Dissolving the “tingi” culture

Going to different foreign countries made me realize how little trade is in the Philippines. I noticed that buying and selling products in small quantities was not a common practice in countries like Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea, as one would usually see in “sari-sari” shops in the Philippines. The sight of small packages or envelopes covering the shelves – from branded products such as shampoo and conditioner to small plastic bags of vegetable oil and soy sauce – was a vivid image of what is often described as the “envelope economy”.

The term “pouch economy” describes the widespread practice of selling goods in small, affordable quantities. This is embodied in the Filipino custom of “tingi,” which has its roots in the phrase “konting hingi,” meaning asking for something more. Historically, this practice arose from bartering with Chinese merchants, where Filipinos would negotiate for small amounts of foreign goods. Today, tingi manifests itself in everyday transactions in local sari-sari shops, where consumers buy just enough for their daily needs.

Marketing insights show that Filipino consumers prefer to “try something new” (tikim) or have “a little bit of a variety” (patingi-tingi). This consumption habit led manufacturers to package their products in envelopes, making them affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

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The affordability of sachet products makes it desirable to buy in bulk, especially for those with limited financial resources. This allows them to buy only what they need, such as enough oil to fry bangus for dinner, without having to spend on a larger quantity that they cannot afford. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that more than 17 million Filipinos were living below the poverty line in 2023, making the sachets a crucial means of accessing essential goods.

While tingi is prevalent among the poor, it is ingrained in the broader Filipino culture, reflecting a “live every day” mentality. This mindset is tied to the economic realities of many Filipinos, who often buy only what their budget allows. Buying a stick of cigarette, half a garlic clove, or a single banana is uniquely Filipino and exhibits a cultural trait of making do with what is available.

However, the widespread use of envelopes has significant environmental consequences. In 2019, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives reported that Filipinos consume 164 million plastic bags daily, contributing to the country’s plastic waste problem. Most of this waste ends up in landfills or the ocean due to poor waste management practices. While corporations blame consumers, especially the poor, for improper waste segregation, research suggests that manufacturers should be held accountable for producing single-use plastics.

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The tingi culture, while rooted in Filipino adaptability and creativity, ultimately supports a profit-driven model at the expense of consumers. Small sachets and packages create the illusion that everyone can afford their needs, masking the underlying problem of poverty. Uncovering the tingi culture reveals that what began as a practical approach to resource management has evolved into a system that prioritizes corporate profit over consumer welfare.

Nick Joaquin, a Filipino writer and journalist, describes Filipino heritage as one of smallness – from the barangay to the sari-sari shop to the practice of tingi. This legacy of smallness is linked to a subsistence lifestyle and survival strategies in the face of economic challenges. Therefore, the tingi mentality is deeply rooted in the Filipino psyche, shaped by historical and cultural factors.

The tingi culture highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Filipinos, but also underscores the need for systemic change. While it provides immediate relief from financial constraints, it perpetuates a cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. In order to move forward, it is essential that we address the root causes of the envelope economy and promote sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. Uncovering tingi culture can help us navigate these complexities and advocate for a more equitable and sustainable future.

As we celebrate the ingenuity of tingi, let’s also push for solutions that go beyond piecemeal solutions. It is time to challenge the status quo and envision a Philippines where economic practices do not compromise the integrity of the environment or the well-being of its people. By doing so, we honor the true spirit of Filipino resistance and pave the way for lasting change.

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Nina D. Resurreccion, 25, is a research associate at the University of the Philippines, School of Urban and Regional Planning. He graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 2022 with a degree in sociology.