The Possibility of an Enhanced Filipino Value of Pakikipagkapwa through Emmanuel Levinas’ Idea of Responsibility

In the Philippines, Pakikipagkapwa is one of the values that every Filipino is very proud of. It emphasizes their strong bond to other existential being and as part of acknowledging each other’s relevance. This is evidently seen in the ordinariness of their lives; in family, work, and in community in general, commonly represented by the image of a bayanihan where a group of Filipinos are helping each other. This value has formed a lot of Filipinos and somehow been known as part of their identity. However, this research aims to provide a deeper and clearer perspective to this Filipino value which begins through identifying the problems; What is the Filipino concept of Pakikipagkapwa and its gaps? How can Levinas’ idea of Responsibility possibly bridge the gaps of pakikipagkapwa that are brought by ‘hindi palagay ang loob’ and ‘kulo ng dugo’? In order to systematically provide accurate conclusion and recommendations to these problems, this work uses phenomenological hermeneutics as its approach. The researcher explored on indirect or secondary sources like books, peer reviewed journals and articles about Levinas’ Responsibility, and some relatable pieces of literature that are significant in the development of the research. The author also conducted an archival inspection to gather necessary data and information for the research. With the emerging progression of values and in riding- in with the signs of the times, this Filipino value can still be enriched by identifying some gaps and filling it in through the aid of a philosophical concept on intersubjectivity and responsibility. Emmanuel Levinas’ concept can be of great support in enhancing this Filipino value of pakikipagkapwa. The gaps which are identified in this work are hindi palagay ang loob at kulo ng dugo. These will be more elaborated and discussed especially on how they put walls on the essence of pakikipagkapwa. As a result, this work develops a more enriched concept of pakikipagkapwa which can be more applicable to the society today. It affirms of something lacking which needs to be addressed supplemented by Levinas’ philosophy of responsibility. Through the identification of the gaps, the Filipino value of Pakikipagkapwa has now the possibility to be more authentic. Instead of walls of hindi palagay ang loob at kulo ng dugo, bridges are built through Levinas’ philosophy.