NSTP LESSON 2 (YOUTH MORAL)

Senator Leticia R. Shahani (1993)

Asserts there is a need to change structures and to change people. She explains that: “Building a people means eliminating our weaknesses and developing our strengths and this starts with analysis, understanding and appreciation of these strengths and weaknesses…. we must change. And understanding oneself is the first step.”

Importance of self-awareness and self-improvement

This quote emphasizes the importance of our _____. It says that change is important and possible, but it starts with knowing ourselves well.

Cultivating love and commitment to the Philippines

Shahani stresses the importance of cultivating a genuine love, appreciation, and commitment to the Philippines and Filipino things. This includes not only cultural and historical appreciation but also a deep sense of pride and responsibility towards the nation’s welfare.

Looking beyond personal or selfish interests

She highlights the need for Filipinos to look beyond personal or selfish interests. This goal emphasizes the importance of fairness, justice, and developing a collective sense of outrage when these are violated, which is essential in creating a just and equitable society.

Values for self and national improvement

Shahani advocates for values such as discipline, hard work, self-reflection, and analysis. She also emphasizes the importance of internalizing spiritual values, which can serve as a moral compass and guide for personal growth and societal betterment.

Goal of transformation

These goals aim to address both individual and societal weaknesses, proposing a more united, just, and disciplined Filipino people who are deeply connected to their cultural roots and committed to the country’s progress. Through these values, Shahani envisions the transformation of the nation starting from within its people.

Patriotism and National Pride

is referring to love for or devotion to one’s country. The Filipino Civic Code was formulated to insure that patriotism can be developed to oneself and practiced by all.

Faith in Divine Providence

Guides the destinies of men and nations.

Patriotism

Love of country.

Love of Fellowmen

Love fellow man as brother or companion in life’s journey.

Respect for Parents and Elders

Honor your parents; serve them gratefully and dutifully.

Reverence for heroes

Venerate the memories of the nation’s heroes.

Honor

Value your honor as you value your life.

Devotion to truth

Be truthful and honest in thought and action.

Fortitude

Bear suffering with fortitude.

Self-Reliance

Have confidence in yourself and in your own power/capacity.

Humility

Be humble. Acknowledge your own shortcomings, no human beings are perfect.

Self-Control

Temper your will and curb your passions. Long life, and happiness are the fruits of moderation and self-control.

Frugality

Live within your means and save part of your earnings for a rainy day. Avoid extravagance, pretense, and dissipation.

Purposeful Living

Ever keep in mind an honorable purpose.

Perseverance

Be persistent in whatever things of good report you may wish to do.

Punctuality

Do your work on time; leaving nothing undone that you can do today. Be punctual.

Cleanliness

Keep your body clean, your clothes neat, in your home and surrounding. Cleanliness is essential to good health and community welfare.

Appreciation of the Beautiful

Learn to appreciate beauty in nature and in art.

Industry

Be industrious and do your work well.

Interest in Education

Develop your facilities through study without departing from the path of virtue.

Respect for Law and Authority

Respect the law and duly constituted authorities for peace, morality or progress of community.

Sense of Duty and Responsibility

Contribute to the common good as a matter of civic duty.

Justice & Righteousness

Strive to be fair and just in dealings with everybody.

Tolerance

Be tolerant of the ways, beliefs, and opinions of others.

Civic Courage

Be vigilant against oppression or injustice in any form.

Judicious Imitation

Improve yourself through the judicious imitation of good customs and practices.

Sportsmanship

Observe the rules of sportsmanship in any contest.

Good Breeding

Treat everybody, high and low, with courtesy.

Human Act

act which proceeds from the deliberate free will of man. It is any sort of activity, internal or external, bodily or spiritual performed by a human being. Human acts are only those acts that proceed from a deliberate and freely willing human being.

Integrity

Is a firm adherence to a code of moral and values, quality or state of being complete or undivided/honest.

Duties of the People

The people of our Republic have certain duties or obligations to perform. These duties are the price of freedom and of the rights which we enjoy.

To vote honestly and wisely

Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy, but it also carries the responsibility of choosing leaders who will serve the nation’s best interests. Citizens must be informed and honest in their participation in elections.

Example: A citizen researches candidates’ platforms, attends forums, and checks their track record before voting. They avoid accepting bribes or participating in vote-buying schemes during elections.

To obey the laws of the land

Every citizen is obligated to follow the laws established by the government. This is crucial for maintaining order and justice within society.

Example: A driver follows traffic rules, wears a seatbelt, and respects pedestrian crossings, contributing to road safety. Another citizen pays their taxes on time, complying with tax laws.

To respect public authority

Respecting those in positions of authority, such as government officials, law enforcement, and public servants, ensures the smooth functioning of government and public services.

Example: A citizen addresses police officers, government officials, or public servants with respect, following proper procedures when addressing issues, rather than resorting to insults or violence.

To be loyal to the Republic

Loyalty to the nation means putting the welfare of the country above personal or individual interests. This entails being committed to the ideals and values of the nation.

Example: A person refrains from engaging in activities that threaten national security, like selling sensitive information or participating in activities aimed at destabilizing the country.

To defend the Fatherland

In times of danger or threat to the nation’s sovereignty, citizens are expected to defend the country. This may include military service or supporting national defense efforts in other ways.

Example: In times of national emergency, a citizen voluntarily enlists in the military or donates supplies to soldiers defending the country. In peacetime, they might support disaster response efforts, such as relief operations during calamities.

To pay taxes to the government

Taxes are essential for funding public services, infrastructure, and other government functions. It is the duty of every citizen to contribute their fair share to support the state’s operations.

Example: A business owner ensures that their company files accurate tax returns and pays the required taxes, which helps fund public services like education, health care, and infrastructure development.

To take active interest in national and international affairs

Citizens should stay informed and engaged in both national and global matters. Active participation in public discourse, whether through civic engagement, advocacy, or simply being informed, helps shape a responsible and involved society.

Example: A citizen stays informed about current events by reading the news, joining community discussions, and advocating for causes like environmental protection or human rights. They might also volunteer in civic groups that promote good governance.

Rights

Various classes of rights that a citizen of a democratic state must enjoy.

Natural Rights

Conferred upon to human beings by God – this cannot be taken from the person.

Example: The right to life, to love and to marry.

Civil Rights

Rights granted by the state for promotion of common welfare of individual citizens.

Example: Right to life, to own property, to marry, to enter into and contracts, to seek justice in the courts.

Political Rights

Conferred by the state to the people so that they may participate in government.

Example: Right to citizenship, suffrage, freedom of speech, freedom of press, to petition the government for redress of grievances.

Constitutional Rights

Rights recognized and protected by the constitution and part of the fundamental law of the land.

Example: Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to choose one’s residence, freedom from slavery.

Statutory Rights

Conferred by statutes or law promulgated by law making body and can be abolished by the same body.

Example: Right to inherit property, minimum wage, to go on strike for higher wages and better working conditions.