This paper reviews Western literature on perception of personal control in achievement situations in light of the writer's findings from a Filipino research program. It is concluded that while, on the' one hand, the Western concept of `personal control' and several of the better known measuring instruments are valid for use in the Philippines, on the other, some of the most consistent findings from Western research-namely those related to sex and SES differences-may not be applicable to the Philippines. However, the association between internalising responsibility for academic achievement and actual academic grades is found to be present in the Filipino classroom. Reasons for this finding and implications for further research and for remedial educational programs are advanced.