INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
Hiya and Utang Na Loob: A Phenomenological Study on the Lived  
Experiences of Filipino Firstborn Children  
Britanico, Christopher A., Bagacina Cris B., Lucena Rowel C  
Iriga City, Philippines  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100488  
Received: 03 December 2025; Accepted: 10 December 2025; Published: 20 December 2025  
ABSTRACT  
In the Filipino family structure, firstborn children often bear the weight of heightened expectations, emotional  
labor, and cultural values such as hiya (shame) and utang na loob (debt of gratitude). These constructs shape  
familial interactions and individual behavior, yet little is known about how they are internalized and negotiated  
by firstborns during early adulthood. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of  
four Filipino firstborns aged 22–25 from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Through in-depth interviews  
and thematic analysis, the study uncovered how hiya serves as both a behavioral regulator and emotional  
suppressor, while utang na loob often manifests as an obligation that constrains personal agency. Participants  
described internalized sacrifice, emotional labor, and repressed autonomy as core elements of their experience.  
Findings suggest a need to re-express these cultural constructs in ways that honor family ties without  
compromising individual well-being. The study offers implications for culturally responsive mental health  
support and family education programs.  
Keywords: hiya, utang na loob, firstborn child, Filipino family, phenomenology, emotional labor  
INTRODUCTION  
The Filipino family is deeply rooted in collectivist traditions, with values like hiya (shame) and utang na loob  
(debt of gratitude) shaping not only interpersonal relations but also individual identity. These cultural norms are  
especially pronounced in the lives of panganay (firstborn children), who are often cast into roles of caregivers,  
moral compasses, and secondary parents (Alampay & Jocson, 2020). While these roles intend to cultivate  
responsibility, they may also instill pressure, self-silencing, and conflict between personal aspiration and familial  
obligation.  
Firstborn children are frequently expected to set the standard for siblings, act as emotional buffers within  
households, and offer financial or moral support regardless of their own circumstances (Peña-Alampay et al.,  
2020). This burden can be compounded by verbalized or implicit reminders of utang na loob, framing parental  
sacrifices as moral debts to be repaid. Simultaneously, the fear of being labeled “walang hiya” (shameless)  
discourages dissent, help-seeking, or even self-care.  
Despite the prevalence of these values in everyday life, few studies have centered the narratives of Filipino  
firstborns. This research seeks to fill that gap.  
Statement of the Problem  
This study sought to explore the following:  
1. How do Filipino firstborn children experience and interpret the cultural values of hiya and utang  
na loob within their family setting?  
2. In what ways do these values influence their roles, decisions, behaviors, and emotional well-being?  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
3. How do firstborns reconcile their personal goals with the expectations rooted in these cultural  
constructs?  
METHODOLOGY  
Research Design  
A phenomenological qualitative design was employed to investigate the lived experiences of firstborn children,  
allowing deep exploration of subjective perceptions around hiya and utang na loob (Creswell & Poth, 2021).  
Participants  
Four participants aged 22–25 were purposively selected. All were the eldest in their households (biologically or  
functionally), from varying economic and regional backgrounds. Pseudonyms were used for confidentiality.  
Data Collection  
Semi-structured interviews were guided by open-ended questions designed to uncover personal experiences  
related to familial roles, hiya, and utang na loob. Interviews were transcribed and member-checked for accuracy.  
Data Analysis  
Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, focusing on significant statements, formulated  
meanings, and emergent themes. Trustworthiness was enhanced through triangulation and member validation  
(Nowell et al., 2017).  
RESULTS  
Theme 1: Hiya as Behavioral Regulator and Suppressor of Needs  
Participants expressed that hiya operates as an internalized boundary—limiting emotional expression, requests  
for help, and even career choices. It served as a deterrent to confrontation and self-advocacy (Flores & Yacat,  
2021).  
“I don't ask for money, even when I’m starving. I don’t want them to think I’m shameless.” — Participant II  
Theme 2: Utang na Loob as Emotional Debt and Conditional Worth  
Rather than voluntary gratitude, participants described utang na loob as a weaponized obligation. Financial  
support was often tied to expectations of compliance.  
“They always say, ‘Don’t you have utang na loob?’ Like I owe them for every little thing.” — Participant II  
This aligns with recent re-interpretations of utang na loob as both cultural virtue and coercive tool (Garcia &  
Agbisit, 2022).  
Theme 3: Eldest Child Syndrome—Sacrifice, Compliance, and Deferred Autonomy  
Participants detailed personal sacrifices—including leaving school, suppressing dreams, and shouldering  
household responsibilities—often without recognition. These acts were described as expected, not exceptional.  
“I left school to work. No one told me to, but I knew it was my duty.” — Participant I  
Theme 4: Cultural Constructs of Worth Through Endurance  
Participants equated endurance and emotional suppression with moral character. Expressing stress or failure was  
perceived as weakness, especially when younger siblings were watching.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
“Even when I cry at school, I hide it. I’m the role model.” — Participant II  
DISCUSSION  
This study confirms that hiya and utang na loob act as powerful social regulators in Filipino families. For  
firstborn children, they produce a unique moral economy that binds self-worth to family-centered sacrifice  
(Salvador, 2023).  
While these values foster familial interdependence, they also risk distorting the firstborn’s sense of autonomy.  
Participants reported guilt for pursuing personal goals and fear of failing to meet idealized images projected by  
family members. This finding echoes research by Delos Santos and Rivera (2021) on emotional labor in Filipino  
daughters.  
Nonetheless, participants also demonstrated agency—strategically negotiating their roles and redefining hiya as  
personal dignity rather than social shame. Such adaptive meaning-making reflects the evolving identity of  
Filipino youth balancing tradition with self-determination (Reyes, 2020).  
CONCLUSION  
Filipino firstborn children carry not only the weight of birth order, but also the cultural expectations tied to hiya  
and utang na loob. These values, while rooted in collectivist respect and reciprocity, often generate emotional  
tension and behavioral suppression. Recognizing and reconstructing these cultural codes may lead to more  
equitable, nurturing family systems that honor both tradition and individuality.  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
Mental health programs should address culturally specific stressors like hiya and utang na loob in  
firstborn dynamics.  
Family life educators should promote intergenerational understanding about shifting values and the  
burden of expectations.  
Further research should explore gender differences and include middle and youngest siblings for  
comparative insights.  
REFERENCES  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
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