Readings in The Behavioral Sciences - Session 2

Philippine Normal University
The National Center for Teacher Education

College of Graduate Studies and Teacher Education Research
Readings in the Behavioral Sciences Session 2
Al Jerome B. Orocio Dr. Enrico Omael Khalil Sharif B. Garcia

MAeD - History Teaching January 14, 2017
Reaction Paper:
1. The Call for Indigenization by Yogesh Atal (1)
Indigenization is the call Yogesh Atal is sponsoring. In essence, he wishes, supports and makes efforts in
order to indigenization to take hold on a global scale. But what is indigenization, he admits that this from the start
becomes a problem on its own. Majority of people “understand” what he means about indigenization but no one
can give an absolute definition of the said term. He advocates several changes in how to a nation, groups and
individuals need to perceive and act on several disciplines such as history, social sciences just to name a few.
Indigenization as a concept is the movement proposed by Atal that aims to perceive and formulate ideas,
philosophies, attitude and sciences in a manner that can be called “of their own”. No one can deny the fact that
majority of ideas, concepts, philosophies among others are dominated and somewhat dictated by the Western
and established countries/nations. It is as if the only correct and standard should be those that are the ones
established by the West. In line with this, Atal calls on individual nations or even individuals that is about time to
make a stand and have their “own”.
I see Mr. Atal’s move as a deconstruction of the established structures implemented and imposed by the
West. He aims to change as how things should be treated and analyzed. Seeing things in the eyes of the ones who
really are involved and participants makes a more sensible and meaningful analysis and perception of certain
issues at hand.
2. The Need for the Indigenization of the Social Sciences by Jan J. Loubser (2)
Mr. Loubser wrote “The Need for the Indigenization of the Social Sciences”. It is his intention to seek and
find true indigenization, “…para sa tunay na indihenisasyon.” He hopes to create awareness of indigenization of
the National level.
He enumerated several Aspects and Factors that have shaped and influenced Indigenization. He
reiterated that such things have affected and is still affecting all efforts to put indigenization into action. He also
emphasized that despite all the things mentioned, the “elitists” (European and West) still dominate the scene in
terms of Social Sciences.
All the writings of Mr. Loubser indeed has significance in the attempt of putting indigenization into good
use and put it in action. It is just seemingly an insurmountable challenge that indigenization faces. But in general,
an endeavor will not succeed unless it is started, in my opinion, indigenization can soar if only it will be taught and
given to its potential practitioners/participants. As of now, I do not see anyone or any efforts to inform/educate
the people of the importance and merits of indigenization. Lastly, indigenization will eventually get its much-
deserved attention and respect, one baby step at a time but we will eventually get there.
3. The Social Science of Crisis and the Crisis of Philippine Social Science by Randy David (3)
Mr. Randy David, a well-known journalist wrote this short essay in the attempt to highlight an observation
regarding the status of Social Science in the country (Philippines). He started off with how he sees Filipinos
perceives and acts when faced with a crisis. He pointed out though that people have a different view of what to
consider a crisis and has a different levels of significance to each individual.
He highlighted in his essay that the people, after considering a stimulus as indeed a “crisis”; has the
tendency to seek help/explanation from what they perceived as the “authorities” or superiors. Unfortunately,
these “superiors” are also at a loss due numerous circumstances and factors.
Furthermore, Mr. David pointed out that where are the “intellectuals” when these so-called crises arises?
He highlighted that these “social scientists”, analysts, etc. do exists and makes their usual academic/intellectual
analysis and studies. Unfortunately, according to Mr. David; their works are unreachable and unfathomable by the
masses who in fact should be included since they are stakeholders in these issues/crises that these “intellectuals”
try to explain and analyze.
Lastly, in essence; Mr. David’s writing points out that there should be an attempt to bridge the gap
between the intellectuals and the masses. It is to the best interest of everyone if only all actions and studies are
inclusive in nature wherein all can benefit.
4. Western Influences on Social Science in the Philippines by Wilfrido V. Villacorta (4)
An article written by Mr. Wilfrido V. Villacorta, “Western Influences on Social Science in the Philippines”
has the intention of highlighting the magnitude of western influences on our very own Sciences (Philippines). He
made efforts in enumerating various instances that show the clear influence of the West on our own Sciences.
The article clearly outlines the influences and the possible reasons behind such event. It is unfortunate
that despite the fact that our country is already a free country (legally and officially), one can definitely say that
our minds are still slaves of the Western colonizers. It is very obvious that in terms of thinking, concepts,
standards and procedures; we are still abiding by the things imposed by our colonizers.
Fortunately, some individuals such Renato Constantino and Teodoro Agoncillo among others have strived
to truly represent, study and present our history and social sciences in what can be perceived as the Filipino way.
There are numerous efforts sprouting from different individuals and groups that aims to stir away from our
colonizers’ influences (and even other Western influences) and uplift the “Filipino” ways of doing things.
Finally, I see that these efforts to stir away from Western influences is indeed to the benefit of our
country as a whole. But I say that, despite the efforts; we must still be aware of the trends happening
internationally while simultaneously keeping and preserving our identity, we are Filipinos.

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Philippine Normal University

The National Center for Teacher Education

Readings in the Behavioral Sciences Session 2

Al Jerome B. Orocio Dr. Enrico Omael Khalil Sharif B. Garcia

1. The Call for Indigenization by Yogesh Atal (1)

4. Western Influences on Social Science in the Philippines by Wilfrido V. Villacorta (4)

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