Strengthening filial piety, shared values for harmonious society

The launch of the Chinese People’s Federation for World Peace-Philippines (CPFWP-Philippines) in Quezon City on July 27, 2023, was an auspicious occasion, bringing together government officials, representatives from various sectors and esteemed guest speakers. The CPFWP envisions an international network that embraces Chinese customs along the Confucian way, with compassion and respect as the foundational pillars for building world peace.

At the core of CPFWP's mission lies the promotion of filial piety -- a practice that fosters respect for parents, ancestors and society. This shared value of filial piety connects Chinese and Filipino communities, offering an opportunity to strengthen our bonds and build a harmonious society.

Filial piety, deeply ingrained in both Chinese and Filipino cultures, emphasizes the importance of respecting and caring for one's parents, elders and ancestors. It seeks to create a world where the connections between generations are fortified, nurturing the foundations of family, community, nation and the world. Chinese and Filipinos share a profound commonality in their respect for family and society. The traditional values of both cultures include a deep reverence for family, community and older generations, along with a spirit of generosity and hospitality.

Filipinos, known for their strong family ties, are known to support not only their nuclear families but also their extended families. Overseas Filipino workers exemplify the essence of familial solidarity, tirelessly supporting their children, parents and relatives living under one roof. This sense of kinship creates a support system that goes beyond the boundaries of the nuclear family, enhancing community bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness.

The Philippine Constitution enshrines the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. It mandates the State to strengthen the solidarity of the family and actively promote its total development. This recognition of the family's role in nation-building is a testament to the essential role of filial piety and its potential to fortify society.

A poignant Filipino cultural practice, "pagmamano," symbolizes respect for elders and exemplifies the pursuit of stronger social connections within the community. This time-honored custom, passed down from generation to generation, affirms the Filipino value of strengthening family bonds and elevating social connections for a better community.

On the other hand, the teachings of Confucius, which guide the Chinese, emphasize the significance of putting the family first to achieve harmony on a larger scale. Confucius rightly linked personal development with the well-being of the family and the community, recognizing that harmony begins within each individual and extends outward.

Unfortunately, both Filipino and Chinese values of family and community are under threat from various practices that do not align with filial piety. The erosion of traditional values is evident in modern technology's encroachment and the influence of foreign cultures. Face-to-face communication has dwindled as people turn to technology for relationships, disconnecting from the importance of personal connections.

Sherry Turkle, an American sociologist, aptly pointed out that, as technology advances, our expectations of each other decrease. In a world where people build relationships with technology rather than with one another, there is a pressing need to strike a balance between technological advancements and preserving traditional communication practices. We must not allow modern communication to replace the core values of family and community bonds that have strengthened Filipino and Chinese societies for generations.

Embracing our traditional social practices will be key to preserving and nurturing Filipino families and communities. The age-old practice of "bayanihan," wherein communities bond together to collectively address crises and adversities, is a testament to the spirit of helping one another passed down by our ancestors. This unity and collective effort in times of need strengthen our sense of community and our shared values.

However, our social values as Filipinos are also being tainted. Selfishness, greed and crab mentality are replacing values like "pakikisama," "pakikilahok" and "pakikipagkapwa." The lack of subjects on history and good manners and right conduct (GMRC) in school curricula contributes to the erosion of values, depriving students of the moral foundation they need to become responsible and compassionate citizens.

Academic achievement or material wealth should not be the only criteria for success. The values of "pakikipagkapwa-tao," "pakikisama" and "paggalang sa nakatatanda" are equally crucial, defining the character of Filipinos and the quality of our society. We must prioritize nurturing and passing on these values to the next generation, for they will shape the future of our nation.

It is now more crucial than ever to acknowledge the significance of filial piety in building a strong and united community and nation. By preserving our cultural heritage and fostering respect, compassion and harmony, we can create a more unified and compassionate society. The erosion of values can be countered with a renewed focus on moral education, reintroducing subjects in history and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) to instill essential virtues in the hearts of future generations.

The establishment of CPFWP-Philippines presents a unique opportunity for both Filipino and Chinese communities to reinforce the essence of filial piety and shared values. Emphasizing these values will not only address the erosion of traditional values but also ensure that they endure through generations, fortifying the moral and ethical foundation of our society.

In conclusion, the launch of CPFWP-Philippines signifies a call to action, urging us to strengthen filial piety and shared values. By preserving and nurturing these essential virtues, we can build a harmonious society where respect, compassion and understanding prevail among all. As we celebrate our shared values, we must remember that filial piety serves as the cornerstone of our moral and ethical values, guiding us towards lasting peace and unity.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.