What is 'utang na loob' and why is it relevant among Filipino families? Psychologist answers

Utang na loob, the act of returning the help you received from someone who has done something significant in your life, has long been ingrained in Filipino culture.

Over the years however, the concept of utang na luob has come to mean something negative, it's been redefined as something toxic even.

But according to board-certified psychologist Dr. Anna Tuazon, it shouldn't be that way.

In an episode of "The Howie Severino Podcast," Tuazon said "Hindi naman siya [utang na luob] inherently problematic."  

"Utang na loob as an indigenous value actually means, 'hindi lang ito transaction'," she said.

In fact, Tuazon emphasized that as part of Filipino values, utang na luob signals a relationship. “Utang na loob means because you helped me, kapwa na tayo. This is now a valued relationship of mine. And I will treat you like family," she continued.

The psychologist admitted seeing the concept's meaning distorted saddens her.

"Utang na loob has become such a bad word, especially for young people now," she said. “Parang na-distort siya into something transactional.”

“Utang na loob is not something demanded. Just like respect in a way, right? It is something that is forged through trust, through trust and a bond," she added.

In the case of children helping their parents financially by the time they earn for themselves, Dr. Tuazon said there's no problem about it, so long as they keep some for themselves.

"So kung ako ngayon, as a new mom, if ever my son helps me, I wanna make sure it's not at his expense," she said.

"And then make sure, kung adult na sila, 'di ba, if they want to seek their own spouse, start their own families, that we don't get in the way," she added.

Photo: John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News