Pagkamakatao

                           Our lives are constantly changing as we move from one world to another and we are given different meanings, different directions, different atmospheres and different inspirations by these various worlds. There are values connected with each of these worlds, each of them contributing meaning, direction, atmosphere and inspiration to life. Just as we live these various worlds of business, family and religion so we live the values of these worlds, present as they are in the context of our lives as Filipino.

                When I was 18, I was invited by my friend to accompany her in Buluan, a Muslim community/municipality. I knew how dangerous the status of peace and order situation of the place. Subsequently, the people there are mostly Muslim tribe. I had a bad connotation about this tribe because of heresies and rumors about their negative actions and behaviors. Actually, I was afraid mingling with them, except to my only special friend who is a pure Maguindanaon blood. Though fears and worries of what might happen to me there supersede my emotions, I cannot refuse her favor. For two days of being there, I was amazed of what I discovered. The persons I thought before was really different when I was there. At first, aloofness is explicitly observed. When I approach them, they responded with humility. I really appreciate their sincerity. As time and a day had passed, I already talked to people there without any hesitation. It was just like the barriers that hinder me to have such conversation as disappeared for a moment. The respect that existed is a manifestation of Pagkamakatao as a core of Filipino values. The humility that enlivens between tribes is a Filipino value worthy to emulate. Respecting one’s belief, culture and traditions shows the primary source and genuine evidence of Pagkamakatao. It serves as a bridge in our diverse culture and differences.

                Another unforgettable experience happened to me two weeks ago. I took a ride in the tricycle from school to town that was Friday free afternoon. I was struck by the behavior of the driver. From the fact that I was new to this place – Cotabato City, I learned to secure my belongings before anything else wherever I go to avoid bad experiences or events to happen. When I gave my fair to him, he refused because he had no change for my money. My ride was free. I was very happy and smiles of stupendous reaction were struck me so much not because of free ride by because of the kindness and consideration that the driver expressed to me. It was a trust though that person just knew me for a while. It manifested by the values of Pagkamakatao.

                Pagkamakatao as a core Filipino value will lead to total development of our community, our country as a whole. It is an essential characteristic in determining higher values. It will lead us to become a virtuous so we can be able to know what is right and do what is right. It may guide u sto recognize what is ethical or unethical and what is moral or immoral. It is based on our culture, in our standard and in our principle.

                Hospitality, bayanihan and religiosity are some other Filipino values that we can develop. We are known with these values and it can bring us into the pedestal of progress and development. It is our mark as a true Filipino. It reminds us of our past, determines our present and foresees our future. It can build nation’s destiny. It serves as a bridge that synergizes people to common direction. It builds our culture for a strong foundation. In religious context, it holds and strengthens our faith and belief that made us Filipino known to the world as happy person despite the hardships that we encounter. These values are not just recognizing pleasure and pain, vital principle or aesthetics but it leads towards higher values. It generates depth fulfillment and contentment. These values are our identity for it becomes dimensions of our unique lives as we live them. It upholds our social context that we shared with others in a constant flux.

                Somehow the value that moves us is beyond time, beyond the constant changes that occur in the process of time. It is something whose importance is experienced as eternal. Inspired by such a value we are moved to live in a way that is consistent with it by dedicating ourselves in an enduring way. We are promoting permanently the common good, the living up to the ideals of our culture, to the creation of beauty or to the bridges that mediate our differences. A commitment endures through time since it is inspired by a value which is above time.

                It is indeed a manifestation that we grow, we change, we learn and we prosper. As time passes by, let us exert great effort to sustain and fortify the Filipino values that we have. So good to say that the next generation will experience the good and ideal cultural values that we have today.