Kapwa Theory (Virgilio G. Enriquez ) In Filipino, kapwa is the unity of the “self” and “others”. Kapwa is recognition of shared identity, an inner self shared with others. The concept of kapwa as a shared inner self turns out to be very important, psychologically as well as philosophically. The term pakikipagkapwa indicate an idea, value or conviction which Filipinos consider most important. It refers to “humanness at its highest level,” as Santiago (1976) would put it. A person starts having kapwa not so much because of recognition of status given him by others but more because of his awareness of shared identity. The ako (ego) and the iba-sa-akin (others) are one and the same in kapwa psychology: Hindi ako iba sa aking kapwa (I am no different from others). Pakikipagkapwa means accepting and dealing with the other person as an equal. Kapwa theory has four core values namely pivotal interpersonal value which has the value of pakikiramdam, linking socio-personal value which has the value of kagandahang loob, accommodative personal values which has hiya, utang na loob, pakikisama and pakikipagkapwa, confrontative surface values which has bahala na, lakas ng loob and pakikibaka and societal values which has karangalan, katarungan at kalayaan. These values define the Filipinos characters. The theory is relevant to our topic because it focuses more on the values of the Filipino families since our respondents are evacuees of Botolan, Zambales. The values that are very applicable in our study are bahala na, lakas ng loob, utang na loob at kagandahan ng loob. Bahala na is defined as a “determination in the face of uncertainty.” It is not a runaway predicament. It is a form of accepting that something may happen. It is a determination to move forward in spite of the uncertainty in things. It gives the people hope. It operates one’s courage and determination. It is more on smiling in face of adversity. This tells us the phrase that “I will do my best.” It is the courage to face something. Lakas ng loob is the strength to move forward. It is an internal feeling necessary for actualizing the good not only in one’s self but also in one’s fellow man (kapwa), in one’s loob, and facilitating the “social good” in kapwa (Enriquez). The concept of kagandahang-loob (shared inner nobility) displays the characteristic internality / externality dimension of Filipino psychology. The concept is manifested through an act of generosity or kabutihan. To qualify as kagandahang-loob, such acts of generosity must spring spontaneously from the person’s goodness of heart or kabaitan. A display of kagandaahang-loob must have no motive save that of kindness and inherent graciousness. Utang na loob was single out and perpetuated as an important aspect of the Filipino national self-image. De Mesa’s (1987) analysis of utang na loob as a commitment to “human solidarity” is closer to the logic of Filipino behavior and Philippine language use: it is used as a plea prior to any favour because utang na loob, the debt owed to another person who shares a common humanity (loob), exists just because we are fellow human beings. Utang na loob is therefore a value which moves to recognize, respect, promote and at times defend the basic dignity of each person. Pakiramdam, hiya, pakikisama and pakikipagkapwa, pakikibaka, karangalan, kalayaan and katarungan are the concepts that are not relevant in our study. These concepts do not constitute our topic about optimism/ pessimism and perceived social support. Kapwa is the identity of every Filipino. It is the unity of self and others which will enable to help the people in Botolan, Zambales. It is the only concept which considers the inner and outer self. Bahala na is situated on the inner circle together with lakas ng loob in order to promote the inter self of every person. This signifies that the feelings come from within the inner self. Utang na loob and kagandahan ng loob are in the outer circle since it signifies the outer self of every individual. It is also a value that can help people to be more emphatic.
