Pagrespeto

Pagrespeto is a Filipino term that denotes the act or virtue of showing respect toward others, especially elders, authority figures, and those in social positions of authority. The word combines the root "respeto" (respect) with the prefix "pag-," signaling the practice or quality of respect. It is a core element of Filipino social etiquette and everyday interactions.

Expressions of pagrespeto include language forms such as using "po" and "opo" when addressing elders, as well as courteous behavior like listening attentively, avoiding disrespectful talk, and showing deference in tone and manner. Gestures such as the "mano po"—where a younger person takes the elder’s hand to the forehead as a sign of respect—are customary demonstrations of pagrespeto in family and community life. The concept also encompasses humility, consideration for others, and gratitude.

In daily life, pagrespeto guides behavior in various settings, including family environments, classrooms, workplaces, and public spaces. It frames expectations for how children address parents and elders, how students relate to teachers, and how citizens interact with community leaders and officials. While rooted in tradition, pagrespeto is also discussed in terms of mutual respect, dignity, and appropriate conduct in diverse social contexts.

Contemporary discussions of pagrespeto acknowledge its role in maintaining social harmony, while also adapting to modern norms that emphasize individual autonomy, equal treatment, and respectful communication across different cultures and in digital interactions. The concept remains a prominent aspect of Filipino values and social etiquette.