Revisiting the Definition and Concept of Filipino Family: A

Psychological Perspective
by Caridad H. Tarroja

INTRODUCTION
The above journal looks into the Filipino family and the many
factors that have played to make what it has become at present. The
author mentions some view points that have allowed it to
metamorphose to its current state. According to her, both sociological
and psychological influences have served to affect relationships among
Filipino families. She cited among others that Filipinos families regard
blood and marriage relationships with high esteem. They give
importance to family ties which extend even up to distant relatives. As
in the past, children are the responsibility of parents who give them
their basic needs. The children in turn, at a later time, take care of
their parents in their old age. The extended family, non-relatives
included, support the family.

In many instances, separation of parents have occurred as more

and more pursue their dreams far from their motherland. Go (1993)
observed an increase in the number of working children, marital
infidelity and teenage pregnancies. Although the number of overseas
workers has boosted the economy and improved the lives of many
families, it cannot be denied that it has also somehow caused some
negative effects upon our society, in particular, upon the Filipino
family.

On the psychological aspect, Carandang, (2001) with Sison,

found out that Filipino families left by Filipino OFWs were prone to
fits of sadness, need for father figure, and need to accept the idea that
they are substitutes for their absentee parents. Carandang (2008) with
Lee-Chua, realized that there are many challenges that the Filipino
family has to face in the midst of the many changes happening around
them. These changes, could be happen within or outside the family as
the case may be.

Added to this aspect, issues such as the nurturing of good family

values, open communication within the family, etc. The journal also is
concerned with parent issues regarding parenthood and skills in child
rearing. This includes also marriage relations and parent-child
relations. Jurilla (1986) looked at the reasons for parenthood among
married couples in the rural areas and found out that some of these
are for adequacy, self satisfaction and fulfillment. Tan (1989) studied
four kinds of fathers among Filipino families with regards to certain
features of fathering. In came to conclude that the ideal father is one
who gets involved with his children but is not overbearing. He is
likewise concerned and committed.

As to child-related issues, children of Filipino parents perceive

their mothers to be more caring than their fathers (Carunungan-Robles,
1986). Both parents are a source of punitive punishment.

In the context of family, the environment has a primary role to

play. Experience of those in the rural areas could vary greatly from
those in the urban areas; the same with immigrants and non-
immigrants, etc.

(Santos, 2004) in his research show a common observation

concerning non-traditional Filipino families is its characteristic to
become extended to relatives, even to non-relatives. Solo parents,
mothers in particular, cope with their situation by having more spiritual
lives, seeking support from family and friends and pursuing leisure
activities.

Different studies show that the qualities that help to keep family
cohesiveness are involvement of parents, communication, concern,
support and intimacy. The same values held by members help to bind
family ties strongly.

IMPRESSIONS AND COMMENTS

Although Filipino families are still considered nuclear in nature,

most are also extended families. The members of the extended family
may vary greatly. There is no clear and defined lines regarding the
composition of the extended family which may include even non-
relatives like godparents, close friends and others.

Marital forms have also undergone changes. Getting married is

not the only way one can have a family. Go (1993) reveals that
members of both the nuclear and extended families may not
necessarily be related by consanguinity, by marriage or by adoption.
An extended family may include one or two people and their children
and other relatives. For instance grandparents, aunties and uncles and
even cousins. Relationships can either be by blood, legal or emotional
ties. Often, friends and other non-relatives may be considered as part
of the family. What is more important is the emotional involvement and
not so much the living together physically.

Given the scenario described above with supporting literature,

the Filipino family still maintains its ability for closeness and continue
to support one another in times of crises. Miralao (1997) reports
that despite the onset of modernization, generally, Filipino families
maintain strong family ties even when they live apart as in the case of
OFWs. They also persist in their old customs and traditions regarding
the family. This is one thing appreciable of the Filipino family, its
characteristic to hold on together through thick and thin. Perhaps, this
comes from the innate religious character of the Filipinos. Owing to the
fact that the Spaniards were able to inculcate the Catholic faith upon
the islands some three centuries ago, the Filipinos, in particular, the
Bicolanos, are known for their deep love for God, the Blessed Virgin
and the saints. A most special devotion of the Bicolanos is to the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Penafrancia, which is celebrated
every third week of September.

The lifestyles of the Filipino youth due to absentee parents have

also undergone many changes. Medina, (2001), and Carandang and
Lee-Chua (2008) have noted that due to absentee parents, adolescents
have taken on novel living arrangements that expose them to certain
risk behaviors. In many cases, many Filipino families retain their
cohesive nature and continue to strengthen family togetherness.
According to Cruz et. al, family values and parental guidance have
neutralized negative effects of media and the peers.

Moreover, the moral aspect of some households that consider

themselves as families may be still be questioned. The Catholic
Church, specifically, could be a deterrent for such relationships to
thrive.

We cannot negate the emergence of these novel family

relationships and arrangements among Filipino families in our times.
Surely, there is a need for our society to accept or come to terms with
them, but I believe with certain limitations. These situations however
need to be studied more deeply and with more care to preserve the
dignity of the family as we have traditionally known it. Moreover, as
Catholics, we have the Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to
emulate.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Review and study family relationships from the point of view of the
family members through a family meeting, what goals they have as a
family and how they want to achieve them. This means they look over
their resources, time, manpower and budget.

The government could also provide programs and projects that could
help the youth use their time wisely, such as __________.
Schools may sponsor seminars/symposiums that will assist
families/parents/their children strengthen family ties, preserve customs
and traditions that uphold respect for the elderly, respect for women,
care for children, etc.

Sponsor wholesome activities involving parents and children to

encourage them to appreciate simple living, certain circumstances in
life, their parents, and their state in life without undue demands on
them and on others.

Develop traits in the youth through __________ regarding work within

and outside their homes and become role models to their younger
brothers and sisters to imitate as well.

Encourage the youth to pursue their ambitions with hard work and
perseverance and not seek for easy pleasure and easy money at the
expense of good values and principles in life.

Parents should help develop an atmosphere of give and take,

understanding and helpfulness within the family, giving their children
the love and care they need. They may assign certain tasks while they
are young so that they can grow up to be more responsible in later life.

Moreover, there is I believe a need to develop greater spirituality in

life, a need to anchor our lives to someone greater than us, and that is
to accept a Supreme Being who is there no matter what, that every
crisis that comes, we will overcome because Heloves us He is always
there to keep us ALIVE.