TRUTH, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE
12-E
MAGCALAS, Kelly Raizel R.
October 3, 2023
Q1 Reflective Essay 2
READING #4: Filipino Psychology
(Virgilio Enriquez)
Psychologists make sure that their discoveries, opinions, and theories are not universal
because every country has their cultural differences. Furthermore, every individual’s mind and
behavior vary. I agree with this statement to a degree, because a lot of psychological claims and
principles are usually applied for a “bigger picture” conclusion. For example, certain behavioral
responses are due to their upbringing. But cultural context is still acknowledged and taken into
account. In America, physical punishments that are done to kids as disciplinary action are
considered abuse and a crime. In Asia, that kind of discipline is normalized. This is why it is
important to study each country on its own.
Every country has its own unique aspects such as religion, art, medicine, and
philosophy, as well as their own psychology. From a foreigner point of view, being exposed to a
new culture can be interpreted as something entirely different. It can sometimes merely be seen
as a study and cannot fully capture the culture of a country. Foreign approaches might employ
their own methods but simply replace the variables with indigenous context, which won’t always
produce the best results. This may result in cultural insensitivity and stereotypes. Which is why
an appropriate approach to studying indigenous psychology is to also let the people of that
culture use their own methods and theories.
An indigenous psychology perspective focuses on the development from the perspective
of the people of the culture, and there are many benefits that come with this. Locals have been
exposed to their culture their whole lives, and it has existed long before they were born.
Therefore, they’re more knowledgeable about the history and purpose. The culture can be
analyzed in depth; with accuracy and familiarity. And theories could have a more accurate basis,
due to prior knowledge. Moreover, the culture can be treated with more appreciation and with a
goal to preserve traditional knowledge.
As a Filipino, our culture is already heavily influenced by foreign ones due to our
extensive history of being under colonization more than once. We need to remember our roots,
or at least get as close as we can get, and continue passing it on to future generations. We
need to remember that we are our own country and not just a bunch of cultures mixed together
with some alternation. The concept of Pantayong Pananaw talks about how colonization has
affected our culture in the past. It states that we were forced to become disconnected with our
culture due to us needing validation from those colonizing us. We then saw our culture as
something beneath the culture of the colonizers. But pantayong pananaw encourages us to
view our culture, history, and ideals from our own perspective and not through a colonial lens.
This is directly related to Filipino psychology, which promotes the indigenous approach of
studying our psychology.
Identity is an important aspect to me as a Filipino. With so many negative connotations
we see ourselves as a Filipino, we need to be reminded of our unadulterated culture.
Nowadays, when I think of being a Filipino, I think about a corrupt government, lack of discipline
among fellow Filipinos, being an underdeveloped Third World Country, and our horrible weather.
And when I think of Filipino psychology, my mind immediately goes to mental health and the
stigma around it in our country. Yet, learning about the values and culture of us Filipinos sheds a
bit of light on the situation.
In the context of paninindigan, Filipinos have this important value that means that they
stand firm with something and they’re committed to doing so. This can be about upholding
opinions, beliefs, values, and morals, even when there are so many opposing them. Now this
can be a good or bad trait, depending on what they’re standing for. But one significant event
where this trait was evidently shown by Filipinos that means a lot to me is during the
campaigning period of the 2022 Elections. In the midst of the pandemic, I fell victim to the
downward spiral of helplessness and loss. It felt like nothing good was happening to our country,
and it was disheartening to see how unprepared and out of priority we were to handle such a
massive global pandemic. Social media was the epicenter of everything: entertainment,
communication, and information. Sometimes, even purpose. And that admittedly led to
unhealthy mindsets and habits. I would see bad news on my Twitter feed every day. It felt like
our country was damaged from the effects of the pandemic. But then the campaigns started.
“Ugh, great. Just what we all needed. More disappointing politics,” I thought to myself, “If only
we could all just shut our eyes and spare ourselves.” Then, like a lit torch in the dark, Leni
Robredo’s vision for our country and people inspired hope among so many of us. The rallies
started, crowds got larger, Filipinos gathered and beamed with such togetherness. Pink became
the color of hope. And Filipinos were advocating for the future and change we all need. Even in
the face of adversity, we stood tall and unwavering, because we finally have something to fight
for. And I saw the joy it brought to us as well. I saw people laughing over the performances done
at the rallies. The creative signs that they make being spread around social media. Everyone
eager to dress up in pink. Sharing experiences, opinions, and memories. It brought our people
together during a time when we were all physically apart. Despite all of this, Leni did not win the
elections. But this was not a loss. We did not fail. This historical event gave us something we
haven’t truly seen in a long time as Filipinos. It made us burn bright with Filipino pride. It made
us proud of our community. It gave us real, living hope. And that’s something we will always
carry with us. It’s something we will pass down to future generations. And when the time comes,
we’ll fight again. For our people, our country, and our culture.
INTEGRITY CODE:
I hereby declare that the information, particularly the answers I provided, are my own and
constitute my individual effort. I also understand that any acts of academic dishonesty may be
consequential to me and other person/s involved.
____________________________________
Kelly Raizel R. Magcalas
Name and Signature of the Student