A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People--Building a Nation

Patricia Licuanan
We were proud of ourselves at EDSA and we expected great changes after our moment of glory.
Today, sometime after, we realize that most of our problems as a nation still remain. We may have ousted
a dictator, but that was the easy part. The task of building a nation is so much more difficult. Now, with
EDSA only an inspiring memory, we are faced with our weaknesses. Self-interest and disregard for the
common good rears its ugly head. We are confronted with our lack of discipline and rigor, our colonial
mentality, and our emphasis on porma (form).
The task of building our nation is an awesome one. There is need for economic recovery. There is
need to re-establish democratic institutions and to achieve the goals of peace and genuine social justice.
Along with these goals, there is a need as well to build ourselves as a people. There is need to change
structures and to change people.
Building a people means eliminating our weaknesses and developing our strengths; this starts
with the analysis, understanding, and appreciation of these strengths and weaknesses. We must take a
good look at ourselves--objectively with scientific detachment, but also emotionally (i.e., lovingly) and,
when appropriate, with disgust. We must view ourselves as might a lover viewing a loved one but also as
might a judge capable of a harsh verdict. We must not be self-flagellating, but neither can we afford to be
defensive.

STRENGTHS OF THE FILIPINO CHARACTER

Pakikipagkapwa-Tao (regard for others)

- Pakikipagkapwa-tao is manifested in a basic sense of justice and fairness, and in concern for
others. It is demonstrated in the Filipino's ability to empathize with others, in helpfulness and
generosity in times of need (pakikiramay), in the practice of bayanihan or mutual assistance,
and in the famous Filipino hospitality.
- Filipinos possess sensitivity to people's feelings or pakikiramdam,  pagtitiwala or trust, and a
sense of gratitude or utang-na-loob. Because of pakikipagkapwa-tao, Filipinos are very
sensitive to the quality of interpersonal relationships and are very dependent on them: if our
relationships are satisfactory, we are happy and secure.
- Pakikipagkapwa-tao results in camaraderie and a feeling of closeness one to another. It helps
promote unity as well a sense of social justice.

Family Orientation
- Filipinos possess a genuine and deep love for the family. To the Filipino, one's family is the
source of personal identity, the source of emotional and material support, and the person's
main commitment and responsibility.
- Concern for family is manifested in the honor and respect given to parents and elders, in the
care given to children. This sense of family results in a feeling of belonging or rootedness and
in a basic sense of security.

Joy and Humor

- Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life and its ups and downs. This sense of
joy and humor is manifested in the Filipino love for socials and celebrations, in our capacity
to laugh even in the most trying of times, and in the appeal of political satire.
- The result is a certain emotional balance and optimism, a healthy disrespect for power and
office, and a capacity to survive.

Flexibility, Adaptability and Creativity

- Filipinos have a great capacity to adjust, and to adapt to circumstances and to the surrounding
environment, both physical and social. We are creative, resourceful, adept at learning, and
able to improvise and make use of whatever is at hand in order to create and produce.
- This quality of the Filipino is manifested in the ability to adapt to life in any part of the
world; in the ability to make new things out of scrap and to keep old machines running; and,
of course, in the creative talent manifested in the cultural sphere. It is seen likewise in the
ability to accept change.
- The result is productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship, equanimity, and survival.
Hard work and Industry
- The desire to raise one's standard of living and to possess the essentials of a decent life for
one's family, combined with the right opportunities and incentives, stimulate the Filipino to
work very hard. This is manifested most noticeably in a willingness to take risks with jobs
abroad, and to work there at two or three jobs.
- The result is productivity and entrepreneurship for some, and survival despite poverty for
others.

Faith and Religiosity

- Innate religiosity enables us to comprehend and genuinely accept reality in the context of
God's will and plan. Thus, tragedy and bad fortune are accepted and some optimism
characterizes even the poorest lives.
- The faith of the Filipino is related to bahala na, which, instead of being viewed as defeatist
resignation, may be considered positively as a reservoir of psychic energy, an important
psychological support on which we can lean during difficult times. This pampalakas ng
loob allows us to act despite uncertainty.
- The results of the Filipino's faith are courage, daring, optimism, inner peace, as well as the
capacity to genuinely accept tragedy and death.

Ability to Survive
- Filipinos have an ability to survive which is manifested in our capacity for endurance despite
difficult times, and in our ability to get by on so little. Filipinos make do with what is
available in the environment, even, e.g., by eking out a living from garbage dump. This
survival instinct is related to the Filipinos who bravely carry on through the harshest
economic and social circumstances. Regretfully, one wonders what we might be able to do
under better circumstances.
 
WEAKNESSES OF THE FILIPINO CHARACTER

Extreme Personalism
- This personalism is manifested in the tendency to give personal interpretations to actions, i.e.,
to "take things personally.". There is, in fact, some basis for such interpretations as Filipinos
become personal in their criticism and praise.
- Because of this personalistic world view, Filipinos have difficulty dealing with all forms of
impersonal stimuli. For this reason one is uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with rules and
regulations, and with standard procedures--all of which tend to be impersonal. We ignore
them or we ask for exceptions.
- Extreme personalism thus leads to the graft and corruption evident in Philippine society.

Extreme Family-Centeredness
- Excessive concern for the family creates an in-group to which the Filipino is fiercely loyal, to
the detriment of concern for the larger community or the common good.
- Excessive concern for family manifests itself in the use of one's office and power as a means
of promoting the interests of the family, in factionalism, patronage, and political dynasties,
and in the protection of erring family members. It results in lack of concern for the common
good and acts as a block to national consciousness.

Lack of Discipline
- The Filipino's lack of discipline encompasses several related characteristics. We have a
casual and relaxed attitude towards time and space which manifests itself in lack of precision
and compulsiveness, in poor time management and in procrastination. We have an aversion to
following strictly a set of procedures, which results in lack of standardization and quality
control. We are impatient and unable to delay gratification or reward, resulting in the use of
short cuts, skirting the rules (the palusot syndrome) and in foolhardiness. We are guilty
of ningas cogon, starting out projects with full vigor and interest which abruptly die down,
leaving things unfinished.
- Our lack of discipline often results in inefficient and wasteful work systems, the violation of
rules leading to more serious transgressions, and a casual work ethic leading to carelessness
and lack of follow-through.
Passivity and Lack of Initiative
- Filipinos are generally passive and lacking in initiative. One waits to be told what has to be
done. There is a strong reliance on others, e.g., leaders and government, to do things for us.
- Filipinos tend to be complacent and there rarely is a sense of urgency about any problem.
There is a high tolerance for inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of one's basic
rights. In many ways, it can be said that the Filipino is too patient and long-suffering
(matiisin), too easily resigned to one's fate. Filipinos are thus easily oppressed and exploited.

Colonial Mentality
- Filipinos have a colonial mentality which is made up of two dimensions: the first is a lack of
patriotism or an active awareness, appreciation, and love of the Philippines; the second is an
actual preference for things foreign.
- Filipino culture is characterized by an openness to the outside--adapting and incorporating the
foreign elements into our image of ourselves, the result is a cultural vagueness or weakness.
Thus, there is preference for foreign fashion, entertainment, lifestyles, technology, consumer
items, etc.
- The Filipino colonial mentality is manifested in the alienation of the elite from their roots and
from the masses, as well as in the basic feeling of national inferiority that makes it difficult
for Filipinos to relate as equals to Westerners.

Kanya-Kanya Syndrome
- Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that generates a feeling of envy and
competitiveness towards others, particularly one's peers, who seem to have gained some
status or prestige. Towards them, the Filipino demonstrated the so-called "crab mentality",
using the leveling instruments of tsismis, intriga and unconstructive criticism to bring others
down. There seems to be a basic assumption that another's gain is our loss.
- The kanya-kanya syndrome is also evident in personal ambition and drive for power and
status that is completely insensitive to the common good. The kanya-kanya syndrome results
in the dampening of cooperative and community spirit and in the denial of the rights of
others.

Lack of Self-Analysis and Self-Reflection

- In the face of serious problems both personal and social, there is lack of analysis or reflection.
Joking about the most serious matters prevents us from looking deeply into the problem.
There is no felt need to validate our hypotheses or explanations of things. Thus we are
satisfied with superficial explanations for, and superficial solutions to, problems.
- Related to this is the Filipino emphasis on form (maporma) rather than upon substance. As
long as the right things are said, as long as the proper documents and reports exist, and as
long as the proper committees, task forces, or offices are formed, Filipinos are deluded into
believing that what ought to be actually exists.
- The Filipino lack of self-analysis and our emphasis upon form is reinforced by an educational
system that is often more form than substance and a legal system that tends to substitute law
for reality.
  
ROOTS OF THE FILIPINO CHARACTER
The strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino have their roots in many factors such as: (1) the home
environment, (2) the social environment, (3) culture and language, (4) history, (5) the educational system,
(6) religion, (7) the economic environment, (8) the political environment, (9) mass media, and (10)
leadership and role models.

The Family and Home Environment

- Childbearing practices, family relations, and family attitudes and orientation are the main
components of the home environment. Childbearing in the Filipino family is characterized by
high nurturance, low independence training, and low discipline. In the indulgent atmosphere
of the Filipino home, rigid standards of behavior or performance are not imposed, leading to
a lack of discipline. Attempts to maintain discipline come in the form of many "no's" and
"don'ts" and a system of criticism to keep children in line. Subtle comparisons among siblings
 also are used by mothers to control their children. These may contribute to the "crab
mentality."
- In a large family where we are encouraged to get along with our siblings and other relatives,
we learn pakikipagkapwa-tao. In the family, children are taught to value family and to give it
primary importance.

The Social Environment

- The main components of the social environment are social structures and social systems such
as interpersonal religious and community interaction. The social environment of the Filipino
is characterized by a feudal structure with great gaps between the rich minority and the poor
majority. This feudal structure develops dependence and passivity.
- The Filipino is raised in an environment where one must depend on relationships with others
in order to survive. Sensitivity about hurting established relationships controls our behavior.
We are restrained from making criticisms no matter how constructive, so standards of quality
are not imposed. We have difficulty saying no to requests and are pressured to favor our
family and friends.

Culture and Language

- characteristics such as warmth and person orientation, devotion to family, and sense of joy
and humor are part of our culture and are reinforced by all socializing forces such as the
family, school, and peer group.
- Filipino culture is also characterized by openness to the outside which easily incorporates
foreign elements without a basic consciousness of our cultural core. This is related to our
colonial mentality and to the use of English as the medium of instruction in schools.
- The introduction of English as the medium of education de-Filipinized the youth and taught
them to regard American culture as superior. The use of English contributes also to a lack of
self-confidence on the part of the Filipino. The fact that doing well means using a foreign
language.
- Thinking in our native language, but expressing ourselves in English, results not only in a
lack of confidence, but also in a lack in our power of expression, imprecision, and a stunted
development of one's intellectual powers.

History
- We are the product of our colonial history, which is regarded by many as the culprit behind
our lack of nationalism and our colonial mentality. Colonialism developed a mind-set in the
Filipino which encouraged us to think of the colonial power as superior and more powerful.
The American influence is more ingrained in the Philippines because the Americans set up a
public school system where we learned English and the American way of life.

The Educational System

- The lack of suitable local textbooks and dependence on foreign textbooks, particularly in the
higher school levels, force Filipino students as well as their teachers to use school materials
that are irrelevant to the Philippine setting.
- Aside from the influences of the formal curriculum, there are the influences of the "hidden
curriculum" i.e., the values taught informally by the Philippine school system. Schools are
highly authoritarian, with the teacher as the central focus. The Filipino student is taught to be
dependent on the teacher as we attempt to record verbatim what the teacher says and to give
this back during examinations in its original form and with little processing. The Filipino
student learns passivity and conformity. Critical thinking is not learned in the school.

Religion
- Religion is the root of Filipino optimism and its capacity to accept life's hardships. However,
religion also instills in the Filipino attitudes of resignation and a pre-occupation with the
afterlife. We become vulnerable also to being victimized by opportunism, oppression,
exploitation, and superstition.

The Economic Environment

- Many Filipino traits are rooted in the poverty and hard life that is the lot of most Filipinos.
Our difficulties drive us to take risks, impel us to work very hard, and develop in us the
ability to survive. Poverty, however, has also become an excuse for graft and corruption,
 particularly among the lower rungs of the bureaucracy. Unless things get too difficult,
passivity sets in.

The Political Environment

- The Philippine political environment is characterized by a centralization of power. Political
power and authority is concentrated in the hands of the elite and the participation of most
Filipinos often is limited to voting in elections.
- Similarly, basic services from the government are concentrated in Manila and its outlying
towns and provinces. A great majority of Filipinos are not reached by such basic services as
water, electricity, roads, and health services. Government structures and systems--e.g., justice
and education--are often ineffective or inefficient.

Mass Media
- Mass media reinforces our colonial mentality. Advertisements using Caucasian models and
emphasizing a product's similarity with imported brands are part of our daily lives.
- The tendency of media to produce escapist movies, soap operas, comics, etc., feed the
Filipino's passivity. Rather than confront our poverty and oppression, we fantasize instead.
The propensity to use flashy sets, designer clothes, superstars, and other bongga features
reinforce porma.

Leadership and Role Models

- Filipinos look up to their leaders as role models. Political leaders are the main models, but all
other leaders serve as role models as well. Thus, when our leaders violate the law or show
themselves to be self-serving and driven by personal interest--when there is lack of public
accountability--there is a negative impact on the Filipino.
 
GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE

GOALS
Based on the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino, the following goals for change are proposed. The
Filipino should develop:
1. a sense of patriotism and national pride--a genuine love, appreciation, and commitment to the
Philippines and things Filipino;
2. a sense of the common good--the ability to look beyond selfish interests, a sense of justice and a sense
of outrage at its violation;
3. a sense of integrity and accountability--an aversion toward graft and corruption in society and an
avoidance of the practice in one's daily life;
4. the value and habits of discipline and hard work; and
5. the value and habits of self-reflection and analysis, the internalization of spiritual values, and an
emphasis upon essence rather than on form.

GENERAL STATEGIC PRINCIPLES

In identifying goals for change and developing our capabilities for their achievement, it is necessary to
consider certain general principles:
1. Strategies must be multi-layered and multi-sectoral;
2. Strategies must emphasize change in the power-holders as well as in the masa (people);
3. Strategies should be holistic, emphasizing individual as well as systemic or structural change;
4. The change should involve a critical mass of people;
5. The goals should be divided into small pieces for implementation;
6. Strategies must be connected to the daily life of people; and
7. Strategies must be implemented by an act of the will and involve self-sacrifice.

Multi-Layered, Multi-Sectoral Strategies. A program of change must adopt strategies that are multi-
layered and multi-sectoral. These layers and sectors could consist of the following:
(1) the government; (2) non-governmental organizations; (3) people or the masa; (4) the family;
(5) educational institutions; (6) religious institutions; and (7) media.
Some strategies should target all sectors of society, while other strategies should focus on particular
sectors.
Holistic, Individual and Systemic/Structural Change. Our approach to change should be holistic in that
our strategies should facilitate individual as well as systemic or structural change. Individual conversion
or renewal, as manifested in changed values, attitudes, habits and behavior, is a prerequisite to social
change. However, individual conversion or renewal needs to be complemented and reinforced by a
corresponding systemic or structural transformation. Otherwise, the effect of solely individual renewal
would be shallow and limited, especially since many systems and structures in Philippine society
themselves are the stumbling blocks to individual renewal.

Critical Mass or Network of Change Initiators. The initiators of change should not be a few individuals,
but a critical mass or network of people highly committed to the goals of change. Aside from initiating
change, the role of the critical mass or network of people is to follow through with persistence on the
implementation of these strategies. This prevents ningas cogon from setting in.

Restricted or "Bite-Size" Goals. Strategies for change must be worked on one goal at a time, with
everyone's effort concentrated on the goal chosen for that designated time period. The goals must be cut
up into bite-size, realistic pieces, for easier management.

Goals Related to People's Lives. Change strategies must be connected to our daily lives, particularly to
our economic activities, businesses, professions, occupations and jobs. Value change must likewise
address matters close to our hearts, that is, activities and affairs of our families and communities from
which change must start.

Act of the Will and Self-Sacrifice. The implementation of these strategies must be an act of the will. If we
want change, kailangang kayanin natin. We must be ready for tremendous sacrifice--starting with
ourselves.

SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
A. FOR DEVELOPING PATRIOTISM, AND NATIONAL PRIDE:
1. Ideology. We need a national ideology that can summon all our resources for the task of lifting
national morale, pride and productivity.
2. History.
a. We have to write and teach our true history; history books must be rewritten from our perspective.
b. We should include in our education those aspects of the past that are still preserved by cultural
communities. The culture and traditions of these minorities should be protected and given importance.
c. We can start instilling national pride by nurturing community pride first. This can be done by setting up
community museums where materials reflecting of local history are displayed: old folk re-telling our
town or community history in public gatherings; reviving local cultural groups; tracing family trees;
having family reunions, etc.
3. Languages. We ought to use Filipino in our cultural and intellectual life. Some of our
universities and other institutions have started doing this; the practice should be continued and expanded.
4. Education.
a. We must push for the Filipinization of the entire educational system.
b. We must have value formation in the school curriculum and teach pride in being a Filipino.
c. Literature should be used to instill national pride.
5. Trade and Industry. We should support the "Buy Filipino" movement by:
a. Identifying and making known the centers of product excellence in the Philippines; and dispersing
economic activities based on local product expertise and indigenous materials (i.e., industries should be
developed in the respective regions where the required skills and resources already abound).
b. Having a big brother-small brother relationship between companies, where big companies could help
related companies improve the quality of their products. The government could also act as a big brother
helping these small companies improve the quality of their output.
c. Having an "order-regalo" or "order-pasalubong" (gift) project which targets Filipinos abroad. This
could be initiated by both the government and businessmen.
d. Promoting a "Sariling Atin" day when everybody would wear and use Filipino clothes and products
only.
6. Media/Advertising.
a. We can coordinate with KBP, PANA and other media agencies in such projects as the following:
- Giving awards or other incentives to advertisements that promote national pride and patriotism.
Conversely, giving "kalabasa" awards or denying incentives to advertisements that promote colonial
mentality.
- Prohibiting the use of foreign models in advertisements.
b. We can organize contests (i.e., oratorical, story, drama, essay, etc.) about love for country, and about
what Filipinos like about their country or their countrymen. These stories, dramas, essays, and the like
can then be made into teaching materials for our schools.
c. We need to use media programs (such as comics and programs in the various dialects) that will reach
with the masa or great majority of people. For instance, R. Constantino's, "How to Decolonize the
Filipino Mind", could be written in comics form in the various dialects.
7. Government.
a. The leadership in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government should be models
of positive Filipino traits.
b. In order to promote national unity and national integration, the government must attempt a long-range
strategy for democratic transformation in Philippine politics.
c. The government must continue and even increase its present efforts to have a more independent
economic strategy: it must diversify its sources of assistance and not merely rely on the U.S. or on any
other foreign nation.

B. DEVELOPING A SENSE OF THE COMMON GOOD:

1. Government.
a. The government needs to decentralize its power and give more voice and greater participation to people
at the grassroots.
b. Government must widen democratic space, establish political pluralism, and protect and support the
forces working for change (e.g., change agents from cause-oriented groups, non-governmental
organizations and people's organizations) instead of repressing them.
c. The government should bring basic services to the depressed areas in a participatory manner, giving the
local people a more active role in administering and enhancing such services.
2. Non-governmental organizations.
a. The role of our cause-oriented groups or non-governmental organizations should be both crusading or
consciousness-raising and problem solving. Our community groups or people's organizations can conduct
their own projects with the support of non-governmental organizations, religious groups and the
government, and empower themselves in the process.
b. Our social institutions need to be mobilized towards a common purpose and shared priorities with the
government and the Philippine society as a whole.
c. Our community groups, people's organizations and non-governmental organizations could promote
public forums and discussions wherein pressing national concerns like land reform, graft and corruption,
unemployment, etc., can be discussed. The government should participate in these fora and religious
should be encouraged to do the same.
d. We can form small study groups in our schools, work places or communities. Through these groups,
we can study the various ways by which we can initiate change in our spheres of influence and encourage
each other to become role models for our family, peers, and community.
3. Religious Organizations/Movements.
a. Religious family movements, like Marriage Encounter or the Christian Family Movement, can be
encouraged to reach out to the poor who are the least prepared for family life. Programs for the poor
should be coordinated with the government and religious institutions.
b. The charismatic, cursillo, and born-again movements should be encouraged to concretize spiritual
doctrines by reaching out to the poor and contributing to nation-building.
4. Education.
a. Communization of our schools should be developed to give a common experience to students and to
foster greater equality in society.
b. Social orientation courses in our schools should be not only for socialization activities, but also for
socially-oriented and socially-relevant activities.

C. FOR DEVELOPING INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

1. Government Leadership Structure/Systems
a. Our top government officials should serve as models for other workers in the lower echelons of the
bureaucracy.
b. Since our leaders are too insulated from what is actually happening at the bottom, they need to be
exposed to the realities of social life.
c. The government needs to implement comprehensive, concrete and operational measures to minimize
graft and corruption. These measures must be given teeth by establishing groups or institutions vested
with police power.
d. There is a need for a more efficient bureaucracy, with a minimum of red tape. The government should
systematize information dissemination. For instance, the public should be informed how a government
agency administers its services. This and other similar strategies could minimize "fixers" and lessen graft
and corruption.
e. A system of reinforcing desirable behavior must be formulated by the government bureaucracy. For
example, honest policemen and industrious Metro Aides can be given appropriate recognition, awards, or
other incentives.

2. Education/Training.
a. The career executive program given to government officials should be extended, that is, a similar
program should be drawn up for all government employees. The program can be a training package called
"Public Service".
b. Our government employees should be given value clarification seminars.

D. FOR DEVELOPING DISCIPLINE AND HARD WORK

1. In both government and private institutions, we need to:
a. provide positive controls; keep performance records; and maintain reward and recognition systems; and
b. get rid of useless, meaningless rules.
2. We ought to reward excellence in whatever Filipinos do by:
a. identifying and making known centers of excellence in the Philippines;
b. looking for, documenting and publicizing success or excellence stories (e.g., local entrepreneurs who
have succeeded) using various media;
c. recognizing and encouraging advertisements that convey the value of excellence and depict positive
Filipino values; and
d. using media (such as comics, radio programs in the various dialects), that will communicate to
the masa in order to depict positive Filipino values, and giving awards to radio, TV programs, and movies
that convey these values. 

E. FOR DEVELOPING SELF-REFLECTION AND ANALYSIS

1. Religion/Religious Movements. The teaching of religion or catechism should be concrete,
integrated to daily life, and socially relevant. Our religious movements should not only engage in
"spiritual" activities but should specifically reach out to the poor and needy.
2. Small Groups/NGO's.
a. We can start a movement of small groups (e.g., community groups, work groups, and parish groups)
where people can begin to reflect on their situation and that of the country.
b. Some big companies are already inculcating the habit of observation-action-reflection through training
programs that use experiential methods. These efforts should be expanded. Specifically, the training
programs could be re-designed for use in other contexts, such as in the small groups mentioned in the
preceding paragraph.
3. Government Leadership.
a. We should encourage "conversion" at the top level, as manifested in public "repentance" or confession.
b. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and private learning institutions should
inculcate the value and habit of self-reflection starting from childhood. Educational methods should not
focus on rote learning, but should emphasize reflection and analysis.
c. We can conduct a "national reflection weekend" for officials and employees in all levels and branches
of the government. During this weekend, government personnel can repeat the process (see Appendix B)
of the Moral Recovery project, that is, reflect on Filipino traits, then contemplate goals for strengthening
the positive traits and changing the negative traits; or a commission or similar unit can go to regional and
provincial levels to help the regional and provincial government officials and employees in their
reflection.
d. We can strengthen the research arms of government agencies by linking them with universities and
non-governmental organizations.