Pag(m)ulat: Philippine Studies Colloquium 1

Perseville U. Mendoza, PhD | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment 

What does it mean to be a Filipino researcher? Perhaps the question may also be framed differently: what does it mean to be both Filipino and a researcher? This question may be understood as a question about identity as much as it can be a question of methodology. In many ways, to be Filipino and to be a researcher means being informed by views of the self, of social space, and of knowledge, that may be characteristic of the Filipino mind. In other words, being a Filipino researcher means approaching research in a manner that recognizes certain values, and considering how such concepts, ranging from loob (inner self) and kapwa (shared/fellow self), to katotohanan (truth) and katibayan (evidence) may be relevant alongside mainstream frameworks.

This talk aims to open a space for discussion and contribute to the discourse on Filipino research by exploring the potential methodological and epistemological significance of some key Filipino concepts.

Keywords: Loob (inner self), kapwa (shared/fellow self), natitikman (‘can be experienced’), karunungan (knowledge)

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Paolo Palasan Aquino, BAdvSci (Hons) | School of Psychology, University of Auckland

As a Filipino (researcher) in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is important to consider our position as tangata Tiriti — or the more nuanced and adapted term, kapwang-Tiriti. Understanding our situatedness within Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Filipino immigrants informs how to approach the question: What does it mean to be a Filipino researcher? This involves a conscious effort to work in partnership with communities, rather than conducting research or interventions on them. This aligns with the role of the scribe, who collaborates with communities to document, amplify, and support their own goals and initiatives. The scribe and kapwang-Tiriti role underscore the importance of relational ethics, where the researcher functions as an ally and advocate, using their expertise to help communities achieve self-determined outcomes. This talk will explore the ethical considerations of who sets the agenda, designs, and leads community projects from a Sikolohiyang Pilipino approach, ensuring research prioritises community interests first.

Keywords: Positionality, kapwang-Tiriti, Sikolohiyang Pilipino, relational ethics, scribe, community psychology

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Eunice Gaerlan, PhD | Auckland University of Technology & PH Studies Network NZ

Moderator

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