Traditional Filipino Family Values that make us Distinct among Others
“Good morals and values start at home and a uniform won’t change that” - Jamie Sawyer
Majority of Philippine population is bonded together by common values and traits that are first taught at home and being applied in our day to day lives.
Here are some of the family values Filipinos have:
- Pagpapahalaga sa Pamilya (Family-oriented)
Filipinos are known for having strong and close family ties. They place high regard and put importance on their family before anything else. They work all day and do all they can to feed and provide for their family.
In other countries, when a person turned 18, he/she can live away from his/her family. In the Philippines, they value their family so much that they keep them intact through the years.
2. Respect
One of the precious things Filipinos have is that they are respectful. Young, youth, people in all ages know how to show respect and courtesy. Some ways to show them are the use of “Po at Opo”, “Pagmamano” or putting the back of an elder’s hand on your forehead, and calling our older siblings or elders Ate or Kuya.
3. God-fearing
Though we, Filipinos, belong to different religious groups, we all have God(Supreme being) in our center. Filipino families sometimes go to church or pray together with their family.
4. Pakikisama (Helping others)
Filipinos get along with different kinds of people. They can easily adjust to any situation and are flexible. This trait fosters cooperation, good and helpful deeds. When their neighbors are in trouble, they will help them in whatever they can. They also do not let their family members go through hard times alone, instead, they help each other.
5. Hospitality
One of the most popular qualities Filipinos have is that they are very hospitable. When there are visitors at home, they will do a lot of preparations for good entertainment and accommodation so that they will feel at home and enjoy the stay. When there is an occasion at home, there are a lot of food and you can expect to have take-outs (pabalot) after.
6. Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude)
This trait shows a sense of duty and responsibility. Filipinos know how to repay other people. When someone helped us, we return the favors with goodness.
7. Love and Happiness
In a Filipino family, our parents usually cook for us, that’s what one of the ways on how they show their love. Also, through good and bad times, Filipinos always find a way to smile and be happy. Whatever the problem is, we are always reminded that our family’s always there to love and support us no matter what.
Filipino values will prevail even if years will pass by. It will never be removed because it serves as a distinction among other race. Definitely, it’s more fun in the Philippines and it’s the best to be part of Filipino family.
