“Malasakit” ng Lingkod-Bayani : Bedrock of Public Service

by: Judy Grace B. Mencino

Tomas Andres defined “Malasakit” as love or concern for one’s fellowmen. This
beautiful Filipino term has no exact equivalent in English because the nearest word is concern
or servitude. “Malasakit means more than concern because it is a feeling for whatever it is
you are pinagmamalasakitan for.” 1

Former NEDA Director Cielito F. Habito, penned in his article entitled, “Malasakit”,
that “Care”, “Concern”, “Stewardship”, “Compassion” and “Empathy” have been suggested to
be similar in meaning with “Malasakit”, but do not quite capture the real essence of the word.
The closest definition might be “care for something (someone) like it is one’s own”.”2

Malasakit is a Filipino cultural value. It has been a Filipino trait because Filipinos are by
nature hospitable and care towards the plight of others. We show malasakit sa kapwa tao
during tough times. As the noted anthropologist Dr. F. Landa Jocano said, “The Filipino is
noted worldwide for hospitality. A friend is embraced within the structure of a family; a
stranger is welcomed with a warm smile and handshake into a home.”

Numerous organizations across the country have adapted “Malasakit” in their core
values; PLDT, San Miguel Corporation, Lopez Group of Companies, to name a few. President
Duterte, himself, used “Tapang at Malasakit” as his campaign slogan. The Philippine
Development Plan 2017-2022 hinges its development trusts on the core values of “Malasakit,
Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad.”

Globally, empathy in the public service is recognized by leaders in Singapore, United

States of America and United Kingdom as essential traits or qualities that should be possessed
by public officers and employees.

On the occasion of the 117th Civil Service Anniversary, the theme of the celebration is
“Tugon sa Hamon ng Pagbabago: Malasakit ng Lingkod Bayani”. This clarion call challenges
every Juan and Juana in the bureaucracy to imbibe the spirit of “Malasakitism” as a means to
effect change in the society.

As Lingkod- Bayani, how do we translate the virtue of Malasakit in the performance of

our duties and functions? Let me count the ways:

Malasakit drives Productivity Our work productivity is one way to help

our organization achieve its overarching
goals and objectives. If we constantly

1
Andres, Tomas. Effective Discipline Through Filipino Values. 1996.
2
Habito, Cielito. “Malasakit”. No Free Lunch. Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 19, 2016.
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 endeavor to do our best and incessantly
seek for improvement in everything that
we do as public servants, we are helping
our organization become successful. Our
individual and collective
accomplishments have impact on the
organizational outcome. We show our
Malasakit when we go the extra mile
(without extra charge) to accomplish our
tasks and put extra effort to do better
than what is expected from us.
Malasakit drives Teamwork Individuals come to organizations
bringing with them their individual
beliefs, idiosyncrasies, egos or
preferences which sometimes, become
hindrances towards effective and
efficient achievement of organizational
goals. If we have Malasakit to the
organization, we set aside these
differences and focus on what the team
needs to accomplish.
Malasakit drives Development It has been said that “Public service is
only as good as the people tasked to do
the job.” The better the workforce, the
better the organization becomes. To
show our Malasakit, we will create an
enabling environment in the
organization so that every individual
harness his or her potential and
contribute to the organization’s
development.
Malasakit drives Prudence Cost-cutting measures, i.e. conserving
electricity, recycling office supplies will
go a long way in reducing operational
costs of the organization which will
redound to delivery of better and more
social services. If we have Malasakit, we
will ensure that the resources of the
organization, money, people and
equipment are use wisely.
Malasakit drives Positive Malasakit comes out when we exhibit
Relationship personal care, and are aware of and
believe in what the organization does. As
such, we speak well of our organization
and defend it from external attacks and
internal criticisms. We regard our
workplace as our second home.
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 Malasakit drives Stewardship If we have Malasakit, we put great value
in the interest of the organization above
our personal interests, ensure equal
rights and opportunities to all citizens
with no discrimination, allowing multiple
perspectives in an environment free
from any prejudice and regardless of
gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion
and disability, remain attentive and
responsive to the voices of the often
underrepresented and unheard voices.

More than rhetorics, “Malasakit” also demands a call to action among public servants.
It means being immersed into the plight of the underrepresented and unheard voices in the
society. As public servants, we must have our ears close to the ground and feet planted on
reality. We cannot dictate solutions; instead we should listen with empathy, not sympathy, to
understand deeply the needs of the people that we serve.

The virtue of “Malasakit”, a positive Filipino value that is already ingrained in our
culture can be a potent tool in confronting corruption, crime, poverty that will transform the
Philippine society.

Public office is a public trust. If we see public servants as stewards of public interest,
then undoubtedly, “Malasakit” is the foundation of public service.

References:

Andres, Tomas. Effective Discipline Through Filipino Values. 1996.

Habito, Cielito. “Malasakit”. No Free Lunch. Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 19, 2016
Jocano, F. Landa. Management by Culture. 1999.
Driven with Malasakit. staclara.com.ph

Submitted by:

JUDY GRACE B. MENCINO

Administrative Officer V
City Budget Office

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