Interconnected Lives: Exploring Paul Ricoeur’s Philosophy and the  Filipino Concept of Kapwa in Reconstructing Narrative Identity and Solicitude for Abandoned Elderly Women

Julius Tutor; Venus Marie Pegar; Genaro Salazar

doi:10.58870/berj.v10i1.87

Authors

Julius Tutor San Beda University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7350-5005
Venus Marie Pegar Mother of Mary of Mercy Home for the Elderly and Abandoned, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
Genaro Salazar City Social Welfare and Development Office Cabuyao City, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords:

Ricouer, abandoned elderly women, sustainable development goals, solicitude, kapwa

Abstract

Despite the deep-rooted value of family in Filipino culture, a troubling shift is emerging, as cases of elderly abandonment are on the rise. This contrast between tradition and reality sparks reflection- what factors are driving this change, and how can society rekindle its commitment to caring for its elders? While several studies and conferences are currently directed toward old age, a limited rigorous attempt is directed toward a phenomenological understanding of elderly women's abandonment. Hence, the main objective of this qualitative study was to explore the intersection of kapwa and Ricoeur's philosophy that may offer ethical and practical responses to the abandonment of elderly women. The data were collected through insightful in-depth interviews, through the process of storytelling, and dynamic focus group discussions, where participants engaged in expressive art-painting activities. This creative art-activity approach not only facilitated a meaningful dialogue but also unveiled the deeper perspectives through the artistic expressions of the lolas (grannies). Applying the hermeneutical-interpretative approach of Ricoeur, in relation to the Filipino concept of kapwa, narratives were reconstructed from the three categories: literal interpretation, symbolic meaning, and language (culture) structure. The analysis revealed significant reconstructed narrative-identities: Recognition of Shared Humanity; The Role of Empathy and Solidarity; Faith and Relational Accountability, and Transformative Growth in Community. By intertwining Ricoeur's concept of solicitude (an ethical responsibility to care for others) with the Filipino cultural value of Kapwa, which emphasizes shared humanity, we can cultivate profound and culturally resonant solutions to support abandoned elderly women. This synergy not only honors tradition but also reinforces a compassionate framework for addressing their unique challenges.

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