The Filipino Values in the Light of the Sacred Scriptures

Introduction

Values, from latin word “valere,” is defined by the Philosopher Max Scheler (1874 – 1928) as an “operative good habit or the capacity to for doing good with pleasure and consistency” (dela Cruz, 2005). It defers from culture to culture, from nation to nation and from religious beliefs to the other. Hence, there must be a wide range of variety of different values present in the various groups and culture of people.

Filipinos are not exempted from the diversity of these values. Long before its colonization and Christianization, the natives of these islands already nourished rich and commendable values that are beneficial for one’s spiritual growth and emotional and social maturity. These values then, are the primary objectives to discuss in this research wherein the researchers would try to grasp its essentials and meaning in the light and context of the Sacred Scriptures.

Being the word of God, the Sacred Scriptures cannot contain errors in matters of faith and morals (cf. Dei Verbum, 11). It is therefore a light that cannot be hidden and a truth to be proclaimed: shared and understood with exegesis and applied in daily life. As one of the deposits of faith, inculturation of it will be nonetheless important so as to effectively preach the Good News to the faithful.

Hence, the researchers sought to understand significant Filipino Values in the light of the Sacred Scriptures, to make these values once again alive in the hearts and souls of the faithful, especially the youth whom its national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal regards as the “hope of the nation.”




The Filipino Values

The Filipinos had nurtured the significant values passed on to them by generation and is continued to be put into practice in the context of our contemporary situation wherein injustice, poverty and corruption prevails. These values serve as light in the midst of the darkness, showing the path to righteousness, justice and peace. Though scattered to the different archipelagoes of the country and diverse in culture, the quest for national unity and cooperation is still being and continually achieved by observing what is common between religions – Muslims and Christians, culture, and mindset (cf. Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, 19 – 20). This mutual understanding and responsible sharing of values by the different members of the Filipino community contribute much for the promotion of human dignity, democracy and advocacy of human rights.

Values such as patriotism, loyalty, and respect for human life prompted the Filipino people for a peaceful revolution against the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1986. United in one heart and one voice, the Filipinos fought for their freedom from bondage and suppression with their collaboration with their fellow –men and a desire for national progress and stability. This momentous event showed to the world that changing the course of history is not just achieved by guns and goons, but with unity, love, and faith in God.

Thus, the researchers present some notable values exceptionally exhibited by the Filipinos that are given an in – depth analysis in the light of the Sacred Scriptures:

1. Religiosity

By John Paolo Casal

Filipinos even before the discovery and colonization of Catholic Spain were truly religious. Beliefs in the existence of the anitos, different spirits, and to various superstitious beliefs played an integral part in their lives. This is quite evident in the manner natives buried their dead, anito artifacts preserved in the museums, and the different stories of strange monsters and creatures still heard and told today especially in the provinces.

With the discovery of the Philippine Islands by the Spaniards, they brought along with them their missionary zeal of spreading Christianity. Magellan’s troops first brought the Catholic faith here with the planting of the Cross in Cebu and the celebration of the First Mass on the shores of Limasawa Island. Certain devotions and “fiestas” were introduced in lieu of the natives’ anitos and paganic festivals. As the natives learn more about Christ from their “kura” and other missionaries, they also passed on a heirloom of faith and popular devotions (traditions) that still exist to this day. Some of which are devotions to the “Black Nazarene” enshrined in Quiapo, Manila, the “Holy Child Jesus” of Cebu, and a variety of pious exercises during Holy Week and other seasons of the year. These religious practices nurtured and strengthened the faith of the Filipinos through many revolutions, upheavals, and natural calamities.

Because of the Filipinos’ innate closeness in relationship with the members of their families, particularly that of their mothers, they have also nourished certain devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This became widespread and places of pilgrimages and shrines in her honor were erected all over the archipelago. Pilgrimages to the Blessed Virgin’s shrines in Antipolo (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), Naga, Bicol (Our Lady of Penafrancia), and Manaoag, Pangasinan (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary), to name a few, is a common practice for the families. The Philippines, “Pueblo Amante de Maria,” observes special days to commemorate the greatness of their mother whom generations will call blessed (Luke 1: ) like the 15th August, the Assumption Solemnity, 8th September, the Nativity of Mary, and the 8th of December which celebrates her Immaculate Conception. The Blessed Virgin is also the principal patroness of the nation and most parishes are named after her. Moreover, the “oracion” and the rosary are still prayed by some Filipino families and is continually propagated by different parish organizations (ei. Legion of Mary, Block Rosary Groups, etc.). Countless blessings from God through the Blessed Virgin are obtained through these pious practices.

It is also good to note the Filipinos’ active participation in the Liturgical life of the Church. During Lent, Ash Wednesdays, Fridays, and Palm Sunday to Easter Vigil are carefully planned by the different groups and organizations of the Parish. Communities and neighborhoods organize “senakulos” and “penitencias” while some families have their won singing or reading of the “Pasyong Mahal (Pabasa)” in their homes. Families also do “Visita Iglesya,” a pious practice wherein they visit Churches and shrines within their vicinity to pray the Way of the Cross (“Via Crucis”). The highlights of these Lenten festivities are the procession of heirloom images of saints and of the Lord and the “salubong.” Advent and Christmas seasons are likewise given importance by Filipinos with the brightly colored “parol” displayed in their homes and other public places, the “panunuluyan,” and the “Simbang Gabi.”

The Religiosity of Filipinos reaped a good harvest of holiness from its faithful. A Filipino Saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, was canonized in 18 October 1987 and Pedro Calungsod was beatified in 5 March 2000. Both were proclaimed martyrs (“in odium fidei”), showing the Filipinos’ fidelity to their Catholic faith. Some Filipinos are also proposed for the honors of the altar: Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, foundress of the Religious of the Virgin Mary of Manila (declared “Venerable” by Pope Benedict XVI in 6 July 2007), Mother Dionesia and Cecilia Talangpaz, foundress of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters of Calumpit, Bulacan, Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo, foundress of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena of Manila, and Bishop Alfredo Maria Aranda Obviar, founder of the Missionary Catechist of Saint Therese of the Infant Jesus of Lipa City, Batangas.

2. Charity (Pagkakawang – gawa)

By Christian Joseph Camello

Charity doesn’t only talk about giving; it also talks about what God is providing us. God also gives His blessings and other things that man will make them satisfied, even though man does not give importance to it.

This value is very inherent among Filipinos. Most of them are always helping in the charities, like the Bantay Bata 163, Gawad Kalinga, Golden Acres, etc. Filipinos commonly share what they have with their least brothers and sisters. Prompt relief for the suffering of those struck down with natural calamities and disease could be expected from generous Filipinos who, in remembering what Christ said: “Truly, I say to you: whenever you did this to these little ones who are my brothers and sisters, you did it to me, (Matthew 25:40)” truly meet the Lord in their charitable and philanthropic efforts.

Fund drives and distribution of relief groups by different agencies, associations, and religious groups make evident the sensitivity of Filipinos to the plight of their needy brothers and sisters. The media has also provided help by featuring “public service announcements” and airing appeals for help for sick, especially those of children, youth, and the elderly.

National and local governments and officials ceaselessly exhaust their efforts of helping the needy poor and sick of their area through their different programs. Unfortunately, sometimes these efforts have been used for personal political interest rather than to the elimination of poverty and the promotion of good.

The Church nonetheless contribute to the efforts taken by the civil government and private agencies by “Caritas Internationalis” and “Aid to the Church in Need” which provides help to local communities and promote the dignity of man and of life through their various talks and conferences. Also, God raised up holy men and women who with the witness and example of their life arouse within some of the members of the Church a desire to help the poor, the sick and the needy by the foundation of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life whose primary charism and work is charity. Notable among them in the Missionaries of Charity founded by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910 – 1997), The Ministers of the Sick of Saint Camillus de Lellis (1550 – 1614), and the Missionaries of the Poor which was recently founded in Jamaica by Father Richard Ho Lung in 1981. The Church in the Philippines has also responded to the call to charity through local Caritas units which provides scholarship grants to the indigents, feeding programs, and services to the sick and the recently launched “Pondo ng Pinoy” initiated by the Archbishop of Manila, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D. D.

Charity doesn’t only talks about giving, but when say charity it also teaches us how to become how generous you would share the blessings that you received from God.

3. Hospitality

By Angeline Diola

The word, “hospitality,” comes from the Latin word, hospis, meaning “host” and “guest.” Hospitality means a “friendly welcome to a stranger.” When Jesus suggested to his host to also invite the “poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind” and those who will be unable to repay the gesture, He is basically telling him to be hospitable.

The Greeks extremely value hospitality. A stranger who passes by their house can be invited inside. The host washes the feet of the stranger, offers his food and drink, and only then can he ask the stranger’s name. In Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad and the Odyssey, we hear the story of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope. After 20 years since Odysseus went to fight in the Trojan War, Telemachus searched for his father. He became a guest of Nestor, the King of Pylos, who was a great admirer of Odysseus. Only after Nestor’s hospitality to Telemachus that he discovered he was Odysseus’ son.

It is also valuable in the Middle Eastern culture. In Genesis, Lot was very hospitable to a group of men who were actually angels. A mob tries to rape them, but Lot goes to the extreme as to offer his own daughters as substitutes instead. Lot says, “Don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof” (Genesis 19:8). A bond is formed between the host and the stranger when salt is eaten under the roof. There is an Arab story of a thief who tasted something to see if it was sugar, and on realizing that he tasted salt, he returned all he had stolen and left.

Hospitality takes on a more Christian character when seen with the element of the stranger. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said that if we love those who love us, what reward will it have on us? The tax collectors and the sinners also do the same. But if we love our enemies, that would mark the Christian. Therefore, loving one’s enemies has a ‘hospitality’ aspect in it: Jesus demands that we love the stranger in our midst. Thus, the stranger might be people outside of our circle of friends and enemies do not belong to our intimate links. There are many who may feel very alienated: the first-year students, fresh from high school and the provinces; the eccentric like the geeks in the High School Musical fame.

This is the value that a foreigner coming to the Philippines will immediately notice the Filipino’s friendliness and sympathetic concern for the welfare of others. This is the hallmark of the Filipino character. He is always ready to share his possessions with others when the needs require. He is ready to give freely of his time for the well-being of the community.

Hospitality would be easier for Filipinos to come by. People find us hospitable and welcoming. Serving other people the best of what we have is an honor. We tell our guests to ‘feel at home’. We give the stranger the place of honor.

We pray that people may witness our Christian faith through our hospitality. We should have hearts that is inclusive, not exclusive. We are able to open our hearts and our homes even to those who belong to other faiths. And it is done with genuine enthusiasm and the smile that made Filipinos famous.






4. Loyalty

By Jean Louisse Badilla

Here in the Philippines, loyalty is most of the time associated to "utang na loob." We Filipinos believed that if you know how to “pay back” (in terms of values/ help) the good deeds that a person has done to you, it means that you're already loyal or grateful; in tagalog, "tumanaw ng utang na loob." Here is a good example from the Bible that shows the value of loyalty:


After spending 40 days and 40 nights without food, Jesus was hungry. Then the devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread." But Jesus answered, "The scripture says, 'Man cannot live on bread alone, but needs every word that God speaks. ' " Then the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the holy city set him on the highest point of the Temple and said to Him, "if you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says, 'God will give orders to His angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.' " Jesus answered, "But the scripture also says, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " Then the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. "All this I will give you," the devil said, "if you kneel down and worship me." Then Jesus answered, "Go away Satan! the scripture says, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.' " (Mt. 4: 2-10)

These verses shows us the great love and loyalty of Jesus Christ to God our Father. It is the reason that in spite of those temptations that the devil has presented, Jesus really chose to be loyal to God.

On the other hand, the Filipinos' sense of loyalty based on "utang na loob" has changed because of its tendency to be abused in the past. In the past few years, we have witnessed the emergence of such words as "balimbing and sipsip" which connote disloyalty or confused loyalty; these words indicates the Filipinos' new awareness of their personal worth. We have learned that the abuse of "utang na loob" and loyalty can destroy one's credibility.

The researchers note the case of the former Philippine President Joseph Ejercito Estrada who was recently declared guilty of plunder. He has squandered the resources of the country for himself and his cronies rather than to more important government projects. This is a sad reality with excessive loyalty towards a person. Utang na loob is positive in nature, however, it becomes negative when put into excess or to be deficient. Hence this calls for an evaluation of ourselves so that we may put into the right practice the values that we inherited and cherished for the benefit of our faith, our families, and our nation (cf. Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, 20 – 22).




Generalization and Conclusion

The importance and value of the Filipino values can be compared with precious gems that are kept and passed on the next generation. It is God’s grace and gift given to us, Filipinos, to share with the global community in building a society wherein peace and justice prevails. These values truly make every Filipinos as a missionary by shedding this light to others, transmitting a message of hope, and becoming witnesses of the Gospel.

The deposits of Divine Revelation: the Sacred Scriptures, the Sacred Traditions, and the Magisterium help us to realize the importance and relevance of these wonderful values in our contemporary society wherein morality is discarded for the sake of “progress, equality, and modernity.” These radical social changes affect the lives and faith of billions of people and causing poverty, materialism and selfishness. These values which were help in high esteem is now slowly being taken to the backstage as today’s youth slowly adopts to the new “values” that the world suggests. They accept the “new” ones for the “old” ones. Pope Benedict XVI always reminds us that time changes, but never of moral values, moral values that distinguishes man, children of God, from animals.

Values may be different from one ethnicity, culture, or religion to the other, but all proclaim the same message of camaraderie, unity, and peace which is a substantial element for building a world where progress and development is utilized for the benefit and welfare of all, especially the poor and the needy.

Even that of other religions, moral values still remains as one of the pillars of their daily living. The Muslim’s Qur’an provides its followers with its “five pillars” wherein all are instructed and obligated to follow. These are not only religious rituals but are also moments for reflection of one’s self and relationship with the Divine and his neighbor. Its texts, sacred to Muslims contains lessons of respect and love for their brothers and sisters of their faith and the rejection of all that is evil. Charity, courtesy and respect is expected from everyone especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Thus, Muslims proclaim their belief and faith in the Supreme Being by their humble and good works.

The Buddhists are likewise enjoined by their founder, Gautama Buddha, to observe a life of moral living, of observance of moral values. Its “eight pillars” to living provides its followers a tool and basis for observing a blameless and virtuous life of a Buddha – an “enlightened one.” Though it does not profess any faith to any deity or god, these “pillars” gives its followers guidelines of observing a life of compassion, care, and goodwill. With these paths, in the opinion of the researchers, Buddhist are able to exercise a life of morality and of values from which important lessons in life could be obtained.

As Christians, Filipinos heed to the message of the Sacred Scriptures – the word of God, as a basis for leading a moral and virtues life patterned after the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These tradition of religious values were passed on to us by His disciples, the Church, and by our families – the “domestic Church.” As having close family ties, Filipinos have learned these endearing values by heart and practiced it in the events of their daily life and in relating with their neighbors. These values has become one of the cornerstones of establishing norms of good manners, in harmonizing the relationship of families and individuals, and in raising up children in the Catholic faith. These values embedded in the hearts and lives of the Filipinos could be instrumental in building a world wherein justice and peace prevails, to eliminate all forms of evil, corruption, and selfishness. These values are light unto the path of every Filipino Christians that is darkened by violence, sight to those blinded with wrong ideologies, comfort to the oppressed, rest for the weary and a shouting voice proclaiming truth, peace, and unity.

Families, being the “domestic Church,” have the primary responsibility of passing on and preserving these values to the future generation. It is by the witness and teaching of parents, relatives, and siblings that the young acquire these values that they will carry on until they grow up. These values should not only be confined to the home, school or church but in ever places and situations. All, therefore, is responsible of passing on these values that were taught to us by our ancestors and later on, by the early Christian missionaries.

The teachers too, who are in charge of educating the young should also be a reflection of these values to the young, so as to ensure that those learned at home be continued and kept intact in the midst of peer – pressure and other incidents which could corrupt the good values taught to them. According to Saint Marie – Eugenie of Jesus, foundress of the Religious of the Assumption, to educate is “to continue the mission of Jesus Christ,” and thus every teacher must be so by being good examples to their young students and integrating it with the different disciplines.

Priests, religious and consecrated men and women are also responsible with the teaching and preserving of these values. By the witness of their lives and unselfish service, they make present the preaching Christ who speaks of morality, justice, and peace. Their life, an imitation of Christ, is truly an edification and source of inspiration for the Filipino faithful. There values should be made eminent in their life of prayer, apostolate and contemplation. These consecrated persons are truly needed in mission areas throughout the archipelago, especially those in far – flung areas. Through their preaching and apostolic witness, they once again enliven the faith of the faithful and remind them of their values that were taught to them. These faithful servants of God make present in the world Jesus Christ by continuing his mission of preaching, evangelization, and imparting values.

Therefore, the researchers would conclude that:

Values are one of the greatest gifts endowed by God among the Filipino people to be instruments of hope and peace.
Values are learned or acquired primarily in the family, by educators, priests, religious and consecrated persons.
Values never change nor evolve in the course of time.
Values are also present in other religions, cultures, and places.
The Sacred Scriptures can provide us with significant lessons about life, morality, and values.
Recommendation

The researchers recommend this research to all who are involved with values education of the children and the youth to gain some insights from it, to the youth to gain lessons from it, and to all Filipinos to realize the value and importance of the values passed on to them by their parents, teachers, and religious.

This research also recommends to the Filipinos the frequent study and reflection of the Sacred Scriptures – the inspired word of God – for an in-depth realization of the truths of life, to know the message of Jesus, and to discern the will of God. The Sacred Scriptures is an efficient source of understanding the values, from whichever culture people come from, for God speaks to us when we listen to him.

The researchers would also like to recommend this research with people who assert modernist ideas and reject values which they consider of the past. It is the researchers’ hope and prayer that they may realize that values is still relevant to others society and is not a hindrance for progress and development.




Glossary

Dei Verbum – Second Vatican Council Document on Divine Revelation.

Fiesta – Religious festivities to honor certain events in the life of Our Lord, Our Lady, or of the saints.

Kura – The local parish priest.

Oracion – the “Angelus,” a prayer to commemorate the incarnation of the Lord and the annunciation to Mary.

Panunuluyan – a dramatic play usually portrayed at Christmas eve commemorating Saint Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay in during their trip to Bethlehem.

Parol – bright colored star – shaped lanterns used to decorate homes during the Christmas season.

Pondo ng Pinoy – a charity fund drive in the Philippine Church that encourages the faithful to collect Php .25 to be donated to the charitable movement “Caritas.”

Pueblo Amante de Maria – refers to the Filipinos as a people “specially consecrated to the Virgin Mary.”

Salubong – an tradition that usually takes place in the dawn of Easter Sunday wherein the images of the Virgin Mary and of the Resurrected Christ “meets.”

Senakulo – a dramatic play portraying the life, passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord.

Simbang Gabi – also called as the “rooster’s mass;” a nine (9) day Christmas novena masses held either late at night or at early dawn.

Utang na Loob – Debt of inner self. A debt of gratitude born out of acceptance of proffered help in time of need.




Bibliography

Acts and Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines, Manila, 1992

Benedict XVI, Pope, Deus Caritas Est, Libereria Editrice Vaticana, 2005

Dela – Cruz, Sonia Gasilla, National Development via National Service Training Program (CWTS 2), Books Atbp. Publishing Corp., 2005

Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Education – Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Catechism for Filipino Catholics, Word and Life Publications, Makati, n. d.

Hartmann, Nicolai, Moral Values, Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, USA, 2003

Hinman, Lawrence M., Ethics: A Pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory, Wadsworth/Thomson, CA, USA, 2003

John Paul II, Pope, Familiaris Consortio, Libereria Editrice Vaticana, n. d.

N. B. Most of the biblical text was taken from the Christian Community Bible, Claretian Publications, Quezon City, 2004