1
The Concept of Utang na Loob among Select Members of Generation Z in Metro Manila
Michelle Joy M Lim
1, and Sophia Luisa Beatrice M Rañola
1*1 Assumption College San Lorenzo
Mirasol S Madrid, Research Adviser
1 Assumption College San Lorenzo
Abstract: Utang na Loob is a Filipino accommodative surface value generally translated as “the
debt of the inside”. The study aimed to explore the perception of this trait by viewing select members of the Generation Z cohort’s initial concept, current view, and connection of
Utang na Loob tosocietal situations. This framework allowed the researchers to present a newfound perspective on how the youth views this phenomenon and how it may cultivate Filipino identity and culture. To accomplish this study, fifteen (15) students from senior high school had been chosen as interviewees. The interview proper had been done through the use of Zoom, a video-chatting application, to collect data using the record feature of the meeting room. Thematic analysis was then used as a basis to manually transcribe their responses and derive themes given the results of the participants. The findings had shown that Utang na Loob was overall defined as a Filipino term for extended gratitude and reciprocity. Moreover, it may also allow an individual to form meaningful connections if its practice is moderately instilled in their routines. Future researchers are recommended to deepen the understanding of the value by extending the discovery of
Utang na Loob as an evolving trait that may be connected to familial relationships, modern day society, andother accommodative surface values.
Keywords: Filipino values; utang na loob; gratitude; reciprocity; Generation Z
1. INTRODUCTION
Philippine values and morals constitute the identity of a Filipino. These principles are what shapes an individual’s motivation to do good through the standard it imposes in making choices (Quejada, 2017). In Filipino culture, the importance of upholding these values is seen through various aspects of the country. For example, it may be evident through the educational curriculum whereby conduct is graded through moral judgment (Marquez, 2017). In a more micro scale, family values are also held of the same importance as instilling socialization between the child and the parent contributes to
the growth of the relationship (Reyes & Resureccion, 2014).
As a result, there is a connection to emotion and culture when one’s [emotional] life is grounded by the customs of the country. Moreover, a study has shown that feelings related to indebtedness and shame are more present in a country that highlights the importance of togetherness (Leersnyder et. al., 2020). Another research supplements this sentiment as they had found out that Filipinos may often show the value of kapwa or self-identity which is presented when one asks for help from the other (Gabriel, 2017). To further deepen this understanding, accommodating surface values like hiya, utang na loob, and pakikisama, comes into place in regards to how Filipinos act upon their morals.
2 In the current study, Utang na Loob may be highlighted as the main variable. In simpler terms, the literal translation of the phrase is “debt of gratitude”. It may be manifested when one, voluntarily or involuntarily, offers help to another person through acts of service, seldom focusing on the monetary aspect of it (Macaranas, 2017). The beneficiary then feels the obligation to repay beyond what is due, thus, becoming a cyclical dynamic when both parties help each other through the course of their lives. Through these discoveries, it may then be implied that alliances are possibly made through the use of the practice. To illustrate, Utang na Loob is prominently exercised in a child’s recognition to honor and maintain their respect to their parents as it is indicated as a moral obligation (Alampay & Jocson, 2011). Additionally, other examples of relationships that the trait may be present in such as parent-to-child, friend-to-friend, or even stranger-to- stranger (Reyes, 2015). The power to strengthen relationships is further instilled through the recurring theme of reciprocity (Macdonald, 2013).
While interactions with others are an integral part of the lives of Filipinos, there is yet to be a discussion on how younger generations perceive Filipino cultural practices like Utang na Loob despite the implications of its early upbringing from past research. Thus, the purpose of the study is to present the virtue in a newer context by solely focusing on the cohort’s prior knowledge and interpretation of the concept. As the age range of Generation Z are from those born in 1997 to 2012, their possible experiences of working closely with online communication and advanced technology may provide new insights on how the phenomenon may cultivate Filipino identity. Their ability to create meaningful discourse amongst readers may also benefit families, humanities students, sociologists, and society as a whole because these communities may connect their own understanding of Filipino values with the behaviors discussed.
1.1. Conceptual Framework
The terms frequently discussed in this paper are Loob and Utang na Loob. In English, Loob is defined as
“inside” but may also be understood as the true self or core character of an individual. Loob falls under two categories in the Filipino Values System: cultural reciprocity (pakikiramay, mapagmalasakit, kagandahang loob, and mabuting loob) and personalism (lakas ng loob, maluwag ang loob, and kagandahang loob, mapagkaloob, saloobin, tapat na kalooban, masama ang loob and masasamang loob) (Bueno,
2013). The purpose of the system is to be the basis or organized set of ethics and morals used to describe oneself, the community or its culture (Ramos, 2015). Thus, the word
“Loob” may imply its presence in all aspects of a Filipino’s life.
Utang na Loob, on the other hand, is the literal meaning of “debt of gratitude” or “debt of the inner self” as previously mentioned. Naruum, a more indirect term to describe an individual who does not return the favors asked by the benefactor, is presented as one of many terms tracing back to the virtue (Masumi, 2017). Following that sentiment, a researcher had discovered that the likeliness of losing the original intent of community in Utang na Loob may be strong if the beneficiary puts more focus on repaying the benefactor back without thinking of building the relationship further (Cleofas, 2019). With the process of Utang na Loob fostering social interaction amongst Filipinos, it all narrows down to revisiting how this trait may connect the community then further evaluate its purpose in society as means to refine their practice of the act.
Figure 1. Variables for Research (Conceptual Mapping) With the initial background gathered by the researchers of the trait, the study aims to discover Generation Z’s concept, perspective and connection of Utang na Loob to societal situations. The researchers utilized this figure as a way to clearly examine the respondent’s depth in understanding of Utang na Loob as a communal value. With this purpose in mind, Virgilio Enriquez’s Kapwa Theory had also been integrated into the researcher to solidify a stronger understanding and need for these variables, especially since the theory describes kapwa as the basis for all Filipino values (Pe-Pua & Protacio-Marcelino, 2000). By doing so, the results gathered may be easily categorized into these three
3 determinants based on its given theme.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to further explore and understand the perspectives on the traditional Filipino concept of Utang na Loob for the youth, specifically Generation Z.
1. What is the concept of Utang na Loob for the participants?
2. How do the participants connect these concepts to their interpretation of Utang na Loob?
1.3. Assumptions
An assumption that the study had was that the participants of the study all fit the inclusion criteria and are within the age bracket of a Generation Z member. Second, they must be familiar with the concept of Utang na Loob.
Furthermore, they must have a grasp or schema about the topic which may be readily shared during the interview proper.
These assumptions ensure that the purpose of the research is being fulfilled and that the researchers are able to reach the saturation of codes.
2. METHODOLOGY
The research follows the prior connotations of the definition in Utang na Loob. It was discussed by the researchers to understand how this traditional Filipino value has affected Generation Z and how it may be exemplified in their daily situations.
The methodologies included areas such as the research design, sampling and sample, research instrument, date gather procedures and methods for data analysis. During the collection of data, the method chosen to establish the groundwork for the collection of the data was a phenomenological research design. The sampling method utilized to collect the sample of fifteen (15) high school students was a purposive study to establish Generation Z members and analyze the participant’s notions on Utang na Loob. The research instrument employed was through interviews where after doing prior research to the concept of Utang na Loob, questions were created to further elaborate on
the definition of the Filipino trait. Data gathering procedures were applied before the data itself was collected by creating consent forms to indicate the purpose behind the study. The ethical considerations indicated in the forms ensured confidentiality and safety as the information collected would remain to the study. During the interview process, the researchers confirmed the participants' involvement and then proceeded to ask the interview questions while recording.
After all the data was collected, the raw data was prepared for analysis. Data analysis was accomplished through the usage of thematic analysis, which followed six (6) steps to transcribe and collect themes present within the raw data.
2.1. Research Design
Phenomenological design was utilized as the overall guidance format for the curation of the paper. The development of the research paper utilized this design since it allowed the researchers to understand the perspectives of their participants in regards to Utang na Loob. This design is commonly used as a method for researchers to focus on the lived experiences of a group of individuals (Chambers, 2013).
The structure had allowed the researchers to properly examine the term conceptualized by Generation Z. By having this design, understanding the situations and events brought by this phenomenon were understood better as the participants described their own personal views.
2.2. Sample and Sampling
The purpose of the study was to define the concept of Utang na Loob, which allowed the researchers to select participants that were characterized as Generation Z. Fifteen (15) high school students from Metro Manila were interviewed with the requirement that they were seven to twenty-two years of age. The final sample had been chosen based on their age qualification and prior knowledge of the Filipino trait.
Additionally, the number of participants selected were distributed based on senior high school strands to obtain an inclusive perspective. This was done in order to establish an understanding on Generation Z's perception on Utang na Loob and to consider that they can provide in-depth answers on the respective trait. The selected participants were also required to have already had prior knowledge on the Filipino trait prior to the interview proper.
The researchers used purposive sampling to gather individuals from Generation Z and understand their
4 perspectives on the Filipino trait in context of a value or perceived in social situations. The data was collected via Zoom, a video-chatting application, and the interview proper had gone from April 24, 2021 to April 26, 2021, with both researchers present to conduct the interview.
2.3. Research Instrument
The instruments used during the research were semi- structured interviews and the interview protocol guidelines for flow of discussion. Adopting an interview protocol refinement framework allowed the researchers to see what needed to be improved on the work based on the length or content (Castillo- Montoya, 2016). The interviews consisted of introductory, key, and closure questions which ensured a smooth flow of answers and ensured that the participants were able to expand on their knowledge on the topic beforehand. The introductory and closure questions were utilized to make the interviewees feel comfortable at the start and towards the end of the interview. Key questions were asked in regards to their knowledge on Utang na Loob and how they may have perceived the concept integrated in their lives. Participants were also asked to discuss their personal experiences with the concept of Utang na Loob and how it can be defined based on their ideas of the concept. The process of utilizing the instrument allowed the researchers to see what needed to be improved and further discussion based on the feedback obtained.
2.4. Data Gathering Procedures
The data gathering process took time and consideration before, during, and after the data collection itself. Before the data gathering procedure and securing the consent forms prior to the interview, the researchers had to look into a review of related literature to establish a prior understanding of the concept. Interview questions were then created to pertain to the statement of the problem. Consent forms were generated to discuss all of the details behind the study and addressed the ethical considerations of the paper to be given towards the participants of the study. Considerations of the participants included that an informed consent form were given to minors who have participated in the study and it required that they were given parental guidance to participate.
The informed consent entailed what the study’s purpose was and what information was needed. It had also included the consideration of keeping the confidentiality of the participants secure by having all of the information collected from the
study deleted after the paper was submitted, ensuring their anonymity. Once finalized, the forms were sent directly to the participant via their preferred chat messaging application.
Through the usage of purposive sampling, participants were gathered together after they had confirmed their involvement through the consent forms. At the start of the data gathering process, the researchers first obtained the interviewees’ permission to record the meeting. The questions created were then given to the interviewees to first ease them into the process before establishing their definitions behind Utang na Loob. Follow-up questions were also asked when necessary. After completing the necessary amount of interviews, the researchers reiterated that their safety would not be compromised and placed the recordings into a Google Drive for transcription.
2.5. Data Analysis
Upon completing the interviews, the researchers had made use of Thematic Analysis and followed its given steps (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The first step taken was the familiarization of the raw data where the interviews taken were transcribed to identify any possible themes. Transcribing the raw data allowed the researchers to accomplish coding by highlighting the common or unique ideas present. Hence, the themes were created from the codes and had been used to identify the patterns present in the following study. After the generation of these themes, they were all reviewed and analyzed to see if they truly pertained to the statement of the problem. As a final step, the results and discussion section were written to discuss the chosen themes.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Theme 1. Utang na Loob as a Filipino value used for basis on how one acts or thinks. The theme encapsulated the participant’s perception of Filipino values as they explained that it had become a part of who they are as an individual, such that it serves as a constant reminder for them to act according to their beliefs. Values including respect, hospitality, humility, and generosity were specifically viewed by the respondents to be the standard of what an individual must meet due to the various expectations set by themselves or their peers. A handful of participants explained this statement by explaining that Filipino values are what they live by
5 throughout their everyday life [R5, R7, 24]. Thus, the findings suggest that Utang na Loob’s inclusivity may only be limited to Filipinos themselves.
3.2. Theme 2. Utang na Loob as a Filipino value that starts with a family foundation. The theme captured the participant’s portrayal of familism in connection to their moral formation as an individual. Numerous participants collectively expressed that they can recall these values as characteristics taught to them by family members, be it a parent or relative, throughout their upbringing [R1, R4, R6, R12]. This concept was further deepened by one participant who had connected values to morals that are, “… common ideas and traits that are shared amongst Filipino households” (R15). From the responses, socialization may have been prompted amongst the youth to live out these values. Familism and Utang na Loob may then be suggested to coincide with another to show gratitude toward a parental figure. Related literature may support this idea as their breakthrough anchored that an individual’s willingness to take on the roles of their parents at an early age because of Utang na Loob had hindered them from growing up normally (Teng et. al., 2021). Similarly, another study recognized that the value had grounded the offspring to upkeep their connection with family as a form of reassurance on the other end (Dominguez, 2017).
3.3. Theme 3. Utang na Loob as an act of gratitude through reciprocating a deed. The theme collated the participant’s definition of Utang na Loob as a trait that allows an individual to express thankfulness into action. This circumstance was expressed by select participants inferring that the value had become a gesture of being grateful for a deed done to the beneficiary through acts of continuous repayment [R2, R5, R6, R5]. It was notable that multiple interviewees of the current study solely focused on the value being outwardly experienced by themselves. This discovery may be in line with reciprocity for the youth to be able to utilize the trait in its entirety. Given these responses, it may be suggested that Utang na Loob could start with the act of thankfulness which is then paid forward to another benefactor. These claims may be supported through research that discovered that an act that exceeds one’s expectations may stimulate their desire to pay the deed forward (Makri & Turner, 2019).
3. 4. Theme 4. Utang na Loob as a trait working in different social settings. The theme condensed the beliefs of the participants, given that this Filipino value is being reflected in many kinds of relationships. In terms of describing the use
of this value, most of the respondents believed that Utang na Loob could be utilized in many situations that require any social interaction and relational connections. Some of the chosen participants established their beliefs on how Utang na Loob is a trait that ties individuals together with a bond founded on trust and kindness [R3, R4, R5, R7, R9, and R12].
Respondent R9 had further expressed her belief on how the value may bring a sense of unity to people.
3. 5. Theme 5. Utang na Loob as a motivation to build a sense of community. The theme have defined how Utang na Loob is used as a reminder for individuals to build a sense of community with one another and further become better assets to society through kindness. Many of the participants expressed their beliefs in regard to how Utang na Loob is in connection to being a proper Filipino citizen [R7, R13, R14, and R15]. Participant R15 mentioned that “Utang na Loob is what makes us more empathetic and makes us better assets to society”. This statement may indicate that Utang na Loob may be what helps individuals become better cohorts to society. Additionally, a handful of the respondents gave concrete examples wherein Utang na Loob might be seen in community-building. Activities for such are stated by participants like, “community pantries” [R13] that are offering people resources they may lack and “online donation drives”
[R7] where people may give their give back to a chosen community. It may then be said that a beneficiary who recognizes their social responsibility to pay a deed forward would not feel indebtedness towards the parties involved (Hlava & Elfers, 2014).
3. 6. Theme 6. Utang na Loob as a subjective value based on the individual’s usage and motive. The theme abridges the participant’s opinions regarding Utang na Loob and how it is being used by people. Some of the selected respondents replied with the sentiment that while this value is a kind act to practice, it must also be done in moderation [R2, R4, R7, R11, and R12]. R2 had brought about a brief description of her point of view, explaining that, “Utang na Loob teaches us to be humble and thankful to those who have done good things to us by returning their favor… however…
it sort of hinders us from doing what’s really right and when it becomes a form of manipulation”. Provided these statements, while Utang na Loob is a great teaching value, it is implied that it must also be limited as it may imply manipulative behavior. However, its positive and negative connotations may both be presented in different contexts, depending on how it is
6 being practiced [R12]. The definitive portrayal of Utang na Loob, thus, remains unknown due to its subjectivity.
In conclusion, Utang na Loob as a trait may begin with an act done to a beneficiary that is then reciprocated beyond the original payment of thankfulness for the benefactor. Results implied that Utang na Loob may be subconsciously present in the minds of people who believe in its purpose to strengthen connections between individuals.
Moreover, it may be utilized to instill trust within a community when used properly. Rather than completing the transaction once, the results had suggested the new idea of paying it forward to other people instead. Additionally, Utang na Loob may be indicated as a trait that may need further revision as individuals may possibly misinterpret its original intention.
With the participant’s claims surrounding a possible unspoken agreement between associations, the trait may seem to remind people to instill kindness within them without the expectation of anything in return. In comparison with other literature regarding this value, it may be implied that Utang na Loob may be a personal value rooted in the youth’s subjective understanding of it in their own life. With these discoveries, the research done may possibly allow future studies to update its current meaning with newfound knowledge on the term.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We wish to show our appreciation to Ms. Mirasol Madrid (Research in Daily Life 1 and 2 Instructor) for her guidance throughout this research. Through her feedback, the paper had been smoothly developed into its final paper. We also appreciate the participation of the interviewees who were able to provide their personal insights and information regarding Utang na Loob as it built the foundation of our research.
I (Michelle) would like to thank my family for their support during the research process as they provided assistance that gave me the strength to continue during this endeavor.
And lastly, I (Sophia) would like to acknowledge my family from whom I draw inspiration. And to my Mamita – thank you for giving me the strength I needed to make it this far. I know you’re cheering for me in heaven.
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