Serve with heart: Filipino way of moral public service

Historically, Filipino public service has been deeply rooted in religious and moral beliefs, evolving from precolonial traditions to a system founded on nationalism and love.

- By ERIC DS. EBRO

Before the arrival of the Spanish, precolonial Filipinos had their own religious beliefs centered on deities like Bathalang Maykapal. The babaylan or katalonan, who were priestesses and healers, held a highly regarded position and their beliefs influenced political and social life. The practice of trial by ordeal during this time is an example of the strong religious influence on policy.

The Spanish introduced a new belief system that led to the conversion of many Filipinos. This period, known as the Frail-ocracy, saw an incomparable amalgamation of the Church and State, where friars had significant influence over political and economic affairs. Despite the abuses of the Frailocracy, Filipinos never lost their core sense of morality.