Human beings like any other organism, are

naturally inclined to preserve themselves. Self-

destruction is somewhat unnatural and irrational,
atleast for normal individuals.
History and experience have taught the Filipinos that
there comes a time in life when one has to safeguard
his rights for his own well being and survival. They have
learned for instance, that under extreme oppression
and exploitation, they have to stand up and defend
themselves against the oppressors, against injustice
and aggression. Our cultural legacy is replete with age
old principles on the value of survival (Timbreza 1982-
1984)
Tagalog
Ang taong nagigipit, kahit sa patalim ay kakapit.
A man in danger will cling even to a knife.
Kapag ang tao ay naghihikahos, handa siyang makipaghamok.
Whenever a person is impoverished, he is ready to fight anybody.
Visayans
Ang tao nga kaplot bisan sa patalom makapiot.
A man who is hard up will cling even to a knife.
Bicolanos
An tawong malalamos, maski sa tunok ,minakurapot.
A drowning person will clutch or seize even a thorn.
That self preservation is paramount in the minds of
Filipinos evident in the foregoing pronouncements.
Come what may they are ready and prepared to do
anything possible, fair or foul, if only to survive.
Impoverishment, suffering and adversity are challenges
that must be met and resolved, no matter what
happens.
Aklanos
Wa’t sunog nga dukot sa tawong nasusueok.
There is no burnt rice for one who is hungry.
Ilocanos
No agrigrigat tay tao, ngalngalen na uray bato.
Whenever a person is impoverished, he will crunch even a stone.
Awan ti santo-santo, na agarakook ti tian tao.
There is no sense of calling the saints whenever one’s stomach
crumbles.
Awan ti ammo a naimbag tay tao nga agrigrigat.
A person does not know the good whenever he is suffering.
It is clear that if only to quench his tears and satisfy his
hunger, the Filipino will resort to anything possible
under the sun. He seems not to care whatever
happens as long as what he does is necessary for
survival.
Ivatan
Nu cayang am manunit pa anu machispang.
A crab when cornered will fight back.
Itewe ke kelebwan maiting, deb ba I sundage.
A man whose life is endangered will grab a kitchen knife.
Ing alang itulon a dase, e ya tatacut mate.
Any body has no mat to roll over is not afraid to die.
Thus, whenever a Filipino is defiled, dishonored and
slandered, abused and tortured, he is not scared
to face death. For him, it is better to die with
dignity and honor than to live without them,
except shame, depravity and humiliation.
Deprived of ones dignity, one has nothing more
worthwhile to live for.
Hahamakin ang lahat upang mabuhay ng
lamang ng makatao, malaya at
makatarungan.