Unpacking the culture of ‘tingi’

Going to different foreign countries made me realize how small the Philippines’ commerce is. 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 typically see in “sari-sari” stores in the Philippines. The sight of small packages or sachets lining shelves—from branded products like shampoo and conditioner to small plastic bags of vegetable oil and soy sauce—painted a vivid picture of what is often described as the “sachet economy.”

The term “sachet economy” describes the widespread practice of selling goods in small, affordable quantities. This is embodied in the Filipino custom of “tingi,” which traces its roots to the phrase “konting hingi,” meaning asking for a little bit more of something. Historically, this practice emerged from bartering with Chinese traders, where Filipinos would negotiate for small quantities of foreign goods. Today, tingi manifests in everyday transactions at local sari-sari stores, where consumers buy just enough for their day-to-day needs.

Marketing insights reveal that Filipino consumers prefer to “try out something new” (tikim) or have “a little of a variety of things” (patingi-tingi). This consumer habit has led manufacturers to package their products in sachets, making them affordable and accessible to a broader audience.

The affordability of sachet products makes buying in tingi desirable, especially for those with limited financial resources. This allows them to purchase 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 there were more than 17 million Filipinos living below the poverty line in 2023, making sachets a crucial means for them to access essential goods.

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

However, the widespread use of sachets has significant environmental consequences. In 2019, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives reported that Filipinos consume 164 million plastic sachets 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 improper waste segregation on consumers, particularly the poor, research suggests that manufacturers should be held accountable for producing single-use plastics.

The tingi culture, while rooted in Filipino adaptability and creativity, ultimately supports a profit-driven model at the expense of consumers. Sachets and small packages create an illusion that everyone can afford necessities, masking the underlying issue of poverty. Unpacking the culture of tingi 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 store to the practice of tingi. This heritage of smallness is linked to a subsistence lifestyle and survival strategies in the face of economic challenges. The tingi mentality, therefore, is deeply embedded in the Filipino psyche, shaped by historical and cultural factors.

The culture of tingi highlights the resilience and resourcefulness 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. To move forward, it is crucial to address the root causes of the sachet economy and promote sustainable practices that benefit both the people and the planet. Unpacking the culture of tingi can help us navigate these complexities and advocate for a more equitable and sustainable future.

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

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