Cultural Awareness for Sustainable Development in a Globalized World2 (Desiree Anonat's Conflicted...

8/2/2019 Cultural Awareness for Sustainable Development in a Globalized World2 (Desiree Anonat's Conflicted Copy 2012-02-10)

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CULTURAL AWARENESSCULTURAL AWARENESSFOR SUSTAINABLEFOR SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT IN ADEVELOPMENT IN A

GLOBALIZED WORLDGLOBALIZED WORLDFelipe M. de Leon, JrFelipe M. de Leon, Jr


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Cultural IdentityCultural Identity

The world view and values,The world view and values,beliefs systems, knowledge,beliefs systems, knowledge,

skills and practices, coreskills and practices, coreprinciples and ideas sharedprinciples and ideas shared

by a society - the uniqueby a society - the uniquetotality of which constitutestotality of which constituteswhat we call cultural identity.what we call cultural identity.


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Cultural IdentityCultural Identity

Cultural identity is aCultural identity is a sine qua nonsine qua non forforbecoming activebecoming active in the worldin the world. It is. It is

the fundamental source of socialthe fundamental source of social

empowermentempowerment.. Rob a people of their identity and theyRob a people of their identity and they

become passive, lost, indolent,become passive, lost, indolent,

uncreative and unproductive, prone touncreative and unproductive, prone todepression and substance abuse, anddepression and substance abuse, and

plagued by a pervasive feeling ofplagued by a pervasive feeling of

malaise and powerlessness.malaise and powerlessness.


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The Genesis ofThe Genesis of

SubservienceSubservience To suppress and weaken thisTo suppress and weaken this

identity and successfully impose anidentity and successfully impose an

alien culture on a people is toalien culture on a people is to

reduce them into a passive, docilereduce them into a passive, docilemass subservient to the powermass subservient to the power

wielders of the alien culture.wielders of the alien culture.

They lose their originality, nativeThey lose their originality, native

intelligence and skills, treasureintelligence and skills, treasure

troves of knowledge, accumulatedtroves of knowledge, accumulated

wisdom, and creativity.wisdom, and creativity.

G


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The Genesis ofT e Genes s o

SubservienceSubservience

They lose their collective will and visionThey lose their collective will and visionof life. They become disunited, self-of life. They become disunited, self-serving, indulgent and short-sighted.serving, indulgent and short-sighted.

This is why the first objective of aThis is why the first objective of a

colonizing power is to erase the culturalcolonizing power is to erase the culturalmemory of the conquered people, tomemory of the conquered people, toinduce a collective amnesia about theirinduce a collective amnesia about theirpast and supplant it with the culture ofpast and supplant it with the culture of

the colonizers,the colonizers, especially throughespecially througheducationeducation..

In this lie the roots of Filipino derivativenessIn this lie the roots of Filipino derivativeness

and inferiority complex vis-a-vis the West.and inferiority complex vis-a-vis the West.


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Un-Filipino PerspectiveUn-Filipino Perspective

The moment we began to viewThe moment we began to view

ourselves through Westernourselves through Western

eyes,eyes, what we held sacredwhat we held sacredsuddenly became worthlesssuddenly became worthless,, ourour

virtues turned into vices, andvirtues turned into vices, andour strengths began to be seenour strengths began to be seen

as weaknessesas weaknesses..


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Un-Filipino PerspectiveUn-Filipino Perspective

Anything indigenous became a source ofAnything indigenous became a source of

embarrassment and uneasinessembarrassment and uneasiness. We. We

would hide whatever is native soundingwould hide whatever is native soundingor native in origin. Centuries of beingor native in origin. Centuries of beingregarded as backward and inferior by theregarded as backward and inferior by the

white colonizers engendered in us thiswhite colonizers engendered in us this

collective self-contempt, a psychiccollective self-contempt, a psychicmalady that afflicts all of us but mostmalady that afflicts all of us but mostespecially the elites.especially the elites.


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The Beauty of Filipino NamesThe Beauty of Filipino Names AGANI - harvestAGANI - harvest

AKASI god of well-beingAKASI god of well-being ALAYA - dawnALAYA - dawn ALO - consoleALO - console ANDEL - trustANDEL - trust

ANNI - springANNI - spring ARO - loveARO - love ASI - mercyASI - mercy AVID beauty, MAVID - beautifulAVID beauty, MAVID - beautiful AYAD goodnessAYAD goodness AYO fineness, goodnessAYO fineness, goodness BANAAG - ray of lightBANAAG - ray of light BIGHANI - allurement, fascinationBIGHANI - allurement, fascination BIKAS eleganceBIKAS elegance

BINI modestyBINI modesty


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The Beauty of Filipino NamesThe Beauty of Filipino Names

CHAYA - heaven, skyCHAYA - heaven, sky

DANIW - poetryDANIW - poetry DARIL - reasonDARIL - reason DAWANI goddess of the rainbow; rainbowDAWANI goddess of the rainbow; rainbow DAYON - lasting, stableDAYON - lasting, stable

DIAYA - gift, offering; heroDIAYA - gift, offering; hero DURRI a precious gemDURRI a precious gem EDEL - gemEDEL - gem GITING heroism, determinationGITING heroism, determination HALI - repose, peace of mindHALI - repose, peace of mind HAMILI - nobleHAMILI - noble HIRAYA, HARAYA - visionHIRAYA, HARAYA - vision INARO belovedINARO beloved IGI - finenessIGI - fineness

IJIN fortune, luckIJIN fortune, luck


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JAN - reasonJAN - reason

JANJI promise, pledgeJANJI promise, pledge JATTI - pure JATTI - pure KAISA harmoniousKAISA harmonious KALI - repose, peace of mindKALI - repose, peace of mind KARI promise, oathKARI promise, oath KASI love, affectionKASI love, affection KASIL strength, vigorKASIL strength, vigor KAYA ability, competenceKAYA ability, competence KISSA - legendKISSA - legend LAAD flame, ardorLAAD flame, ardor LAGOR love, affectionLAGOR love, affection LAILO affection, caressLAILO affection, caress LAMI joyLAMI joy

LAYA freedom, emancipationLAYA freedom, emancipation


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LENOS windLENOS wind

LIKHA creation, inventionLIKHA creation, invention LINANG cultivated, refined, developedLINANG cultivated, refined, developed LIYAG belovedLIYAG beloved LOREM cloudLOREM cloud

MAAN to understand, know; meaningMAAN to understand, know; meaning NILAY to reflectNILAY to reflect MALIW knowledge, wisdomMALIW knowledge, wisdom MANI harvestMANI harvest MARIGON strongMARIGON strong MARIS colorMARIS color SADYA happinessSADYA happiness SANGHAYA charisma, distinctionSANGHAYA charisma, distinction SIDHA perfectionSIDHA perfection

SIDHAYA - eloquenceSIDHAYA - eloquence


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SIDHI intensity, potencySIDHI intensity, potency

TIMYAS purity, of love, regard, loyalty, etc.TIMYAS purity, of love, regard, loyalty, etc. MAVID - beautifulMAVID - beautiful MIRAD pillarMIRAD pillar MITHI ideal, virtueMITHI ideal, virtue

MUNI reflect, ponderMUNI reflect, ponder NATRA legendNATRA legend NAYAD careNAYAD care NURI a magical birdNURI a magical bird PAROS - windPAROS - wind PATNUBAY guidePATNUBAY guide PITHAYA deep desirePITHAYA deep desire RAMIL reasonRAMIL reason RAYA to growRAYA to grow

RIGA redRIGA red


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SAHAYA - splendor, claritySAHAYA - splendor, clarity SEGA - sunSEGA - sun SIBOL growthSIBOL growth SUDI brilliance, lusterSUDI brilliance, luster TAL indigenous, genuineTAL indigenous, genuine TALIMA to care forTALIMA to care for TANI pledgeTANI pledge TASI - witnessTASI - witness UPPI dreamUPPI dream WAGAS pureWAGAS pure WALI seerWALI seer

WILI appreciation, interestWILI appreciation, interest


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Identity Is PowerIdentity Is Power

Having no identity is like having noHaving no identity is like having nonamename

If a person or thing has no name,If a person or thing has no name, itit

is as if it does not existis as if it does not exist We feel slighted if somebodyWe feel slighted if somebody

forgets our nameforgets our name

The more important and well-The more important and well-known a person is, the more he isknown a person is, the more he is

said to have a name,said to have a name, maymay

pangalan.pangalan.

B i Id i i


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Borrowing an Identity is toBorrowing an Identity is to

Empower the Source of theEmpower the Source of the

IdentityIdentity

The one who names (or is theThe one who names (or is the

source of the name) will have thesource of the name) will have the

power and authority because hepower and authority because he

defines who we are.defines who we are. This holds true for the source ofThis holds true for the source of

concepts, ideas, images, theories,concepts, ideas, images, theories,

structures, tools and techniques structures, tools and techniques for all of these arefor all of these are forms offorms of

identity.identity.

We can harness with a certainWe can harness with a certain

Th P f I diTh P f I di


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The Power of IndigenousThe Power of Indigenous

ThoughtThought

Harnessing our own minds,Harnessing our own minds,understandings, definitions,understandings, definitions,categories and concepts is certainlycategories and concepts is certainlyto have confidence, power andto have confidence, power and

control over our own lives.control over our own lives.Economic power naturally followsEconomic power naturally follows

from thisfrom this.. For instance, if we worshipFor instance, if we worship alien ideas ofalien ideas of

beauty,beauty, whose art works, music, fashionwhose art works, music, fashionmodels and beauty products do wemodels and beauty products do weglorify and spend forglorify and spend for? If we do not? If we do notdevelop ourdevelop our indigenous pharmacologyindigenous pharmacology

andand healing modalitieshealing modalities,, how much do wehow much do we

h f di


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The Power of IndigenousThe Power of Indigenous

ThoughtThought Our misplaced belief in the superiority ofOur misplaced belief in the superiority of

English and other foreign modes ofEnglish and other foreign modes of

thinking largely explains our lack ofthinking largely explains our lack of

cultural leadership and assertiveness incultural leadership and assertiveness inthe world. We have instead athe world. We have instead a gaya-gayagaya-gaya

mentalitymentalityand tendency to worshipand tendency to worship

anything from the West.anything from the West.

The more entrepreneurial Chinese wouldThe more entrepreneurial Chinese would

rather dominate English with their ownrather dominate English with their own

thought patterns:thought patterns:


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Chinese EnglishChinese English

Efficacy: This product by use of natural plantEfficacy: This product by use of natural plantVitamin B3, Vc and mulberry extractionVitamin B3, Vc and mulberry extractiondistillate, availability wipe off face die cell,distillate, availability wipe off face die cell,restrain melanin, strengthen cell renovate,restrain melanin, strengthen cell renovate,restr in melanin and blemish, skin whitening,restr in melanin and blemish, skin whitening,look brand- new.look brand- new.

USE: Days for sub-two, first shall faceUSE: Days for sub-two, first shall facewetness, and weild the product gently knead,wetness, and weild the product gently knead,then with cleanly water washing.then with cleanly water washing.

Notice: avoid into eyeball, if immodesty,Notice: avoid into eyeball, if immodesty,shortly washing for cleanly water.shortly washing for cleanly water.

As a result, Chinese productivity does notAs a result, Chinese productivity does notsuffer.suffer.

HARNESSING INDIGENOUSHARNESSING INDIGENOUS


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HARNESSING INDIGENOUSHARNESSING INDIGENOUS

RESOURCES, SKILLS ORRESOURCES, SKILLS OR

GENIUSGENIUS These are readily available, at noThese are readily available, at no

cost at all or requiring minimalcost at all or requiring minimalcapitalcapital

Our minds are in full command ofOur minds are in full command ofthe indigenous, thus can producethe indigenous, thus can producesuperior and creative results,superior and creative results,

unlike when we think with aunlike when we think with aborrowed mindborrowed mind

Our indigenous strengths/culturalOur indigenous strengths/cultural

genius is our contribution to thegenius is our contribution to the

SOURCES OF SOFT POWERSOURCES OF SOFT POWER


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SOURCES OF SOFT POWER,SOURCES OF SOFT POWER,

WHETHER OF A PERSON ORWHETHER OF A PERSON OR

NATIONNATION

AASTRONG, DISTINCTSTRONG, DISTINCTIDENTITYIDENTITY

A definite notion of identity, of whoA definite notion of identity, of whowe are, gives us a basis forwe are, gives us a basis for

Determining our direction in lifeDetermining our direction in life

Organizing our prioritiesOrganizing our priorities Making commitmentsMaking commitments

Knowing our responsibilitiesKnowing our responsibilities

Defining our place in society/worldDefining our place in society/world

L k f id i b iL k f id i b i


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Lack of pride in beingLack of pride in being

FilipinoFilipino Lack ofLack ofpridepride in being Filipinoin being Filipino

results in lack ofresults in lack ofcommitmentcommitmentto the nation and, consequently,to the nation and, consequently,

a low level ofa low level ofachievementachievement ororeven mediocrity, the pwede naeven mediocrity, the pwede nayan mentality.yan mentality.

For the anthropologist Dr. F. LandaFor the anthropologist Dr. F. LandaJocano,Jocano, PridePride,, commitmentcommitmentandand

excellenceexcellence are inseparableare inseparable


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FILIPINO SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES: THEFILIPINO SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES: THE

PSYCHOLOGY OF THE COLONIZEDPSYCHOLOGY OF THE COLONIZED

PSYCHEPSYCHE

The negative programming ofThe negative programming ofcolonial experiencecolonial experience::

Cult ofCult ofsmallnesssmallness

Celebration of DefeatCelebration of Defeat

Dona VictorinaDona VictorinaSyndromeSyndrome


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The Curse of SmallnessThe Curse of Smallness

Representations of the FilipinoRepresentations of the Filipinoseemingly encouraged by the Americanseemingly encouraged by the Americancolonial regime were of the smallestcolonial regime were of the smallest

kind.kind.The bahay kubo became very small.The bahay kubo became very small.The little rice bird, the maya, became theThe little rice bird, the maya, became the

national bird. The tiny sampaguita wasnational bird. The tiny sampaguita was

declared the national flower by Americandeclared the national flower by American

Governor General Frank Murphy in 1934.Governor General Frank Murphy in 1934.Photographs taken of Filipinos and AmericansPhotographs taken of Filipinos and Americanstogether often deliberately exaggerated thetogether often deliberately exaggerated the

Filipinos diminutive stature beside that of theFilipinos diminutive stature beside that of the

towering American Caucasian.towering American Caucasian.


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Could this be an important reasonCould this be an important reasonwhy until recently many Filipinowhy until recently many Filipino

school children were expected toschool children were expected to

memorize the Latin name of, andmemorize the Latin name of, andeven to be proud of having in Bikol,even to be proud of having in Bikol,

the smallest fish in the world?the smallest fish in the world? MostMost

Filipinos then were not aware that weFilipinos then were not aware that wealso have thealso have the biggest fish in thebiggest fish in the

worldworld in the same province.in the same province.


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Could this also be one of theCould this also be one of thepsychological reasons why manypsychological reasons why manyFilipinos think small?Filipinos think small? Rather thanRather thanbecome innovators, entrepreneurs,become innovators, entrepreneurs,

creative thinkers, producers andcreative thinkers, producers andmanufacturers, Filipinos, includingmanufacturers, Filipinos, includinggraduates of elite schools, are just toograduates of elite schools, are just toohappy to find employment, especiallyhappy to find employment, especially

overseas.overseas. In 1954 our government enacted a retail tradeIn 1954 our government enacted a retail trade

nationalization law, which took effect in 1964,nationalization law, which took effect in 1964,preventing the Chinese from doingpreventing the Chinese from doing tingi,tingi, so theso the

Chinese simply shifted from retail to the much biggerChinese simply shifted from retail to the much bigger

L S lf t B d i O S lfLo Self esteem Bordering On Self


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Low Self-esteem Bordering On Self-Low Self-esteem Bordering On Self-

Contempt:Contempt: TheDona VictorinaTheDona Victorina

SyndromeSyndrome Doubt in the Filipino capacity forDoubt in the Filipino capacity for

achievementachievement

Perverse delight among FilipinosPerverse delight among Filipinosto constantly belittle themselvesto constantly belittle themselves

Serious lack of respect orSerious lack of respect or

contempt for each othercontempt for each other Wallowing in a negative self-Wallowing in a negative self-

image that is tantamount to aimage that is tantamount to a

self-fulfilling prophecyself-fulfilling prophecy


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TheDona Victorina SyndromeTheDona Victorina Syndrome

Filipinos are perhaps theFilipinos are perhaps the worstworstself-bashersself-bashers in the world. We arein the world. We areblind to our own capacities andblind to our own capacities andidealize those of others, especiallyidealize those of others, especially

Westerners.Westerners. If something is poorlyIf something is poorlymade it must be Filipino. If it ismade it must be Filipino. If it iswell made it must be foreign.well made it must be foreign.

Even negative qualities that areEven negative qualities that areuniversal human failings are claimeduniversal human failings are claimedby Filipinos as distinctly Filipino, e.g.by Filipinos as distinctly Filipino, e.g.crab mentality, graft and corruption,crab mentality, graft and corruption,

greed, lack of discipline, etc.greed, lack of discipline, etc.


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B k k l b tB kas ang kalooban not


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Bukas ang kalooban, notBukas ang kalooban, not

privateprivateWindows all aroundWindows all around

ancestral housesancestral houses

Aliwalas, airy spaciousnessAliwalas, airy spaciousnessand openness of interiorsand openness of interiors

Space surrounds spaceSpace surrounds spaceHigh value placed on beingHigh value placed on being

natural, informal, personalnatural, informal, personal


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TheDona VictorinaT eDona V ctor na


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The Dona VictorinaT e Dona V ctor naSyndromeSyndrome

The underdevelopment of PhilippineThe underdevelopment of Philippinesociety is fundamentally rooted insociety is fundamentally rooted in

this chronic loss of Filipino self-this chronic loss of Filipino self-

esteem due to centuries ofesteem due to centuries ofcolonization and miseducation.colonization and miseducation.

Yet we do not have a monopoly ofYet we do not have a monopoly of

human faultshuman faults.. Other nations, evenOther nations, eventhose nations Filipinos tend tothose nations Filipinos tend to

idolize, are equally, if not moreidolize, are equally, if not more

stuck with negative traits that westuck with negative traits that we


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Crab Mentality WorldwideCrab Mentality Worldwide

Crab mentality, for example, is very much a worldwide social phenomenon:Crab mentality, for example, is very much a worldwide social phenomenon:

FromFrom Ottawa, Canada,Ottawa, Canada,Autumn 1995Autumn 1995Bucket of CrabsBucket of Crabs

A wise old sage (actually, my father-in-law) used to say that some peopleA wise old sage (actually, my father-in-law) used to say that some peopleare like a bunch of crabs in a shallow bucket: when one crab manages toare like a bunch of crabs in a shallow bucket: when one crab manages toget a claw up and is on the verge of escape, another crab will inevitablyget a claw up and is on the verge of escape, another crab will inevitably

grab him and pull him back down. Thegrab him and pull him back down. The crab mentalitycrab mentality is, "If I can't have it,is, "If I can't have it,then neither can you.then neither can you.

Our egalitarian federal Health Minister, Diane Marleau is ourOur egalitarian federal Health Minister, Diane Marleau is ourchoice for "Crab of the month.choice for "Crab of the month.

While our debt-drowning federal government certainly can't adequatelyWhile our debt-drowning federal government certainly can't adequatelyfund health care,fund health care, Ms. Marleau will make sure that "wealthier Canadians"Ms. Marleau will make sure that "wealthier Canadians"

(read: other crabs that have half a claw up on you) do not jump ahead of(read: other crabs that have half a claw up on you) do not jump ahead ofthe worsening line-ups and spend their own money to better, or perhapsthe worsening line-ups and spend their own money to better, or perhapseven save, their lives.even save, their lives.

To allow someone to buy superior health care is, according to Ms.To allow someone to buy superior health care is, according to Ms.Marleau's thinking, self-evidently evil, and her government will do all it canMarleau's thinking, self-evidently evil, and her government will do all it canto suppress a private market in health care.to suppress a private market in health care. What her government's policyWhat her government's policyamounts to is:"Better that we all stay and die in the bucket together."amounts to is:"Better that we all stay and die in the bucket together."

i C b li


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American Crab MentalityAmerican Crab Mentality

From Boston, MassachusetsFrom Boston, Massachusets

A Drink Before the War by DennisA Drink Before the War by DennisLehaneLehanePublished by HarperTorch; ReissuePublished by HarperTorch; Reissue

edition (April 2003)edition (April 2003) Among the poor and middle-classAmong the poor and middle-class

suburbs of Boston, like those whosuburbs of Boston, like those who

live on the narrow streets oflive on the narrow streets ofDorchester, hope is a dream, not aDorchester, hope is a dream, not agoal.goal. The crab mentality pullsThe crab mentality pullsback on those who try to climbback on those who try to climb

their way outtheir way out.. Crime is the realmCrime is the realm

I di C b M liI di C b M t lit


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Indian Crab MentalityIndian Crab Mentality

The Magic Of TeamworkThe Magic Of Teamwork

Sam Pitroda,Sam Pitroda, Chairman & CEO of World Tel.Chairman & CEO of World Tel.

(One Indian = 10 Japanese, 10 Indians = One Japanese)(One Indian = 10 Japanese, 10 Indians = One Japanese)

Lack of teamwork and co-operation is one of the most serious problemsLack of teamwork and co-operation is one of the most serious problemsaffecting progress in all areas of India and wherever Indians workaffecting progress in all areas of India and wherever Indians workworldwide.worldwide.

The key problem in India is always implementation, not lack of policies. WeThe key problem in India is always implementation, not lack of policies. Wehave great policies and ideas about how to do things, but severely lackinghave great policies and ideas about how to do things, but severely lackingin teamwork.in teamwork.

When the Japanese came to work in India to develop the MarutiWhen the Japanese came to work in India to develop the MarutiSuzuki car, a joke went around that one Indian was equal to 10Suzuki car, a joke went around that one Indian was equal to 10

Japanese: Indians were very smart, capable and dedicatedJapanese: Indians were very smart, capable and dedicated

individuals. But 10 Indians were equal to 1 Japanese: Indiansindividuals. But 10 Indians were equal to 1 Japanese: Indianslacked team spirit and co-operation.lacked team spirit and co-operation.

What makes matters even worse is ourWhat makes matters even worse is our crab mentalitycrab mentality. If someone. If someoneis trying to climb higher and achieve more, the others just dragis trying to climb higher and achieve more, the others just draghim down. The signal that the others send out is, " I wouldn't do it;him down. The signal that the others send out is, " I wouldn't do it;I wouldn't let you do it; and if by chance you start succeeding, weI wouldn't let you do it; and if by chance you start succeeding, we

will all gang up and make sure that you don't get to do it."will all gang up and make sure that you don't get to do it."


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Celebration of DefeatCelebration of Defeat

Fall of BataanFall of Bataan Fall of CorregidorFall of Corregidor

Fall of Tirad PassFall of Tirad Pass

Capture of AguinaldoCapture of Aguinaldo Death of Rizal, etc.Death of Rizal, etc.

Why not celebrate triumphs like TheWhy not celebrate triumphs like The

Siege of Baler, The Bells ofSiege of Baler, The Bells of

Balanginga, The Defeat of theBalanginga, The Defeat of the

Spaniards by the FilipinoSpaniards by the Filipino

Revolutionaries?Revolutionaries?

Ali ti f O S f C lt lAlienation from Our Sources of Cultural


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Alienation from Our Sources of CulturalAlienation from Our Sources of Cultural

Energy: Thinking in Borrowed Forms andEnergy: Thinking in Borrowed Forms and

the Economics of Dependencythe Economics of Dependency

Up to the present time, our educationalUp to the present time, our educationalsystem remains colonial rather than culturallysystem remains colonial rather than culturallyappropriate, causingappropriate, causing a great loss ofa great loss ofcultural energycultural energy..

As a result, many of our schools do notAs a result, many of our schools do notproduce people who are highly resourceful,produce people who are highly resourceful,creative and adaptable to a fast changing andcreative and adaptable to a fast changing andextremely complex contemporary world.extremely complex contemporary world.TheyThey

encourage dependency, a job-seeking,encourage dependency, a job-seeking,employability mentality rather than originalityemployability mentality rather than originalityof thought, entrepreneurial qualities and self-of thought, entrepreneurial qualities and self-reliance on native skills, knowledge andreliance on native skills, knowledge andstrengths.strengths.

S i A th C t S i A th C t


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Serving Another CountrysServing Another Countrys

Need Through EducationNeed Through Education

Our country has been spending valuableOur country has been spending valuablepublic money for the education of Filipinopublic money for the education of Filipinoprofessionals in the arts and sciences andprofessionals in the arts and sciences andmany other fields. But since the culturalmany other fields. But since the culturalsources of their education are Western, it issources of their education are Western, it isinevitable thatinevitable that the expertise they acquire willthe expertise they acquire willbebe more applicable or appropriate to amore applicable or appropriate to aWestern industrialized society than toWestern industrialized society than to

the rural, agricultural setting of mostthe rural, agricultural setting of mostPhilippine provinces.Philippine provinces.

So a great number of our graduates will endSo a great number of our graduates will endup migrating to rich Western or Westernizedup migrating to rich Western or Westernized

countries.countries.


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Serving Another CountrysServing Another Countrys

Need Through EducationNeed Through Education

It looks like the Philippines is spendingIt looks like the Philippines is spending

its money for the training of manpowerits money for the training of manpower

for the more affluent countries...This,for the more affluent countries...This,then, isthen, is the essence of our colonialthe essence of our colonial

education - the training of oneseducation - the training of ones

countrys citizens to become anothercountrys citizens to become another

countrys assetscountrys assets.. (Florentino Hornedo, The(Florentino Hornedo, TheCultural Dimension of PhilippineCultural Dimension of Philippine

Development)Development)

Di i i f S lf*Di i ti f S lf*


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Diminution of Self*Diminution of Self*

THE MOST INSIDUOUS BECAUSE SUBTLETHE MOST INSIDUOUS BECAUSE SUBTLEALIENATION OF THE FILIPINO FROM HISALIENATION OF THE FILIPINO FROM HISCULTURAL ROOTS BEGAN WITH THECULTURAL ROOTS BEGAN WITH THEWESTERNIZED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THE U.S.WESTERNIZED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THE U.S.ESTABLISHED IN OUR COUNTRYESTABLISHED IN OUR COUNTRY..

THIS PROCESS CONTINUES TO THE PRESENT DAY:THIS PROCESS CONTINUES TO THE PRESENT DAY: WEWEMAY OBSERVE THAT THE HIGHER (i.e., THE MOREMAY OBSERVE THAT THE HIGHER (i.e., THE MORESPECIALIZED) A FILIPINOS LEVEL OF EDUCATIONSPECIALIZED) A FILIPINOS LEVEL OF EDUCATIONIS, THE GREATER IS THE LOSS OF A COMMUNAL ORIS, THE GREATER IS THE LOSS OF A COMMUNAL OR

SOCIAL SELF.SOCIAL SELF.____________________________

**Those who receive a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education inThose who receive a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education inwhich subjects are taught within a broad social, cultural andwhich subjects are taught within a broad social, cultural andhumanistic context, showing the interconnectedness of all thingshumanistic context, showing the interconnectedness of all thingsdo not necessarily succumb to this diminution process.do not necessarily succumb to this diminution process.

Alienation from theAlienation from the


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Alienation from theAlienation from theCommunityCommunity

As one ascends the academic ladder, the moreAs one ascends the academic ladder, the more

Westernized and alienated from his culturalWesternized and alienated from his culturalroots the Filipino becomesroots the Filipino becomes. That is why the. That is why themore specialized a Filipinos education is, themore specialized a Filipinos education is, themore likely he or she will find his means ofmore likely he or she will find his means oflivelihood away from his community, perhaps inlivelihood away from his community, perhaps inManila or some other country.Manila or some other country.

An Ifugao child who receives only a high schoolAn Ifugao child who receives only a high schooleducation is more likely to remain in hiseducation is more likely to remain in hiscommunity than another who finishes college.community than another who finishes college.And the reason for this is not just because theAnd the reason for this is not just because thelatter has greater work opportunities, butlatter has greater work opportunities, butbecausebecause his education is often not culturallyhis education is often not culturallyrooted in his community, especially if it is arooted in his community, especially if it is a

rural, indigenous village.rural, indigenous village.

Constriction of SocialConstriction of Social


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Constriction of SocialConstriction of Social

ConsiousnessConsiousness

Especially prone to the diminution of socialEspecially prone to the diminution of socialconsciousness are professionals in highlyconsciousness are professionals in highlytechnical, narrow specializations.technical, narrow specializations. It used toIt used tobe that a doctor specialized in EENTbe that a doctor specialized in EENTmedicine. But eye specialists have sincemedicine. But eye specialists have since

parted ways with the ear-nose-throat doctors.parted ways with the ear-nose-throat doctors.And now there is even a left-eye or right-eyeAnd now there is even a left-eye or right-eyespecialist.specialist.

By reducing reality into small pieces,By reducing reality into small pieces, thethe

narrow specialist is in danger of losing allnarrow specialist is in danger of losing allsense of realitysense of reality.. He and his tiny circle of co-He and his tiny circle of co-experts tend to define their own limited fieldexperts tend to define their own limited field --that is, their specialized theories andthat is, their specialized theories andmethods -methods - as the final reality or theas the final reality or therepresentation of total realityrepresentation of total reality


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Specialistic InnocenceSpecialistic Innocence

This naivete makes him utterly helpless inThis naivete makes him utterly helpless infacing many complex issues of today.facing many complex issues of today. Thus,Thus,

he is apt to surrender easily to all sorts ofhe is apt to surrender easily to all sorts ofideologies. The modern specializedideologies. The modern specialized

intellectual gets nervous outside his field ofintellectual gets nervous outside his field ofexpertise where he feels an awful sense ofexpertise where he feels an awful sense of

emptiness. All throughout history, it has beenemptiness. All throughout history, it has been

the technocratic scientists or engineers, who,the technocratic scientists or engineers, who,because of their ignorance of the socialbecause of their ignorance of the socialprocesses and political contexts in which theyprocesses and political contexts in which they

operated, easily succumbed to the whims ofoperated, easily succumbed to the whims of

dictators and fascists of all kinds.dictators and fascists of all kinds.


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Professional TribalismProfessional Tribalism

Narrow technical, professional education mayNarrow technical, professional education maydevelop expertise and the professions but maydevelop expertise and the professions but mayalso breed selfishness, lack of socialalso breed selfishness, lack of socialresponsibility and professional tribalism, whichresponsibility and professional tribalism, whicharises from thearises from the cult of the professional egocult of the professional ego(promoting ones profession at the expense of public(promoting ones profession at the expense of public

good).good).

This is clearly a manifestation of the materialism ofThis is clearly a manifestation of the materialism ofindustrial or industrializing societies where, for instance,industrial or industrializing societies where, for instance,scientists advance science for its own sake no matterscientists advance science for its own sake no matterwhat the social costswhat the social costs,, medical doctors gang up onmedical doctors gang up onoutsiders to protect the medical establishmentoutsiders to protect the medical establishment, and, andbusinessmen sacrifice valuable goods or form cartels justbusinessmen sacrifice valuable goods or form cartels just

to maintain enormous profitsto maintain enormous profits

.

.

f i l ib liP f i l T ib li


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Professional TribalismProfessional Tribalism

Society becomes splintered into ruthlesslySociety becomes splintered into ruthlessly

competing self-interest tribes of experts, eachcompeting self-interest tribes of experts, eachwith its ownwith its own god or kinggod or king (celebrity figures such as Stephen(celebrity figures such as Stephen

Hawking in physics or Bill Gates in technologyHawking in physics or Bill Gates in technologyand business)and business)

church or templechurch or temple (convention hall, opera(convention hall, operahouse, museum, etc.)house, museum, etc.)

holy bookholy book (professional journal or manual),(professional journal or manual), sacred languagesacred language (jargon)(jargon) andand religious attirereligious attire (business suit, white laboratory(business suit, white laboratory

gown, etc.).gown, etc.).

Each tribe is after its own good alone.Each tribe is after its own good alone. ProfessionalProfessionaladvancement is the highest good. And financial success theadvancement is the highest good. And financial success the

highest reward (a market of warring, competing tribes?)highest reward (a market of warring, competing tribes?)

b i f i li


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Barbarism of Specialism*Barbarism of Specialism*

The specialist and his small circle of co-The specialist and his small circle of co-

experts are inclined to define their own littleexperts are inclined to define their own littlefield(i.e. their specialized theories andfield(i.e. their specialized theories andmethods) as the final reality or asmethods) as the final reality or as thetherepresentation of total reality. (Zejderveld,representation of total reality. (Zejderveld,

Abstract Society). Thus, he has a tendencyAbstract Society). Thus, he has a tendencytoward arrogance inspite of his naivete in alltoward arrogance inspite of his naivete in allmatters outside his own limited field.matters outside his own limited field.

Typically, he feels detached from the largerTypically, he feels detached from the largercommunal, social context in which he livescommunal, social context in which he lives

and become solely devoted to theand become solely devoted to theadvancement of his profession.advancement of his profession.

________________________________________________

* Narrow specialization* Narrow specialization

B b i f S i liBarbarism of Specialism


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Barbarism of SpecialismBarbarism of Specialism(or Narrow Specialization)(or Narrow Specialization)

Who then cares for society as a whole?Who then cares for society as a whole? ItItseems that with few exceptions, we have inseems that with few exceptions, we have inour midst economists who formulate policiesour midst economists who formulate policiesas if people do not matter, scientists whoas if people do not matter, scientists whopursue knowledge uninformed by socialpursue knowledge uninformed by social

considerations, artists who create for otherconsiderations, artists who create for otherartists and art experts alone, politicians whoartists and art experts alone, politicians whoplace party interests above all else, andplace party interests above all else, andofficials more worried about self-preservationofficials more worried about self-preservationthan their peoples well being.than their peoples well being.

These things are now common knowledge and muchThese things are now common knowledge and muchthought and study have already been made on thethought and study have already been made on thebarbarism of specialism.barbarism of specialism. Can we educate theCan we educate theFilipinos, whether formally and non-formally, againstFilipinos, whether formally and non-formally, against

this barbarism?this barbarism?

The Monstrous CulturalThe Monstrous Cultural


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The Monstrous CulturalThe Monstrous CulturalDivideDivide

Paradoxically, our colonial, narrowlyParadoxically, our colonial, narrowlyspecialized education creates aspecialized education creates asituation wheresituation where our most educated classour most educated classturns out to be the least nationalisticturns out to be the least nationalistic

FilipinosFilipinos - an elite with whom the- an elite with whom thecolonial powers could easily collaborate.colonial powers could easily collaborate.

A serious consequence of this is culturalA serious consequence of this is cultural

fragmentation.fragmentation. In the Philippines,In the Philippines, thisthiscreated thecreated the monstrous culturalmonstrous culturaldividedivide between the Western-educatedbetween the Western-educatedruling elite and the more or lessruling elite and the more or less

culturally indigenous majority.culturally indigenous majority.

The Monstrous CulturalThe Monstrous Cultural


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The Monstrous CulturalThe Monstrous CulturalDivideDivide

Without a common culturalWithout a common culturalidentity there is no common,identity there is no common,unified action.unified action.

A culturally fragmentedA culturally fragmented

and atomized mass is theand atomized mass is the

worst conceivable sourceworst conceivable source

material for thematerial for the

development processdevelopment process..


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the elite and commonthe elite and common

peoplepeople

The alienation of the elite from theThe alienation of the elite from theculture of our people makes them feelculture of our people makes them feelno sense of responsibility to the people.no sense of responsibility to the people.

We have aWe have a soft statesoft state because of self-because of self-serving elite intervention andserving elite intervention andmanipulation. As a result, the culture ofmanipulation. As a result, the culture of

the bureaucracy, including the policethe bureaucracy, including the policeand the military, is moreand the military, is more attuned to theattuned to theneeds and values of the elite than to theneeds and values of the elite than to thevast majority of Filipinos.vast majority of Filipinos.

A Peop e Can On y Be Un te By t e T ngseop

e an n y e n e y e ngsTh L d Di id d B th Thi ThTh

L d Di id d B th Thi Th


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y y gy y gThey Love, and Divided By the Things TheyThey Love, and Divided By the Things They

HateHate..

Generations of contempt forGenerations of contempt forFilipinos by the colonizers haveFilipinos by the colonizers havebeen imbibed by many Filipinosbeen imbibed by many Filipinosthemselves, especially by the rulingthemselves, especially by the ruling

elites, who were most exposed toelites, who were most exposed toWestern rule.Western rule.

Actually, as a research of SWS hasActually, as a research of SWS has

indicated, it is this classindicated, it is this class who havewho havethe lowest regard for themselvesthe lowest regard for themselves asasFilipinosFilipinos, having been the most, having been the mostconditioned to idolize Westernconditioned to idolize Western

ways. Their low regard for Filipinosways. Their low regard for Filipinos


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ThemselvesThemselves Always Unites aAlways Unites a

PeoplePeople If we are to become one nation, we haveIf we are to become one nation, we have

to begin deconstructing the veryto begin deconstructing the very

negative self-images that have beennegative self-images that have been

ingrained in us by centuries of colonialingrained in us by centuries of colonial

misrule and miseducation,misrule and miseducation, especiallyespecially

among the elites who are the poweramong the elites who are the power

wielders and thus have the greatestwielders and thus have the greatest

responsibility to serve and be one withresponsibility to serve and be one withour people.our people.

We can never erect a viable nation if weWe can never erect a viable nation if we

continue to denigrate ourselves, even incontinue to denigrate ourselves, even in

the presence of foreigners.the presence of foreigners.

Social Self-Images As Self-Fulfilling: TheSocial Self-Images As Self-Fulfilling: The


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Need to Develop a Strong Shared VisionNeed to Develop a Strong Shared Vision

It is the image a people create ofIt is the image a people create ofthemselves that is the psycho-themselves that is the psycho-

cultural basis of their strengths andcultural basis of their strengths and

weaknesses, triumphs and failuresweaknesses, triumphs and failures.. For a nations self-image tendsFor a nations self-image tends

to be self-fulfillingto be self-fulfilling(A peoples(A peoplesperception of themselvesperception of themselvesinevitably becomes a realityinevitably becomes a reality Kenneth Boulding,Kenneth Boulding,The ImageThe Image).).

Social Self-Images As Self-Fulfilling:Social Self-Images As Self-Fulfilling:


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Social Self Images As Self Fulfilling:Social Self Images As Self Fulfilling:

The Need to Develop a StrongThe Need to Develop a Strong

Shared VisionShared Vision

If in our minds we think we will beIf in our minds we think we will be

defeated, we have already lost. Ifdefeated, we have already lost. If

we think we are an inferior people,we think we are an inferior people,we will tend to lower our standardswe will tend to lower our standards

and be satisfied with good enough.and be satisfied with good enough.

Negative self-images, whetherNegative self-images, whetherindividual or collective, can causeindividual or collective, can cause

untold social and cultural damage.untold social and cultural damage.



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g gg g

Need to Develop a Strong SharedNeed to Develop a Strong Shared

VisionVision

We lose nothing and gainWe lose nothing and gaineverything by focusing on theeverything by focusing on the

most exalted aspects of ourmost exalted aspects of our

self/being as a basis of ourself/being as a basis of ourself-imageself-image

Cultivating our strengths notCultivating our strengths notonly empowers us butonly empowers us but

eliminates our so-calledeliminates our so-called

weaknesses in the processweaknesses in the process Social Self-Images As Self-Fulfilling:Social Self-Images As Self-Fulfilling:


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g gg g

The Need to Develop a StrongThe Need to Develop a Strong

Shared VisionShared Vision

An inspiring image ofAn inspiring image ofourselves emerges from theourselves emerges from the

very core of our culture:very core of our culture:aahighly relational, holistic,highly relational, holistic,

participatory and creativeparticipatory and creative

people with a strongpeople with a strong

nurturing and caringnurturing and caring

orientation.orientation.

Filipino Healing CultureFilipino Healing Culture


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Filipino Healing CultureFilipino Healing Culture We are highly relational We are highly relational SocialSocial

interconnectednessinterconnectedness leads to longevityleads to longevity ExpressivenessExpressiveness, especially through, especially through

music and dance, releases harmfulmusic and dance, releases harmful

emotionsemotions Everyday creativityEveryday creativity promotes well-beingpromotes well-being

Touching as a way of lifeTouching as a way of life increasesincreases

immunity to diseaseimmunity to disease

Deep belief in GodDeep belief in God makes Filipinosmakes Filipinos

optimistic and provides meaning to lifeoptimistic and provides meaning to life

Strong sense of humorStrong sense of humor enables us toenables us to

rebound easily from any tragedyrebound easily from any tragedy

POSITIVE SELF IMAGEPOSITIVE SELF IMAGE


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POSITIVE SELF-IMAGEPOSITIVE SELF-IMAGE

A positive self-image is the basis ofA positive self-image is the basis ofsocial/national unity, synergy andsocial/national unity, synergy andcooperation since everybody identifiescooperation since everybody identifieswith the positivewith the positive

Negativism about ourselvesNegativism about ourselvesdiscourages foreign investments,discourages foreign investments,tourism and trade - bringing about atourism and trade - bringing about aconsiderable loss of economic, politicalconsiderable loss of economic, political

and social opportunitiesand social opportunities Self-denigration lowers respect for theSelf-denigration lowers respect for the

Filipino, diminishing our stature in theFilipino, diminishing our stature in theworld and making us unacceptable orworld and making us unacceptable orunwelcome in other countries.unwelcome in other countries.

A Filipino PerspectiveA Filipino Perspective


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A Filipino PerspectiveA Filipino Perspective

Build on Filipino/ IndigenousBuild on Filipino/ IndigenousStrengthsStrengths

-- Need for Positive Self-Image:Need for Positive Self-Image:-- Root cause of Philippine under-Root cause of Philippine under-

development:development:

Filipino tendency towards self bashingFilipino tendency towards self bashingesp. among the Westernized elite,esp. among the Westernized elite,

preventing us from tapping our greatestpreventing us from tapping our greatest

asset for sustainable developmentasset for sustainable development -- ourour

cultural strengths and resources.cultural strengths and resources.

A Fili i P tiA Fili i P ti


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A Filipino PerspectiveA Filipino Perspective Work for the Good of the NationWork for the Good of the Nation

as a Whole:as a Whole:

ACT LOCALLY, THINK NATIONALLYACT LOCALLY, THINK NATIONALLYoror

ACT LOCALLY, THINK GLOBALLYACT LOCALLY, THINK GLOBALLY

DevelopDevelopPridePride,, CommitmentCommitment,,

andand ExcellenceExcellence


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DEVELOPING A FILIPINO AND HUMANISTICDEVELOPING A FILIPINO AND HUMANISTIC

PERSPECTIVEPERSPECTIVE

Missions and policy research can lay the basisMissions and policy research can lay the basis

forfor programs that can:programs that can:1. Heighten social consciousness and1. Heighten social consciousness and

sense ofsense of

responsibility to the nation byresponsibility to the nation by

Making Filipinos and foreigners know deeply theMaking Filipinos and foreigners know deeply thehistory and cultural geography of the Filipinohistory and cultural geography of the Filipino

peoplepeople, with emphasis on, with emphasis on local strengths.local strengths. Broadly situating in a socio-cultural contextBroadly situating in a socio-cultural context thethe

teaching of highly technical courses, especiallyteaching of highly technical courses, especially

DEVELOPING A FILIPINO AND HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVEDEVELOPING A FILIPINO AND HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE


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Balancing Individual Freedom withBalancing Individual Freedom with

Sense of CommunitySense of Community

Our professionals can strive to achieve aOur professionals can strive to achieve a

balanced outlook, one that can appreciatebalanced outlook, one that can appreciate

the Western ideals of individual freedom asthe Western ideals of individual freedom aswell as the profound and lasting Asianwell as the profound and lasting Asianvalues of communal togetherness, nationalvalues of communal togetherness, national

unity, spiritual oneness of humanity and,unity, spiritual oneness of humanity and,especially,especially, Filipino psychologies ofFilipino psychologies of

cooperation and communal ways, such ascooperation and communal ways, such asthe Filipino ideal ofthe Filipino ideal ofpakikipagkapwapakikipagkapwa,, whosewhose

deepest meaning is shared goodness ordeepest meaning is shared goodness or



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Maintaining core programs or thrusts on:Maintaining core programs or thrusts on:

What it means to be humanWhat it means to be human andand FilipinoFilipino,,sustainable living and understanding of thesustainable living and understanding of theecologyecology,, realization of creative potentialrealization of creative potential, etc., etc.

AcquiringAcquiring truly interdisciplinary perspectivestruly interdisciplinary perspectivesthat broaden intellectual horizons andthat broaden intellectual horizons and

promote multiple intelligences andpromote multiple intelligences anddemonstrate the interconnectedness of alldemonstrate the interconnectedness of all

phenomena.phenomena. Establishing, especially for the young FilipinosEstablishing, especially for the young Filipinos

here and abroad,here and abroad, pasyal-aral activities inpasyal-aral activities in

selected places in the Philippines for culturalselected places in the Philippines for cultural

immersionimmersion..



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2. Demonstrate that the arts are not isolated from2. Demonstrate that the arts are not isolated from

other cultural phenomena, and are the most lucidother cultural phenomena, and are the most lucidmirrors of social consciousnessmirrors of social consciousness

The arts do not exist in a vacuumThe arts do not exist in a vacuum. Every artistic. Every artisticstatement is also a political one, even from thestatement is also a political one, even from themost seemingly, innocuous decorative ones.most seemingly, innocuous decorative ones.There is no escape from social responsibility. ItsThere is no escape from social responsibility. Itseither you are promoting art for the commoneither you are promoting art for the commonpeople, for the elite, or for the nation as a whole.people, for the elite, or for the nation as a whole.For whom does the artist create?For whom does the artist create? can always becan always be

asked.asked.

Interdisciplinary, world arts, arts and ideas,Interdisciplinary, world arts, arts and ideas,comparative and other expansive approaches tocomparative and other expansive approaches toart studiesart studies can be an antidote to specialisticcan be an antidote to specialisticinnocenceinnocence

ART DOES NOT BECOME EXCLUSIVE INART DOES NOT BECOME EXCLUSIVE IN


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ART DOES NOT BECOME EXCLUSIVE INART DOES NOT BECOME EXCLUSIVE IN

TRADITIONAL CULTURESTRADITIONAL CULTURES

Participation in creative, artisticParticipation in creative, artistic

activities is not limited to a fewactivities is not limited to a few..

Everybody in the community takes partEverybody in the community takes part

in making art and creative things. Thisin making art and creative things. Thisresults in aresults in a vast resource pool ofvast resource pool ofpractitioners of arts and crafts, thuspractitioners of arts and crafts, thus

promoting creative diversity.promoting creative diversity. ForForexample, farmers become expertexample, farmers become expert

puppeteers, housewives becomepuppeteers, housewives become

accomplished weavers, a barber anaccomplished weavers, a barber an



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3. Promote people participation,3. Promote people participation,local genius and culturallocal genius and cultural

diversity bydiversity by

Identifying local cultural geniusIdentifying local cultural geniusand promoting it nationally andand promoting it nationally and

internationally, based on theinternationally, based on the

assumption thatassumption that we are boundwe are boundtogether by the good or thetogether by the good or the

positivepositive

DEVELOPING A FILIPINO ANDDEVELOPING A FILIPINO ANDS C S C


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HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVEHUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE

To achieve this, we must view ourselvesTo achieve this, we must view ourselves

from our own cultural perspectives,from our own cultural perspectives,appropriate to the conditions under whichappropriate to the conditions under whichmost of our people live, and relevant tomost of our people live, and relevant totheir needs.their needs.

Indigenous concepts and ideasIndigenous concepts and ideas,,knowledge systems and practicesknowledge systems and practices,, formsformsof expressionof expression,, traditional artstraditional arts andand nativenativelanguageslanguages that continue to exist today arethat continue to exist today arethethe basis of policies and programs forbasis of policies and programs forsustainable development because theysustainable development because theyare in consonance with our psyche andare in consonance with our psyche andour needs, containing wisdom testedour needs, containing wisdom tested

through timethrough time.. Local genius or indigenousLocal genius or indigenous

Intangible Cultural Heritage asIntangible Cultural Heritage as


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Intangible Cultural Heritage asIntangible Cultural Heritage as

the Wellspring of Local Geniusthe Wellspring of Local Genius

According to the UNESCO 2003 convention, ICH is the mainspring ofAccording to the UNESCO 2003 convention, ICH is the mainspring ofcultural diversity and its maintenance a guarantee for continuingcultural diversity and its maintenance a guarantee for continuingcultural diversity. ICH is manifested in the ff. domainscultural diversity. ICH is manifested in the ff. domains

Oral traditions and expressions includingOral traditions and expressions including

languages as a vehicle of intangible culturallanguages as a vehicle of intangible culturalheritageheritage

Performing arts (such as traditional music,Performing arts (such as traditional music,dance and theatre)dance and theatre)

Social Practices, rituals and festive eventsSocial Practices, rituals and festive events Knowledge and practices concerning natureKnowledge and practices concerning nature

and the universeand the universeTraditional craftsmanshipTraditional craftsmanship

Intangible Cultural Heritage as theIntangible Cultural Heritage as the


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Wellspring of Local GeniusWellspring of Local Genius

Regardless of his specialization, it is imperativeRegardless of his specialization, it is imperativethat a local cultural worker - whether athat a local cultural worker - whether apractitioner, manager or educator - be steepedpractitioner, manager or educator - be steepedin the ICH of his community, i.e. in these fivein the ICH of his community, i.e. in these fivedomains.domains. In this way, he becomes culturally-In this way, he becomes culturally-

rooted, instead of being alienated from hisrooted, instead of being alienated from hispeople by a fragmented, narrow kind ofpeople by a fragmented, narrow kind ofeducation.education.

Cultural education, then, should not only be aCultural education, then, should not only be a

smattering of facts and disconnected bits ofsmattering of facts and disconnected bits ofinformation but knowing whole traditions,information but knowing whole traditions,systems, concepts, and practices; acquiringsystems, concepts, and practices; acquiringskills; and attaining insights andskills; and attaining insights andunderstandings within the contexts of onesunderstandings within the contexts of ones

local community and the nation as a whole.local community and the nation as a whole.

Tapping Local Cultural Genius forTapping Local Cultural Genius for


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pp gpp g

Social and Economic AdvancementSocial and Economic Advancement

Programs, projects and activities that lead toPrograms, projects and activities that lead tothe enhancement of these elements of culturalthe enhancement of these elements of culturalworth among existing Filipino communities hereworth among existing Filipino communities hereor abroad will go a long way towards theor abroad will go a long way towards thepreservation of creative, artistic skills, and thuspreservation of creative, artistic skills, and thusgreatly contribute to their social and economicgreatly contribute to their social and economicwell-being.well-being.

A creatively vital community with a rich culturalA creatively vital community with a rich culturalheritage is preferable to a hundred museumsheritage is preferable to a hundred museums

that are merely a repository of dead objectsthat are merely a repository of dead objectsand artifacts that fail to show us the socio-and artifacts that fail to show us the socio-cultural contexts in which these artifactscultural contexts in which these artifactsexisted in the past.existed in the past.

ESTABLISHING SCHOOLS FORESTABLISHING SCHOOLS FOR


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LIVING TRADITIONSLIVING TRADITIONS

A museum where collections are shown in a diorama orA museum where collections are shown in a diorama ortableau type of presentation is much better in thistableau type of presentation is much better in thisregard.regard. Better still would be a museum of this categoryBetter still would be a museum of this categorywhere the tableaux on display represent living traditionswhere the tableaux on display represent living traditionsor dynamically existing village cultures in a nearbyor dynamically existing village cultures in a nearby

network of communities to which the museum isnetwork of communities to which the museum isconnected.connected.

The ideal type of institution for the preservation ofThe ideal type of institution for the preservation oftraditional creative skills, of course, is a School for Livingtraditional creative skills, of course, is a School for Living

Traditions located right within a traditional community.Traditions located right within a traditional community.In this center, living bearers of culture go aboutIn this center, living bearers of culture go aboutpracticing their skills in the context of their everydaypracticing their skills in the context of their everydaylife, with the presence of students or apprentices wholife, with the presence of students or apprentices whoare keenly interested in learning these traditions.are keenly interested in learning these traditions.

Promoting the Local But Thinking National or Global:Promoting the Local But Thinking National or Global:

C i i h S hH C iti t th St t th


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Human Communities, not the State, are theHuman Communities, not the State, are the

Ultimate Actors in the Development ProcessUltimate Actors in the Development Process

In mainstream development thinking, the stateIn mainstream development thinking, the stateis always seen as the social agent or subject ofis always seen as the social agent or subject ofthe development process.the development process. From a humanFrom a humandevelopment perspective, human beings ordevelopment perspective, human beings or

small communities of human beings, are thesmall communities of human beings, are theultimate actorsultimate actors. Most states are, after all,. Most states are, after all,artificial territorial constructions, usually theartificial territorial constructions, usually theresult of international wars or internalresult of international wars or internalcolonialism.colonialism.

The concept of a nation-state implies that theThe concept of a nation-state implies that theterritorial boundaries of the state coincide withterritorial boundaries of the state coincide withthe boundaries of a culturally homogeneousthe boundaries of a culturally homogeneousnation.nation. This is the exception rather than theThis is the exception rather than the

rulerule in a world with about thousands ofin a world with about thousands of

Promoting the Local But Thinking National orPromoting the Local But Thinking National or

Gl b l H C iti t th St tGlobal: Human Communities not the State are


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Global: Human Communities, not the State, areGlobal: Human Communities, not the State, are

the Ultimate Actors in the Development Processthe Ultimate Actors in the Development Process

We have to encourage celebration of the uniqueWe have to encourage celebration of the uniquecultural identities of cultural communities throughcultural identities of cultural communities throughvarious activities and expressive forms to provide forvarious activities and expressive forms to provide forcommunication and sustainable developmentcommunication and sustainable development. Failure to. Failure todo this may lead to violence, deviant behavior,do this may lead to violence, deviant behavior,depression, and suicide. Positive programs candepression, and suicide. Positive programs canencourage harmony and engagement in society.encourage harmony and engagement in society.Underlying these programs is theUnderlying these programs is the attitude of toleranceattitude of toleranceand respect for cultural diversity.and respect for cultural diversity.

A nations development, then, can be viewedA nations development, then, can be viewed

as proceeding along apparently divergentas proceeding along apparently divergentdirections,directions, one,one, towards a shared culturaltowards a shared culturaluniverse at the national leveluniverse at the national level and two,and two,towards thetowards the greatest possible intra-greatest possible intra-cultural diversity at the local level.cultural diversity at the local level.


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WAKASWAKAS

FINFIN

THE ENDTHE END

Salamat Po!!!Salamat Po!!!

Defining the FilipinoDefining the Filipino


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Defining the FilipinoDefining the Filipino

Meaning of Identity: Pattern ofMeaning of Identity: Pattern ofOrganization or RelationshipsOrganization or Relationships

The elements, ingredients, or parts of aThe elements, ingredients, or parts of a

whole never determine its identity,whole never determine its identity,becausebecause the whole is more than the sumthe whole is more than the sumof its partsof its parts.. It is how the parts areIt is how the parts arecombined or organized to form a wholecombined or organized to form a whole

that determines its identity.that determines its identity. No matterNo matterhow familiar or unoriginal the parts are,how familiar or unoriginal the parts are,the way they are combined can result inthe way they are combined can result insomething totally new, unique andsomething totally new, unique and

Meanings of FilipinoMeanings of Filipino


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g pg pIdentityIdentity 11

Legal (a Filipino citizen)Legal (a Filipino citizen)

A person who is a legal citizen of theA person who is a legal citizen of thePhilippines may be just that,Philippines may be just that, a citizen ona citizen onpaperpaper..

In reality,In reality, he may not have developed anyhe may not have developed anynotion of responsibility and sense ofnotion of responsibility and sense ofcommitment to the nation of which he is acommitment to the nation of which he is amembermember.. He may even act in a mannerHe may even act in a mannercontrary to its welfarecontrary to its welfare, either out of, either out of

ignorance or for purely selfish reasons, like aignorance or for purely selfish reasons, like ascientist divulging the ingredients of a highlyscientist divulging the ingredients of a highlyeffective traditional medicine to a foreigneffective traditional medicine to a foreigncorporation for a fee, engaging in corruptcorporation for a fee, engaging in corruptpractices in thepractices in thegovernment, or engaging ingovernment, or engaging inille al lo in .illegal logging.

Meanings of Filipino IdentityMeanings of Filipino Identity22


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22 Superficial majority (prevalence of externalSuperficial majority (prevalence of external

features)features) Another apparent source of Filipino identity isAnother apparent source of Filipino identity is

thethe character or quality that arises from thecharacter or quality that arises from theprevalence of certain external features of theprevalence of certain external features of the

people.people.

These could easily be mistaken forThese could easily be mistaken for

genuine identity because their numericalgenuine identity because their numericaldominance makes them very visible. Majoritydominance makes them very visible. Majorityof the Filipinos, for example, are brown-of the Filipinos, for example, are brown-skinned, flat-nosed, medium-built, and withskinned, flat-nosed, medium-built, and with

black hair and eyes.black hair and eyes. ButBut this does not make Filipinos who do notthis does not make Filipinos who do not

resemble them any less Filipinoresemble them any less Filipino.. For culturalFor culturalidentity has absolutely nothing to do withidentity has absolutely nothing to do withbiology.biology. Culture is learned, not transmittedCulture is learned, not transmittedthrou h the enes.through the genes.

Meanings of FilipinoMeanings of Filipino


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g pg pIdentity 3Identity 3

Spurious (anecdotal, associative)Spurious (anecdotal, associative) A people or a nation becomes easilyA people or a nation becomes easily

identified with dramatic andidentified with dramatic and

sensational eventssensational events; extraordinary; extraordinary

political, social, and economicpolitical, social, and economic

phenomena; fortuitousphenomena; fortuitouscircumstances; charismatic orcircumstances; charismatic or

strong personalities; currentstrong personalities; current

conditions; and random impressionsconditions; and random impressions Meanings of FilipinoMeanings of Filipino


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g pg pIdentity 4Identity 4

Ideological (politically constructed fromIdeological (politically constructed from

the center)the center) A national ideology is aA national ideology is a relativelyrelatively

stable system of ideas and principlesstable system of ideas and principlesoften formulated by a government tooften formulated by a government to

serve as guiding force for the nationserve as guiding force for the nation..Its aim is to define how the nation mustIts aim is to define how the nation mustlive, ideas it should follow to achievelive, ideas it should follow to achievefull self-realizationfull self-realization.. It is intended toIt is intended to

harmonize the nation through a systemharmonize the nation through a systemof values that corresponds to theof values that corresponds to thenational character of the peoplenational character of the peopleconcerned.concerned. Only in this case will theOnly in this case will the

full self-realization of a nation befull self-realization of a nation be

Meanings of Filipino Identity 5Meanings of Filipino Identity 5


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Dominant Narrative (popular history orDominant Narrative (popular history orinterpretation)interpretation)

The development of Filipino consciousness and identityThe development of Filipino consciousness and identitybegan as a series of Filipino creative responses to thebegan as a series of Filipino creative responses to theabuses of the Spaniards, especially when the Filipinoabuses of the Spaniards, especially when the Filipinopriests Frs. Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora werepriests Frs. Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora were

guillotined in 1872 for simply asking for reforms.guillotined in 1872 for simply asking for reforms. Dr. Jose Rizal is on record as the first to conceive of aDr. Jose Rizal is on record as the first to conceive of a

separate Filipino nation. A man of peace, he did hisseparate Filipino nation. A man of peace, he did hisbest to pursue the path of reform through La Ligabest to pursue the path of reform through La LigaFilipina. When it became clear that the much-neededFilipina. When it became clear that the much-needed

reforms would not be granted by the Spaniards, Andresreforms would not be granted by the Spaniards, AndresBonifacio formed the Katipunan and, through theBonifacio formed the Katipunan and, through theleadership of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, waged aleadership of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, waged asuccessful armed struggle against the Spanish colonialsuccessful armed struggle against the Spanish colonialregime.regime.

This is the o ular histor of our nations ori in the

Meanings of FilipinoMean ngs o F p noId i 6Id tit 6


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ggIdentity 6Identity 6

Distinctiveness (a function of theDistinctiveness (a function of the

seven facets of cultural worth)seven facets of cultural worth) The seven facets of cultural worth mayThe seven facets of cultural worth may

be applied to any culture or place as anbe applied to any culture or place as aninstrument for identifying itsinstrument for identifying its

attractions, distinctive creations,attractions, distinctive creations,expressions or achievements.expressions or achievements.

OriginalityOriginality IndigenousnessIndigenousness

AuthenticityAuthenticity UniquenessUniqueness HistoricityHistoricity MagnitudeMagnitude

Excellence or GreatnessExcellence or Greatness

Promoting CulturalPromoting Cultural


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gg

IdentityIdentity Cultural Identity is the Basis of SustainableCultural Identity is the Basis of Sustainable

Development:Development:

Sources of Cultural DistinctivenessSources of Cultural Distinctiveness

OriginalityOriginality,, IndigenousnessIndigenousness,,AuthenticityAuthenticity,,UniquenessUniqueness,, HistoricityHistoricity,, MagnitudeMagnitude,, andandExcellenceExcellence

Anywhere in the world people prefer theAnywhere in the world people prefer thedistinctive, one with character, notdistinctive, one with character, notanything bland and featurelessanything bland and featureless

Seven Facets of CulturalSeven Facets of Cultural


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WorthWorth

OriginalityOriginality (First of its Kind)(First of its Kind)

IndigenousnessIndigenousness (Original or(Original or

Native to a Place)Native to a Place)

AuthenticityAuthenticity

(Purity,Genuineness)(Purity,Genuineness)

UniquenessUniqueness (The Only One of its Kind)(The Only One of its Kind)

Seven Facets of CulturalSeven Facets of Cultural


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WorthWorth

HistoricityHistoricity (Connection to Past(Connection to Past

Significant or Momentous Events)Significant or Momentous Events)

MagnitudeMagnitude (Superlative Degree or(Superlative Degree orExtent,Quantitatively Measured)Extent,Quantitatively Measured)

ExcellenceExcellence oror GreatnessGreatness (in Artistic,(in Artistic,Intellectual, Scientific, Humanistic, orIntellectual, Scientific, Humanistic, or

Technical Quality)Technical Quality)

Meanings of Filipino Identity 7Meanings of Filipino Identity 7


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Shared Variety or Richness ( unique orShared Variety or Richness ( unique ordistinctive totality of cultural diversitydistinctive totality of cultural diversity

and creativity)and creativity) A bouquet with twelve different kinds ofA bouquet with twelve different kinds of

flowers will have a richer aggregate qualityflowers will have a richer aggregate qualitythan one with only three kinds even if thethan one with only three kinds even if the

total number of flowers in each bouquet is thetotal number of flowers in each bouquet is thesame.same. Both, however, will have aBoth, however, will have a distinctivedistinctivetotality arising from their uniquetotality arising from their uniquecompositions.compositions.

What is true of flowers is also true of cultures.What is true of flowers is also true of cultures.Philippine society

Cultural Awareness for Sustainable Development in a Globalized World2 (Desiree Anonat's Conflicted...

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