Are close family ties among Filipinos a boon to society?

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Every basic Christian community starts with the family. Close family ties contribute to an upright society and community.  

J. Lopez, Manila: It’s both a boon and a burden: it gives us a social security safety net and brings about the anti-social “He’s family, right or wrong” attitude.  

Pillar of a strong, progressive society

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Absolutely. The family is the basic unit of society. No matter what happens, it is our family that we run to. If a family is disunited, problems arise. Even a hardened criminal softens when his family is affected. Close family ties make for a strong, progressive society.  

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: In the Philippines, Pinoys, except for those who are earning enough to hire nannies and caregivers, take care of kids and elders. Instead of hiring nannies and caregivers, we usually ask relatives to look after our kids and elders while we are at work. In exchange, we share with them whatever blessings we might have earned. Yes, our close family ties are a boon to society. It is a moral obligation and not a hindrance to progress.  

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: Of course, close family ties among Filipinos are considered a boon to society because they bring about the spirit of sama-sama, salo-salo, tayo-tayo at bayanihan.  

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: Yes, because of close family ties, relatives are able to help each other on moral, physical, financial and spiritual needs.  

June Deoferio, Cavite City: Yes, families with close ties that contribute to a peaceful and progressive country are good role models for society.  

Cris Rivera, Rizal: Yes, a family is a blessing from above, our fountain of true love and care. A family living in harmony is a significant part of a peaceable society.  

Felix Ramento, Manila: A society composed of closely-knit and independent families and individuals make up a strong society.  

Dave Velasco, Marinduque City: Family ties aren’t a boon exclusive to our society, but also to the natural environment and foundations of the family of nations.  

They create dependency

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: No, as close family ties create a feeling of dependency that make us unproductive. Biruin mo, may mga sariling pamilya na, ayaw pa rin magtrabaho at umaasa pa rin sa magulang.

I. Calata, Parañaque City: Compared to other countries in the world, family ties among Filipinos are the closest and strongest. Children are allowed to stay beyond legally adult age until they marry and have their own families. In such cases, the children contribute to the upkeep of the family and do not depend totally on their parents. The elderly are not abandoned, but cared for even until death. Those busy with gainful activities in their businesses or as employees who may not have much time to care for the former can find the necessary upkeep for them. This, I believe, is a boon to our society. There are exceptions, though. There are those children who become too dependent on the family and if the family is well-endowed with the means to support such children, the latter may become abusive and go into illegal activities such as drugs. In this case, the close family ties in some families may cause trouble to society.  

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Progress is hard to come by due to the clannish tendency of Filipino families. All over, you can see adults still dependent on their parents.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: Despite our close family ties, more often than not, the elderly are taken for granted. I have seen so many senior citizens kept by close relatives at home, their wisdom and talents wasting away. They do menial jobs as mere baby sitters, drivers to their grandchildren, and security guards in the household. Some do housekeeping, presumably for the food they eat. Wasted lives, those! Some just die in a forgotten corner of the house. 

Close family ties keep us afloat

Crizel Fernandez, Baguio City: The big reward in our life is to have an intact and happy family. Sabi nga, mawala na ang lahat, huwag lang pamilya.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Close family ties and religiosity are the only saving grace of Filipinos. If not for this, we would have been written off as a country a long time ago.  

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: Most Filipino families today may be bereft of material wealth, but close family ties keep them afloat and sane enough to survive this cruel world.  

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Without our culture of strong family ties, our society would have disintegrated a long time ago. My family and relatives are my immediate fans who strengthen my optimistic attitude in life. They are my immediate friends and lifetime members of my fans’ club.  

It’s both

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: As part of our culture since our ancestors’ balangay days, close kin ties make us clannish yet resilient. It’s both a favor and a flaw to our traits.  

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Anything under the sun has its upside and downside, and close family ties is no exception. Close family ties is a boon to society if the family itself is obedient to God’s 10 commandments, making all its members law-abiding citizens. But what if it is one that thrives on ungodly undertakings, like so many in politics and business? These families engage in corruption to advance and protect their interests to the detriment of the Filipino populace. For close family ties to be a boon to society, they should have in mind godly virtues first and foremost.  

A hindrance to discipline

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: It’s either a boon or a bane to society, as we Pinoys are known for close family ties, come what may. Look at how parents of the Alabang boys are doing everything they can to get them off the hook.  

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: It’s a boon as it emphasizes an admirable Asian trait of love and respect for elders and relatives and friends. Such trait leads one to care for relatives or help friends in need. Sadly, it has been a bane to society when it causes a breakdown in discipline and encourages law violators. For instance, a violator, despite his guilt, may escape punishment as his family may use its power or money to influence the courts. In government or even the private sector, one may be appointed or promoted due to family ties, not personal qualifications. Nowadays, many families coddle or protect members even if they’re criminals.  

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: Yes, it’s a blessing to make our social environment manageable. Otherwise, the likes of Abel and Cain would proliferate and this would be an additional burden to society.  

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: Families that dwell on respect, harmony and unconditional love are vital to societal advancement. Providing good examples by extending a helping hand to those in need demonstrates a spirit of brotherliness as ingrained by our parents or elders. Consoling each other, helping each other and loving each other unconditionally through thick and thin is the kind of close family ties that become an asset to society. Extending our love and care from the family to the people around us would naturally be a welcome benefit. Nevertheless, close family ties can be a menace to society. Parents show their love for their offspring by tolerating their needs and wants, even when it’s wrong. They may even give the young a free hand on things that are basically contrary to moral principle and are socially unacceptable.  

Ric Vergara, Calamba City: Filipinos, sometimes this texter included, tolerate family members’ wrongdoings. Mali, pero nananaig kasi ang dugo!  

Dennis Acop, Baguio City: Close family ties among Filipinos are a boon to society, but can sometimes also be a bane. For instance, close family ties allow the more fortunate members to bail out the less fortunate ones, including extended family members. The closeness among relatives provides social acceptance and that sanctuary not found in other associations unbound by blood relations. For the bane part, the syndicate that is the family can have negative effects on society when other relatives automatically give their support, even to a relative guilty of wrongdoing simply because he is a relative. Also, the family tends to become the highest priority for Filipinos, whether they are aware of it or not, relegating their nation to second priority. This is very critical if the country as a whole is to develop. Given the deterioration in the values of people, these changing values affecting the family are replicated in the larger society. What affects the family ultimately impacts on society as a whole.  

It’s a unique Filipino trait

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Of course. It is a trait that is not found in other nationality. Kaya nga iba ang Pinoy!

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: Having close family ties is an old, distinctive trait that Filipinos are well-known for. Some quarters take pride in this uniqueness.  

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: Yes, in the Philippines, family is considered as the core of each community. Rarely will you see this affinity that Filipinos have for each other in any other country.  

Leonard Villa, Batac City: Close family ties are among the cherished virtues of Filipinos. Its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages to society, and this has been proven in the past until now.  

Close family ties lead to nepotism

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Close family ties have always been an asset to in our growing and changing society. It only becomes a liability when it is used to perpetuate power, as in political dynasties at the expense of the majority.  

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: I’ve observed in many instances that close family ties can be a boon to any society in the world. They stabilize and keep socio-economic pressures to low levels, usually avoiding breach of peace and order. When they are misused, however, family ties lead to nepotism and corruption in public service and destabilize the social equilibrium among component elements of society.  

Family holds it all together

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Filipino can’t do without close family ties. In developed countries like the US, the unemployed can apply for unemployment insurance or dole outs from the government. The sick can get treatment from hospitals without having to put up cash deposits. Do you need spending money? There is always the credit card. But not for us Filipinos. We can’t seek help from the government. However, during family emergencies, we can always seek help from a rich aunt or uncle; relatives come to help during good times and bad, be it a celebration, helping junior find a job, settling hospital bills or even money for bail. A relative is always there to smoothen life’s complexities. Close family ties is what holds Filipino families together.  

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte :Definitely. Where members have close family ties, the home is protected and the good family reputation is preserved.  

It’s a human instinct

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: Filipinos wonder how a penniless Tsinoy, Indian or Muslims in Quiapo can succeed in business. The secret is family ties. Relatives help out needy ones start a small business by being a guarantor or extending a personal loan. Filipinos also seek the help, mostly monetary, of relatives during emergencies. The act of helping others is not just common among kin, fictive kin, but especially between friends. It must be what separates us humans from animals.  

Rose Leobrera, Manila: Closeness to one’s family is a major factor that contributes to the success of society. Our family is the essence of our existence. For the sake of our own true love, we give them the best the world has to give. They are our important investments. A father strives for perfection to be able to succeed so he could fulfill the needs of his family. The mother likewise does her share to augment the family income and when the children graduate and find work, they also do their share. With strong family ties, how can one go wrong? Nobody ever taught us to be loving and caring for our family. It’s an inborn instinct of every human being. The only difference is that we Filipinos are malalim and when our family is in question, the tendency is to fight and defend it, against all odds. Who can say that it does no good for society? The same blood that runs through our veins empowers us.  

Charity should extend beyond the family

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: We, 29 cousins, were born to five Cruz sisters originally from Manbarao, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija who all moved to Cabanatuan after World War II. Our Auntie Iyang was the most well off among the sisters, so we depended on her and her husband Tata Mini’s generosity many times. We sometimes gathered in their big house. We, including our spouses, remain close up to now, even though we are all far apart and seldom see each other. Despite being scattered around the globe, we still feel connected to our Cruz clan, and whenever one is in need, many will come with comforting hands. Close family ties will be a boon to society if families extend their charity and generosity beyond their family. Otherwise, they will be clannish with no regard to the welfare of the community.  

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Whether or not a closely-knit family will be a boon to society depends on how family members were raised to become responsible citizens.  

THE WAY I SEE IT

Felix Ramento, Manila :Because of 9/11, Pres. Bush might have lost his bearing that he spent the rest of his days as the President of the world’s no. 1 economy focused on defense and foreign policies and expense of other domestic concerns and therefore, as the US economy burst, the world’s ensued.  

Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: Since the State of America’s economy also affects us, let us pray that Obama will succeed in turning it around.  

REACTIONS

I love reading your newspaper because of Mr. Boo Chanco’s column. That’s only one of some more big reasons. Thanks and more power!  Rod Basea, Manila

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: What change do you see forthcoming for the US under an Obama presidency?

If registered, text philstar<space>fb<space>your message and send to 2256 (all networks)

To register, text philstar<space>reg<space>name,gender,birthdate,address and send to 2256 (all networks)

You may also email your views to: [email protected].