Manila Bulletin

The second proposed core value: Kahusayan

- By JESUS P. ESTANISLAO

VALUES tend to reinforce each other. If Kaayusan is a core value we should consider adopting and observing as a people, then its closely related value, Kahusayan, needs to be considered as well. Between these two, we can have a one-two punch against everything that has been pushing us down. We would then give ourselves a much bigger opportunit­y to soar to the heights, where our dreams can be made real and take on substance.

Here is what Dr. Tiongco says about Kahusayan:

“I view this value as encompassi­ng the following nuances or shades of meaning:

• “Ability or skillfulne­ss kakayahan). • “Expertise (pagka dalubhasa). • Finishing things with perfection or with attention to details (pulidong trabaho).

• “High class or high standards (de kalidad, primera klase). • “Excellence (kagalingan).” “One can thus speak of the following:

• “Mahusay na estudiyant­e (excellent or outstandin­g student).

•“Mahusay na guro (excellent or expert teacher).

• “Mahusay na empleyado or outstandin­g employee).

•“Mahusay na me kaniko, barbero, atbp. (expert mechanic, barber, etc.). (husay o (excellent

•“Mahusay na magulang parent).

• “Mahusay na anak child).

• “Mahusay na pinuno (excellent or outstandin­g leader).

• “Mahusay na mamamayan citizen).

•“Mahusay na produkto (excellent product).

• “Mahusay na serbisyo (excellent service).”

“Moreover, opposed to mahusay or kahusayan are the following notions:

•“Palpák (sloppy, shoddy, incompeten­t).

•“Basura (trash, deserving of being rejected or thrown away). •“Mahinang klase (poor, inferior). •“Pangit (ugly, unsightly, horrible). •“Walang kuwenta (worthless, useless).

• “Puwede na (middling, barely acceptable).”

While we thank Dr. Tiongco for giving us more concrete and specific nuances of Kahusayan, in the context of our actual life and culture as a people, we could be doing our share by contributi­ng our own expression­s that can give freshness and vividness to this proposed core value.

Might we all agree that indeed Kahusayan should be our core value as a people, given our traits and our needs?

And if so, might you have other nuances to add to the list presented above by Dr. Tiongco? Your contributi­ons are welcome. (excellent (excellent (excellent

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