CHAPTER 2: PERSONAL ATTITUDES

OBJECTIVES:

AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER NTHE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

1. Explain the meaning of attitudes

2. State how character and personality are being developed in a person;
3. State some ways in which change the attitude may be developed;
4. Describe the different kinds of motivation;
5. State how self- determination is being achieved;
6. Explain the meaning of self-discipline;
7. State the different Filipino values and explain each value;
8. State the difference hindrances to the progress of Filipinos;
9. State the effects of colonization upon the Filipino needs;
10. Describe the different hierarchy of Filipino needs;
11. Explain the frustrations of seafarer;
12. State the roots of evil onboard a ship.
I. ATTITUDE
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, attitude is a predisposition to respond in a
certain way a person, object, situation in a certain way to a person.

The response may come without conscious reflection. A person who shows a certain
attitude towards something is reacting to his conception of that thing rather than to its
actual state.

Attitude is more enduring than a mood or within and because it produces a consistent
response. An example is a man who has unfriendly attitudes towards foreigners he
meets or hear about. Attitude is closely related to opinions. A distinction can be made,
however, wherein a person can state his opinions in words but may not be able to
express his attitude in the same way. He will reveal his attitude by his action and only
indirectly by the content of his statements.

An attitude becomes an opinion when the predisposition is so strong that no attention is

paid to the evidence that might call for a changed reaction. If a man says that all
government employees accept graft, he is showing an attitude, but if he refuses to
accept proofs that many government employees are honest, he has developed opinion.

Attitudes are formed as a result of some kind of learning experiences. An experience in

one single dramatic or damaging event, for example, is a man who is robbed by an
ethnic group and becomes afraid of the members of that group. Attitude may also be
learned simply by following the example 0f opinion on politics. In addition to the home
important builders of attitudes are school, churches and media such as newspaper and

1
 television (The agencies that help form attitudes can also change attitudes through
reshaping a deep opinion which may take years effort)

The attitude people hold can profoundly influence the way act in personal and larger
situations. For this reason, psychologist and sociologist are concerned with, how
attitudes develop, how they affect behavior, and how they can be changed.

Character and Personality

When psychologist talk about personality, they are concerned mainly with individual
differences – the characteristic that distinguish an individual from another, personality
may be defined as the characteristic pattern of behavior and modes of thinking that
determine how a person interacts with his environment.

The term character implies an evaluation of behavior according to moralistic or ethical

standards. A person is said to have a strong or weak character by the attitude he
displays.

Character and personality are products of heredity, environment, training and personal
determination.

Change in Attitude
A person can correct some flaws in his character which may have been inherited if he
tries perseveringly in applying corrective measures because he is determined to remove
them and replace them with a better trait. If a man is self -determined to change he can
rise from his old self to become a new man.

II. MOTIVATION
Men and women always have a reason for acting. Every maritime cadet has a reason for
choosing nautical courses. It might be with poor motives or just for fun. Others are
interested in the life of a seafarer and are possessed with the necessary aptitude and
wanted to put their talents at the service of the ship and crewmates in this case, the
motivation are good.

In choosing maritime education it is also assumed that responsibility goes with it.
Therefore, entering into a nautical course with a positive attitude will make everything
easy and enjoyable. Above all, the cadet with a good motivation will emerge as a better
integrated person who is not only able to navigate a ship but can steer his life along the
right path.

SHALLOW MOTIVATION
Some people may enter the world of seafaring to make a lot of money, to have fun and
adventure, to escape problems at home, etc. these motives are shallow or superficial
life at sea needs mature people who can tackle the challenges of the sea and the agony

2
 of separation and loneliness. These shallow motives will not be enough to keep a person
for any length of time onboard ship.

HIGHER MOTIVATION
Other people enter seafaring because they want a better life, freedom and
responsibility. Some not only search for their fulfillment but also have their motivations
directed towards other things such as to give better a future of their children or to
promote justice and human dignity. A person may start focusing on self-realization but
will not stop until he feels that the real motive behind his actions is the desire to please
God first of all and his family.

At the center of all motivation is the device for happiness as well as the happiness of
others. Peace, freedom, truth, love and justice are elements of happiness.
During the time of preparation for the life at sea. It is important to let the students think
and ask these following questions:
1. What are my deepest motives for taking maritime studies?
2. How do I see myself in the future?
3. What will life at sea be like?
4. In what direction do I see my life going onboard ship?
5. How can I reach my goal?
6. How can seafaring make me happy?

“IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO BE SURE THAT SEAFARERS GOALS DON’T BRING THEM AWAY
FROM THEIR FINAL DREAMOF HAPPINESS”

SELF -DETERMINATION

Self-determination is the ability to become what one would choose to be. It is made possible through
the set of decisions made by the person which he carriers into action in order to attain goals he himself
has set even in spite of odds or opposition from family or friends.

A self- determined person is one who has the will to face life and knows where he is going one who has
inner discipline and acts according to his convictions. Self-determination is a response to the basic
human need to be recognized as a responsible, reliable, trustworthy and believable (maaasahan,
mapagkakatiwalaan at kapani-paniwala) individual.

SELF DISCIPLINE

The ability of a person to intelligently weigh the matters which kie before him, examine the alternatives
and make responsible choices, which leads the goals he set for himself without prejudice to the welfare
and happiness of other people.

III. THE FILIPINO VALUES

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The Ambivalent Values
Values are the goal purposes that one chooses to give a sense of direction and meaning
of one’s whole personality.

Values underlying the behavior as a Filipino:

1. Pity (awa)- a Christian virtue that encourages brotherly concern for another. It can
be circumvented as a result of “Pakikiusap” or the “Palakasan System”. It will make
a person sensitive to the needs of others. Awa also encourages dependency
2. Shame (hiya) – it regulates behavior and brings adherence to standards. Although it
challenges people to do their best to avoid embarrassments (mapahiya). It will make
them sensitive and withdrawn. Some people who are put to shame before other
people can be violent and may nurture (pagtatanim ng sama ng loob) grudge.
3. Getting along (pakikisama) – it promotes unity and will help fight inferiority
complex. On the other hand,it breeds nepotism and turns to something negative
when collaboration is extended even when doing something wrong , such as
gambling and drinking . “Pakikisama” will corrupt weak – willed people.
4. Gratitude (utang na loob)- it stimulates generosity and working together, but is
often abused and used as wedge to make one cooperate in illegal activities. It can
people feel forever indebted and inferior to the people who have done them good
favor.
5. Pride (Amor proplo)- is sensitivity to personal affront set off when a remark or
action strikes at some highly valued attributes. While it protects the person, it often
triggers the desire to avenge himself. If vindication fails, the “amor proplo”becomes
a source of great discouragement and loss initiative.
6. Indirect Speech – likewise confuses other people. It is used to avoid hurt and
embarrassment. Because of this, responses become unclear causing
miscommunication. Indirect speech also raises false hopes in the other person.
7. Smooth Interpersonal Relationship (SIR)- usede to avoid hurting or embrassing
people. It helps in making straqngers feel welcomed. It is expressed through
“pakikisama” the use of euphemisms and “palakasan”(lobbying) system. Negative
result: SIR, can make a person repress his emotions for prolonged period resulting
to “sama ng loob” (personal grudges)/.

Values that deter progress

1. Regionalism – what causes regionalism in the Philippines is the natural
geographical division of the country by waters and mountain ranges.
Regionalism can lead to “palakasan” (lobbying) or nepotism when supported by
particularism which in turn, makes possible graft and corruption.
2. Familism – makes a separation more painful and loneliness at sea more
harrowing. It holds people back from standing to the truth because it would
hurt them the family. This also leads to those in foreign lands to be too
generous, wasting hard – earned money to buy “pasalubong” when they return
home.

4
 3. Colonial Mentality- this type of thinking bred from the caprice of the “meztizoz”
(half breed) who saw themselves as superior to the brown skinned Filipinos an
easy prey to multinational corporations who bring in products from abroad and
maximize the use of media to “create” the need for them. In the light global
competition among economies in the present times, l our colonial mentality will
be the first one to kill our industries.
4. “Relax lang Mentality”- is due to the concept of time as cyclic rather than linear.
Filipino mentality believes that time does not pass, but will return, therefore, we
can wait. It is high time that the Filipina “manana habit” (procrastination) be
corrected as they often cause good plans to be shelved and good opportunities
to be lost.
5. “Ningas Cogon” (wall-and-ace-attitude)- because of lack of perseverance, lots
projects that have been started never been completed. It does not only waste
precious time and money, but worst. It breeds distrust among people who have
found reasons to say “walang kahihinatnan”
6. Walang Bigayan/Walang Lamangan- this promotes distrust, envy (inggit) and
jealousy because we cannot accept that somebody else has outdone us or has
been promoted in office. This can result to backbiting which may destroy
another’s reputation. This can cause a person to lose his job.
7. Keeping up with the “Santoses”- living beyond ones means in order to be like
somebody else or live like someone else often cause corruption among workers.
8. Split – level Christianity – Filipinos are known to be religious but at the same
time, they are strong believers of superstitions. While worrying about
unimportant things because “mapahiya sila” (they will get embarrassed), they
don’t care about issues because, anyway ‘wala namang umaangal’ (nobody
complains.

IV. THE EFFECT OF COLONIZATION OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

Since childhood we were taught to pay great respect for our national flag. In elementary
school, we stood at attention and sang the national anthem with pride while the flag
was being raised. We still do it today because the national flag and song are symbol of
what it means to be a Filipino.
There are other strong influences that work against our taking pride of our country and
our own people. Our “Colonial Mentality” takes greater pride in what comes from the
outside or abroad, the ‘stateside yata iyan’ mentality. Another influence is the
regionalism mentality where what comes from our places is ours and therefore it is
good and what comes from other places (imports) therefore are bad.

While it is true that colonization has made the Filipinos more open towards
globalization, it has some points that the Filipinos people and its country are left behind
due to the following:
1. Loss of identity
2. Poverty and underdevelopment

5
 3. Political immaturity
4. Subserviency
5. Blindness

V. THE FILIPINO LEVEL OF EXISTENCE

1. Reactive
a. Here, the person does not reflect, but simply reacts
b. He is survival- oriented and learns repetition.
c. His values are economic security and life
2. Tribalistic – this is the community-based subsistence level
3. Egocentric
a. At this level, the person wants to be the center of attention to receive the best
of everything.
b. He tends to be aggressive and assertive, thirsty of power and rebels against
authority.
c. His dominant values are power ‘amor proplo,hiya,nepotism,compadre’ system
and determination.
4. Saintly/ Martyr
a. At this level, the person has a pessimistic outlook in life, believing that it is not
possible to be happy on earth.
b. His longing for happiness in the next life pushes him to be obedient to Gods
laws, often making sacrifices and sufferings with resignation. Values are
obedience, ‘pagtitiis,’ utang na loob’, life after death, holiness and heroism.
5. Materialistic
a. Being achievement-oriented at this level, the person strives to conquer the
world by discovering its secrets.
b. His values are scientism, love for education, intuitiveness, materialism and
ownership.
6. Socio- centric
a. The person is people- oriented, interested in relationships and community
building.
b. His values are social acceptance, harmony, fear of rejection, SIR, hospitality,
personalism, etc.
7. Cognitive or Intellectual Level
a. A person at the level is inner – directed, self -motivated and freedom loving.
b. He is governed by the values of ‘pagsasarili’ (self- centered), titles, prestige and
status.
8. Experientialistic
a. At this level, the person lives a balance life.
b. He emphasizes on humanness, high level of performances both from himself
and others while being tolerant of differences.

6
 c. His values are family kinship system, social groups (barkada), social class, power,
etc.
VI. THE FILIPINO HIERARCHY OF NEED
According to Fr. Lynch, the Filipinos Hierarchy of needs has five stages as follows:

1. Familism- the need to belong to the family or group and to be loyal to it. The
Filipinos tends to prefer all other hardships rather than lose his sense of belonging.
2. Reciprocity- The Filipinos is aware of his relationships to others and the
responsibility that goes with maintaining this relationship: in the same manner that
he does not want to be offended. He takes great care so as not to offend others.
When services are rendered to him, he can reciprocate the favor in three levels:
a. Contractual
b. Quasi-contractual
c. Utang na loob (debt of gratitude)

3. Social Acceptance – the Filipinos gives weight to what other people would say about
him or his behavior. He goes out of his way to please others because he doesn’t
want to be rejected. ‘Utang-na-loob’ are not acceptable.
4. Social Mobility- the desire for going up the social ladder pushes the Filipinos to
study hard to struggle in his work and even to go abroad to look for better
opportunities. Social mobility is made possible through the sacrifices of parents who
wish to give their children a better future.
5. Pagkabayanni (heroism)- holds the value of heroism, self-abnegation and another
centeredness. Often, this is the value of people who work for the community even
with minimal or no monetary compensation in sight.
VII. THE FILIPINO PRINCIPLES AND NORMS
The motivation behind a person’s actions are often implicit; more on the subconscious
level. Aside from motivation, values are also linked to the principles and norms that
people live by. In order to achieve or succeed in altering or adjusting behavior. It is
important to know the underlying things in the Filipino behavior.

The Principle of Particularism

This is loyalty to the sub-group of which one is a part of. A Filipino is born into particular position and
status in the family so that whatever place he occupies, he is expected to behave accordingly. Due to
this particular position and the expected behavior that goes with it, individual interests are easily
subordinated to the in-group interest. The in-group is the home while the out -group is uncertain and
makes one uneasy.

The Principle of Structure

The social structure of the Filipino society in the kinship system. The spiritual kinship (ninongs and
ninangs) lies alongside this structure, forming the extended relationship structure. From the reception of
the sacrament, relationship is forged with sponsors.

The Principle of Regionalism

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This is the tendency to emphasize the value qualities and characteristics of life in a particular region and
the consequent loyalty to this in-group.

The Operational Principle

1. Solidarity- a good thing done to one is considered a good thing done to the whole group.
2. Equivalence or Corporate Personality- if one member of the group has an ‘utang -na-loob’ (debt
of gratitude) because of a favor received every other member of the group acquires the same.
3. Reciprocity – services rendered are to be paid.
4. Pity (awa)- it is a part of belonging o a community by having compassion for other members of
the community by having compassion for other members of the community in need.
5. Personalism – everything is seen in terms of relationships. It is important to be sensitive to the
needs and feelings of others.
VIII. INTER- CULTURAL RELATIONSHIP
1. Flexibility, Adaptability, and creativeness
The ability of the Filipinos to:
a. Adjust to any given situation;
b. Adapt to change in a short time;
c. Be innovative
2. Inter – Personal Relations
a. Sincerity and honesty
b. Understanding and communicating
c. Sticking together through thick and thin
d. D. sharing
3. The Filipino Character
Strength
 Pakikipagkapwa tao
 Family orientation
 Joy and humor
 Flexibility and creativity
 Hard work and industrious
 Faith and religiosity
 Ability to survive
Weakness
 Extreme personalism
 Extreme family-centeredness
 Lack of discipline
 Passivity and lack of initiative
 Colonial mentality
 ‘kanya kanya ‘syndrome
 Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection

IX. FRUSTRATION OF THE SEAFARER

1. Injustice

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 a. ‘Sipsip’(bootlicker)- unjust reports about co-worker so that they are removed from
the job.
b. ‘Sulutan’(substitution)- ones nae is already in the lineup but it disappears because
someone stronger was able to get the job.
c. Non- payment or delayed remittances of salaries
2. Lack of Peace and Order
a. The presence of bullies onboards a ship who are untouchables because of
connections.
b. Disorders caused by drunkenness.
3. Disunity
a. Regionalism, the ‘tayo-tayo’ mentality.
b. Lack of concern for others
c. Unreconciled differences.
4. Unhappiness
a. Loneliness for the loved ones at home.
b. Unhappiness due to misunderstanding.
c. Guilt due to misuse of time in port.
d. Unhappy news from home.
e. Health problems of self and/or of love one at home
f. Bad news
5. Lack of love
a. Lack of communication with loved ones.
b. Unfaithfulness
c. Sexual relationships devoid of feelings (of love)
d. Unkind remarks about absent companions
X. ROOTS OF EVILS ONBOARD A SHIP
Filipino seafarers should look for roots of evil onboard a ship based from home situation
because most likely, they will discover their origins there.

Newspaper, newscasts and other media outlets today proclaims injustices, violations of
human rights and violence against the human person, immorality and dishonesty in
public and private life are the names of the game in our present society. They illustrate
the situations of evils involving the life of seafarer as reflections of situation at home.

Following are the six points to societal structures which hinder human growth and are
called the root of evils in our society today:
1. The Disintegration of family life- this used too be closely-knit and well-disciplined
body but because both parents are too busy earning a living, they have very little
time for one another and for their children.
2. Poor Educational system- the educational system has become very technical
teachers lack necessary updating. They are overworked and underpaid, thus,
education suffers.
3. The Spirit of Materialism- everyone tries to give less in terms of works for more pay.
People who live beyond their means (consumerism).

9
 4. Disparity between the Rich and the Poor- the rich gets richer and the poor gets
poorer because the rich and the powerful dictate the rules of the game and pay less
for more, while the poor receive weight of every price increase.
5. Poor Moral Foundation and cultural Elements- like the compadre system, ‘tayo-
tayo’’ palakasan’ and ‘bahala na’ attitudes which facilitates graft and corruption in
public office and lack of initiative in family values.
6. Economic and Political Situations- has much to do about the poverty and peace and
order situations which lie the root of human rights violations and violence.
XI. THE FILIPINO CHARACTER (STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS)
1. Strength
a. Family Orientation
 Extended family structures
 Family love and extreme family concerns
 Treasures family reputation
 Family security conscious
b. Joy and Humor
 The ability to laugh at ones mistake and learn from them
 Cheerful disposition
 Lightens work load with a whistle or a song
 Cracks a friendly joke to enlighten the situations
c. Hardwork and Industry
 Possesses positive attitudes towards work
 Perservering patient
 Innovative
 Flexible/adaptable
d. Ability to survive
 Survives on so little
 Makes do with whatever is available
 Stands up for one’s fault
 Fills in as a situational leader
 Stands up for the truth
e. Faith and Religiosity
 Leaves everything to God and even expects miracles
 Observes religious festivities
 Generous to the church
2. Weakness
a. Passivity Lack of Initiative
 ‘Mañana’ habit, Filipino time and uninvolved
 Needs more supervision and dependence on others
 Seldom tries out new methods of techniques
b. Colonial Mentality
 Preference to imported products
 Believes more on the leadership qualities of foreign nationals
c. ‘Kanya – kanya ‘Syndrome

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  To reach his own mentality
 Lacks the spirit of coorperativism
d. Lack of Self- Analysis and Self Reflection
 Oftentimes leaves favorable results to God (Bahala Na)
 Weigh things over more to chance
XII. VALUE / CUSTOMS/ TRADITIONS UNIQUE TO THE FILIPINOS
Unique traits of a filipino
1. ‘Ningas cogon’ (wait- and – see situations)
2. ‘Bahala Na’ (fatalistic)
3. Use of euphemisms
4. ‘Kumpadre’ system (lobbying)
5. ‘Lakad’ (lobbyinyg)
6. ‘Kanya – kanya’/Tayo- tayo ‘(to each his own
7. ‘Matiisin’(patience)
8. Hospitality
9. ‘Filipino time’
10. Love for underdog
11. ‘Pakikisama’(getting along)
12. ‘Magalang’(courteous)
13. ‘Mañana’ Habit (procrastination)
14. ‘Walang lamangan/Walang bigayan’(not taking advantage /no bribery)
15. Crab mentality

What makes a culture?

1. Values
2. Laws
3. Rules
4. Social Categories
5. Tacit Models Assumptions
6. Fundamentals
What makes up a culture?
According to Clifford Greetz, there are seven factors that make up a culture:
1. Laws- what political authorities have decided people should do and what
the sanctions are.
2. Values – what people say one ought to do or not do or what is considered
good and bad.
3. Rules – what a society has decided its member should do and the sanctions
imposed.
4. Social categories- ways of thinking about types of people.
5. Tacit Models- implicit standards and patterns of behavior that a person does
not to think about.
6. Assumptions- implicit, not usually articulated ideas and beliefs.

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 “UNDERSTANDING PEOPLES CULTURES EXPOSES THEIR NORMALITY
WITHOUT REDUCING THEIR PARTICULARITY. IT RENDERS THEM
ACCESSIBLE; SETTING THEM IN THE FRAME OF THEIR OWN BANALITIES
AND DISSOLVES THEIR OPACITY.”

XIII. MISBEHAVIOR EXTERNAL CAUSES

What causes behavior of young people that others find irritable and unacceptable?
They may have personality problems that affect the way they handle problems and the
way other people respond to them.

They may have been born with difficult temperaments which create or contribute to
their difficulties in relating to other people, and which results in behaviors such as
noisiness, aggressiveness and disobedience.

They may have family situation-relationship between them and their parents might have
deteriorated to such extent that they may not be able to deal with problems that arise.

They have experienced an unhappy life as a result of family break-up. Factors such as
increasing number of children in one parent or with stepparents, siblings, the amount of
time parents are able to spend with them, unemployment and financial pressures may
all be significant factors to difficult behaviors in some young people.

They may have a deprived or unstable background, in some cases, their parents may be
interested in what they do, are unloving, intolerant and inappropriately or harshly
punitive. Low self- esteem often lies as the root of problem behavior, often times they
have failed at school and may have low self-esteem and self- confidence.

Continues is damaging to anyone’s self-esteem. This doesn’t mean inability to pass

exams but could also perceived expectations. Some people get into trouble because
they are bored. They may try to excuse some kind of violence, such as vandalism and
theft, by saying there is nothing else for them to do.

Some young people are violent because they want to look up to. Others are violent
because they bear grudges. Sometimes people are violence towards other when they
are impatient or under great stress. They may have experienced violent behavior from
their parents or other family members. They might have grown up with violence and
believe it to be perfectly natural.

They can go on to use violence themselves because they do not know any other ways of
expressing their feelings and have never learned to communicate in other way.

XIV. SELF- DISCIPLINE

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A true knight places his honor before all things. An honorable man can always be
trusted. He will never do a dishonorable action such as telling a lie or deceiving his
superiors/employers or those under his order and always commands the respect of his
fellowmen.

A captain stays on the ship up to the last minute. Why? The ship is only a lump of iron
and wood, but the Captain’s life is valuable as that of any women, men and children
onboard. But, the captain makes sure everybody is safe before he attempts to save
himself because the ships is his responsibility and he considers it would be dishonorable
for him to just leave it so he puts honor before safety.

SELF- ASSESSMENT TEST

1. What is attitude?
2. What are the two kinds of motivation?
3. How is organization affects the Filipino people?
4. Discuss the Filipino principles of norms.
5. Identify the roots of evil onboard ship.

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 SUMMARY

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, attitude is a predisposition to respond in a certain way a

person, object, situation in a certain way to a person.

A person who shows a certain attitude towards something is reacting to his conception of that thing
rather than to its actual state. Attitude is more enduring than a mood or within and because it produces
a consistent response. An example is a man who has unfriendly attitudes towards foreigners he meets or
hear about. Attitude is closely related to opinions. A distinction can be made, however, wherein a
person can state his opinions in words but may not be able to express his attitude in the same way. He
will reveal his attitude by his action and only indirectly by the content of his statements. An attitude
becomes an opinion when the predisposition is so strong that no attention is paid to the evidence that
might call for a changed reaction. If a man says that all government employees accept graft, he is
showing an attitude, but if he refuses to accept proofs that many government employees are honest, he
has developed opinion. Attitudes are formed as a result of some kind of learning experiences. Attitude
may also be learned simply by following the example 0f opinion on politics. In addition to the home
important builders of attitudes are school, churches and media such as newspaper and television (The
agencies that help form attitudes can also change attitudes through reshaping a deep opinion which may
take years effort) The attitude people hold can profoundly influence the way act in personal and larger
situations. For this reason, psychologist and sociologist are concerned with, how attitudes develop, how
they affect behavior, and how they can be changed. Character and Personality When psychologist talk
about personality, they are concerned mainly with individual differences – the characteristic that
distinguish an individual from another, personality may be defined as the characteristic pattern of
behavior and modes of thinking that determine how a person interacts with his environment. The term
character Implies an evaluation of behavior according to moralistic or ethical standards. A person is said
to have a strong or weak character by the attitude he displays. Character and personality are products of
heredity, environment, training and personal determination. Change in Attitude A person can correct
some flaws in his character which may have been inherited if he tries perseveringly in applying
corrective measures because he is determined to remove them and replace them with a better trait. If a
man is self -determined to change he can rise from his old self to become a new man. Others are
interested in the life of a seafarer and are possessed with the necessary aptitude and wanted to put
their talents at the service of the ship and crewmates in this case, the motivation are good. In choosing
maritime education it is also assumed that responsibility goes with it. Therefore, entering into a nautical
course with a positive attitude will make everything easy and enjoyable. Above all, the cadet with a good
motivation will emerge as a better integrated person who is not only able to navigate a ship but can
steer his life along the right path. Some people may enter the world of seafaring to make a lot of money,
to have fun and adventure, to escape problems at home, etc. These motives are shallow or superficial
life at sea needs mature people who can tackle the challenges of the sea and the agony of separation
and loneliness. These shallow motives will not be enough to keep a person for any length of time
onboard ship. Other people enter seafaring because they want a better life, freedom and responsibility.
Some not only search for their fulfillment but also have their motivations directed towards other things
such as to give better a future of their children or to promote justice and human dignity. A person may
start focusing on self-realization but will not stop until he feels that the real motive behind his actions is

14
the desire to please God first of all and his family. Peace, freedom, truth, love and justice are elements
of happiness.

“IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO BE SURE THAT SEAFARERS GOALS DON’T BRING THEM AWAY FROM
THEIR FINAL DREAMOF HAPPINESS”

SELF -DETERMINATION Self-determination is the ability to become what one would choose to be.It is
made possible through the set of decisions made by the person which he carriers into action in order to
attain goals he himself has set even in spite of odds or opposition from family or friends.A self-
determined person is one who has the will to face life and knows where he is going one who has inner
discipline and acts according to his convictions.Self-determination is a response to the basic human need
to be recognized as a responsible, reliable, trustworthy and believable (maaasahan, mapagkakatiwalaan
at kapani-paniwala) individual.The ability of a person to intelligently weigh the matters which kie before
him, examine the alternatives and make responsible choices, which leads the goals he set for himself
without prejudice to the welfare and happiness of other people.

The filipino values are the goal purposes that one chooses to give a sense of direction and meaning of
one’s whole personality.Values underlying the behavior as a Filipino:It will make a person sensitive to
the needs of others.Although it challenges people to do their best to avoid embarrassments
(mapahiya).“Pakikisama” will corrupt weak – willed people.Pride (Amor proplo)- is sensitivity to personal
affront set off when a remark or action strikes at some highly valued attributes.While it protects the
person, it often triggers the desire to avenge himself. Indirect Speech – likewise confuses other people.
Indirect speech also raises false hopes in the other person.Smooth Interpersonal Relationship (SIR)- used
to avoid hurting or embrassing people.It helps in making stranggers feel welcomed.Regionalism can lead
to “palakasan” (lobbying) or nepotism when supported by particularism which in turn, makes possible
graft and corruption.It holds people back from standing to the truth because it would hurt them the
family.This also leads to those in foreign lands to be too generous, wasting hard – earned money to buy
“pasalubong” when they return home.Colonial Mentality- this type of thinking bred from the caprice of
the “meztizoz” (half breed) who saw themselves as superior to the brown skinned Filipinos an easy prey
to multinational corporations who bring in products from abroad and maximize the use of media to
“create” the need for them.In the light global competition among economies in the present times, l our
colonial mentality will be the first one to kill our industries.Filipino mentality believes that time does not
pass, but will return, therefore, we can wait.It is high time that the Filipina “manana habit”
(procrastination) be corrected as they often cause good plans to be shelved and good opportunities to
be lost.“Ningas Cogon” (wall-and-ace-attitude)- because of lack of perseverance, lots projects that have
been started never been completed.It breeds distrust among people who have found reasons to say
“walang kahihinatnan” This can cause a person to lose his job. Keeping up with the “Santoses”- living
beyond ones means in order to be like somebody else or live like someone else often cause corruption
among workers. Split – level Christianity – Filipinos are known to be religious but at the same time, they
are strong believers of superstitions.

THE EFFECT OF COLONIZATION OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

We still do it today because the national flag and song are symbol of what it means to be a Filipino.There
are other strong influences that work against our taking pride of our country and our own people. Our
“Colonial Mentality” takes greater pride in what comes from the outside or abroad, the ‘stateside yata
iyan’ mentality.

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Another influence is the regionalism mentality where what comes from our places is ours and therefore
it is good and what comes from other places (imports) therefore are bad. While it is true that
colonization has made the Filipinos more open towards globalization, it has some points that the
Filipinos people and its country are left behind due to the following: THE FILIPINO LEVEL OF EXISTENCE

a. Here, the person does not reflect, but simply reacts

c. His values are economic security and life

a. At this level, the person wants to be the center of attention to receive the best of everything.

c. His dominant values are power ‘amor proplo,hiya,nepotism,compadre’ system and determination.

a. At this level, the person has a pessimistic outlook in life, believing that it is not possible to be happy
on earth.

b. His longing for happiness in the next life pushes him to be obedient to Gods laws, often making
sacrifices and sufferings with resignation.

Values are obedience, ‘pagtitiis,’ utang na loob’, life after death, holiness and heroism.

a. Being achievement-oriented at this level, the person strives to conquer the world by discovering its
secrets.

b. His values are scientism, love for education, intuitiveness, materialism and ownership.

a. The person is people- oriented, interested in relationships and community building.

b. His values are social acceptance, harmony, fear of rejection, SIR, hospitality, personalism, etc.

a. A person at the level is inner – directed, self -motivated and freedom loving.

b. He is governed by the values of ‘pagsasarili’ (self- centered), titles, prestige and status.

a. At this level, the person lives a balance life.

b. He emphasizes on humanness, high level of performances both from himself and others while being
tolerant of differences.

c. His values are family kinship system, social groups (barkada), social class, power, etc.

THE FILIPINO HIERARCHY OF NEED

According to Fr. Lynch, the Filipinos Hierarchy of needs has five stages as follows:

1. Familism- the need to belong to the family or group and to be loyal to it.

The Filipinos tends to prefer all other hardships rather than lose his sense of belonging.

2. Reciprocity- The Filipinos is aware of his relationships to others and the responsibility that goes
with maintaining this relationship: in the same manner that he does not want to be offended.

When services are rendered to him, he can reciprocate the favor in three levels:

a. Contractual

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b. Quasi-contractual

3. Social Acceptance – the Filipinos gives weight to what other people would say about him or his
behavior.

4. Social Mobility- the desire for going up the social ladder pushes the Filipinos to study hard to struggle
in his work and even to go abroad to look for better opportunities.

Social mobility is made possible through the sacrifices of parents who wish to give their children a better
future.

5. Pagkabayanni (heroism)- holds the value of heroism, self-abnegation and another centeredness.

Often, this is the value of people who work for the community even with minimal or no monetary
compensation in sight.

THE FILIPINO PRINCIPLES AND NORMS

The motivation behind a person’s actions are often implicit; more on the subconscious level.

Aside from motivation, values are also linked to the principles and norms that people live by.

In order to achieve or succeed in altering or adjusting behavior.

It is important to know the underlying things in the Filipino behavior.

A Filipino is born into particular position and status in the family so that whatever place he occupies, he
is expected to behave accordingly.

Due to this particular position and the expected behavior that goes with it, individual interests are easily
subordinated to the in-group interest.

The in-group is the home while the out -group is uncertain and makes one uneasy.

The social structure of the Filipino society in the kinship system.

This is the tendency to emphasize the value qualities and characteristics of life in a particular region and
the consequent loyalty to this in-group.

2. Equivalence or Corporate Personality- if one member of the group has an ‘utang -na-loob’ (debt of
gratitude) because of a favor received every other member of the group acquires the same.

5. Personalism – everything is seen in terms of relationships.

It is important to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

1. Flexibility, Adaptability, and creativeness

The ability of the Filipinos to:

b. Adapt to change in a short time;

2. Inter – Personal Relations

3. The Filipino Character

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• Extreme personalism

• Extreme family-centeredness

2. Lack of Peace and Order

b. Lack of concern for others

a. Loneliness for the loved ones at home.

d. Unhappy news from home.

e. Health problems of self and/or of love one at home

5. Lack of love

a. Lack of communication with loved ones.

c. Sexual relationships devoid of feelings (of love)

ROOTS OF EVILS ONBOARD A SHIP

Filipino seafarers should look for roots of evil onboard a ship based from home situation because most
likely, they will discover their origins there.

Newspaper, newscasts and other media outlets today proclaims injustices, violations of human rights
and violence against the human person, immorality and dishonesty in public and private life are the
names of the game in our present society.

They illustrate the situations of evils involving the life of seafarer as reflections of situation at home.

Following are the six points to societal structures which hinder human growth and are called the root of
evils in our society today:

1. The Disintegration of family life- this used too be closely-knit and well-disciplined body but because
both parents are too busy earning a living, they have very little time for one another and for their
children.

3. The Spirit of Materialism- everyone tries to give less in terms of works for more pay.

People who live beyond their means (consumerism).

5. Poor Moral Foundation and cultural Elements- like the compadre system, ‘tayo-tayo’’ palakasan’ and
‘bahala na’ attitudes which facilitates graft and corruption in public office and lack of initiative in family
values.

6. Economic and Political Situations- has much to do about the poverty and peace and order situations
which lie the root of human rights violations and violence.

THE FILIPINO CHARACTER (STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS)

a. Family Orientation

a. Family Orientation

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• Extended family structures

• Family love and extreme family concerns

• Family security conscious

• Possesses positive attitudes towards work

• ‘Mañana’ habit, Filipino time and uninvolved

c. ‘Kanya – kanya ‘Syndrome

VALUE / CUSTOMS/ TRADITIONS UNIQUE TO THE FILIPINOS

Unique traits of a filipino

6. ‘Kanya – kanya’/Tayo- tayo ‘(to each his own

1. Values

1. Laws- what political authorities have decided people should do and what the sanctions are.

2. Values – what people say one ought to do or not do or what is considered good and bad.

4. Social categories- ways of thinking about types of people.

5. Tacit Models- implicit standards and patterns of behavior that a person does not to think about.

“UNDERSTANDING PEOPLES CULTURES EXPOSES THEIR NORMALITY WITHOUT REDUCING THEIR

PARTICULARITY.

What causes behavior of young people that others find irritable and unacceptable?

They may have personality problems that affect the way they handle problems and the way other
people respond to them.

They may have been born with difficult temperaments which create or contribute to their difficulties in
relating to other people, and which results in behaviors such as noisiness, aggressiveness and
disobedience.

They may have family situation-relationship between them and their parents might have deteriorated to
such extent that they may not be able to deal with problems that arise.

They have experienced an unhappy life as a result of family break-up.

Factors such as increasing number of children in one parent or with stepparents, siblings, the amount of
time parents are able to spend with them, unemployment and financial pressures may all be significant
factors to difficult behaviors in some young people.

Low self- esteem often lies as the root of problem behavior, often times they have failed at school and
may have low self-esteem and self- confidence.

Some people get into trouble because they are bored.

Some young people are violent because they want to look up to.

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Sometimes people are violence towards other when they are impatient or under great stress.

They may have experienced violent behavior from their parents or other family members.

They can go on to use violence themselves because they do not know any other ways of expressing their
feelings and have never learned to communicate in other way.

SELF- DISCIPLINE

The ship is only a lump of iron and wood, but the Captain’s life is valuable as that of any women, men
and children onboard.

But, the captain makes sure everybody is safe before he attempts to save himself because the ships are
his responsibility and he considers it would be dishonorable for him to just leave it so he puts honor
before safety

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