READINGS IN THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY

(OUTCOME-BASED MODULE)

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION, MEANING AND RELEVANCE OF HISTORY

GENERAL OBJECTIVE:

This module emphasizes the relevance of studying Philippine History in the 21 st. Century. It
focuses on analyzing Philippine history from multiple perspectives based on selected primary sources
from various disciplines and genres.

SECTION 2: THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

OBJECTIVE:

This chapter discusses the basic difference between primary source and secondary source
materials, and their importance in getting a better picture of what really transpired in Philippine history.
It also identifies the different kinds of primary sources and their possible repositories.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

1. Trace the early beginnings of the country, its people and culture, and understand how they
shape our present society
2. Appreciate the different races of people in the Philippines
3. Understand the character and traits of the Filipino people

TOPICS:

1. History and Races of Filipino People

2. Philippine Pre-History
3. Early Philippine Communities
4. Pre-Colonial Period
5. Spanish Period
6. Filipino Beliefs, Culture, Customs and Traditions
7. Current Issues about Indigenous People/Community in the Philippines (with Documentary Film
Showing)

DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWING:

1. The Lifestyle of Mountain Tribe in the Philippines

http://youtu.be/puEVpKcTeZk
 2. Power and Poverty in Mining-affected Indigenous Communities – The Philippines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIPMN4nH5ug&feature=share
3. Investigative Documentaries: Indigenous Communities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1B1bFWHWbE&feature=share
4. Kulot – Isang Dokyumentaryo tungkol sa pamumuhay ng mga Aeta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN3y7ELbVzg&feature=share
5. Discrimination of Indigenous People in the Philippines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nhS0bAGF9Y&feature=share
6. Traditional Healing Practices of Indigenous People in the Philippines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hMz_AG7Pxg&feature=share

HOME ACTIVITIES:

A. Questions to Answer

1. What do creation stories tell about early Filipinos?

Previously, people lived near bodies of water. Houses were built along the sea, bay,
river, and lake shores. Caves, nipa huts, tree houses, and dwellings on stilts were the first
shelters they had. Agriculture (using the kaingin and wet methods), hunting, boatbuilding,
and trading were all common sources of income. Ten to twenty families lived in the early
villages.
The majority of early Filipinos believed in many gods, creatures, and spirits. They
appease them through a variety of rites, sacrifices, and customs. Religious beliefs and
customs in the Philippines have shifted from animism to Christianity as a result of the
country's long history of colonization.
2. How does the country’s geography affect the Filipino people?
The Philippines is an archipelago country made up of over 7,000 islands grouped into
three main groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Transportation, culture, natural
resources, livelihood, and other factors all had an impact on the Filipino people's geography.
When traveling from one province to another, an inter-island mode of transit is required.
Because of their distance, the cultures of each island may differ, although there are
abundant natural resources in every part of the Philippines.
3. Identify and describe the culture of the Indigenous People/Community of the Philippines.
The Philippines' islands are home to a diverse population of ethnic groups. The majority
of the population is made up of Austronesian (also known as Malayo-Polynesian) ethnic
groups that speak Austronesian languages. Cebuano, Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan,
Tagalog, Bicolano, Waray, Surigaonon, Zamboangueo, and Hiligaynon (also known as
Ilonggo) are ethnic groupings.
Various of these groups, notably the lowland-coastal groups, converted to Christianity
and acquired many foreign cultural features. People who are popularly referred to be
indigenous make up about 15% of the population. They are descended from the Philippines'
original settlers. Many of these tribes were completely unaffected by Spanish and American
influence, and their customs and traditions were largely preserved.
The Igorot, which includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, and Kalinga, are the most well-
known of these indigenous peoples. They live in North Luzon's Central Cordillera Mountain
Range. The Cordillera tribes are one of the few peoples in the Philippines who have
successfully resisted foreign dominance and kept their original tribal culture due to the
challenging terrain. The rice terraces of North Luzon, which have been designated as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, were built by these communities.
The Negrito are the Philippines' earliest inhabitants. They are a pre-Austronesian people
who arrived from mainland Asia 90,000 years ago. In 2004, the Negrito population was
estimated to be around 31,000 people. The Ati, who dwell in hilly areas of Negros, and the
Aeta, who live on the slopes of Mount Pinatubo, are two tribal groupings. Their lifestyles are
largely devoid of Western and Islamic influences.
Upland and lowland tribal groups are centered on Mindanao and Western Visayas in the
southern and central Philippines, while Mindoro is home to various indigenous people such
as the Mangyan.
 The Lumad, who inhabited the mountains bordering the Gulf of Davao, are a significant
tribe on Mindanao. They include the Manobo, Bukidnon of Bukidnon province, Bagobo,
Mandaya, Mansaka, and Tagakaulo. Other ethnic groups in South Cotabato include the
B'laan, Teduray, and T'boli. Another important group are the Muslim ethnic minorities, such
as the Maguindanao, Maranao and the Tausug. Although some have converted to
Christianity, they keep their animistic beliefs and practices.
4. What are the cultural influences brought about by the Asian traders to the ancient Filipinos?
The Filipinos' rituals and traditions are influenced by a mix of Malayo-Polynesian and
Hispanic cultures, as well as Chinese, Indian, Arab, and other Asian cultures. Our culture is a
powerful reflection of our long and complicated past.
Mano Po is first on the list. Children and young people traditionally greet or say farewell
to their elders by taking the elder's right hand in theirs and delicately touching the back of
the elder's palm on their forehead. It's a means of honoring the elders, and I feel it's also a
method of obtaining blessings from them. When addressing elders or superiors, Mano is a
Spanish word for "hand," and Po is used at the end of the statement. Then there's the fact
that Filipinos are among the most welcoming people you'll ever meet. Foreign guests are
treated with the utmost respect in the country. This characteristic is most noticeable during
fiestas and holidays when many Filipinos gather.
Close familial relationships, bayanihan (courtship by serenading or harana in Tagalog),
superstitious beliefs, and others are among the others. In Asia-Pacific, the Philippines is one
of only two countries with a primarily Roman Catholic population. Also noticeable in
Philippine cuisine is a rich medley of Chinese, Malay, Spanish, Mexican, American, and
Indian food. One of the most popular pastimes among Filipinos is eating out. A normal Pinoy
diet consists of at least six meals each day: breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, supper, and a
midnight snack before bed. Rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, and it is typically served
alongside other meals. Spoons, forks, and knives are frequently used by Filipinos. Some
people eat with their hands as well, particularly in casual situations and when eating
seafood.
Marriage and customs, death, society itself, Christmas in the Philippines, enjoying
fiestas, living with parents, eating with spoon and fork or with hands (also known as
Kamayan), and balikbayan boxes were all influenced.
5. How was a Chieftain selected in a barangay? Should he be considered a tyrant? Explain.
Early Filipino settlements were known as barangays. The barangay, which usually
numbered a few hundred people, was the most stable economic and political unit. There
were three broad categories in the barangay status system. The Datu and his family, as well
as Noblemen, Freeholders, and Dependents, were divided into four categories.
Sharecroppers, loan peons, war captives, and slaves were the most common Dependents. In
most cases, the Datu inherits his position. However, one can become a Datu by
demonstrating his strength and heroism in war, or by demonstrating leadership abilities or
other attributes that are beneficial to the barangay's survival.
6. Discuss how early Filipino communities live and interact with other islanders

Filipinos, or the Malays (as they were understood to have lived originally in the
Philippines), were able to contact with other islanders through trading during the pre-
colonial era. Previously, their trading method was known as barter, in which one good was
sold in return for another. Salt, for example, is exchanged for rice.

Trading was their primary means of communication, and the pre-colonial people's
primary concern at the time was survival, with little regard for territories.

Despite the fact that they speak their own language, such as Tagalog or Waray, they are
able to convey themselves more effectively through body language than through spoken
language. They also speak the same language.

They also speak a common language that allows them to communicate not only with the
other islands in the archipelago, but also with the major polities in the area, such as
Medang, Sri Vijaya, Majapahit, Ayutthaya, and other Asian languages. Aside from that, early
Filipino communities live a basic existence. Hunting, fishing, and farming are among their
 favorite pastimes. To live and improve their way of life, they trade the benefits of their labor
from these main pursuits with other islanders.

7. Which among the ancient Filipino traditions still exist at present?

Contrary to common opinion, not all of our forefathers' heinous acts have been
consigned to the dustbin of history. In reality, far from being relegated to the history books,
these techniques are very much in vogue today (some more than others).
While the most well-known of these is undoubtedly the annual self-flagellation and self-
crucifixion of penitents during Holy Week, let's take a look at some of the other old-timey
Filipino traditions that are still practiced today, particularly those that are guaranteed to
make someone's mother faint. Inserting bolitas into male genitals, binukot, pukpok, kutkot,
traditional tattooing, horsefighting, female circumcision, abortion, dueling, and whaling are
just a few examples.
8. Evaluate what race in the Philippines still exist at present and identify their differences
through their traditional practices
One of the world's largest island countries is the Philippines. The following is a list of the
country's most populous ethnic groupings.
Tagalog
Prior to the Spanish colonization of the Philippine Islands in the 16th century, little is known
about the Tagalogs' history. However, given that the majority of Filipinos are of Malay
lineage, it is reasonable to assume that the first Tagalogs were likewise of Malay descent.
Tagalogs have traditionally been interested in fishing, agriculture, and occasionally craft due
to their concentration largely in riverine areas. They are also known to trade with
neighboring countries including China, Japan, India, and others. The Tagalog people place a
high value on respect and good behavior, which is reflected in their soft-spoken language.
Tagalog life revolves around family ties as well. Tagalog culture, on the other hand, has been
impacted by Western beliefs in recent years. For example, Roman Catholicism is presently
the most widely practiced religion.
Cebuano
Between the 10th and 16th centuries, Austronasian-speaking peoples settled in the Filipino
province of Cebu. They can also be found in the provinces of Leyte, Negros Oriental, and
Negros Occidental. Cebuanos were largely active in fishing before to Spanish colonialism,
but they are now also involved in manufacturing, crafts, and other forms of food production.
Cebuanos had a variety of indigenous religions, but owing to colonization, the majority are
now Christians. Cebuanos are incredibly artistic when it comes to culture. They engage in
activities such as dancing, singing, painting, and other crafts. They also have a number of
beliefs about birth, death, and marriage, emphasizing the importance of respect, humility,
and honesty.
Ilocano
The Ilocanos are historically Malay/Austronesian people who settled in the northern part of
Luzon before the Spanish arrived. Around the 17th Century there was an uprising of the
Illocanos, as well as among other ethnic groups, against Spanish oppression. Their major
activities include rice farming, salt production, and a significant amount of fishing. Some
cultural rites observed center around marriage, funerals, and rites of passage. Emphasis
among the Illocanos is on independence through hard work, respect and tolerance for the
feelings of others. They are also primarily Roman Catholics, but some also practice religious
syncretism.
Visayan (Bisaya)
The Visayan settled in the Visayan Islands around 30,000 years ago. Today, they are
concentrated in the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Cebu. They are
mainly involved in the activities of farming and lumbering. Visayans are rarely involved in
foreign trade, but they trade crops such as tobacco and coconut with other islands. Visayans
place more importance on the present life than after-life. This is reflected in their
adventurous and comfort-seeking lifestyle. The main religion among Visayans is also Roman
Catholicism.
Hiligaynon
These are Austronesian language speakers who are a subdivision of the Visaya ethnic group.
They are mainly found in the Western Visaya region. Some of their economic activities
include rice and sugarcane farming, fishing, and textile production. The Hiligaynons believe
that every deed comes with reward or punishment as the case may be. They have a very rich
culture which includes very significant festivals. One of these is Dinagyang, which is a
celebration of the baby Jesus in the form of a statue.  
Bikol
Bikolanos are descendants of Southern Chinese immigrants. They mainly occupy the
Southern peninsula of Luzon. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bikolano economy,
 especially in such crops as banana, coconut, rice and corn. Co-operation among family
members is highly emphasized in various aspects, including providing financial support to
one's family. They are generally conservative in nature, while laying emphasis on education.
Bikolanos have a host of cultural festivals, the most grand being the "Our Lady of
Penafrancia" festival. This festival involves the celebration of the statue of the Virgin Mary,
mother of Jesus.
Waray
Warays are also a subdivision of the Visayans that migrated to the  Philippines during the
Iron Age. They mostly inhabit the Islands of Leyte and Samar, which are largely
underdeveloped. The main economic activities of the Waray people is farming and fishing,
and the major cash crop is coconut. They are also involved in wine production. Warays are
deeply involved in faith-healing rituals, which is the use of folk medicine, prayers or symbols
to effect healing of various ailments.
Chinese Filipinos
These are Filipinos of Chinese ancestry who have arrived in the Philippines, especially those
coming by way of migration from China. It is estimated that at least 2.5% of Filipinos can
trace their ethnicity to China. 
Other Groups
Other ethnic groups in the Philippines include the Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Kalinga,
Ifugao, and Kankaney. Some of these ethnicities are subcultures or subdivisions of other
groups. Hence, they share similar cultures with the above groups. These groups mostly
occupy various locations on Luzon Island. Some other populations come from overseas,
bringing with them their own cultures. These include Koreans, Japanese, Indonesians, and
several others.
9. Identify some of the Filipino values that we still need to maintain and improve now-a-days.
Some of the Filipino values that we still need to maintain and improve now-adays are being
compassionate, hard work and industry, spirit of kinship and camaraderie, ability to survive,
faith and religiosity, pakikipagkapwa-tao, flexibility, adaptability and creativity, being joyful
and humorous, family orientation and hospitality.
10. How culture and traditions shape the mentality and life of the Filipinos?

Culture and tradition play important roles in one’s life. Not just by the fact that they lead and
drive the people to their way of life but they also serve as the key to one’s identity. But having
the notion that we are driven by our culture and traditions makes us separated from one
another. Even in political and economical perspective, our social and cultural interests were
the ones that we sought to look after upon deciding what is good and for our own purposes. It
is true that in this century, we were not able to identify with ourselves that we are indeed
separated from one another. For us, it is already embedded in our everyday lives. We may not
notice it but this is the reality that seems ordinary to us.

In the Philippines, I must say that we as Filipinos have our own consciousness that lies in the
ethnolinguistic culture and tradition in which where we came from. We only call ourselves as a
Filipino by citizenship but our nationality is rooted in the region where we belong. State for
example, one foreigner might simply ask “Who are you, and where did you came from?” and a
Filipino’s response is “I am an Igorot, from Ifugao, Philippines.” Rather by saying I am a
Filipino, our response will always be in terms of our regional identity. Another example is the
fact that the Muslims in Mindanao called themselves as Bangsa Moro for they wanted to have
their own identity separated from the state.
Tradition and culture are the sole reasons for having an identity marker.

REFERENCES:

 Casal, Fr. Gabriel S., et al. Kasaysayan, The Story of the Filipino People. Volume II, Asia
Publishing Company Limited, 1998
 Civil Society Organizations, Ethnic-Interfaith Relations and Democratization. Social
Science Information, Vol. 31, No. 2, July-December 2003
 Constantino, Renato and Letizia R. Constantino. The Phiippines: A Past Revisited.
Quezon City: Renato Constantino, 1993
 Corpuz, Onofre D. The Roots of the Filipino Nation. Vol. II. Quezon City: AKLAHI
Foundation, Inc. 1989
 Cortes, Rosario M. et al. The Filipino Saga, History as Social Change. Quezon City: New
Day Publishers, 2000
 John Lee P. Candelaria, Veronica C. Alphora (2018). RBS Readings in Philippine History
(1st. Ed.). Rex Bookstore, Inc.
 Nestor M. Asuncion, Geoffrey Rhoel C. Cruz, Bernardino C. Ofalia. Readings in Philippine
History. C & E Publishing, Inc., 2019