5.

4 Show situations that demonstrate freedom

of choice and the consequences of their
choices
2
In lieu of the Philippine situation, I suggest Rand’s individualism be
adopted by Filipinos. Individualism based on freedom, should not
be attained at the expense of others but for the advancement of
a person. As Filipinos, we should unlock the change of Philippine
backwardness.

3
According to Rand, individual freedom should be aligned with
economic freedom. The Filipino “sakop” or harmony can be a
helping value to the full development of the Filipino if it opens up
to embrace the whole Philippine society. However, there are cases
where the Filipino “sakop” may adversely affect the social and
financial status of the one moving upward the social ladder. For
instance, the more well off members of a family share their gains
with their relatives or friends in need.

4
The beneficiaries of the monetary assistance (utang or loan) just use
the money for non-essentials (i.e. drinking sprees) when there are
more important concerns which should be prioritized (i.e. tuition
fee).

Filipino “sakop” must begin to raise its members in a more

responsible way and the members should likewise take this attempt
to raise them financially and socially seriously so as not to squander
the help bestowed on them. They must come to realize that their
personal worth and dignity is not exterior to themselves; it is
found not in the body of the “sakop” but in one’s “kalooban”. If
these are fulfilled, the Filipinos shall not only be better persons but
a better nation with a sound economy(Andres, 1989)

5
A leader or a manager with “magandang kalooban” is not passive
but plays active role in economic development. Leaders should not
just focus on the impact of job performance but treats every
individual worker as persons and not as objects. Filipinos can attain
a sound economy through an integrative system as such there is
support and help among unit of organizations within a company. To
make up for the inferiority complex of Filipinos, a good Filipino
leader/manager must encourage fellow Filipinos to believe in
themselves so that they can bounce back as an economic power.

6
Rand presupposed that greater creativity will be achieved if the
government will minimize influence on individuals. Filipinos should
take the initiative by following Rand’s suggestion and adopting
individualism in their value system. The author thinks that
individualism will provide Filipinos an opportunity to be more
aware of their capacity, to harness fully their strengths and to
commit themselves to life. Individualism reinforces kasarilihan (self-
sufficiency) as such it discourages subservience from external
control higher than itself.

7
 “Kasarilihan” promotes entrepreneurship which minimized foreign
control of Filipinos (i.e.from the control of monopolies and
multinational companies). Other than
entrepreneurship,individualism also prioritizes countryside
development, a self-help concept among the country dwellers which
discourage dependence on government loans which would leave the
locals to follow whatever conditions the government sets in favor of
the loan. Furthermore, for Andres(1986), the spirit of self-help is
the root of all authentic growth in rural development which is a
source of national productivity and efficiency.

8
As a result, entrepreneurship and countryside development
economically and politically emancipate Filipinos from local and
foreign intervention. Moreover, Filipinos learn to be self-sufficient
which leads to self- respect and consequently, enhances Filipinos’
amor propio (pride and respectability).

9
Education has its own part to fulfill in giving importance to
individual students and in promulgation of the concept of
individualism. Mounting a continuing education among Filipinos,
education should not shape the students’ mind to be
subservient. Educators should be aware of the individual talents of
students, the differences in their family background, gifts and
capabilities. Rand proposed that the main task of education is to
teach students how to be trained in theories i.e. concepts.

10
The students have to be taught the eventual of knowledge discovered
in the past so that they will be equipped to acquire further knowledge
of their own effort (Binswanger, 1986).

11
Individualism should be tied with social
responsibility and should not be just “tayo-tayo” or
“kami-kami ”. Our own individuality should interact
with the individuality of others. In this light, every
Filipino should be given equal chance to cultivate
their talents that inevitably contribute in the
development of the society. As individuals who are
free, Filipinos should recognize their own brand of
uniqueness, instead of copying
foreign cultures. “Loob”does not only develop the
self of an individual but the welfare of others.
For Aristotle and Rand, reason and will or volition is part
of our being human. In relation to this, Filipinos had
proven matured thinking, pertaining to Edsa
Revolution. Filipinos becomes overeign people who stood
up for what they believe is right even before physical
threat.

13
Miranda (1987) viewed Edsa Revolution a salvific
event, Filipinos did not become fatalistic.Instead,
Filipinos took matters in their own hands. During
Edsa Revolution, Filipino actuations were based
on reason; Filipinos exemplified a conscious
decision of ousting a dictator.

14
The decision is based on the Filipinos’ belief in freedom. They also
voluntarily risked their lives as they face danger. Again, the Edsa
Revolution is one example of social contract as discussed in early
sections of this chapter.

15
Filipinos’ self is rooted in “loob” (Alejo,1990). Individualism should
thus spring from our“loob” which is the basis of a person’s
authenticity.
Individualism could only progress to real change if it springs from
the innermost depth of “loob” and not just
for“ pakitang tao”(outward appearance's sake).
Through a person’s “loob”, individualism manifests changes within
(loob) and outside(labas) the person

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“loob” is the only identical factor among people’s diversity in creed,
color and status in the society. Through “loob”, there is no way that
Filipinos will have no equal chance to become worthy
individuals. The author also took note of the interplay of Western
philosophy that emphasizes modern science and technology; the
East, however, is more concerned on the inner
and personal nature of the self. The Eastern thinker is
acquainted through one’s personal experience and intuitive grasp of
reality which is of higher value than the analytical speculation.

17