PAGKAMAKA-BAYAN

The Good Citizenship Value of Unity

UNITY

Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Psalms 133:1

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that
house will not be able to stand.
Mark 3:24-25

Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one
purpose.
Philippians 2:2

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also
Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.

Alexander the Great

Learning Objectives

 To let the participants realize the vital importance of the value of unity in nation building and progress;
 To be able to identify concrete means by which unity can be achieved;
 To be able to identify relevant implications when the value of unity is either present or absent in the
community and/or the country.

The Praying Lion

Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD

Three bulls fed in a field together in the greatest peace and safety.

A lion had long watched them in the hope of making prey of them, but found little chance so long
as they kept together. He therefore began secretly to spread evil and slanderous reports of one against
another till he fomented jealousy and distrust among them.

Soon, they began to avoid each other and each took to feeding alone. This gave the lion the
opportunity it had been waiting for. He fell on them singly and made an easy prey of them all.

Moral: Whether in our country or our organizations, civic or church, we ought to be united for the devil
like the preying lion, divides and conquers.

“A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.”

Unity
How the Tenants Solved Their Problem
Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD

Once there were six tenants sharing an apartment. Their living conditions were most inadequate. The
weather in that city was very cold and their apartment had no heater.

Running water was rationed, and there was no electricity because the landlord hadn’t had the wires
repaired. The tenants were in conflict. They quarreled because they were all worried about their condition and
personal problems.
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Then one of them decided to do something about the situation. There were some things she could not
do much about. For instance, she couldn’t change the building…the weather…the water shortage in the
neighborhood. But instead of focusing her attention on the problems, she looked for solutions.

She began by convincing the other renters that they had to join hands together and stop being selfish and
quarrelling. Somehow, her appeal worked. The renters began to share the kitchen and little water there was.
They were able to eat well and there was water for everyone.

Later they agreed to present a joint complaint to the landlord that the electric wiring be repaired and
heating facilities possibly provided. These were gradually effected.

Indeed, they did not have the power to change everything but by changing the relationship among
themselves and putting aside their individual interests and squabbling, they were able to solve their problems and
live more humane lives.

Moral: We too can change our society and overcome seemingly insurmountable problems if we eradicate our
selfishness and build peaceful relationships.

The Good Citizenship Value of Equality

EQUALITY

Then God said: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Genesis 1:26

Injure not the poor because they are poor, nor crush the needy at the gate; for the Lord will defend their cause....
Proverbs 22:22-23

We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator
with inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Thomas Jefferson

Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God’s children. Now is the time to lift our nation from
the quick sands of injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.
Marting Luther King, Jr.

Learning Objectives

 To be able to make participants appreciate the value of equality;

 To be able to illustrate the state of equality in Philippine society;
 To be able to identify the relevance and implications of the value of Equality.

Equality in Action

Some examples of how participants may cultivate and encourage the value of Equality in
their area of concern:

a. Teachers:

1. Avoid having “favorites” in the class. Affirm your students as much as you can to
raise their level of confidence and self-worth.
2. Do not judge your students subjectively. Remember that they are in school for a
special reason: to learn and be molded into persons of integrity and good values.
Therefore, it is perfectly normal if you see some “imperfections” in your students;
after all, they are in school and it is your mission to teach and form them. So be
kind and patient to them. Be charitable and fair in treating the young people
entrusted to your care.

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3. Develop an atmosphere of understanding, community and harmony in your classes.
Motivate your students to look after one another and treat each other as brothers and
sisters. Teach them to see beyond each other’s inadequacies and learn to
appreciate each other’s uniqueness. Teach them the value of sharing so that each
will have an equal opportunity to grow fully as a person, having shared in the benefits
of an atmosphere of love, understanding and charity.

b. Barangay Officials:

1. Serve the members of your community fairly, Accord to each one the respect and
courtesy he/she deserves as a person. Be a happy and cheerful public servant.
When you serve everyone equally with joy, your joy becomes pervasive and positively
affects the members of your community.
2. The value of equality demands that we give preferential option to the less-privileged,
the poor, powerless, and abused, so that they may experience the same happiness
and joy in living in a loving and caring community that every person deserved to be in.
Do not be complacent to the plight of these people. They are the ones that will
provide the strongest testament of your living the values of love and equality.
3. Encourage all community officials to deal with each member of the community fairly;
to serve everybody’s interest and to be unselfish in his sense towards everyone.
4. Adopt relevant slogans that inspire and motivate the members of the community to
live out the value of Equality everyday.
(e.g. Serbisyong Tapat, Kaunlaran Nating Lajat.)

c. Students:

1. Treat your classmates kindly and fairly. Don’t bully those who are weak among you.
When confronted with such a temptation, reflected by putting yourself on the other
person’s place. Be charitable instead to those who are less-fortunate than you are.
Let the weakness of others be your inspiration to help and serve them so that they
may feel adequate and blessed by your love and concern for them.
2. Learn to judge every person based on his/her own uniqueness and giftedness. Know
that no one is perfect but that each one has the capacity to feel and the ability to love.
Be patient with people and be able to appreciate the beauty in each one. If you live
by this principle, you are bound to experience the joys of true friendship and harmony
with the people around you.
3. Encourage others to live out the value of Equality by being a good and consistent
example to them. Team others to be fair and equitable in their judgments, decisions,
and actions.

6. Personal Resolution

I believe that all men are created equal. I further believe that every person has right to be
treated fairly in the interest of love and justice. I therefore pledge to refrain from judging people subjectively. I
shall treat everyone with respect as part of their inherent gift of dignity as persons. I shall be more charitable in
my thoughts and deeds so that I may not trample on the rights and dignity of my fellowmen. I promise to be of
service to everyone, especially the less-fortunate, the poor, abused and abandoned so that they may
share in the promise of a brighter future. I shall act conscientiously and decisively to protect each person’s right
to equality which is most essential in establishing a community of happy, loving, caring and peaceful people.

Equality
Skulls
Andrew Maria Almonte, MMHC

One day, a group of skulls in a cemetery had a conversation.

“Hey,” said a skull to another, “who were you when you were alive?”

“I was a king,” answered the skull with an air of pride.

“Yes, I was once his slave,” replied another skull. “He was a tyrant, a ruthless and merciless king!”
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“How dare you speak about me like that!” countered the king-skull. “I am your king, remember?”

“Shut up!” shouted the slave-skull. “You are no longer my king nor am I your slave anymore! We are the
same now - rotten skulls!”

Moral: Each man may differ in worldly stature, but each one bears the same amount of dignity as another and all
share one common destiny.

The Good Citizenship Value of Respect for Law and Government

RESPECT FOR LAW AND GOVERNMENT

They respect that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness
and the conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them.
Romans 2:15

Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from Go, and those that
exist have been established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and
those that oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves. For rulers are not causes of fear to good conduct, but
to evil.
Romans 13:1-3

Where law ends, there tyranny begins. William Pitt

Learning Objectives

 To impress upon the participants the importance of the value of Respect for Law and
Government;
 To be able to illustrate the benefits and implications of the value;
 To be able to develop in the participants a sense of appreciation of law and government.

Respect for Law and Government in Action

Some examples of how participants may cultivate and encourage the value of Respect for
Law and government in their area of concern:

a. Teachers:

1. Motivate students to obey basic school rules and regulations and encourage them to be
more responsible in their actions when they are outside of the home/school.
2. Help students understand the significance and principles of some basic laws and the role of
the government (traffic rules, no-littering, money laundering, rule of law, government
functions/hierarchy).
3. Be good examples to students by being law-abiding and never compromising one’s own
value of respect for law (rules) and government (authority) when confronted by a challenging
situation.

b. Barangay Officials:

1. Be good examples to your constituents. BE law-abiding and supportive of government

programs and initiatives.
2. Have a more efficient and effective law enforcement group in your community (e.g. tanod
and security)
3. Develop slogans and/or programs that motivate community members to respect the law and
the government as well as take a more active role in the promotion of government
programs.
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c. Students:

1. Develop a conscious habit of abiding by rules and regulations starting with those in school
and your home.
2. Seek to understand the laws and roles of the government as well as your own role as a
citizen more fully.
3. Be a good example for your fiends and family by being law-abiding and by respecting the
work of the government.

Respect for Law and Government

The Boss Explains ‘Clearly’
Fr.Bel San Luis, SVD

A company employing several thousand people was attempting to institute a pension plan. But the plan
could not be implemented without one-hundred percent participation.

Every employee signed up except, one man. Many efforts were made to win over, but the man kept on
resisting. Finally the President of the company called the man into his office.

“Here is a copy of the proposed pension plan and here is a pen,” he said. “Sign up or you’re fired.”
Whereupon, the man immediately picked up the pen and signed his name.

The President of the company said, “I don’t understand why you refused to sign until now. What was your
problem?”

To which the man replied, “Sir, you’re the first person who explained it to me clearly.”

Moral: Every person must learn and understand the laws of the land, the role of our leaders and his own duties
and responsibilities that he may act accordingly as a good citizen.

The Good Citizenship Value of Patriotism

PATRIOTISM

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Mark 8:35

The Filipino is worth dying for. Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr.

Patriotism is not a short outburst of emotions but a lifetime of dedication.

Adlai E. Stevenson

The willing sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived
by God and man.
Mahatma Gandhi

Learning Objectives

 To make the participants appreciate the value of patriotism in the light of their being Filipino
citizens;
 To be able to identify concrete ways wherein the ordinary citizen may practice his sense of
patriotism on a daily basis;
 To be able to inspire the participants to believe in their inherent capacity as Filipinos to achieve
deeds of heroism in their daily lives.

PATRIOTISM in Action

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Some concrete examples of how we may cultivate and encourage the value of Patriotism in
our area of concern:

1. We must love our country by being vigilant and ready to defend it from internal and external
threats.
2. We must patronize our country’s products. In the dawn of globalization, let us not disregard our
country’s products and good works. Let us be proud of our own products by being supportive of
these in the midst of formidable foreign commercial competition.
3. We must uphold and live good citizenship values so that we may serve as an inspiration
to our fellowmen to strive to become good citizens themselves.
4. We must be proud of our heritage and national identity by learning and understanding our
history.
5. We must be vigilant and proactive citizens by being well informed of the issues affecting our
country.
6. We must be law-abiding citizens by respecting and upholding the constitution and all the other
laws of the land.
7. We must do simple acts of service to our fellowmen without string attached.
8. We must be good workers by performing our duties as we should and with a high level of
competence, aiming always for excellence.
9. We must be kind and compassionate to others who may not be as fortunate as we are in terms
of material wealth. Let us share our blessings with our fellowmen.
10. In our undertakings, we must bear in mind the integrity and welfare of our country. We must
enter into undertakings that tend to go against national interest.
11. We must carry ourselves as Filipinos with dignity and pride. WE must not be dissuaded by
material temptations.
12. We must be responsible voters by choosing candidates according to the dictate of our
conscience, considering the candidates’ personal values and integrity.**
13. We must be true to ourselves by being faithful to our very own family and country.

Patriotism
An excerpt from “Don’t We All”
(Unknown Author)

I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for
my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum.
From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel
generous but there are other times that you just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of those “don’t want to
be bothered times.” “I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money,” I thought. He didn’t….

That’s a very pretty car,” he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him, I said,
“Thanks,” and continued wiping off my car. As the silence between us widened something inside said, “Ask him if
he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say “yes” but held true to the inner voice. “Do you need any help? I
asked. He answered in 3 simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great
men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an
outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the 3 words that shock me. “Don’t we all?” he said. I was feeling high and
mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those 3 words hit me like a 12 gauge shotgun….

No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help, too. No
matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep,
you can give help.

Maybe God looked down, called an angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, “go minister to that man
cleaning the car, that man needs help.” Don’t we all.

Moral: Sometimes, somehow, everybody needs somebody to lean on; for no one is so rich or poor that he can’t
accept or receive help, love and care from others.

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Patriotism
Anecdotes of the Great
That Help Build a Better Life
Compiled by J. Maurus

As a young girl, Princess Juliana watched a parade from her palace balcony in The Hague. “Do all these
people belong to me?” she asked her mother. “No, indeed, child,” replied Queen Wilhelmina, “We belong to all
those people.”

Moral: Power and prestige do not set us apart from other people. Rather, they bring us closer to them as they
put us in a better position to help others in need.

TO BE A HERO
Uldarico Viray

It is not all who die in battle,

Are heroes of our time.
It is not all who lead the masses,
Are heroes to be sung.

Each of us can be a hero

In the daily life we live,
Each of us can be a hero,
It is easy if we please.

If we learn to share with the poor

If we stand for what is right,
If we are true, not dishonest,
We are heroes in the right.

If we help those who are in need,

If we comfort those who are sad,
If we give joy to the lonely,
Aren’t we heroes in this life?

The Good Citizenship Value of Promotion of the Common Good

PROMOTION OF THE COMMON GOOD

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and
divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Acts 2:44-45

Common Good is a “substantial and extremely fertile estate’, no crowding or diminishment as it is shared with
others.
St.Augustine

Learning Objectives

 To be able to highlight aspects of the value of Promotion of the Common Good;

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 To be able to identify ways by which the participants will be able to promote the common good;
 To be able to awaken the participants interest in the promotion and protection of the interests of
the common good.

Deepening Points

 Comments on the above quotations.

 Start off with an anecdote/actual accounts wherein the value of Promotion of the Common Good
is highlighted.
 Common good means the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or
as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.
 The common good concerns the life of all.
 The common good required the social well being and development of the group itself.
 Some essential elements needed for the holistic development and progress of the common
good are food, shelter, clothing, education, work, opportunity to improve one’s self, ability to be
free from fear, insecurity and injustice, and an atmosphere of sharing and fraternal charity.
 “Put the welfare of the greater number of people over one’s own”.
 We should always consider the welfare of the Common Good or of other people when we
make decisions or when we act on something.
 The value of Promoting the Common Good should move us to share and reach out to others
in need.
 We should all be vigilant and steadfast in guarding our human rights as these ensure the
general welfare of the common good.
 Work towards things that promote the greater food of the m any vs. personal gain or benefit
of a select few.
 All of creation should be made available to all men. Therefore, enterprises, individuals and
other entities should be mindful of the way they treat the environment, profit from other people
and deal with the rights and dignity of individuals. The blessings of creation are meant for the
enjoyment of all and should benefit everybody.
 National interest should prevail over individual interests.
 In the Government, this quote captures the essence of a public servant who desires the
Promotion of the Common Good in his work amidst the demands and temptations of politics:

My loyalty to my party ends when my loyalty to my country begins.

- Pres. Manuel L. Quezon

Promotion of the Common Good in Action

Some examples of how participants may cultivate and encourage the value of Promotion of
the Common Good in their area of concern:

a. Teachers:

1.Motivate students to be kind and charitable. Encourage them to help their classmates who
have difficulty in their studies by forming peer/study groups. Motivate students to maintain a
good level of academic competition without compromising the value of helping others and the
sharing of gifts and talents.
2.Avoid favoritism with students. Favoritism will prevent you from serving the common
good/majority of your students. Let you teaching ministry touch as many lives as possible.
3.Teach your students how to develop a genuine sense of concern for others (especially the
poor) by giving them opportunities to participate in immersion and outreach activities,
community interaction and societal research (interviews, field exposures, etc.).
4.Inspire your students to be critical thinkers and sensitive persons. Make them realize the
consequences and implications of their decisions and actions not only with regard themselves
and their immediate groups but, more so, with the larger community and the nation itself.

b. Barangay Officials:

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1.Motivate community members to develop an attitude of service towards each other. Establish
community support groups (e.g. women’s group, youth group, a disaster volunteer
group/corps) to cater to the needs and interest of the whole community.
2.Allocate community resources fairly and judiciously. Always have the interest of the majority
or the whole community in mind when making decisions regarding the disposition of
community resources.
3.Be supportive of the programs of the government and cooperate with other communities.
Remember that the community is not be excluded from national affairs. Your community
forms a corps of responsible individuals who are willing and dedicated to improve and uplift the
lives of all people, including those outside your immediate community/barangay. Where the
welfare of the whole nation is concerned, the barangay should b ready to launch and support
government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the common good.

c. Students:

1.Learn to think beyond yourself. In the conduct of your decisions and actions, consider the
effects to your family members, friends and classmates, teachers, and the people around you.
2.Learn to reach out to the many people who are not as fortunate as you are. Develop
compassion and concern towards them. Be inspired to move into action by helping them in
any way you can through simple acts of charity, kindness and sincere understanding.
3.Be ready to render volunteer service in times of emergencies, disasters and occasions
wherein your gifts as a youth may be required in helping other people.
4.Actively participate in immersion, outreach and social exposure activities so that you may be
informed of the plight of people around you and so that you can initiate actions that my benefit
them.

Commonality
BB

Though I have my own destiny,

It is one I share with all.
Among all other blessings,
These are the things I share
With every man whose dreams
I also bear:

Life…
Whose boundless horizons have inspired men to seek freedom and liberty; to conquer those that seem
indomitable.

The seas…
Whose mysteries and unfathomable depths have moved man to launch countless adventures from its shores that
marked the triumph of the human spirit amidst rough and uncharted courses.

The earth…
From whose bosom man’s life is nourished; whose landscapes man tames by the sweat of his brows.

Nature…
From whose gentle breeze, cool springs and teeming oceans, lush forests and azure skies, the life of man is
sustained and made full.

Dignity…
That assures man of his right to pursue happiness and live with worth and honor, to claim his rightful place in a
world born out of love, understanding, charity and peace.

Knowledge…
That brings out the best in the human genius, that which makes him superior over all worldly mysteries.
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Am I not the same as any man,
whose life is nourished by the same elements;
whose hands drive the same plow;
whose happiness I share
when he lives a life worthy
of his own destiny?

What right have I then,

to live in monopoly
of the blessings due to every man;
for am I not the same as any other;
my own life I owe
to the same Maker?

Promotion of the Common Good

A Chinese Legend
Fr. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD

Look at that curve in the River of Chi’i with the green bamboos so luxuriant.
The Book of Songsg (Waley)

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Western Kingdom, lay a beautiful garden. And there in the cool of
the day the Master of the Garden went to walk. Of all denizens of the garden, the most beloved was a gracious
and noble bamboo. Year after year, Bamboo grew yet more noble and gracious, conscious of his Master’s love
and watchful delight, but modest and gentle withal. And often, when Wind came to revel in the garden, Bamboo
could cast aside his joyous abandon, leading the Great Dance of the Garden which most delighted the Master’s
heart.

One day, the master himself drew near to contemplate his Bamboo with eyes of curious expectancy. And
Bamboo, in a passion of adoration, bowed his great head to the ground in loving greeting. The Master spoke:
“Bamboo, Bamboo, I would use thee.” Bamboo flung his head to the sky in utter delight. The day of days had
come, the day for which he had been made, the day for which he had been growing hour by hour, this day in
which he would find his completion and his destiny. His voice came low: “Master, I am ready. Use me as thou
wilt.”

“Bamboo” – the Master’s voice was grave – “I would fain take thee and cut thee down!” A trembling of
great horror shook Bamboo.

“Cut…me…down! Me…who, thou, Master, hast made the most beautiful in thy entire garden…to cut me
down! Ah, not that, not that. Use me for thy Joy, O Master, but cut me not down.”

“Beloved Bamboo” – the Master’s voice grew graver still – “If I cut thee not down, I cannot use thee.”
The garden grew still. Wind held his breath. Bamboo slowly bent his proud and glorious head. There came a
whisper: “Master, if thou cannot use me if thou cut me not down…then…do thy will and cut.”

“Bamboo, beloved Bamboo, I would…cut thy leaves and branches from thee also.” “Master, Master,
spare me. Cut me down and lay my beauty in the dust; but wouldst thou take from me my leaves and branches
also?”

“Bamboo, alas, if I cut them not away, I cannot use thee.” The sun hid his face. A listening butterfly
glided fearfully away. And Bamboo shivered in terrible expectancy, whispering low: “Master, cut away.”

“Bamboo, Bamboo, I would yet…cleave thee in twain and cut thine heart, for I cut not so, I cannot use
thee.” Then was Bamboo bowed to the ground. “Master, Master…then cut and cleave.” So did the Master of
the Garden take Bamboo and cut him down and hack off his branches and strip off his leaves and cleave him in
twain and cut out his heart. And lifting him gently carried him to where there was a spring of fresh, sparkling
water in the midst of his dry field. Then, putting one end of broken bamboo in the spring and the other end into
the water channel in his field, the Master laid down gently his beloved Bamboo. And the spring sang welcome
and the clear sparkling waters raced joyously down the channel of Bamboo’s torn body into the waiting fields.
Then the rice was planted, and the days went by, and the shoots grew and the harvest came.
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In that day was Bamboo, once so glorious in his stately beauty, yet more glorious in his brokenness and
humility. For in his beauty he was life abundant, but in his brokenness he became channel of abundant life to his
Master’s world.

Moral: The real heroes among us are those who live their lives daily in genuine concern for the welfare of others.

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