Intersecting Kapwa, Resilience, and Empowerment: A Case Study of Filipinos in Hawai'i During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Previous research on Filipino American resilience and empowerment is limited in its study of Filipino values. To understand how Filipino Americans address adversity from their cultural perspective, this study explores the intersection between the Filipino kapwa value system and constructs of resilience and empowerment among Filipinos in Hawai'i in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventeen semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using narrative analysis. Two values emerged in both participants' resilience and empowerment narratives: kapwa (shared identity) and karangalan-dangal (internal dignity); five Filipino values emerged among resilience narratives: kagandahang-loob (acts of goodwill), pakikisama (companionship), lakas ng loob (inner strength), hiya (propriety), and bahala na (determination); and five values emerged among empowerment narratives: pakikibaka (resistance), pakiramdam (shared inner perception), karangalan-puri (external dignity), utang ng loob (debt of gratitude), and katarungan (justice). Limitations, future directions, and implications for practice, policy, and research regarding Filipino Americans are also discussed.