values. The millennial Filipinos are already more modernized, much influenced by not only Filipino values but by Asian factors, and global, in thought, words and deeds.
It is only fitting that an institution governs or at least study Philippine values, and those that can be bequeathed and can fuel this present generation in their own set of endeavors may find them useful all throughout. The Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC) took upon itself this huge responsibility of studying the Philippine values. It is known as the center of the School of Social Sciences of the Jesuit Ateneo
de Manila University that has since 1960 conducted research into socioeconomic development with a view to assist the most disadvantaged groups in Asia to an improved quality of life.
According to online references, IPC looks for “a better understanding of culture and society in the Philippines and other Asian countries, an improved quality of life for disadvantaged groups, and a more peaceful, just, and equitable national and global society.” IPC conducts several necessary studies to achieve their objectives. Some of their current studies are aimed at present needs and immediate action – training programs and partnership for advocacy and action to assist government and civil society.
These studies have focused on cultures, development programs, city sustainability and governance, youth and children, and health and technology. IPC also conducts more long-range research into the dynamics of Philippine society where one of the main field of concern are the cultural and faith-based values of Filipinos such as cultures of work, values of Filipino children, plight of women, causes of conflict and peace; the impact of globalization on these Filipino values and culture; and the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. IPC pioneered all the values research that first flourished in the Philippines in the 1960s. IPC has produced the two main volumes namely: Four Wings on Philippine Values (Lynch 1964) and the Symposium of Filipino Personality (Psychological Association of the Philippines 1965), both were widely read by the educated public.
Both volumes of research studies on Philippine values prove valid the social constructionist view of social science theory. According to the social constructionists,factsareinterpretedonthe basis of the social atmosphere, context and biases of the time. If modernization is the overridingconcern,theninterpersonaltraits are negatively viewed. If social relations are the big concern, then these traits are positively valued.
It has been observed (Whiting 1966) that in Western societies families, like in America, tend to be nuclear and there is much pressure on the children to become independent so as to free their parents from tedious child rearing chores. In less developed societies, like the Philippines, the task or child rearing can often be shared among extended family members, older children, and even neighbors There is less pressure on the child to be self-reliant. Modernization or globalization is already here. It is the era of social media where the millenials are seemed to be rooted upon. The emphasis must be now is on interpersonal harmony and “smooth interpersonal relations” as an addition to innate Filipino values, I guess, to prevent disruptive fights within the social network. ( Paid article)