THE POLITICAL SELF

Unpacking the Self

• Refers to a representation of oneself
about him/herself
• A public identity one makes and
constructs about him/herself to be
• Political position based on the interest
and perspective of one social
organizations
 Developing a Filipino
Identity: Values, Traits,
Community and Institutional
Factors
The Filipino culture is a mix of both
eastern and western cultures. The
beliefs and traditions of pre-colonial
Philippines were mainly an indigenous
Malay heritage. The Malay
temperament is a basic factor of a
Filipino personality. It can best describe
as “being nice and pleasant to others”.
The important role family in Filipino
culture stemmed from the strength of
the Malay family clan that serve as a
strong security unit.
When Spaniards colonized the Islands,
Hispanic culture influenced the natives.
Christianity became dominant religion and
a western-based social and political
organization was establish in the
Philippines.

The Americans shaped the modern Filipino

culture and this is primarily manifested by
the widespread use of the English
language in the Philippines today. It was
from these influence that form the Filipino
character.
Psychologist, educator, and (former) chairperson of the Commission
on Higher Education, Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan , wrote that the
strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character are rooted in
factors, such as:

Home Environment History

Social Environment Educational System

Culture and Language Religion

Psychologist, educator, and (former) chairperson of the Commission
on Higher Education, Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan , wrote that the
strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character are rooted in
factors, such as:

Economic
Mass Media
Environment

Leadership and Role

Political Environment
Models
 Strength
Of
Filipino Character
Pakikipagkapwa-tao
Family orientation
Joy and Humor
Flexibility, Adaptability
and Creativity
Hardwork and Industry
Faith and Religousity
Ability to Survive
 Weaknesses
Of
Filipino Character
Extreme Personalism
Extreme Family
Centeredness
Lack of disicpline
Passivity and lack of
Initiative
Colonial Mentality
Kanya-kanya Syndrome
Lack of Self-analysis and
Self reflection
 DEMOCRACY
is a government in which the supreme is vested in and
exercised by the people directly or indirectly through a
system of presentation, usually involving periodical held
free elections. Although democracy has several flaws it
also uniquely posses a number of features that most
people – whatever their basic political beliefs- would
consider desirable.
Examples:
1. Democracy helps prevent cruel and vicious autocrats
from ruling

2. It fosters human development i.e. health education,

personal income and any other indicators more fully
than do other forms of government

3. Democracy helps protect fundamental individual

rights and interest
Examples:
4. Democratic societies provide people the maximum
opportunity to take moral responsibility for their choices
and decisions

5. Democratic societies offer a relatively high chance of

political equality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiyrNvHn8Ps

Otig. V.& et.al. (2018). A Holistic Approach in Understanding The Self. The Political Self. Mutya Publishing
House Inc. Malabon City. pp. 108-113.