MANILA, Philippines — A new discussion paper released under the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) is examining how data science and predictive analytics may be used to better understand pakikipagkapwa, a core value in Filipino psychology that emphasizes shared identity, empathy, and relational harmony within communities.
The study explores the potential use of computational tools such as machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify patterns of social interaction grounded in Filipino cultural values. It frames Sikolohiyang Pilipino, pioneered by Virgilio Enriquez, as a foundational framework for developing culturally grounded models of human behavior.
The paper was authored by Vladimer B. Kobayashi, Maria Margarita R. Lavides, Cristabel F. Tiangco, Purisima P. Panlilio, Remi E. De Leon, and Angela D. Carreon under the UP CIDS Data Science for Public Policy Program initiative. It proposes an analytics-based framework for examining dimensions of kapwa, including empathy, trust-building, and communal decision-making.
Researchers outlined three main directions for the proposed framework: data-driven validation of behavioral patterns linked to indigenous interpersonal values, interdisciplinary integration between psychology and computational science, and policy relevance for designing more culturally responsive social welfare programs.
The study also discusses how modeling pakikipagkapwa may contribute to the development of human-centered artificial intelligence systems and social technologies that better reflect Filipino identity, rather than relying solely on Western behavioral models.
While noting the complexity of quantifying cultural concepts, the authors said computational approaches may expand social science research tools, particularly in understanding how trust, cooperation, and collective well-being emerge in local contexts.
The authors emphasized that grounding data science in Filipino psychological frameworks such as Sikolohiyang Pilipino may help ensure that emerging technologies and policy applications remain culturally sensitive, context-aware, and aligned with community-based realities.values could help ensure that emerging technologies and policy systems remain socially inclusive and culturally aligned with lived community experiences.
DC Alviar
Professor DC Alviar is a tenured associate professor at National University (NU) Manila and a steering committee member of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He has contributed to NU's community extension initiatives that introduced the five disciplines of a learning organization (Senge, 1990) to communities within a local government unit. He writes and edits local reports for Mega Scene. He graduated with Master of Development Communication (MDC) and Doctor of Communication (DComm) degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Open University in Los Baños and was awarded with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) SIKAP grant. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Adamson News and his high school publication Ang Ugat.
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
