Proverbs in Social Work Practice

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers Filipino proverbs and their application within the philosophical and values foundation of social work practice, organized by their objectives and meanings.

Proverb Classifications (A-F)

Groupings including: (a) general attitudes/laws of life; (b) ethical/virtues and vices; (c) systems of values; (d) general truths/human nature; (e) humorous proverbs; and (f) miscellaneous proverbs.

Walang pagwawaging di may pakikibaka

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'There is no victory without a struggle,' used to stress that one must work hard to reach a goal.

Pag may sakit, egua nin langit

A Bicol proverb meaning 'If there is hardship, there is heaven,' emphasizing the reward for hard work.

No cayat ti cumaradcad, anusan ti garadgad

An Ilocano proverb meaning 'If you want to climb, you must endure the scratches,' indicating the necessity of enduring hardship to succeed.

Taong nunuhang hatol, mahirap mabalatong

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'He who seeks advice, seldom errs,' highlighting the need to consult with others.

Ipagtanong ang dadaanan nang di-maligaw

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'He who asks his way will never go astray.'

Ang pagkakaisa'y lakas, ang pagkakasira'y bagsak

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'In union there is strength, in discord, destruction,' stressing the need for unity.

Walang matimtimang birhen sa matiyagang manalangin

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'There is no steadfast virgin to someone persevering,' used to encourage the trait of perseverance.

Ang paggalang ay di dapat ipamimili ng balat

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'Respect should be rendered to all irrespective of skin color.'

Ang kasipaga'y kapatid ng kayamanan; ang katamara'y kapatid ng kagutuman

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'Industry promotes prosperity; laziness brings about starvation.'

Ang di lumingon sa pinanggalingan, di makararating sa paroroonan

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'He who does not look back to his origins will not attain his goal,' used to instill a sense of gratitude.

Kun an tela makunit di basta mapaknit

A Bicol proverb meaning 'Durable cloth is not easily torn,' used to emphasize endurance.

Kung walang busabos, walang mang-aalipin

A Tagalog proverb translating to 'There are no masters where there are no slaves,' used in social work to counteract exploitation.

Systems Theory Proverb

'Ang sakit ng kalingkingan damdam ng buong katawan' (Pain in the little finger is felt by the whole body), used to explain that events are interrelated.

Ang hindi maki-ugali walang hitsurang uuwi

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'Adjust to current custom in order to get along,' stressing the need to adjust to people's customs.

Individualization Proverb (Bicol)

'Dai nin dua katawo na nagkakapareho' meaning 'No two persons are alike.'

Ang laki sa layaw, karaniwa'y hubad sa bait at muni't sa hatol ay salat

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'He who is spoiled usually lacks good sense and judgment,' used to emphasize the disadvantage of spoiling children.

Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'God helps those who help themselves,' often used to counteract the fatalistic proverb 'Pagsabol kahagiantaan ni Tuhan' (Be content with what God has given you).

Kapag may isinuksok, may titingalain

A Tagalog proverb meaning 'Save, and you will have something in time of need,' used to neutralize the sentiment 'Kung hindi ukol, hindi bubukol.'