West Visayas State University

Janiuay Campus
(Formerly Janiuay Polytechnic College, Don Tiburcio A. Lutero Nat’l Comp.
High School, Janiuay Nat’l Comp. High School, Janiuay National
Vocational High School, Janiuay High School)
Janiuay, Iloilo, Philippines
*Trunkline: (063) (033) 317-1894
* Website: janiuay.wvsu.edu.ph *Email Address: [email protected]

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 Greetings!

Welcome learners to your SS 110, Readings

in Philippine History!
I. Course No. and Title: SS 103 Readings in Philippine History
II. Course Description:

This course critically analyzes Philippine history from multiple perspectives through the
lens of selected primary sources. Priority will be given to primary sources that describe the
important turning points in Philippine history from prehistoric times up to the contemporary
period and articulate various perspectives. The approach, though historical, will deal with
interdisciplinary subjects so as to broaden and deepen the student’s understanding of
Philippine political, economic, social and cultural history and equip the learner with the
competencies necessary to analyze and evaluate different types of information: print, visual
and audio-visual, and quantitative. The end goal is to develop the historical and critical
consciousness of the students so that they will become versatile, broad-minded, morally
upright and responsible citizens.

Thank you and keep safe everyone!

Meaning, We do not learn for school, but

for life…
By: Seneca

PAGES

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CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 4-16
LESSON 1 BASIC CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION
LESSON 2 SOURCES OF HISTORICAL DATA

CHAPTER 2
CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED PRIMARY
SOURCES 16-58

LESSON 1 HOW TO ANALYZE PRIMARY SOURCES

LESSON 2 FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD
LESSON 3 CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS
LESSON 4 WORKS OF JUAN LUNA ANO FERNANDO AMORSOLO
LESSON 5 THE POLITICAL CARICATURES
LESSON 6 THE SPEECH OF CORAZON C. AQUINO
LESSON 7 THE ACT OF PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE FILIPINO
PEOPLE
(ACTA DE LA PROCLAMACIÓN DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DEL PUEBLO FILIPINO)
LESSON 8 THE KARTILYA OF THE KATIPUNAN

CHAPTER 3
Controversies and Conflicting Views in Philippine History 59-76

Lesson 1 The Need for Studying Controversies and Conflicting Views

CHAPTER 4
Social, Political, Economic, and Cultural Issues in
Philippine History 76-133

CHAPTER 5
Promoting and Preserving Historical and Cultural Heritage 133-192

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 CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
LESSON 1

At the end of the unit, students must have:

1. Learned how to identify the credible and authentic primary sources

2. Made an assessment on the provenance of authentic sources.
3. Differentiated between the primary and secondary sources
4. Understood the events and its historical facts contained in the primary
account.

THE MEANING OF HISTORY

HISTORY is derived from the Greek word historia which means learning by inquiry.
The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, looked upon history as the systematic accounting of a
set of natural phenomena, that is, taking into consideration the chronological
arrangement of the account. This explained that knowledge is derived through
conducting a process of scientific investigation of past events.

The word History is referred usually for accounts of phenomena, especially

human affairs in chronological order. There are theories constructed by historians
in investigating history: the factual history and the speculative history. Factual history
presents readers the plain and basic information vis-à-vis the events that took place
(what), the time and date with which the events happened (when), the place with
which the events took place, and the people that were involved (who). Speculative
history, on the other hand, goes beyond facts because it is concerned about the
reasons for which events happened (why), and the way they happened (how). "It tries
to speculate on the cause and effect of an event (Cantal, Cardinal, Espino &
Galindo, 2014).

History deals with the study of past events, Individuals who write about history
are called historians. They seek to understand the present by examining what went
before. They undertake arduous historical research to come up with a meaningful and
organized rebuilding of the past. But whose past are we talking about? This is the basic
question that the historian needs to answer because this sets the purpose and
framework of a historical account. Hence, a salient feature of historical writing is the
facility to give meaning and impact value to a group of people about their past. The

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practice of historical writing is called historiography, the traditional method in doing
historical research that focus on gathering of documents from different libraries and
archives to form a pool of evidence needed in making a descriptive or analytical
narrative. The modern historical writing does not only include examination of
documents but also the use of research methods from related areas of study such as
archaeology and geography.

THE LIMITATION OF HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE

The incompleteness of records has limited man's knowledge of history. Most

human affairs happen without leaving any evidence or records of any kind, no artifacts,
or if there are, no further evidence of the human setting in which to place surviving
artifacts. Although it may have happened, but the past has perished forever with only
occasional traces. The whole history of the past (called history-as-actuality) can be
known to historian only through the surviving records (history-as-record), and most of
history as-record is only a tiny part the whole phenomenon. Even the archaeological
and anthropological discoveries are only small parts discovered from the total past.
Historians study the records or evidences that survived the time. They tell
history from what they understood as a credible part of the record. However, their
claim may remain variable as there can be historical records that could be discovered,
which may affirm or refute those that they have already presented. This explains the
incompleteness of the object that historians study.

HISTORY AS THE SUBJECTIVE PROCESS OF RE-CREATION

From the incomplete evidence, historians strive to restore the total past of
mankind. They do it from the point of view that human beings live in different times
and that their experiences maybe somehow comparable, or that their experiences may
have significantly differed contingent on the place and time. For the historian, history
becomes only that part of the human past which can be meaningfully reconstructed
from the available records and from inferences regarding their setting.

In short, the historian's aim is verisimilitude (the truth, authenticity, plausibility)

about a past. Unlike the study of the natural science that has objectively measurable
phenomena, the study of history is a subjective process as documents and relics are

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scattered and do not together comprise the total object that the historian is studying.
Some of the natural scientists, such as geologists and paleo-zoologists who study
fossils from the traces ofa perished past, greatly resemble historians in this regard,
but they differ at certain points since historians deal with human testimonies as
well as physical traces.

HISTORICAL METHOD AND HISTORIOGRAPHY

The process ot critically examining and analyzing the records and survivals of
the past is called historical method. The imaginative reconstruction of the past from
the data derived by that process is called historiography. By means of historical method
and historiography (both of which are frequently grouped together simply as historical
method), the historian endeavours to reconstruct as much of the past of mankind as
he/she can. Even in this limited effort, however, the historian is handicapped. He/She
rarely can tell the story even of a part of the past as it occurred. For the past conceived
of as something that actually occurred places obvious limits upon the kinds of record
and of imagination that the historian may use. These limits distinguish history from
fiction, poetry, drama, and fantasy.

Historical analysis is also an important element of historical method. In historical

analysis, historians: (1) select the subject to investigate; (2) collect probable sources
of information on the subject; (5) examine the sources genuineness, in part of in
whole; and (4) extract credible particulars from the sources (or parts of sources).
The synthesis of the particulars thus derived is historiography. Synthesis and analysis
cannot be entirely separated since they have a common ground, which is the ability to
understand the past through some meaningful, evocative and convincing historical or
cross-disciplinary connections between a given historical issue and other historical
contexts, periods, or themes.

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Activity 1
Match the items in column A with the items in column B. Write the letter of the correct
answer.
A B

1. Incompleteness of records has A. verisimilitude limited man's

knowledge of history B. historia
2. These are raw materials out of C. interpretative
which history maybe written. D. historical impartiality
3. This historical method historians E. historiography
investigate, collects and examine F. artifacts or documents
sources G. limitation of historical knowledge
4. Historian’s ability to reconstruct historical events. H. Aristotle
5. Historians aim of searching the I. historical method
truth, authenticity and plausibility J. historical analysis
6. Objects or things that have since K. historical bias
been forgotten or the experience of
generation long dead.
7. The practice of historical writing
8. Learning by inquiry
9. Historical objectivity
10. The process of critically examining and analyzing the records and survivals of the
past.

Activity 2.
Give a concise explanation/discussion on the following items.
1. How important historical writings are to a person, group/race, and country? Explain.
2. Discuss the importance of historical analysis.
3. How do you give meaning to a so called "history”? Explain.
4 Explain the difference between factual history and speculative history.

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LESSON 2

SOURCES OF HISTORICAL DATA

HISTORICAL DATA are sourced from artifacts that have been left by the past.
These artifacts can either be relics or remains, or the testimonies of witnesses to the
past. Thus, historical sources are those materials from which the historians construct
meaning. To rearticulate, a source is an object from the past or a testimony concerning
the past on which historians depend to create their own depiction of that past. A
historical work or interpretation is thus the result of such depiction. The source
provides evidence about the existence of an event; and a historical interpretation is an
argument about the event.

Relics or “remains”. whose existence offer researchers a clue about the past.
For example, the relics or remains of a prehistoric settlement. Artifacts can be found
where relics of human happenings can be found, for example, a potsherd, a coin, a
ruin, a manuscript, a book, a portrait, a stamp, a piece of wreckage, a strand of hair, or
other archaeological or anthropological remains. These objects, however, are never the
happenings or the events; if written documents, they may be the results or the records
of events. Whether artifacts or documents, they are materials out of which history may
be written (Howell and Prevenier, 2001).

Testimonies of witnesses, whether oral or written, may have been created to

serve as records or they might have been created for some other purposes. All these
describe an event, such as the record of a property exchange, speeches, and
commentaries. The historian deals with the dynamic or genetic (the becoming) as well
as the static (the being) and aims at being interpretative (explaining why and how
things happened and were interrelated) as well as descriptive (telling what happened,
when and where, and who took part). Besides, such descriptive data as can be derived
directly and immediately from surviving artifacts are only small parts of the periods to
which they belong. A historical context can be given to them only if they can be placed
in a human setting. The lives of human beings can be assumed from the retrieved
artifacts, but without further evidence the human contexts of these artifacts can never
be recaptured with any degree of certainty.

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WRITTEN SOURCES OF HISTORY

Written sources are usually categorized in three ways: (1) narrative or literary,
(2) diplomatic or juridical, and (3) social documents

1. Narrative or literature are chronicles or tracts presented in narrative form,

written to impart a message whose motives for their composition vary widely. For
example, a scientific tract is typically composed in order to inform contemporaries or
succeeding generations; a newspaper article might be intended to shape opinion; the
so-called ego document or personal narrative such as a diary or memoir might be
composed in order to persuade readers of the justice of the author's actions, a novel or
film might be made to entertain, to deliver a moral teaching, or to further a religious
cause, a biography might be written in praise of the subject's worth and achievements
(a panegyric, a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something or
hagiography, the writing of the lives of saints). A narrative source 1s therefore broader
than what is usually considered fiction (Howell & Prevenier, 2001).

2. Diplomatic sources are understood to be those which document/record an existing

legal situation or create a new one, and it is these kinds of sources that professional
historians once treated as the purest, the best source. The classic diplomatic source is
the charter, which a legal instrument. A legal document is usually sealed or
authenticated to provide evidence that a legal transaction has been completed and can
be used as evidence in a judicial proceeding in case of dispute. Scholars differentiate
those legal instruments issued by public authorities (such as kings or popes, the
Supreme Court of the Philippines and Philippine Congress) from those involving only
private parties (such as a will or a mortgage agreement). Diplomatic sources possess
specific formal properties, such as hand and print style, the ink, the seal, for external
properties and rhetorical devices and images for internal properties, which are
determined by the norms of laws and by tradition. Such characters also vary in time
(each generation has its own norms) and according to origin (each bureaucracy has its
own traditions).

3. Social documents are information pertaining to economic, social, political, or

judicial significance. They are records kept by bureaucracies. A few examples are
government reports, such as municipal accounts, research findings, and
documents like these parliamentary procedures, civil registry records, property

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registers, and records of census.

NON-WRITTEN SOURCES OF HISTORY

Unwritten sources are as essential as written sources. They are two types: the material
evidence and oral evidence.

1. Material evidence, also known as archaeological evidence is one of the most

important unwritten evidences. This include artistic creations such as pottery,
jewellery, dwellings, graves, churches, roads, and others that tell a story about the
past. These artifacts can tell a great deal about the ways of life of people in the past,
and their culture. These artifacts can also reveal a great deal about the socio-cultural
interconnections of the different groups of people especially when an object is
unearthed in more one place. Commercial exchange may also be revealed by the
presence of artifacts in different places. Even places are thought to be insignificant,
such as garbage pits, can provide valuable action to historians as these can be traces
of a former settlement. Sometimes, archaeological sites that are ot interest to
historians are unearthed during excavations for roads, sewer lines, and big building
structures. Known historical sites are purposely excavated with the hope of
reconstructing and understanding their meaningful past. Moreover, archaeological finds
such as coins or monies can provide historians with significant information relating to
government transactions during which the currencies were in circulation. Similarly,
historians can get substantial information from drawings, etchings, paintings, films, and
photographs. These are the visual representations of the past.

2. Oral evidence is also an important source of information for historians. Much are told
by the tales or sagas of ancient peoples and the folk songs or popular rituals from the
pre modern period of Philippine history. During the present age, interviews is another
major form of oral evidence.

PRIMARY VERSUS SECONDARY SOURCES

There are two general kinds of historical sources: direct or primary and indirect or
secondary.

1. Primary sources are original, first-hand account of an event or period that are
usually written or made during or close to the event or period. These sources are

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original and factual, not interpretive. Their key function is to provide facts. Examples of
primary sources are diaries, journals, letters, newspaper and magazine articles
(factual accounts), government records (census, marriage, military), photographs,
maps, postcards, posters, recorded or transcribed speeches, interviews with
participants or witnesses, interviews with people who lived during a certain time,
songs, plays, novels, stories, paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

2. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are materials made by people long after the
events being described had taken place to provide valuable interpretations of historical
events. A secondary source analyzes and interprets primary sources. It is an
interpretation of second-hand account of a historical event. Examples of secondary
sources are biographies, histories, literary criticism, books written by a third party
about a historical event, art and theater reviews, newspaper or journal articles that
interpret.

Activity 1. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. These are original historical sources.
a. static sources c. primary sources
b. descriptive sources d. interpretative sources
2. This evidence is considered as material evidence.
a. recordings c. diaries
b. archaeological d. books
3. Historians consider these sources as document/record and existing legal situation as
the best source.
a. relic b. remains c. oral sources d. diplomatic sources
4. The third part of diplomatic source. The attestation of those responsible for the
document, which may be the author, writer, counter signer,principal parties involved,
and witnesses to the enactment or the subscription.
a. eschatocol b. protocol c. content d. negotiable
5. These historical sources are materials by nature.
a. unwriten sources b. reliable sources c. written sources d. tattoo
6. A product of record keeping of a bureau which contains information.
a. minutes b. social document c. formulas d. content
7. This is an example of primary source
a. newspaper b. electronic data c. painting d. tape recorder
8. What is the historical tract typically composed to inform contemporaries or

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succeeding generations.
a. narrative tracts b. literature c. juridical d. scientific tract
9. These are materials made by people long after the events being described had taken
place
a. primary source b. diplomatic source c. Scientific source d. secondary source
10. Which is not an example of a primary source?
a. biographies b. letters c. a birth certificate d. a photograph

Activity 2.
Give a concise explanation/discussion on the following items.
1. What are the benefits of using primary sources?
2. Do you affirm that primary sources are superior to secondary sources? Explain.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of accessing secondary sources?
Activity 3
Read the excerpts below then do a comparative analysis.

The following readings discuss the findings on the remains of what was then
considered the earliest known human remains in the Philippines-Tabon Man.
Robert B. Fox. The Tabon Caves: Archaeological Explorations and Excavations on
Palawan Island, Philippines (Manila, 1970) p. 40.
Tabon Man During the initial excavations of Tabon Cave, June and July, 1962,
the scattered fossil bones of at least three individuals were excavated, including a large
fragment of a frontal bone with the brows and portions of the nasal bones. These fossil
bones were recovered towards the rear of the cave along the left wall. Unfortunately,
the area in which the human fossil bones were discovered had been disturbed by
Magapode birds. It was not possible in 1962 to establish the association of these bones
with a specific flake assemblage. Although they were provisionally related to either
Flake Assemblage II or III, subsequent excavations in the same area now strongly
suggest that the fossil human bones were associated with Flake Assemblage III for
only the flakes of this assemblage have been found to date in this area of the cave.
The available data would suggest that Tabon Man may be dated from 22,000 to
24,000 years ago. But, only further excavations in the cave and chemical analysis of
human and animal bones from disturbed and undisturbed levels in the cave will define
the exact age of the human fossils. The fossil bones are those of Homosapiens. These
will form a separate study by a specialist which will be included in the final site report
for Tabon Cave. It is important, however, because of a recent publication

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(Scott, 1969), that a preliminary study of the fossil bones of Tabon Man shows that it is
above average in skull dimensions when compared to the modern Filipino. There is no
evidence that Tabon Man was ".. a less brainy individual..." [Scott (1969) 36].
Moreover, Scott's study includes many misstatements about the Tabon Caves, always
the problem when writers work from "conversations."

William Henry Scott. Prehispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History
(Revised Edition) (Quezon City, 1984), pp. 14-15.
Tabon Man -The earliest human skull remains known in the Philippines are the
fossilized fragments of a skull and jawbone of three individuals who are collectively
called "Tabon Man" after the place where they were found on the west coast of
Palawan. Tabon Cave appears to be a kind of little Stone Age factory: both finished
tools and waste cores and flakes have been found at four different levels in the main
chamber. Charcoal left from cooking fires has been
recovered from three of these assemblages and dated by C-14 to roughly 7,000 B.
C.,20,000 B. C., and 28,000 B.C. with an earlier level lying so far below these that it
must represent Upper Pleistocene dates like 45 or 50 thousand years ago.. Physical
anthropologists who have examined the Tabon skullcap are agreed that it belonged to
modern man-that is, Homo sapiens as distinguished from those mid-Pleistocene species
nowadays called Homo erectus. Two experts have given the further opinion that the
mandible is "Australian" in physical type, and that the skullcap measurements are
mostly nearly like those of Ainus and Tasmanians. What this basically means is that
Tabon Man was "pre-Mongoloid," Mongoloid being the term anthropologists apply to
the racial stock which entered Southeast Asia during the Holocene and absorbed earlier
peoples to produce the modern Malay, Indonesian,Filipino, and Pacific peoples
popularly-and unscientifically-called, "the brown race,"Tabon Man presumably belonged
to one of those earlier peoples, but, if decently clothed in flesh, T-shirt, and blue jeans,
might pass unnoticed in Quiapo today, whatever his facial features are concerned,
nothing can be said about the color of his skin or hair, or the shape of his nose or eyes-
except one thing: Tabon Man was not a Negrito.
Answer the following:
a.Which is the primary source and the secondary source between the two readings?
b. Do a credibility analysis of the sources. Who between the two authors is more
credible to talk about the topic?

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LESSON 3
HISTORICAL CRITICISMS

HISTORICAL CRITICISM examines the origins of earliest text to appreciate the

underlying circumstances upon which the text came to be (Soulen & Soulen, 2001).
It has two important goals: First, to discover the original meaning of the text in its
primitive or historical context and its literal sense or sensus literalis historicus. Second,
to establish a reconstruction of the historical situation of the author and recipients of
the text. Historical criticism has two types, external criticism and internal criticism.
Historical criticism has its roots in the 17h century during the Protestant Reformation
and gained popular recognition in the 19h and 20h centuries (Ebeling.1963). The
absence of historical investigation paved the way for historical criticism forest on
philosophical and theological interpretation. The passing of time has advanced
historical criticism into various methodologies used today such as source criticism
(which analyzes and studies the sources used by biblical authors), form criticism (which
seeks to determine a units original form and historical context of the literary tradition),
redaction criticism (which regards the author of the text as editor of the source
materials), tradition criticism (which attempts to trace the developmental stages of the
oral tradition from its historical emergence to its literary presentation), canonical
criticism (which focuses its interpretation of the bible on the text of biblical canon), and
related methodologies(Soulen, 2001).
There are two parts to a historical criticism. The first part is to determine the
authenticity of the material, also called provenance of a source. The critic should
determine the origin of the material, its author, and the sources ot information used.
External criticism is used in determining these facts. The second part is to weigh the
testimony to the truth. The critic must examine the trustworthiness of the testimonies
as well as determine the probability of the statements to be true. This process is called
internal criticism or higher criticism since it deals with more important matters than the
external form.
1. External criticism determines the authenticity of the source. The authenticity of the
material may be tested in two ways, by palaeographical (the deciphering and dating of
historical manuscripts) and diplomatic criticism (critical analysis of historical document
to understand how the document came to be, the information transmitted, and the
relationships between the facts purported in the document and the reality). The
material must be investigated based on the time and place it is written. The critic must
determine whether the material under investigation is raw, meaning unaltered, and it

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exists exactly as the author left it. The content must be viewed in every possible angle,
as forgery was not unknown during the Middle Ages. The authenticity of the material
can be examined from other genuine sources having the same subject or written
during the same period. The similarities or agreements and differences or
disagreements of some common details, such as the culture and traditions, and events
during the period by which the document was made can be a basis for judging the
authenticity of the text.
2. Internal criticism determines the historicity of the facts contained in the document. It
is not necessary to prove the authenticity of the material or document. However, the
facts contained in the document must first be tested before any conclusion pertaining
to it can be admitted. In determining the value of the facts, the character of the
sources, the knowledge of the author, and the influences prevalent at the time of
writing must be carefully investigated. It must be ascertained first that the critic knows
exactly what the author said and that he/she understands the document from the
standpoint of the author. Moreover, the facts given by the author or writer must be
firmly established as having taken place exactly as reported.

TEST OF AUTHENTICITY
To distinguish a hoax or a misrepresentation from a genuine document, the
historian must use tests common in police and legal detection. Making the best guess
of the date of the document, he/she examines the materials to see whether they are
not anachronistic paper was rare in Europe before the fifteenth century, and printing
was unknown pencils did not exist there before the 16th century; typewriting was not
invented until the 19th century; and Indian paper came only at the end of that century.
The historian also examines the inks for signs of age or of anachronistic chemical
composition. Making the best guess of the possible author of the document, he/she
sees if he/she can identify the handwriting, signature, seal, letterhead, or watermark.
Even when the handwriting is unfamiliar, it can be compared with authenticated
specimens. One of the unfulfilled needs of the historian is more of what the French call
“isographies” or the dictionaries of biography giving examples of handwriting. For some
period of history, experts using techniques known as paleography and diplomatics have
long known that in certain regions at certain times handwriting and the style and form
of official documents were conventionalized. The disciplines of paleography and
diplomatics were founded in 17 century by Dom Jean Mabillon, a French Benedictine
monk and scholar of the Congregation of Saint Maur. Seals have been the subject of
special study by sigillographers, and experts can detect fake ones. Anachronistic styles

15
(idiom, orthography, or punctuation) can be detected by specialists who are familiar
with contemporary writing. Often spelling particularly of proper names and signatures,
reveal forgery as would also unhistoric grammar.
Anachronistic references to events (too early or too late or too remote) or the
dating of a document at a time when the alleged writer could not possibly have been at
the place designated (the alibi) uncovers fraud. Sometimes the skilful forger has all too
carefully followed the best historical sources and his product becomes too obviously a
copy in certain passages; by skilful paraphrase and invention, he/she is given away by
the absence of trivia and otherwise unknown details from his/her manufactured
account. However, usually if the document is where it ought to be (eg, in a family's
archives, of in the governmental bureau's record) its provenance (custody, as the
lawyers refer to it), creates a presumption of its genuineness (Gottschalk, 1969).

CHAPTER 2
CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED PRIMARY SOURCES

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students must have:
1. Learned the historical facts and their connections with one another
2. Analysed the context, content, and perspective of different kinds of primary
sources and determine how they affected the history of the people
3. Demonstrated critical and analytical skills as they are exposed to primary
source

THE COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE of the past through credible and reliable sources
is essential to the understanding and learning of the students of their own history.
History must be studied carefully; hence it necessitates the application of historical
method. Historical method is the process of critically examining and analyzing the
records and survivals of the past (Gottschalk, 1969). The intent of the application of
historical method is to make students competent in their interpretation of facts and
critical analysis of historical narrative or account. For this to be achieved, the students
will be engaged in content and contextual analysis of the selected primary sources.
Content analysis is a systematic evaluation of the primary source be it a text, painting,
caricature, and/or speech that in the process students could develop and present an
argument based on their own understanding of the evidences from their readings.
The students will identify pertinent information from the text/document and explain its
importance to their understanding of history in the Philippine setting. Contextual
analysis on the other hand, considers specifically the time, place, and situation when

16
the primary source was written. The analysis as well includes the author's background,
authority on the subject and intent perceptible, and its relevance and meaning to
people and society today. The approach is essential to the enhancement of student's
analytical and critical thinking skills and their ability to articulate their own views on the
specific primary source in this chapter. Moreover, for this to be realized, the selected
primary sources which will be utilized are provided and introduced
separately with a brief description for each.
Lesson 1
How to Analyze Primary Sources

Primary sources can be analyzed and evaluated by different criteria. These

criteria are the content analysis, contextual analysis, and the author's main argument
or point of view. Content analysis is a research method for studying primary sources
such as documents and communication artifacts, which can be texts of various formats,
pictures, audio, or video. One of the key advantages of using content analysis to
analyse social phenomena is its non-invasive nature, in contrast to simulating social
experiences or collecting survey answers. Practices and philosophies of content analysis
vary according to the location of the source communities. They all involve systematic
reading or observation of texts or artifacts which are assigned labels (sometime called
codes) to indicate the presence of interesting, meaningful patterns. After labeling a
large set of media, a social researcher is able to statistically estimate the proportions of
patterns in the text, as well as correlations between patterns.
Nowadays, computers are increasingly used in content analysis to automate the
labelling (or coding) of documents. Simple computational techniques can provide
descriptive data such as word frequencies and document lengths.

According to Klaus Krippendort, six questions must be addressed in every content

analysis:
1. Which data are analyzed?
2. How are the data defined?
3. From what population are the data drawn?
4. What is the most relevant context?
5. What are the boundaries of the analysis?
6. What is to be measured?

17
 The simplest and most objective forms of doing content analysis are the
unambiguous characteristics of the text like word frequencies, the page area taken
by a newspaper column, or the duration of a radio or television program. Analysis
of simple word frequencies is limited because the meaning of a word depends on the
surrounding text. The keyword in context routines address this by placing words
in their textual context. This helps resolve ambiguities such as those introduced by
synonyms and homonyms.
The second way of analyzing primary sources is the contextual analysis or simply
called textual analysis. Understanding the historical context of a primary source is
critical for understanding the attitudes and influences that shaped the creation of
the primary source. If not placed into historical context, a primary source's true
meaning might be misinterpreted.
There are five (5) characteristics to look for when selecting primary sources that
the students will be able to place in historical context:

1. Bibliographic information: Ask these questions: How detailed is the item's

bibliographic record? Do your students need a primary source with a more
descriptive bibliographic record so they can find more leads for their research
project?
2. Creator name and creation/publication date: Are the creator's name and
creation date available on the primary source or in the bibliographic record?
Are you studying point of view and therefore need to identify the creator of a
particular primary source?
3. Time and topic under study in your classroom: What is the time and topic
under study in your classroom? Is the source considered a primary source (created
at the time under study) or a secondary source (accounts or interpretations of
events created by someone without first hand experience)?
4. Contextual clues: Are there clues within the primary source that will help
students place the primary source into context? Will students identify clothing
shelter or technology from a certain time period?
5. Extraneous markings or annotations: Will Library of Congress cataloger's
notes or other markings distract your students and interfere with their ability
to place the primary source into historical context?

Here are some specific questions to ask in analyzing Primary sources:

1. What kind of document do you have? Is it a treatise letter? a manuscript, or a

18
printed document?
2. Was it published? If yes, when and where?
3. Who is the author? What position, role, reputation, status, did the author have
at the time of writing?
4. Is the author well-known today or at the time of writing?
5. Who is the intended audience?
6. Who read this text at the time? What are the responses of those who read it
7. What was to be gained and what were the risks in writing this text
8. How is this document related to other primary documents known to you, particularly
the same time period?
9. Does this document square with what you know from secondary sources
10. What evidence do you have for your claim about the text?

Be specific in answering these questions. A further step in the analysis of

primary sources is to examine the authors main argument or main point of view.
Understanding the author of or writer's underlying point of view will help you
interpret the context ot his writing It will also help you see why the author s or
writers make the decisions they do. Most often people know what they are doing. They
plan their actions to achieve their purp0se. If someone selects the purpose of being
rich, he will design and carry out a set of actions, legal or illegal, to gain the desired
wealth.in the same manner, writers or authors have specific purpose to achieve by any
piece of work. They are in control of what they write.
The writer or authors overall purpose determines the techniques he uses. His
reason for writing a particular book, letter, article, document, etc. may be manipulative
as in propaganda, or advertising or may be straightforward, as in formative writing

Here are some guide questions in critically analyzing or examining the author’s
main argument and p0int of view.
1. What is the author's main objective in writing the article, book, etc.?
2. Does the author seek to persuade, convince, to identify problem, or to provide
solution?
3. What are the forms of evidence used by the author? Are they effective and for
whom?
4. Are important facts or perspectives omitted? What is left out?
5. Is the author credible- to whom?
6. Does the author consider alternative position and perspective

19
7. Does the author acknowledge prejudices or personal interest? is there an ax to
grind?
8. Are opponents mentioned either by name or by school or by tradition?

In the process of analyzing a primary source, a history student must closely

examine a single text (for example, a primary document) written by a single author
in an attempt to understand why the writer/author wrote the particular text (a book,
or an article) in a particular way, to a particular audience and tor what purpose?
So, the history student must critically analyze/examine the text (article, book,
etc.) based on these guidelines:
1. What was argued or described by the writer?
2. How did the writer present his argument or point of view?
3. Why did the writer choose (for example, persuasion) as the method of
presentation?
4. What evidences or arguments that the writer used in (persuading) his audience.
Remember: the audience are not the history students in this subject) but
those people being persuaded; and finally,
5. What does the writer ultimately hope to achieve by writing this particular text?
In analyzing a primary source using any of the three (3) ways of critical analysis,
the historical importance of the text or document must be identified and examined.
A text or document with historical significance means that the text or document
is original that contains important historical information about a person place, or
event and thus, serve as primary source. Significant historical text document can be
deeds, laws, accounts of battles, etc. given by a person or groups sharing their
viewpoints. These documents or text have historical importance and of historical
interest. Texts or documents with historical importance or significance, however, do
not describe the daily lives of ordinary people or how society functions. Historians,
anthropologists, and archaeologists are generally more concerned in document that
tells about the day-to-day lives of ordinary people indicatin8 what they ate, their
reaction with other members of their households and social groups, and their state
of mind. It is this information that allows them to try to understand and describe the
way society was functioning at any particular time in history. Many documents of
historical importance produced today, such as personal letters, pictures, contracts,
newspapers, and medical records, would be considered valuable historical documents
that will survive the passage of time, by taking into account the preservation issues and
either printing documents in a manner that would increase the likelihood of them

20
surviving indefinitely, or placing selected documents in time capsules or other special
storage environments that the degree of significance is a matter of interpretation, often
related to the value systems of the period in which the interpretation was produced.
Hence, the main goal of carefully examining the primary source is to construct new
knowledge or to use the information that the primary source (document sample
to explore broader historical issues or context.

Activity I. Words to Know

Define the following terms based from your own understandin8 (not exactly copied
from the text)
1. analysis
2. critical analysis
3. contextual analysis
4. content analysis
5. single text

LESSON 2
FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD

WHOEVER has the willpower to undertake a journey across oceans begets the
one entity desired. The development of Portuguese maritime empire, apparent
scientific and technological advancement, European attraction to Asia's wealth and
spices, incited Spain to expend for an expedition. Subsequently, Spain along with other
European nations engaged in discovering and taking possessions of lands beyond the
continent. The period of discovery and expansionism began in the 15th century,
henceforth from Europe came to the East huge vessels loaded with merchandize and
men under a command to discover and covet lands in the east. This was an eventuality
which adjoined people and nations and such encounter had far-reaching consequences
until 19th century.
The Philippine island in 1521 has been "rediscovered" by the Spanish
commissioned authority, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator who gained
confidence and support from the monarchy of Spain. This information on rediscovery
which the world is cognizant of is attributable to an Italian chronicler, Antonio
Pigafetta. The details of the world's first circumnavigation were accurately recorded in
his journal. This chronicle serves as the lens through which the voyage and
circumnavigation of the world can be apprehended with certainty. It specifically

21
furnishes important details on the discovery of the islands and people inhabiting the
place, these people were to be the Filipinos' great ancestors who lived peacefully and
with abundance in the area. The comprehension of the cultural life of these people was
made possible through the chronicle of Pigafetta. The narrative of the voyage which is
a translation by Lord Stanley of Alderley is presented below. However, only the
necessary and important details of the narrative were taken based on what is useful for
the students. In brief, the narrative as it was written, commenced with the description
of the preparation for the voyage, the captain and his men, the dates as to when it left
Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean. In particular, Pigafetta
wrote appertaining to the description of the different places he had seen, the people he
met and their distinct and interesting culture. The historic voyage began in 1519 and
was successfully completed in 1522.
Since there are several curious persons (very illustrious and very reverend lord)
who not only are pleased to listen to and learn the great and wonderful things which
God has permitted me to see and suffer in the long and perilous navigation, which I
have performed (and which is written hereafter), but also they desire to learn the
methods and fashions of the road which I have taken in order to go thither, land who
do not grant firm belief to the end unless they are first well advised and assured of the
commencement. Therefore, my lord, it will please you to hear that finding myself in
Spain in the year of the Nativity of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and nineteen,
at the court of the most serene king of the Romans, with the reverend lord, Mons.
Francis Cheregato, then apostolic proto-notary, and ambassador of the Pope Leon the
Tenth, who, through his virtue, afterwards arrived at the bishoprick of Aprutino and the
principality of Theramo, and knowing both by the reading of many books and by the
report of many lettered and well informed persons who conversed with the said proto-
notary, the very great and awful things of the ocean, I deliberated, with the favour of
the Emperor and the above-named lord, to experiment and go and see with my eyes a
part of those things. By which means I could satisfy the desire of the said lords, and
mine own also. So that it might be said that I had performed the said voyage, and seen
well with my eyes the things hereafter written.
Finally (very illustrious lord), after all provisions had been made, and the
vessels were in order, the captain-general, a discreet and virtuous man, careful of his
honour, would not commence his voyage without first making some good and
wholesome ordinances, such as it is the good custom to make for those who go to sea.
Nevertheless he did not entirely declare the voyage which he was going to make, so
that his men should not from amazement and fear be unwilling to accompany him on

22
so long a voyage, as he had undertaken in his intention. Considering the great and
impetuous storms which are on the ocean sea, where I wished to go; and for another
reason also, that is to say that the masters and captains of the other ships of his
company did not love him: of this I do not know the reason, except by cause of his, the
captain-general, being Portuguese, and they were Spaniards or Castilians, who for a
long time have been in rivalry and ill will with one another.
Notwithstanding this all were obedient to him. He made his ordinances such as
those which follow, so that during the storms at sea, which often come on by night and
day, his ships should not go away and separate from one another. These ordinances he
published and made over in writing to each master of the ships, and commanded them
to be observed and inviolably kept, unless there were great and legitimate excuses,
and appearance of not having been able to do otherwise. Tuesday, the 20th September
of the said year, we set sail from St. Lucar, making the course of the south-west
otherwise named Labeiche; and on the twenty-sixth of the said month we arrived at an
island of great Canaria, named Teneriphe, which is in twenty-eight degrees latitude;
there we remained three days and a half to take in provisions and other things which
were wanted. After that we set sail thence and came to a port named Monterose,
where we sojourned two days to supply ourselves with pitch, which is a thing
necessary for ships. It is tobe known that among the other isles which are at the said
great Canaria, there is one, where not a drop of water is to be found proceeding from a
fountain or a river, only once a day at the hour of midday, there descends a cloud from
the sky which envelops a large tree which is in this island, and it falls upon the leaves
of the tree, and a great abundance of water distils from these
leaves, so that at the foot of the tree there is so large a quantity of water that it seems
as if there was an ever-running fountain. The men who inhabit this place are satisfied
with this water; also the animals, both domestic and wild, drink of it...
Saturday, the 16th of March, 1521, we arrived at daybreak in sight of a high
island, three hundred leagues distant from the before-mentioned Thieves' island. This
isle is named Zamal. The next day the captain-general wished to land at another
uninhabited island near the first, to be in greater security and to take water, also to
repose there a few days. He set up there two tents on shore for the sick, and had a
sow killed for them. Monday, the 18th of March, after dinner, we saw a boat come
towards us with nine men in it: upon which the captain-general ordered that no one
should move or speak without his permission. When these people had come into this
island towards us, immediately the principal one amongst them went towards the
captain-general with demonstrations of being very joyous at our arrival. Five of the

23
most showy of them remained with us, the others who remained with the boat went to
call some men who were fishing, and afterwards all of them came together. The
captain seeing that these people were reasonable, ordered food and drink to be given
them, and he gave them some red caps, looking glasses, combs, bells, ivory, and other
things. When these people saw the politeness of the captain, they presented some
fish, and a vesgel of palm wine, which they call in their language Uraca; figs more than
a foot long and others smaller and of a better savour, and two cochos. At that time
they had nothing to give him, and they made signs to us with their hands that in four
days they would bring us Umai, which is rice, cocos, and many other victuals. To
explain the kind of fruits above-named it must be known that the one which they all
cochi, is the fruit which the palm trees bear. And as we have bread, wine, oil, and
vinegar, proceeding from different kinds, so these people have those things proceeding
from these palm trees only. It must be said that wine proceeds from the said palm
trees in the following manner. They make a hole at the summit of the tree as far as its
heart, which is named palmito, from which a liquor comes out in drops down the tree,
like white must, which is sweet, but with somewhat of bitter. They have canes as thick
as the leg, in which they draw off this liquor, and they fasten them to the tree from the
evening till next morning, and from the morning to the evening, because this liquor
comes little by little..
These people became very familiar and friendly with us, and explained many
things to us in their language, and told us the names of some islands which we saw
with our eyes before us. The island where they dwelt is called Zuluam, and it is not
large." As they were sufficiently agreeable and conversible we had great pleasure with
them. The captain seeing that they were of this good condition, to do them greater
honour conducted them to the ship, and showed them all his gods, that is to say,
cloves, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, mace, gold and all that was in the ship. He
also had some shots fired with his artillery, at which they were so much
afraid that they wished to jump from the ship into the sea. They made signs that the
things which the captain had shown them grew there where we were going. When they
wished to leave us they took leave of the captain and of us with very good manners
and gracefulness, promising us to come back to see us.
The island we were at was named Humunu; nevertheless because we found
there two springs of very fresh water we named it the Watering Place of good signs,
and because we found here the first signs of gold. There is much white coral to be
found here, and large trees which bear fruit smaller than an almond, and which are like
pines. There were also many palm trees both good and bad. In this place there were

24
many circumjacent islands, on
which account we named them the archipelago of St. Lazarus, because we stayed
there on the day and feast of St. Lazarus. This region and archipelago is in ten degrees
north latitude, and a hundred and sixty-one degrees longitude from the line of
demarcation.
Friday, the 22nd of March, the above-mentioned people, who had promised us
to return, came about midday, with two boats laden with the said fruit cochi, sweet
oranges, a vessel of palm wine, and a cock, to give us to understand that they had
poultry in their country, so that we bought all that they brought. The lord of these
people was old, and had his face painted, and had gold rings suspended to his ears,
which they name Schione, and the others had many bracelets and rings of gold on
their arms, with a wrapper of linen round their head. We remained at this place eight
days: the captain went there every day to see his sick men, whom he had placed on
this island to refresh them: and he gave them himself every day the water of this said
fruit the cocho, which comforted them much. Near this isle is another where there are
a kind of people who wear holes in their ears so large that they can pass their arms
through them; these people are Caphre, that is to say, Gentiles, and they go naked,
except that round their middles they wear cloth made of the bark of trees. But there
are some of the more remarkable of them who wear cotton stuff, and at the end of it
there is some work of silk done with a needle. These people are tawny, fat, and
painted, and they anoint themselves with the oil of coco nuts and sesame, to preserve
them from the sun and the wind. Their hair is very black and long, reaching to the
waist, and they carry small daggers and knives, ornamented with gold, and many other
things, such as darts, harpoons, and nets to fish, like.
The Monday of Passion week, the 25th of March, and feast of our Lady, in the
afternoon, and being ready to depart from this place, I went to the side of our ship to
fish, and putting my feet on a spar to go down to the store room, my feet slipped,
because it had rained, and I fell into the sea without any one seeing me, and being
near drowning by luck I found at my left hand the sheet of the large sail which was in
the sea, I caught hold of it and began to cry out till they came to help and pick me up
with the boat. I was assisted not by my merits, but by the mercy and grace of the
fountain of pity. That same day we took the course between west and Southwest, and
passed amidst four small islands, that is to say, Cenalo, Huinanghar, lbusson, and
Abarien.
Thursday, the 28th of March, having seen the night before fire upon an island, at
the morning we came to anchor at this island; where we saw a small boat which they

25
call Boloto, with eight men inside, which approached the ship of the captain-general.
Then a slave of the captain's, who was from Sumatra, otherwise named Traprobana,
spoke from afar to these people, who understood his talk, and came near to the side of
the ship, but they withdrew immediately, and would not enter the ship from fear of us.
So the captain seeing that they would not trust to us showed them a red cap, and
other things, which he had tied and placed on a little plank, and the people in the boat
took them immediately and joyously, and then returned to advise their king. Two hours
afterwards, or thereabouts, we saw come two long boats, which they call Ballanghai,
full of men. In the largest of them was their king sitting under an awning of mats;
when they were near the ship of the captain-general, the said slave spoke to the king,
who understood him well, because in these countries the kings know more languages
than the common people. Then the king ordered some of his people to go to the
captain's ship, whilst he would not move from his boat, which was near enough to us.
This was done, and when his people returned to the boat, he went away at once. The
captain gave good entertainment to the men who came to his ship, and gave them all
sorts of things, on which account the king wished to give the captain a rather large bar
of solid gold, and a chest full of ginger, However, the captain thanked him very much
but would not accept the present. After that, when it was late, we went with the ships
near to the houses and abode of the king.
The next day which was Good Friday, the captain sent on shore the before-
mentioned slave, who was our interpreter, to the king to beg him to give him for
money some provisions for his ships, sending him word that he had not come to his
country as an enemy, but as a friend. The king on hearing this came with seven or
eight men in a boat, and entered the ship, and embraced the captain, and gave him
three china dishes covered with leaves full of rice, and two dorades, which are rather
large fish, and of the sort above-mentioned, and he gave him several other things. The
captain gave this king a robe of red and yellow cloth, made in the Turkish fashion,
and a very fine red cap, and to his people he gave to some of them knives, and to
others mirrors. After that refreshments were served up to them. The captain told the
king, through the said interpreter, that he wished to be with him, cassi cassi, that is to
say, brothers. To which the king answered that he desired to be the same towards him.
After that the captain showed him cloths of different colours, linen, coral, and much
other merchandise, and all the artillery, of which he had some pieces fired before him,
at which the king was much astonished; after that the captain had one of his soldiers
armed with white armour, and placed him in the midst of three comrades, who struck
him with swords and daggers. The king thought this very strange, and the captain

26
told him, through the interpreter, that a man thus in white armour was worth a
hundred of his men, he answered that it was true; he was further informed that there
were in each ship two hundred like that man. After that the captain showed him a
great number of swords, cuirasses, and helmets, and made two of the men play with
their swords before the king; he then showed him the sea chart and the ship compass,
and informed him how he had found the strait to come there, and of the time which he
had spent in coming; also of the time he had been without seeing any land, at which
the king was astonished. At the end the captain asked if he would be pleased that two
of his people should go with him to the places where they lived, to see some of the
things of his country. This the king granted, and I went with another...
This kind of people are gentle, and go naked, and are painted. They wear a
piece of cloth made from a tree, like a linen cloth, round their body to cover their
natural parts: they are great drinkers. The women are dressed in tree cloth from their
waists downwards; their hair is black, and reaches down to the ground; they wear
certain gold rings in their ears. These people chew most of their time a fruit which they
call areca, which is something of the shape of a pear; they cut it in four quarters, and
after they have chewed it for a long time they spit it out, from which afterwards they
have their mouths very red. They find themselves the better from the use of this fruit
because it refreshes them much, for this country is very hot, so that they could not live
without it. In this island there is a great quantity of dogs, cats, pigs, fowls, and goats,
rice, ginger, cocos, figs, oranges, lemons, millet, wax, and gold mines. This island is in
nine degrees and two-thirds north latitude, and one hundred and sixty-two longitude
from the line of demarcation: it is twenty-five leagues distant from the other island
where we found the two fountains of fresh water. This island is named Mazzava.
We remained seven days in this place; then we took the tack of Maestral, passing
through the midst of five isles, that is to say, Ceylon, Bohol, Canighan, Baibai, and
Satighan. In this island of Satighan is a kind of bird called Barbastigly, which are as
large as eagles. Of these we killed only one, because it was late. We ate it, and it had
the taste of a fowl. There are also in this island doves, tortoises, parrots, and certain
black birds as large as a fowl, with a long tail. They lay eggs as large as those of a
goose. These they put a good arm's length under the sand in the sun, where they are
hatched by the great heat which the heated sand gives out; and when these birds are
hatched they push up the sand and come out. These eggs are good to eat. From
this island of Mazzabua to that of Satighan there are twenty leagues, and on leaving
Satighan we went by the west; but the King of Mazzabua could not follow us; therefore
we waited for him near three islands, that is to say. Polo, Ticobon, and Pozzon. When

27
the king arrived he was much astonished at our navigation, the captain-general bade
him come on board his ship with some of his principal people, at which they were much
pleased. Thus we went to Zzubu, which is fifteen leagues off from Satighan.
Sunday, the 7th of April, about midday, we entered the port of Zzubu, having
passed by many villages. There we saw many houses which were built on trees. On
approaching the principal town the captain-general commanded al his ships to hang
out their flags. Then we lowered the sails in the fashion in which they are struck when
going to fight, and he had all the artillery fired, at which the people of this place were
greatly frightened. The captain sent a young man whom he had brought up,2 with the
interpreter to the king of this island Zzubu. These having come to the town, found a
great number of people and their king with them, all alarmed by the artillery which had
been fired. But the interpreter reassured them, saying that it was the fashion and
custom to fire artillery when they arrived at ports, to show signs of peace and
friendship; and also, to do more honour to the king of the country, they had fired
all the artillery. The king and all his people were reassured. He then bade one of his
principal men ask what we were seeking. The interpreter answered him that his master
was captain of the greatest king in the world, and that he was going by the command
of the said sovereign to discover the Molucca islands. However, on account of what he
had heard where he had passed, and especially from the King of Mazzava, of his
courtesy and good fame, he had wished to pass by his country to visit him, and also to
obtain some refreshment of victuals for his merchandise.
Tuesday morning following the King of Mazzava, with the Moor, came to the
ship, and saluted the captain on behalf of the King of Zzubu, and said that the king was
preparing a quantity of provisions, as much as he could, to make a present of to him,
and that after dinner he would send two of his nephews, with others of his principal
people, to make peace with him. Then the captain had one of his men armed with his
own armour, and told him that all of us would fight armed in that manner, at which the
Moorish merchant was rather astonished; but the captain told him not to be afraid, and
that our arms were soft to our friends and rough to our enemies; and that as a cloth
wipes away the sweat from a man, so our arms destroy the enemies of our faith. The
captain said this to the Moor, because he was more intelligent than the others, and for
him to relate it all to the King of Zzubu. We turned backwards, passing between the
island of Cagayan and the port of Cipit, taking a course east and a quarter south-easts,
to seek the islands of Maluco. We passed between certain little mountains, around
which we found many weeds, although there was there a great depth. Passing
between these islets it seemed that we were in another sea. Having left Cipit to the

28
east, we saw to the west two islands called Zolo and Taghima, near which islands
pearls are found. The two pearls of the King of Burné, of which I have spoken, were
found there, and this is the manner in which he obtained them, according to the
account which was given me of it. The King of Burné married a daughter of the King of
Zolo, who told him that her father had these two big pearls. He desired to have them,
and decided on getting them by any means, and one night he set out with five hundred
prahus full of armed men, and went to Zolo, and took the king with his two sons, and
brought them to Burné, and did not restore them to liberty until they gave him the two
pearls.
Continuing our course east and a quarter north-east we passed near two
inhabited places called Cavit and Subanin, and passed near an island called Monoripa,
ten leagues distant from the before mentioned islets. The inhabitants of this island
always live in their vessels, and have no houses on shore. In these two districts of
Cavit and Subanin, which are situated in the same island as that in which are Butuan
and Calagan, the best cinnamon of any grows. If we could have remained here only
two days, we could have laden the ships with it; but we did not wish to lose time, but
to proft by the favourable wind, for we had to double a cape and some islets which
were around it. Wherefore, remaining under sail, we made a little barter, and obtained
seventeen pounds of cinnamon for two big knives, which we had taken from the
Governor of Pulaoan. Having seen the cinnamon tree, I can give some description of it.
It is a small tree, not more than three or four cubits high, and of the thickness of a
man's finger, and it has not got more than three or four little branches. Its leaf is like
that of the laurel. The cinnamon for use which comes to us, is its bark, which is
gathered twice in the year. Its wood and leaves when they are green have the taste
and force of the bark itself. Here it is called Cainmana, since cain means wood and
mana sweet.
Having set the head of the ship to north-east, we made for a large city called
Maingdanao, situated in the same island in which are Butuan and Calagan, in order to
get precise information of the position of Maluco. Following this course we took
possession of a bignaday, a vessel similar to a prahu, and being obliged to have
recourse to force and violence, we killed seven out of eighteen men who formed the
crew. These men were better made and more robust than all those we had seen
hitherto, and they were all chief men of Mindanao. There was among them a brother of
the king who said that he well knew where Maluco was. Afterwards, following his
indications, we left the north-east course which we held, and took a south-east course.
We were then in 6˚ 7'N. latitude and thirty leagues distant from Cavit.

29
Making for the south-east we found four islands, named Ciboco, Birabam Batolac,
Sarangani, and Candigar. Saturday, the 26th of October, about nightfall, whilst coasting
the island of Birabam Batolac, we met with a very great storm, before which we
lowered all our sails, and betook ourselves to prayer. Then our three saints appeared
upon the masts and dispersed the darkness. St. Elmo stood for more than two hours at
the mainmast head like a flame. St. Nicholas at the head of the foremast, and St. Clara
on the mizenmast. In gratitude for their assistance we promised a share to each of the
saints, and we gave to each an offering..
At last, when it pleased Heaven, on Saturday the 6th of September of the
year 1522, we entered the bay of San Lucar; and of sixty men who composed our crew
when we left Maluco, we were reduced to only eighteen, and these for the most part
sick. Of the others, some died of hunger, some had run away at the island of Timor,
and some had been condemned to death for their crimes. From the day when we left
this bay of San Lucar until our return thither, we reckoned that we had run more than
fourteen thousand four hundred and sixty leagues, and we had completed going round
the earth from East to West.
Monday the 8th of September, we cast anchor near the mole of Seville, and
discharged all the artillery. Tuesday, we all went in shirts and barefoot, with a taper in
our hands to visit the shrine of St. Maria of Victory, and of St. Maria de Antigua.
Then, leaving Seville, I went to Valladolid, where I presented to his Sacred
Majesty Don Carlos, neither gold nor silver, but things much more precious in the eyes
of so great a Sovereign presented to him among other things, a book written by my
hand of all the things that had occurred day by day in our voyage. I departed thence as
I was best able, and went to Portugal, and related to King John the things which I had
seen. Returning through Spain, I came to France, where I presented a few things from
the other hemisphere to Madam the Regent, mother of the most Christian King Don
Francis. Afterwards, I turned towards Italy, where I established for ever my abode, and
devoted my leisure and vigils to the very illustrious and noble lord, Philip de Villiers
Lisleadam, the very worthy grand master of Rhodes.
The Chevalier, ANTONIO PIGAFETTA
Activity 1.
ldentify what is being described in the following items.
1. It refers to the complete name of the chronicler of the document entitled, "The
Voyage around the World".
2. It is the first ocean where the sailing ships headed by Ferdinand Magellan crossed
after leaving Spain in 1519.

30
3. It is the small passage or isthmus traversed by Magellan's fleet somewhere at the tip
of the South American continent.
4. It is the vast water body that can be found east of the Philippine islands.
5. It is the term used by Pigafetta which refers to the island where the historic mass
was celebrated.
6. It refers to the gift which was given by Magellan to the native queen.
7. It refers to the name of the chief of Matan who had defended his people, territory,
and defeated Magellan in the battle.
8. It is the complete date of the historic battle of Matan (Mactan).
9. It refers to the Christian name given to the first baptized queen who had the great
desire for conversion according to Pigafetta.
10. It is the exact date of arrival of the remaining fleet in San Lucar, Spain.
Activity 2.
Give a concise explanation/discussion on the following items.
1. What is the primary reason of the author in writing the document?
2.What specific information of importance is provided in the text? Explain its
importance to the understanding of Philippine history.
3. What is your personal evaluation on the impact of the document in the
understanding of the 16th century people and their culture in the islands?
LESSON 3
CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS

THE CUSTOMS of the Tagalogs is a narrative on the established culture of the Tagalogs
in Luzon written by Juan de Plasencia, a Franciscan missionary in the 'Tagalog
region since 1578 until 1590. This document was written as an answer to the request
of the monarchy in Spain which was to provide pieces of information about the
government, administration of justice, inheritances, slaves, dowries, worship, burials,
and superstition of the "Indians in the colony. In addition, the document is to rectify
previous reports about the people's way of life in the region.
Plasencia wrote:
This people always had chiefs, called by them datos, who governed them and
were captains in their wars, and whom they obeyed and reverenced. The subject
who committed any offense against them, or spoke but a word to their wives and
children, was severely punished. These chiefs ruled over but few people; sometimes as
many as a hundred houses, sometimes even less than thirty. This tribal gathering is
called in Tagalog a barangay. It was inferred that the reason for giving themselves this

31
name arose from the fact (as they are classed, by their language, among the Malay
nations) that when they came to this land, the head of the barangay, which is a boat,
thus called-as is discussed at length in the first chapter of the first ten chapters-became
a dato. And so, even at the present day, it is ascertained that this barangay in its origin
was a family of parents and children, relations and slaves. There were many of these
barangays in each town, or, at least, on account of wars, they did not settle far from
one another. They were not, however, subject to one another, except in friendship and
relationship. The chiefs, in their various wars, helped one another with their respective
barangays. In these three classes, those who are maharlicas on both the fathers and
mothers side continue to be so forever; and if it happens that they should become
slaves, it is through marriage, as I shall soon explain. If these maharlicas had children
among their slaves, the children and their mothers became free; if one of them had
children by the slave-woman of another, she was compelled, when pregnant, to give
her master half of a gold tael, because of her risk of death, and for her inability to labor
during the pregnancy. In such a case half of the child was free namely, the half
belonging to the father, who supplied the child with food. If he did not do this, he
showed that he did not recognize him as his child, in which case the latter was wholly a
slave.
If a free woman had children by a slave, they were all free, provided he were not
her husband. If two persons married, of whom one was a maharlica and the other a
slave, whether namamahay or sa guiguilir, the children were divided: the first, whether
male or female, belonged to the father, as did the third and fifth; the second, the
fourth, and the sixth fell to the mother, and so on. In this manner, if the father were
free, all those who belonged to him were free; if he were a slave, all those who
belonged to him were slaves; and the same applied to the mother. If there should not
be more than one child he was half free and half slave. The only question here
concerned the division, whether the child were male or female. Those who became
slaves fell under the category of servitude which was their parent's, either namamahay
or sa guiguilir. If there were an odd number of children, the odd one was half free
and half slave. I have not been able to ascertain with any certainty when or at what
age the division of children was made, for each one suited himself in this respect. Of
these two kinds of slaves the sa guiguilir could be sold, but not the namamahay and
their children, nor could they be transferred. However, they could be transferred from
the barangay by inheritance, provided they remained in the same village.
***
They condemned no one to slavery, unless he merited the death-penalty. As for

32
the witches, they killed them, and their children and accomplices became slaves of the
chief, after he had made some recompense to the injured person. All other offenses
were punished by fines in gold, which, if not paid with promptness, exposed the culprit
to serve, until the payment should be made, the person aggrieved, to whom the money
was to be paid. This was done in the following way: Half the cultivated lands and all
their produce belonged to the master. The master provided the culprit with food and
clothing, thus enslaving the culprit and his children until such time as he might amass
enough money to pay the fine. If the father should by chance pay his debt, the master
then claimed that he had fed and clothed his children, and should be paid therefor..
In what concerns loans, there was formerly, and is today, an excess of usury, which
is a great hindrance to baptism as well as to confession; for it turns out in the same
way as I have showed in the case of the one under judgment, who gives half of his
cultivated lands and profits until he pays the debt. The debtor is condemned to a life of
toil; and thus borrowers become slaves, and after the death of the father the children
pay the debt. Not doing so, double the amount must be paid. This system should and
can be reformed.
***

In the case of a child by a free married woman, born while she was married, if
the husband punished the adulterer this was considered a dowry; and the child entered
with the others into partition in the inheritance. His share equalled the part left by the
father, nothing more. If there were no other sons than he, the children and the nearest
relatives inherited equally with him. But if the adulterer were not punished by the
husband of the woman who had the child, the latter was not considered as his child,
nor did he inherit anything. It should be noticed that the offender was not considered
dishonored by the punishment inflicted, nor did the husband leave the woman. By the
punishment of the father the child was fittingly made legitimate.
Dowries are given by the men to the women's parents. If the latter are living,
they enjoy the use of it. At their death, provided the dowry has not been consumed, it
is divided like the rest of the estate, equally among the children, except in case the
father should care to bestow something additional upon the daughter. If the wife, at
the time of her marriage, has neither father, mother, nor grandparents, she enjoys her
dowry which, in such a case, belongs to no other relative or child. It should be noticed
that unmarried women can own no property, in land or dowry, for the result of all their
labors accrues to their parents. The above is what I have been able to ascertain clearly
concerning customs observed among these natives in all this Laguna and the tingues,

33
and among the entire Tagalog race. The old men say that a dato who did anything
contrary to this would not be esteemed; and, in relating tyrannies which they had
committed, some condemned them and adjudged them wicked...In all the villages, or
in other parts of the Filipinas Islands, there are no temples consecrated to the
performing of sacrifices, the adoration of their idols, or the general practice of idolatry.
It is true that they have the name simbahan, which means a temple or place of
adoration; but this is because, formerly, when they wished to celebrate a festival,
which they called pandot, or "worship," they celebrated it in the large house of a chief.
There they constructed, for the purpose of sheltering the assembled people, a
temporary shed on each side of the house, with a roof, called sibi, to protect the
people from the wet when it rained. They so constructed the house that it might
contain many people-dividing it, after the fashion of ships, into three compartments.
On the posts of the house they set small lamps, called sorihile; in the center of the
house they placed one large lamp, adorned with leaves of the white palm, wrought into
many designs. They also brought together many drums, large and small, which they
beat successively while the feast lasted, which was usually four days. During this time
the whole barangay, or family, united and joined in the worship which they call
nagaanitos. The house, for the above-mentioned period of time, was called a temple.
Among their many idols there was one called. Badhala, whom they especially
worshiped. The title seems to signify "all powerful," or "maker of all things." They also
worshiped the sun, which, on account of its beauty, is almost universally respected and
honored by heathens. They worshiped, too, the moon, especially when.. These natives
had no established division of years, months, and days; these are determined by the
cultivation of the soil, counted by moons, and the different effect produced upon the
trees when yielding flowers, fruits, and leaves: all this helps them in making up the
year. The winter and summer are distinguished as sun-time and water-time-the latter
term designating winter in those regions, where there is no cold, snow, or ice. Their
manner of offering sacrifice was to proclaim a feast, and offer to the devil what they
had to eat. This was done in front of the idol, which they anoint with fragrant
perfumes, such as musk and civet, or gum of the storax-tree and other odoriferous
woods, and praise it in poetic songs sung by the officiating priest, male or female, who
is called catolonan. The participants made responses to the song, beseeching the idol
to favor them with those things of which they were in need, and generally, by offering
repeated health’s, they all became intoxicated. In some of their idolatries they were
accustomed to place a good piece of cloth, doubled, over the idol, and over the cloth a
chain or large, gold ring, thus worshiping the devil without having sight of him. The

34
devil was sometimes liable to enter into the body of the catolonan, and, assuming her
shape and appearance, filled her with so great arrogance-he being the cause of it-
that she seemed to shoot flames from her eyes; her hair stood on end, a fearful sight
to those beholding, and she uttered words of arrogance and superiority. In some
districts, especially in the mountains, when in those idolatries the devil incarnated
himself and took on the form of his minister, the latter had to be tied to a tree by his
companions, to prevent the devil in his infernal fury from destroying him. This,
however, happened but rarely. The objects of sacrifice were goats, fowls, and swine,
which were flayed, decapitated, and laid before the idol..
In the case of young girls who first had their monthly courses, their eyes were
blindfolded four days and four nights; and, in the meantime, the friends and relatives
were all invited to partake of food and drink. At the end of this period, the catolonan
took the young girl to the water, bathed her and washed her head, and removed the
bandage from her eyes. The old men said that they did this in order that the girls might
bear children, and have fortune in finding husbands to their taste, who would not leave
them widows in their youth. Their manner of burying the dead was as follows: The
deceased was buried beside his house; and, if he were a chief, he was placed beneath
a little house or porch which they constructed for this purpose,. Before interring him,
they mourned him for four days; and afterward laid him on a boat which served as a
coffin or bier, placing him beneath the porch, where guard was kept over him by a
slave.. These infidels said that they knew that there was another life of rest which they
called maca, just as if we should say paradise," or, in other words, "village of rest.
They say that those who go to this place are the just, and the valiant, and those who
lived without doing harm, or who possessed other moral virtues. They said also that
in the other life and mortality, there was a place of punishment, grief, and affliction,
called casanaan, which was a place of anguish;" they also maintained that no one
would go to heaven, where there dwelt only Bathala, "the maker of all things, who
governed from above, There were also other pagans who confessed more clearly to a
hell, which they called, as I have said, casanaan; they said that all the wicked went to
that place, and there dwelt the demons, whom they called sitan....
There were also ghosts, which they called vibit; and phantoms, which they
called Tigbalaang. They had another deception-namely, that if any woman died in
childbirth, she and the child suffered punishment; and that, at night, she could be
heard lamenting. This was called patianac. May the honor and glory be God our Lord's,
that among all the Tagalos not a trace of this is left; and that those who are now
marrying do not even know what it is, thanks to the preaching of the holy gospel,

35
which has banished it".
Source: Plasencia, Juan de. "Customs of the Tagalogs" in Emma Helen Blair and James
Alexander Robertson. The Philippine
Islands: 1493-1898. Cleveland, OH: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1906.
Activity 1.
Write true if the statement is correct, otherwise, write faIse.
1. The Tagalogs believe in the other life, mortality, and the place of anguish called
Casanaan.
2.The belief behind the practice of blindfolding among girls who had
their first monthly courses was for them to be able to bear children
and keep a lifetime marriage.
3.The Tagalog alipin was categorized into aliping sa guiguilir who claims
privileges and the aliping namamahay who can be sold.
4. The lands on the tingues were divided among the barangay people.
5. Other than the sun and the moon, the Tagalogs had one idol worshipped
which they called Badhala, a title that signify "benevolence".

Activity 2
Identify what is being described in the following items.
1. He is the author of the document entitled "Customs of the Tagalogs".
2. It is the term used to refer to the political unit established by the Tagalogs.
3. It is the term used to refer the person who has the authority to establish control
over his people.
4. It is the punishment imposed on insult of the dato's daughter and witchcraft.
5. It is the term used to refer to the priest, either man or woman who held honorable
office.

LESSON 4
WORKS OF JUAN LUNA ANO FERNANDO AMORSOLO

HISTORICAL PAINTINGS are visual representations of concrete happening on

the life of people in a specific period. The idea about certain events and people is
communicated or expressed aesthetically through art with form, technique, and style,
Essentially, these paintings are instrumental to the visualization of the reality which
stands equally with texts, photos, caricatures, and films.
The students will be exposed to determining and seeing the balance between

36
history and imagination. The artwork itself will be scrutinized and examined as to how
it shows the reality contextually.
Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo’s paintings are presented in this lesson as
subject for analysis and discussion.
Juan Luna (1857-1899) is best known for impressive rendition of classical
subjects in his academic works. These works include historical scenes and portraiture,
however subsequently he turned to realism depicting social inequalities. In this lesson,
the "Spoliarium and The Parisian Life" are Luna's paintings presented for the analysis of
the students.
Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972) delights people of his impressionistic technique
depicting idyllic country scenes, beautiful maidens, and colorfully dressed peasants
planting or harvesting rice, The paintings are significant in the development of the
formation of Filipino notions of self and identity. In this lesson, the "Antipolo Fiesta"
and "Palay Maiden" paintings are presented for analysis.
1. Spoliarium 19th century by Juan Luna
This is the most valuable oil-on-canvass painting with a size of 4.22 meters x 7.675
meters, making it the largest painting in the Philippines. It won First Gold medal in
1884 as an entry to the prestigious Exposicion de Bellas Artes in Madrid.

37
 2. The Parisian Life, 1892 by Juan Luna

French: Interior d’un Cafi (Inside a Café)

3. Antipolo Fiesta, 1947 by Fernando Amorsolo

The oil painting on canvas depicts a rural scene where a group of people are
shown celebrating a fiesta in Antipolo.

4, Palay Maiden, 1920 By Fernando Amorsolo

(Dalagang Bukid). This painting portrays a provincial

Filipina beauty or dalagang bukid during a rice
harvest and dressed in and developed by the colors
of the Philippine flag.

38
Activity 1
Explore: Compare Famous Paintings of Luna and Amorsolo

JUAN LUNA

Title of the Painting Meaning/Messages

Spoliarium

The Parisian Life

FERNANDO AMORSOLO

Title of the Painting Meaning/Messages

Antipolo Fiesta

Palay Maiden

LESSON 5
THE POLITICAL CARICATURES

THE UNDERSTANDING OF POLITICS and society in a certain period of time

can be known and understood not only through texts but also through cartoons or
caricatures. A Political caricature is a type of drawing that is used to present a
comment, opinion, or criticism on a particular event, person, and situation. It is also
known as editorial cartoon found in a newspaper.
In this part of this lesson are four (4) political cartoons to be analyzed. These are
derived from the book entitled Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricatures of the American
Era, 1900-1941.

39
2

40
Activity 1
Give a concise explanation/discussion on the following items.
1. What is the cartoonist's viewpoint on caricature 1,2,3 and 4?
2 Do you agree or disagree with the cartoon? Why?
3. How were you able to interpret this cartoon?

LESSON 6
THE SPEECH OF CORAZON C. AQUINO
THE SPEECH presented in this lesson was obtained from an official gazette which
is an official journal of the Republic of the Philippines, This speech was delivered by the
late Corazon C. Aquino in the US Congress, Washington DC, on September 18, 1986 six
(6)months after her assumption into office as president of the Republic of the
Philippines, included here is a portion of President Corazon Aquino's transcript of her
speech and the link where the video can be found.
“Three years ago, I left America in grief to bury my husband, Ninoy Aquino, I
thought I had left it also to lay to rest his restless dream of Philippine freedom. Today,
I have returned as the President of a free people.”
In burying Ninoy, a whole nation honored him. By that brave and selfless act of
giving honor, a nation in shame recovered its own. A country that had lost faith in its
future found it in a faithless and brazen act of murder. So in giving, we receive, in
losing we find, and out of defeat, we snatched our victory, for the nation, Ninoy
became the pleasing sacrifice that answered their prayers to freedom. For myself and
our children, Ninoy was a loving husband and father. His loss, three times in our lives,
was always a deep and painful one.
Fourteen years ago this month was the first time we lost him. A president-turned-
dictator, and traitor to his oath, suspended the Constitution and shut down the
Congress that was much like this one before which l am honored to speak. He detained
my husband along with thousands of others- senators, publishers and anyone who had
spoken up for the democracy as its end drew near. But tor Ninoy, a long and cruel
ordeal was reserved. The dictator already knew that Ninoy was not a body merely to be
imprisoned but a spirit he must break. For even as the dictatorship demolished one by
one the institutions of democracy-the press, the Congress, the independence of the
judiciary, the protection of the Bill of Rights-Ninoy kept their spirit alive in himself.
At any time during his long ordeal, Ninoy could have made a separate peace with
the dictatorship, as so many of his countrymen had done. But the spirit of democracy
that inheres in our race and animates this chamber could not be allowed to die. He
held out, in the loneliness of his cell and the frustration of exile, the democratic
alternative to the insatiable greed and mindless cruelty of the right and the purging

41
holocaust of the left. And then, we lost him, irrevocably and more painfully than in the
past. The news came to us in Boston. It had to be after the three happiest years of our
lives together. But his death was my country’s resurrection in the courage and faith by
which alone they could be free again. The dictator had called him a nobody. Two
million people threw aside their passivity and escorted him to his grave. And so began
the revolution that has brought me to democracy's most famous home, the Congress of
the United States. The task had fallen on my shoulders to continue offering the
democratic alternative to our people.
You saw a nation, armed with courage and integrity, stand fast by democracy
against threats and corruption. You saw women poll watchers break out in tears as
armed goons crashed the polling places to steal the ballots but, just the same, they
tied themselves to the ballot boxes. You saw a people so committed to the ways of
democracy that they were prepared to give their lives for its pale imitation. At the end
of the day, before another wave of fraud could distort the results, I announced the
people s victory. The distinguished co-chairman of the United States observer team in
his report to your President described that victory: "I was witness to an extraordinary
manifestation of democracy on the part of the Filipino people. The ultimate result was
the election of Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino as President and Mr. Salvador Laurel as Vice-
President of the Philippines.
As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it. That is my contract with many
people and my commitment to God. He had willed that the blood drawn with the lash
shall not, in my country, be paid by blood drawn by the sword but by the fearful joy of
reconciliation. My predecessor set aside democracy to save it from a communist
insurgency that numbered less than 500. Unhampered by respect for human rights, he
went at it hammer and tongs. By the time he fled, that insurgency had grown to more
than 16,000. I think there is a lesson here to be learned about trying to stifle a thing
with the means by which it grows. I don't think anybody, in or outside our country,
concerned for a democratic and open Philippines, doubts what must be done. Through
political initiatives and local reintegration programs, we must seek to bring the
insurgents down from the hills and, by economic progress and justice, show them that
tor which the best intentioned among them fight.
As President, I will not betray the cause of peace by which I came to power. Yet
equally, and again no friend of Filipino democracy will challenge this, I will not stand by
and allow an insurgent leadership to spurn our offer of peace and kill our young
soldiers, and threaten our new freedom. Like Lincoln, I understand that force may be
necessary before mercy. Like Lincoln, I don't relish it. Yet, I will do whatever it takes to

42
defend the integrity and freedom of my country.
Finally, may I turn to that other slavery: our $26 billion foreign debt. I have said
that we shall honor it. Yet must the means by which we shall be able to do so be kept
from us? Many conditions imposed on the previous government that stole this debt
continue to be imposed on us who never benefited from it. And no assistance or
liberality commensurate with the calamity that was visited on us has been extended.
Yet ours must have been the cheapest revolution ever. With little help from others, we
Filipinos fulfilled the first and most difficult conditions of the debt negotiation the full
restoration of democracy and responsible government. Elsewhere, and in other times of
more stringent world economic conditions, Marshall plans and their like were felt to be
necessary companions of returning democracy.
When I met with President Reagan yesterday, we began an important dialogue
about cooperation and the strengthening of the friendship between our two countries.
That meeting was both a confirmation and a new beginning and should lead to p0sitive
results in all areas of common concern. We face a communist insurgency that feeds on
economic deterioration, even as We carry a great share of the free world defenses in
the Pacific. These are only two of the many burdens my people carry even as they try
to build a worthy and enduring house for their new democracy, that may serve as well
as a redoubt for freedom in Asia. Yet, no sooner is one stone laid than two are taken
away. Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of $4 billion, which was all we could earn
in the restrictive markets of the world, went to pay just the interest on a debt whose
benefit the Filipino people never received.
Still, we fought for honor, and, if only for honor, we shall pay. And yet, should we
have to wring the payments from the sweat of our men's faces and sink all the wealth
piled up by the bondsman's two hundred fifty years of unrequited toil? Yet to all
Americans, as the leader of a proud and free people, I address this question: has there
been a greater test of national commitment to the ideals you hold dear than that my
people have gone through? You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring
freedom to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a people
who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it.
Three years ago, I said thank you, America, tor the haven from oppression, and
the home you gave Ninoy, myself and our children, and for the three happiest years of
our lives together. Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new home for
democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining testament of
our two nation's commitment to freedom.”

43
Activity 1
Give what is being asked in the following items.
1. It refers to the person who is quoted as the president turned-dictator, traitor to his
oath, and the one who shut down the Congress.
2. It refers to the institution where there is protection of the Bill of Rights
independence of the judiciary, Congress, and the press.
3. It refers to the home of democracy mentioned in Cory Aquino's speech.
4.It refers to the American poet mentioned in the speech who described that
democracy must be defended from arms and attacks by lies.
5. It refers to the date mentioned in the speech when an election was called for by the
country's head of State and government.
6. It refers to the complete name of the elected vice President of the Philippines during
Corazon Aquino's administration.
7. It refers to how absolute power was swept away and democracy rebuilt by full
constitutional restoration.
8. It refers to the specific and important idea that according to Corazon Aquino the
Filipino people must be free from.
9. It refers to the challenge faced by the Filipino people which according to Corazon
Aquino it is the factor that feeds on economic deterioration.
10. It refers to the figure on the export earnings of the country when according to
Corazon Aquino went only to pay the interest on the debt which the Filipinos never
benefitted.
Lesson 7
THE ACT OF PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
(ACTA DE LA PROCLAMACIÓN DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DEL PUEBLO
FILIPINO)

Historical Context
The first phase of the Philippine Revolution ended in a stalemate between the
Spaniards and the Filipino rebel in December 1897, a truce was declared between the
two forces with the Filipino leaders, led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, agreeing to be exiled
to Hong Kong while the Spaniards paid an indemnity for the damages caused as a
result of the conflict. The truce, however, lasted tor only a few months before it
collapsed. The renewed conflict would have been disastrous for the Filipinos it not for
the deteriorating diplomatic relations between Spain and the United States over the
another revolution in Cuba. This eventually led to the Spanish-American War

44
in 1898 and the arrival of a new colonizer to the Philippines-the Americans. Even before
the Battle of Manila in 1898, Aguinaldo had already been meeting with the Americans
in Singapore. He talked with consul E. Spencer Pratt regarding US-Filipino collaboration
against the Spaniards before he went back to Hong Kong to meet up with Commodore
George Dewey, commander of the Asiatic Fleet. Unfortunately, Dewey had already left
for the Philippines to attack the Spanish fleet following America's declaration of war
against 5pain in April.
Aguinaldo remained in Hong Kong and met with the American consul general
Rounseville Widman. He paid Wildman a total of P117,000 to purchase rifles and
ammunition. A first shipment worth P50,000 was made but the other half was never
delivered. Wildman never returned the money given to him. On May 19, 1898,
Aguinaldo finally returned to the Philippines on board the U.S. cruiser McCulloch.
Aguinaldo conferred with Dewey Philippine conditions and was supplied with arms
captured from the Spaniards. From his headquarters in Cavite, Aguinaldo announced
the resumption of the revolution against the Spaniards, thus beginning the second
phase of the revolution. The Filipinos immediately flocked to the province to
join the army. By the end of May, Aguinaldo was in command of an army of
12,000 troops. On May 28, the Filipino forces won their first victory in Alapan, Imus.
The newly-made Filipino flag was hoisted in Alapan then later unfurled at the Teatro
Caviteño in Cavite Nuevo (now Cavite City) in front of the Filipinos and
capturedSpanish soldiers. A group of American officers and soldiers also
witnessed the ceremony. Earlier, on May 24, Aguinaldo announced the creation of
the dictatorial government.
The formation of this type of rule was a necessity when the growing nation
needed a strong leader. He emphasized that the dictatorship was only temporary as it
would be a prelude to the establishment of a republican form of government. On June
12, 1898, Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence from Spanish rule at a ceremony
in his house in Kawit, Cavite. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista read the declaration that
was later signed by 177 persons, including an American military officer. The Philippine
National Anthem, then known as "Marcha Nacional Filipina, composed by Julian Felipe,
was played by the Banda de San Francisco de Malabon and the Philippine flag was
again unfurled.

About the Author

(Although the actual author of the proclamation was Ambrosto Rianzares Bautista,
the initiator of Philippine Independence that led to the 1aking of the proclamation was

45
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.)
Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22, 1869 in Kawit, Cavite (Cavite el Viejo),
the second to the youngest of eight children of Carlos Aguinaldo and Trinidad Famy.
The Aguinaldo’s were a wealthy and influential family with Carlos being gobernadorcillo
tor several terms. Following his father's death in 1883, Emilio assisted his mother in the
family business and worked to help earn the family income. Aguinaldo followed in his
father's footsteps and was chosen capitan municipal of Kawit in 1894. Months later, he
joined the Katipunan choosing the name Magdalo, a name that was also given to
another branch of the Katipunan (the other was the Magdiwang) which he set up in his
province.
When the revolution began in 1896, the Katipunan in Cavite succeeded in driving
away the Spaniards from the province. But territorial and logistical problems between
the two groups soon forced Aguinaldo to ask for help from Supremo Andres Bonifacio
in settling the conflict. Bonifacio's intervention, however, only worsened the situation
and the only solution the two factions saw was to create a revolutionary government.
Elections for a pamahalaang panghihimagsik were held in Barrio Tejeros, San
Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias) on March 22, 1897. Aguinaldo was elected
President with Mariano Trias (Vice-President), Artemio Ricarte (Captain- General),
Emiliano Riego de Dios (Director of War), and Andres Bonifacio (Director of the
Interior). But the elections were disrupted following a protest over Bonifacio's
educational qualification tor such a position. Bonifacio angrily declared the result of the
elections and void and walked out. The Magdalos, however, considered the election
binding and the new government was founded. When Bonifacio tried to put up his
own government with an armed group, he was arrested and tried for sedition. Found
guilty, the Supremo and his brother Procopio were executed on May 10, 1897.
The internal dissent caused by Bonifacio's death weakened the Katipunan
further. The Spanish troops regained Cavite and Aguinaldo was forced to retreat to the
mountains of Biak-na- Bato. But the Spaniards soon realized that going after the rebels
in their mountain hideout was futile. A stalemate ensued broken only by a truce
proposal to which the rebels agreed. In exchange for an indemnity, amnesty, and
colonial reform, Aguinaldo and his officers went into exile in Hong Kong in
December 1897.The Spanish-American War in 1898 eventually changed Philippine
history. After the Americans won the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898, Aguinaldo returned
to the Philippines with their help and announced the resumption of the revolution
against Spain. After winning several victories against the Spaniards, he declared
Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. But the Filipinos soon realized that the

46
Americans were to become their new colonizers. After the Spanish defeat in 1898, the
United States began to send fresh troops to the Philippines.
In 1899, Aguinaldo convened a Congress in Malolos, Bulacan in which the
delegates wrote a Constitution and established the Philippine Republic with Aguinaldo
as President in January 1899. Three weeks later, the continuing friction with the
Americans erupted into a conflict in February 1899. The Philippine-American War
eventually ended in 1901 with the capture of Aguinaldo. Soon after, he pledged
allegiance to the United States and returned to private life on his family farm. He briefly
hugged the limelight when he ran for the presidency of the Philippine Commonwealth
but lost to Manuel L. Quezon. Aguinaldo was charged with collaboration by the
Americans for helping the Japanese during World War Il but was later freed in a
general amnesty. As a private citizen, he devoted his time to the cause of veteran
revolucionarios until his death at the age of 94 on February 6,1964

About the Text

On June 10, 1896, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo issued a one sentence decree
appointing his Auditor General of War, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, as a " special
commissioner" to write the Act of the Declaration of the Independence. The result was
a Sixteen-page document that contained the aspirations of freedom from Spanish rule,
the sacrifices made, and the revolution that resulted from it. It was the text of this
declaration that was read in Kawit in the afternoon of the celebration of the declaration
of independence. Copies of the document were made and distributed. However, there
was a problem in determining how many witnesses really signed the declaration. The
copies classified under Philippine Revolutionary Papers (PRP) in the National Library
had varying numbers. Later research by historian-writer im Richardson placed the total
number of SIgnees at 177.
The Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People in the town of
Cavite-Viejo, Province of Cavite, this 12th day of June 1898:
“Before me, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, War Counselor and Special Delegate
designated to proclaim and solemnize this Declaration of Independence by the
Dictatorial Government of the Philippines, pursuant to, and by virtue of, a Decree
issued by the Egregious Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, The undersigned
assemblage of military chiefs and others of the army who could not attend, as well as
the representatives of the various towns,
Taking into account the fact that the people of this country are already tired of
bearing the ominous yoke of Spanish domination,

47
 Because of arbitrary arrests and abuses of the Civil Guards who cause deaths in
connivance with and even under the express orders of their superior officers who at
times would order the shooting of those placed under arrest under the pretext
that they attempted to escape in violation of known Rules and Regulations, which
abuses were left unpunished, and because of unjust deportations of illustrious Filipinos,
especially those decreed by General Blanco at the instigation of the Archbishop and the
friars interested in keeping them in ignorance for egoistic and selfish ends, which
deportations were carried out through processes more execrable than those of the
Inquisition which every civilized nation repudiates as a trial without bearing,
Had resolved to start a revolution in August 1896 in order to regain the
independence and sovereignty of which the people had been deprived by Spain
through Governor Miguel Lopez deLegazpi who, continuing the course followed by his
predecessor Ferdinand Magellan who landed on the shores of Cebu and occupied said
Island by means of a Pact of Friendship with Chief Tupas, although he was killed in
battle that took place in said shores to which battle he was provoked by Chief
Kalipulako, of Mactan who suspected his evil designs, landed on the Island of Bobol by
entering also into a Blood Compact with its Chief Sikatuna, with the purpose of later
taking by force the Island of Cebu, and because his successor Tupas did not allow him
to occupy it, he went to Manila, the capital, winning likewise the friendship of its Chiefs
Soliman and Lakandula, later taking possession of the city and the whole Archipelago in
the name of Spain by virtue of an order of King Philip II, and with these historical
precedents and because in international law the prescription established by law to
legalize the vicious acquisition of private property is not recognized, the legitimacy of
such revolution cannot be put m doubt which was calmed but not completely stifled by
the pacification proposed by Don Pedro A. Paterno with Don Emilio Aguinaldo as
President of the Republic established in Biak-na-Bato and accepted by Governor-
General Don Fernando Primo de Rivera under terms, both written and oral, among
them being a general amnesty for all deported and convicted persons; that by reason
of the non-fulfilment of some of the terms, after the destruction of the Spanish
Squadron by the North American Navy, and bombardment of the plaza of Cavite, Don
Emilio Aguinaldo returned in order to initiate a new revolution and no sooner had he
given the order to rise on the 31st of last month when several towns anticipating the
revolution, rose in revolt on the 28th, such that a Spanish contingent of 178 men,
between Imus and Cavite Viejo, under the command of a major of the Marine Infantry
capitulated, the revolutionary movement spreading like wild fire to other towns of
Cavite and the other provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, and

48
Morong, some of them with seaports and such was the success of the victory of our
arms, truly marvelous and without equal in the history of colonial revolutions that in
the first mentioned province only the Detachments in Naic and Indang remained to
surrender; in the second, all Detachments had been wiped out; in the third, the
resistance of the Spanish forces was localized in the town of San Fernando where the
greater part of them are concentrated, the remainder in Macabebe, Sexmoan, and
Guagua; in the fourth, in the town of Lipa; in the fifth, in the capital and in
Calumpit; and in the last two remaining provinces, only in their respective capitals, and
the city of Manila will soon be besieged by our forces as well as the provinces of Nueva
Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, and some others in the Visayas where
the revolution at the time of the pacification and others even before, so that the
independence of our country and the revindication of our sovereignty is assured.
And having as witness to the rectitude of our intentions the Supreme Judge of
the Universe, and under the protection of the Powerful and Humanitarian Nation, the
United States of America, we do hereby proclaim and declare solemnly in the name and
by authority of the people of these Philippine Isands, That they are and have the right
to be free and independent that they have ceased to have any allegiance to the Crown
of Spain; that all political ties between them are and should be completely severed and
annulled; and that, like other free and independent States, they enjoy the full power to
make War and Peace, conclude commercial treaties, enter into alliances, regulate
commerce, and do all other acts and things which an Independent State has a right to
do.
And imbued with firm confidence in Divine Providence, we hereby mutually bind
ourselves to support this Declaration with our lives, Our fortunes, and with our most
sacred possession, our Honor.
We recognize, approve, and ratify, with all the orders emanating from the same,
the Dictatorship established by Don Emilio Aguinaldo whom we revere as the Supreme
Head of this Nation, which today begins to have a life of its own, in the conviction that
he has been the instrument chosen by God, in spite of his bumble origin, to effectuate
the redemption of this unfortunate country as foretold by Dr. Don José Rizal in his
magnificent verses which he composed in his prison cell prior to his execution,
liberating it from the Yoke of Spanish domination,
And in punishment for the impunity with which the Government sanctioned the
commission of abuses by its officials, and for the unjust execution of Rizal and others
who were sacrificed in order to please the insatiable friars in their hydropical thirst for
vengeance against and extermination of all those who oppose their Machiavellian ends,

49
trampling upon the Penal Code of these Islands, and of those suspected persons
arrested by the Chiefs of Detachments at the instigation of the friars, without any form
nor semblance of trial and without any spiritual aid of our sacred Religion; and likewise,
and for the same ends, eminent Filipino priests, Doctor Don Jose Burgos, Don Mariano
Gomez, and Don Jacinto Zamora were hanged whose 1nnocent blood was shed due to
the intrigues of these so-called Religious corporations which made the authorities to
believe that the military uprising at the fort of San Felipe in Cavite o1 the night of
January 21, 1872 was instigated by those Filipino martyrs, thereby impeding the
execution of the decree-sentence issued by the Council of State in the appeal in the
administrative case interposed by the secular clergy against the Royal Orders that
directed that the parishes under them within the jurisdiction of this Bishopric be turned
over to the Recollects in exchange for those controlled by them in Mindanao which
were to be transferred to the Jesuits, thus revoking them completely and ordering the
return of those parishes, all of which proceedings are on file with the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs to which they are sent last month of last year for the issuance of the
proper Royal Decree which, in turn, caused the growth of the tree of liberty in this our
dear land that grew more and more through the iniquitous measures of oppression,
until the last drop from our chalice of suffering having been drained, the first spark
of revolution broke out in Caloocan, spread out to Santa Mesa and continued its course
to the adjoining regions of the province where the unequalled heroism of its inhabitants
fought a one-sided battle against superior forces of General Blanco and General
Polavieja for a period of three months, without proper arms nor ammunitions, except
bolos, pointed bamboos, and arrows.
Moreover, we confer upon our famous Dictator Don Emilio Aguinaldo all the
powers necessary to enable him to discharge the duties of Government, including the
prerogatives of granting pardon and amnesty.
And, lastly, it was resolved unanimously that this Nation, already free and
independent as of this day, must use the same flag which up to now is being used,
whose design and colors are found described in the attached drawing, the white
triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the "Katipunan"
which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in revolution; the
three stars, signifying the three principal Islands of this Archipelago--Luzon, Mindanao,
and Panay where this revolutionary movement started; the Sun representing the
gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and
Civilization; the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces-Manila, Cavite, Bulacan,
Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas which declared themselves in a

50
state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated; and the colors of Blue, Red, and
White, commemorating the flag of the United States of North America, as a
manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its disinterested
protection which it lent us and continues lending us.
And holding up this flag of ours, I present it to the gentlemen here assembled:
(The text is followed by the Signatures of the Witnesses)

Relevance
Nothing is more relevant to Philippine history than the declaration of
independence from colonial rule. The Declaration is, of course, that sole document that
proves the value Filipinos place on their freedom. At present, our independence has
been questioned especially in relation to our dealings with the United States (which
colonized us for almost half a century and later recognized our independence in 1946).
However, it must be understood that the independence we attained in 1898 was
freedom that was fought for with the lives of Filipinos. The goal or objective of this
independence, however, is something that we might have failed to achieve and protect
properly. It is in this context that the Acta must be studied again.
Activity 1
1. Who is Emilio Aguinaldo? How did he end up as the leader of the revolution?
2. According to the declaration, how did the Spanish colonization begin?
3. Who were the inspirations of the revolution?
4. What role did the Americans play in the narrative?
5. Considering the American and Japanese occupations as well as the current state of
the Philippines, how important is the 1898 Declaration of Independence?

Lesson 8
THE KARTILYA OF THE KATIPUNAN

Historical Context
The first move towards independence began on July 7, 1892 when the
Katipunan was established by Andres Bonifacio. This was a result of the failure of the
Reform Movement in Spain in which Filipinos attempted to demand reforms for the
Philippines from the Spanish government. Bonifacio saw the futility of the efforts of the
Filipino propagandists and organized an underground movement against Spain.
The Kataastaasang Kagalang galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or
KKK was a revolutionary society that espoused independence and freedom for the

51
Philippines through force of arms. Its main objective was separation of the Philippines
from Spain and, at the same time, the development of the Filipinos as citizens of their
own nation once independence was achieved. The latter was done through the written
works by Bonifacio and fellow Katipunero, Emilio Jacinto, who wrote a number of
poems and essays for the society members.
The recruitment process of the Katipunan followed the Masonic initiation rites
while its structure was said to be based on Rizal's aborted reformist organization, the
La Liga Filipina. The new members of the society were indoctrinated with the Katipunan
rules and its teachings that emphasized the value of the love of one's country and
fellow Filipinos.

About the Author

Emilio Jacinto was born on December 15, 1875 in the district of Trozo in Tondo,
Manila. He was the son of Mariano Jacinto, a bookkeeper, and Josefa Dizon. Living a
life of poverty, Jacinto still managed to get a good education. He finished his
elementary education in a private school then took up in Secondary education at the
Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He later studied law at the University of Santo Tomas
where he developed a love of reading and improved his skills in Spanish. Unfortunately,
he had to stop his studies when the Philippine Revolution began in 1896.
Jacinto joined the Katipunan in 1894 at the age of 18 and took the symbolic
name Pingkian. It was during this time that he developed his nationalistic ideals.
Through his enthusiasm and ideas, Jacinto became a guiding light to the members of
the society. He wrote the Kartilya as well as the oath of the Katipuneros. He also edited
the Katipunan newspaper, Kalayaan, and was the author of several literary writings
using the pen-name Dimas Tlaw He served the Katipunan in difterent capacities such
as secretary, fiscal, editor, and later was appointed General by Bonitacio in 1897. He
also served as an adviser to the Supremo.
After the death of Bonifacio in Cavite in 1897, Jacinto continued the fight
against the Spaniards even after the truce following the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. He was
wounded in a battle against the Spaniards in Magdalena, Laguna and Was captured.
Upon investigation, Jacinto was released after he managed to convince the Spanish
soldiers he was a Spy in their service when he showed them a military pass issued to a
man he killed several months ago. Jacinto quickly went into hiding in Manila. There he
sent a letter to Apolinario Mabini Malolos, Bulacan stating his plan to continue his law
studies at the newly-established Literary University of the Philippines. But this plan was
discontinued C Jacinto had to go back to Laguna to lead his fellow patriots in the war

52
against the new enemy, the Americans. He established his headquarters in the town of
Majayjay where he, unfortunately, contracted malaria. He died on April 6, 1899.

About the Text

In his study of the Katipunan history and its documents, Jim Richardson said
that "the Kartilya is the best known of all Katipunan texts" and that it is "the only
document of any length set in print by the Katipunan prior to August 1896 that is
known to be still extant." The Kartilya was printed as a small pamphlet that was
distributed to the members of the Katipunan. Its term was derived from the Spanish
cartilla which was the primer used for grade schools during the Spanish period. And like
the cartillas, this document served as the primary lessons for the members of the
Katipunan.
The Kartilya presents not only the teachings for the neophyte Katipunero but
also the guiding principles of the society These teachings are expected from the
members even after the attainment of freedom from the colonizers. The Kartilya ends
with a document of affirmation by the member to the society's teachings.
The Kartilya was not just a document for the Katipunan. Its importance today 1
predicated on the teachings that embodied the moral and nationalistic principles of a
nation that fought for independence. These principles are relevant as the sense of
nationhood still holds true when the cultural and historical values of every Filipino are
threatened by the onslaught of foreign influences brought about by today's
globalization.

Kartilya ng Katipunan

KATIPUNAN NANG MANGA A. N. B.

SA MAY NASANG MAKISANIB SA KATIPUNANG ITO

Sa pagkakailangan, na ang lahat na nagibig pumasuk sa katipunang ito, ay
magkaroon ng lubos na pananalig at kaisipan sa mga layong tinutungo at mga
kaaralang pinaiiral, minarapat na ipakilala sa kanila ang mga bagay na ito, at ng bukas
makalawa'y huag silang magsisi at tuparing maluag sa kalooban ang kanilang mga
tutungkulin.
Ang kabagayang pinaguusig ng katipunang ito ay lubos na dakila at mahalaga:
papagisahin ang loob at kaisipan ng lahat ng tagalog(*) sa pamagitan ng isang
mahigpitn a panunumpa, upang sa pagkakaisang itoy magkalakas na iwasak ang

53
masinsing tabing na nakabubulag sa kaisipan at matuklasan ang tunay na landas ng
Katuwiran at Kaliwanagan. Dito'y isa sa mga kaunaunahang utos, ang tunay na pagibig
Sa bayang tinubuan at lubos na pagdadamayan ng isa’t isa. Maralita, mayaman,
nangmang, marunong, lahat ditoy pag kakapantay at tunay na magkakapatid.
Kapagkarakang mapusok dito ang sino man, tataligdan pilit ang bubalhal na kaugalian,
at painlaliman sa kapangyarihan ng mga banal na utos ng katypunan. Ang gawang
lahat, na laban sa kamahalan at kalinisan, dito'y kinasusuklaman; kaya't sa bagay na
ito ipinaiilalim sa masigasi na pakikibalita ang kabuhayan ng sino mang nagiibig
makisanib
sa katipunang ito. Kung ang bangad ng papasuk dito y ang tummalastas lamang ng
mga kalibiman ito, o ang ikagignhawa ng sariling katawan, o ang kilalanin ang nga
nariritot ng maipagbili sa isang dakot na salapi, buag magpatuloy, sapagkat dito y
bantain lamang ay talastas na ng nakapal na nakikiramdam sa kaniya, at karakarakang
nilalapatan ng mabisang gamut, na laan sa mga sukaban.
Dito'y gawa ang hinahanap at gawa ang tinitignan; kaya't hindi dapat pumasuk
ang di makagagaiwa, kahit magaling magsalita. Ipinauunawa din, na ang mga
katungkulang ginaganap ng lahat ng napaaanak sa katipunang ito ay lubhang
mabibigat lalung lalu na, kung gugunitain na di magyayaring maiitwasan at walang
kusang pagkukulang na di aabutin ng kakilakilabot na kaparusahan.
Sa salitang tagalog katutura' y ang lahat nang tumubo sa Sangkalupans ito; sa
makatuid, bisaya man, iloko man, kapangpangan man, etc- ay Tagalog din.
Kung ang hangad ng papasuk dito, ang siya'y abuluyan o ang ginhawa't
malayaw na katahimikan ng katawan, huag magpatuloy, sapagkat mabigat na mga
katungkulan ang matatagpuan, gaya ng pagtatangkilik sa mga naaapi at madalubong
na paguusig sa lahat ng kasamaan; sa bagay na ito ay aabutin ang maligalıg na
pamumubay.
Di kaila sa kangino paman ang mga nagbalang kapahamakan sa mga tagalog na
nakaiisip nitong mga banal na kabagayan (at bindi man), at mga pabirap na ibinibigay
ang naghaharing kalupitan, kalikuan at kasamaan. Talastas din naman ng lahat ang
pagkakailangan ng salapi, na sa ngayo y isa sa mga unang lakas na m1aaasahang
magbibigay buhay sa lahat; sa bagay na ito, kinakailangan ang lubos na pagtupad sa
mga pagbabayaran; piso sa pagpasok at sa buan buan ay sikapat. Ang salaping itoy
ipinagbibigay alam ng nagiingat sa tuing kapanahunan, bukod pa sa mapagsisiyasat ng
sinoman kailan ma't ibigin. Di makikilos ang salaping ito, kun di pagkayarian ng
karamihan.
Ang lahat ng ipinagsaysay at dapat gunitain at mahinahong pagbulaybulayin,

54
sapagkat di magaganap at di matitiis ng walang Tunay na pagibig sa tinubuang lupa, at
tunay na adhikang ipagtangkilik ang Kagalingan. At ng lalong mapagtimbang ng sariling
isip at kabaitan, basahin ang sumiusiunod na

MGA ARAL NANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA A.N.B

Ang kabuhayang hindi ginugugol sa isang malaki at banal na kadahilanan ay
kahoy na walang lilim, kundi damong makamandag.
Ang gawang magaling na nagbubuhat sa pagpipita sa sarili, at hindi sa talagang
nasang gumawa ng kagalingan, ay di kabaitan.
Ang tunay na kabanalan ay ang pagkakawang gana, ang pagibig sa kapuwa at
ang isukat ang bawat kilos, gawa t pangungusap sa talagang Katuiran. Maitim man at
maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao'y magkakapantay; mangyayaring ang isa 'y
bigtan sa dunong, Sa yaman, sa ganda..; ngunit di mahihigtan sa pagkatao. Ang may
mataas na kalooban inuuna ang puri sa pagpipita sa sarili; ang may hamak na
kalooban inuuna ang pagpipita sa sarili sa puri. Sa taong may biya, salita'y
panntunnpa. Huwag mong sasayangin ang panahun; ang yamang nawala'y
magyayaring magbalik; nguni't panahung nagdaan na'y di na muli pang magdadaa.
pagtangol mo ang inaapi, at kabakahin ang umaapi. Ang taong nmatalino y ang may
pagiingat sa bawat sasabihin, at matutong ipaglihim ang dapat ipaglihim.
Sa daang matinik ng kabuhayan, lalaki ay siyang patnugot ng asawa't mga anak;
kung ang umaakay ay tungo sa sama, ang patutunguhan ng inaakay ay kasamaan din.
Ang babai ay huag mong tignang isang bagay na libangan lamang, kun di isang
katuang at karamay sa mga kahirapan nitong kabuhayan; gamitan mo ng boong
pagpipitagan ang kaniyang kabinaan, at alalahanin ang inang pinagbuhata’t nagiwi sa
ryong kasangulan
Ang di mo ibig na gawin sa asauwa mo, anak at kapatid, ay huag mong gagawin
sa asawa, anak, at kapatid ng iba. Ang kamahalan ng tao'y wala sa pagkahari, wala sa
tangus ng ilong at puti ng mukha, wala sa pagkaparing kahilili ng Dios, wala sa mataas
na kalagayan sa balat ng lupa; wagus at tunay na mahal na tao, kabit laking gubat at
walang nababatid kun di ang sariling wika, yaong may naganaus asal, may isang
pangungusap, may dangal at puri; yaong napaaapit di nakikiapi; yaong marunong
magdamdan at marunong lumingap sa bayang tinubuan.
Paglaganap ng mga aral na to at maningning na sumikat ang araw ng mabal na
Kalayaan dito sa kaabaabang Sangkalupuan, at sabugan ng matamis niyang liwanag
ang nangagkaisang nmagkalahi t magkakapatid ng ligayang walang katapusan, ang
mga gmugol na buhay, pagud, at mga tiniis na kahirapa'y labis nang natumbasan.

55
Kung lahat ng ito'y mataruk na ng nagibig pumasuk at inaakala niyang matutupad ang
mga tutungkulin, maitatala ang kaniyang ninanasa sa kasunod nito
Note: The teachings are followed by a form to be filled out with name,
hometown, age, occupation, status, and address. The Kartilya concludes with a brief
undertaking to be signed by the person who intends to join the association.
English Translation

ASSOCIATION OF THE SONS OF THE PEOPLE

To Those Who Want to Join this Association In order that all who want to enter
this Association may have a full understanding and knowledge of its guiding principles
and main teachings, it is necessary to make these things known to them so that they
will not, tomorrow or the next day, repent, and so that they may perform their duties
wholeheartedly.
This Association pursues a most worthy and momentous object: to unite the
hearts and minds of all the Tagalog’s by means of an inviolable oath, in order that this
union may be strong enough to tear aside the thick veil that obscures thought, and to
find the true path of Reason and Enlightenment.
One of the foremost rules here is true love of the native land and genuine
compassion for one another. Poor, rich, ignorant, wise-here, all are equal and true
brethren.
As soon as anybody enters here, he shall perforce renounce disorderly habits
and shall submit to the authority of the sacred commands of the Katipunan. All acts
contrary to noble and clean living are repugnant here, and hence the life of anyone
who wants to affiliate with this Association will be submitted to a searching
investigation.
If the applicant merely wishes to know the secrets of the Association, or to
seek personal gratification, or to know who are here in order to sell them for a handful
of silver, he cannot proceed, for here the many who are watching him will already
know his intentions, and will immediately have recourse to an effective remedy, such
as befits traitors.
Here, only actions are demanded and esteemed; hence anybody who is not
willing to act should not enter, no matter how good a speaker he might be. It is also
announced that the duties to be performed by the members of this association are
exceedingly hard, especially if one remembers that there can be no dereliction or wilful
evasion of duty without the exaction of a terrible punishment.
If an applicant merely desires financial support relief or wants to lead a life of

56
bodily comfort and ease, he had better not proceed, for he will encounter weighty
tasks, like the protection of the oppressed and the relentless fight against all that is
evil. In this way, his state will be a vexatious life. Nobody is unaware of the misfortune
that threatens the Filipinos who contemplate these things that are sacred (and even
those that are not) and the sufferings they are made to endure by the reign of cruelty,
injustice and evil.
Everybody also knows the need for money, which today is one of the main
things upon which we depend to bring sustenance to all. In this regard, the punctual
payment of dues is required: one peso upon entry and then twelve and a half centavos
each month. The custodian of the funds will periodically render an account to the
members, and each member has a right to examine the accounts, should he so wish.
The funds cannot be expended without the consent of the majority.
All this must be thought over and deliberated upon calmly, as it cannot be
accomplished or endured by anyone who has no love for his native land and no
genu1ne desire to promote Progress.
And for the upliftment of your mind and virtue, read the following

Teachings of the Katipunan of The Sons of the People

A life that is not dedicated to a great and sacred cause is like a tree without a
shade, or a poisonous weed.
A good deed lacks virtue if it springs from a desire for personal profit and not
from a sincere desire to do good.
True charity resides in acts of compassion, in love for one's fellow men, and in
making true Reason the measure of every move, deed and word.
Be their skin dark or pale, all men are equal. One can be superior to another in
knowledge, wealth and beauty... but not in being.
A person with a noble character values honor above self-interest, while a person
with an ignoble character values self-interest above honor.
An honorable man's word is his bond.
Don’t waste time; lost wealth may be recovered, but time lost is lost forever.

Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor.

An intelligent man is he who takes care in everything he says and keeps quiet
about what must be kept secret.
Along the thorny path of life, the man leads the way and his wife and children
follow. If the leader goes the way of perdition, then so do those who are led.

57
 Do not regard a woman as a mere plaything, but as a helpmate and partner in
the hardships of this existence. Have due regard to her weakness, and remember the
mother who brought you into this world and nurtured you in your infancy.
What you would not want done to your wife, daughter and sister, do not do to
the wife, daughter and sister of another.
A man's worth does not come from him being a king, or in the height of his
nose and the whiteness of his face, or in him being a priest, a representative of God, or
in his exalted position on the face of this earth. Pure and truly noble is he who, though
born in the forest and able to speak only his own tongue, behaves decently, is true to
his word, has dignity and honor, who is not an oppressor and does not abet
oppressors, who knows how to cherish and look after the land of his birth.
When these doctrines have spread and the brilliant sun of beloved liberty shines
on these poor Isłands, and sheds its sweet light upon i united race, a people in
everlasting happiness, then the lives ost, the struggle and the suffering will have been
more than recompensed.

Relevance
The current relevance of the Kartilya lies in the fact that it established not only
the rules for the members of the organization but the principles for the citizens of a
nation once independence had been achieved. Though written in the 19th century, the
Kartilya is significant to the lives of modern Filipinos as it reads like a simple creed for
living in the light of the many changes Occurring at present.

Activity I.
1. As a student, how will you embody the main teachings and guiding principles of the
Kartilya? Concretize your answer and cite specific lines from the document.

Activity II.
Rewrite a portion or a condensed version of the Kartilya ng Katipunan in a way
that it can encourage millennial’s like you to read and practice its teachings. Post it on
your Facebook account and see how your friends will respond to it.

58
 CHAPTER 3

Controversies and Conflicting Views in Philippine History

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students must have:
1.Demonstrated the ability to formulate arguments in favour or against a
particular issue using primary source
2. Compared and contasted different accounts or versions of a controversial
historical event
3. Supported a particular account or version of controversial historical event

Lesson 1
The Need for Studying Controversies and Conflicting Views

Many years ago, an NFO Trends Survey showed that only 37 percent of the
1,420 respondents aged 7 to 21 years old, were able to sing the Philippine National
Anthem and only 28 percent could recite the old version of Panatang Makabayan.
Of the many Filipino heroes, they could only name up to 2heroes and other matters.
The conclusion is that the Filipino youth, in general, had a "very shallow knowledge
and appreciation of the country's history and cultural heritage. Every student in
Philippine history should therefore be able to know, understand and critically analyze
various controversies and conflicting views because these may affect their lives as
Filipinos and citizens of contemporary society.

Controversies and Conflicting Views

It has been said that the Philippines had one past but many histories is true
in this case. Different authors and writers of Philippine history books vary in their
description of the Philippines physical features, its location, number of islands,
land area, river systems, mountains, site of the first mass, cry of Balintawak among
others. With these conflicting views in certain events and situations, they are subject
for debate.
The following are the controversial issues:

59
The Philippine Physical Features
Pepito M Capito prepared a list of controversial issues in Philippine history. He
got the information from the book of Pedro H. Gagelonia - who happened to be the
author's history professor in FEU in 1963. These controversies are:
1.Number of Islands and Islets in the Philippines
Different authors of history books had different views on the number of islands and
islets. Here are the conflicting views on the number of islands and islets.
a. Molina - 7,083 islands
b. Agoncillo and Alfonso- 7,000
C. Alip-7,100
d. Zaide-7,.083
e. Ariola-7,100

2. Number of Named Islands and Unnamed Islands

a Agoncilo and Alfonso-3,000 named islands and 4,000 unnamed islands
b. Alip-2,773 named islands, the rest are still unnamed islands
C.Zaide-different data in his own books

(1) Philippine History for Catholic Schools and the Republic of the
Philippines, 1963-2,773 (named islands?)
(2)Philippine Political and Cultural History, 1957-2.782 (named islands?)
d. Gagelonia, The Filipino Historian-2,000 islands have been named
e Google, Wikipedia- 5,000 islands are yet to be named.

3. Location of the Philippines

a. Zafra-Philippines is located about 700 miles or 1126.54 kms. from the mainland of
China
b. Molina - Philippines is located southeast of the Asiatic Mainland
c Alip- Philippines lies about 700 miles or 1126.54 km to the southeast of the Asia
Mainland
d. Zaide - Philippines is a sprawling archipelago fringing the southeastern rim of the
Asian continent

4. Location of the Philippine Deep or sometimes called

Philippine Trench, Mindanao Trench or Mindanao Deep. This is the third

60
deepest in the world which is located on the east of the Philippines. Its length is
1,320 km (820 miles) and a width of about 30 km (19 miles). This is located in Luzon
trending southeast to the northern Maluku Island of Haimahera, Indonesia. Galathea
Depth, its deepest point has a depth of 10,540 meters (5,760 fathoms; 34,580 feet)
a. Molina -Philippine Deep or Philippine Trench which is found east of Mindanao is the
second lowest region of the earth
b. Zaide-It is the lowest region in the world, an ocean depth east of Mindanao (cited in
his book, Philippine History for Catholic High Schools)
c. Zaide - It is the lowest part of the Earth situated about 15 miles (25,Kms) Northeast
of Mindanao. It is 34,218 feet (10,429646 km5) below sea level. (Cited in his book
Philippine Political and Cultural history)
d. Zaide-It is the second lowest place in the world and is located 72.4202 Kms 45
miles) east of Northern Mindanao. It is 35,400 feet or 10, kms deep (Cited in his book
Philippine History)
e. Agoncilo- It is the second deepest sea in the world which is located east of Mindanao
and with a depth of 35,440 feet (10.802.112 kms)
t. Google-1he Philippine Deep Sea has a depth of 34,580 feet or 10.5595* kilometers

5. Longest River in the World- Fact: The largest, longest, and widest river in the
Philippines is the Cagayan River or Rio Grande de Cagayan. It is located in the
Northeastern part of Luzon that traverses the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino, Isabela and Cagayan. Small streams that originate from Balete Pass Cordillera,
Caraballo and Sierra Mountains meet other streams and rivers and flow to the Cagayan
River. The Rio Grande de Mindanao or Mindanao River 1s the second largest
river located on the southern part of Mindanao. It has a length of 373 klometers
(252 meters). Its headwaters are in the mountains of lmpasugong Bukidnon, south of
Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, what it is called the Pulangi River joining the Kabacan
River where it becomes the Mindanao River. Disagreement Among the Authors of
Philippine History
a. Alip-Cagayan River is the longest river in the Philippines
b. Molina-Rio Grande de Mindanao is the longest river in the Philippines
c. Benitez - Rio Grande de Mindanao is the longest river in our country
d. Zaide-The longest river is the Rio de Mindanao (cited in his book
Philippine History for Elementary Schools)
e. Zaide-The longest river is the Kio de Mindanao (cited in his book
Philippine History for High Schools)

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f. Google- Kio Grande de Cagayan is the longest and widest river in the Philippines
whereas, Rio Grande de Mindanao or Mindanao River is the country s second largest
river system with a length of 373 kilometers 6.

6. Straits-It is a naturally formed, narrow but navigable waterway that connects

two larger bodies of water.
Disagreements among Authors in Philippine History as to the number of
straits in the Philippines.
a. Molina -There are 8 landlock straits in the Philippines
b. Agoncillo-There are 20 landlock straits
c. Zaide-There are 8 landlock straits
d. Google- There are 22 straits

7. Coastline - It is also called seashore where land meets the sea or ocean, or a
line that forms the boundary between the land and the ocean, sea, or lake.

Disagreements among the Authors

a. Zaide - The Philippines coastline is thrice longer than the U.S. coastline with
10,850 statute miles or 17, 461.382 statute kilometers
b. Molina - The Philippines coastline is 11,446 statute miles or 18,470,605 statute
kilometers
C. Alip -The Philippines coastline is nearly 11,000 miles or 17,702.784 kilometers
d. Benitez - The Philippines coastline is 11,440 statute miles or 18,419,895 statute
kilometers

8. Mountains- Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines but historians
disagree or differ in their data on the height of Mt. Apo.
a. Agoncillo - Mount Apo is 9,600 feet or 2.92608 kilometers high
b. Alip- Mount Apo is 9,699 feet or 2.956 plus kilometers high
c. Zaide-Mount Apo is 9,690 feet or 2.9535 kilometers high
d. Google - Mount Apo is 2,954 kilometers high

9. Mount Pulag or sometimes called as Mount Pulog is the third highest mountain
in the Philippines and Luzon's highest peak at 2.922 meters above sea level. It
borders between the province of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya:
a. Agoncillo - Mount Pulag is the second highest peak in Luzon with 8,481

62
feet (2.585009 kms) high
b. Alip-Mt. Pulag is 9,606 feet high (2.927 kms) high
c. Google - Mt. Pulag is 2.9222 kilometers high
The second highest mountain is Mt. Dulong-Dulong with a peak of 2,936 meters. The
fourth is Mt. Kitanglad Ranges (2899 meters) with Mt. Piapayungan Range
(2,890 meters).

Site of the First Mass

Decades after the debate on where the Catholic mass in the Philippines took
place has remained unsolved, local Butuan historians asked the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to resolve the first mass controversy in the
city's favor (Macarinas, 2012). Local historians in Butuan believed that the first site
of the Catholic mass took place in Mazawa, a place in Butuan now called Masao, not
in Limasawa Island in Leyte as stated in history books.
Local historian and president of the Butuan City Heritage Society (BCHS) Greg
Hontiveros said that the honor belongs to the city of Butuan and not in Leyte. He
also requested the CBCP to investigate the first mass controversy since the event is
very symbolic and important to the church.

Here is the detailed historical presentation of the BCHS account of the ceremony:
"On March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday, Friar Pedro Valderrama celebrated mass
together with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his men. With the
Spaniards were the ruler of Mazawa, Kajah Siaias and his brother Rajah Colambu,
the ruler of Butuan. Afterwards, they planted a cross in the highest hill and stayed
in the area for seven days and helped in the rice harvest for two days together with
more than a hundred of the Kajah's men.”
Father Joesilo Conalla, curator of Butuan Diocesan Liturgical Museum likewise
believed that the site of the first mass was in Butuan, not in Limasawa because the
people who attended the mass harvested rice for two days, meaning that the place
was a huge agricultural area. Limasawa Island was not an agriculture area, therefore
there is nothing to harvest there, Amalla further stated.
He also pointed out that one important evidence is the Yale Codex, which
according to Magellan's history scholars, is more impressive than the Ambrosiana
Codex used in the past to justify both claims. He further stated that the document
(referring to the Yale Codex) is now kept at Yale University while the other two
French manuscripts are in the French National Library. Another proof, according

63
to Fr. Amalla are the versions of Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan's voyage chronicler,
because there are subtle indicators that can be used.
However, on March 31, 1998, the National Historical Institute chose to adopt
the finding in the Gancayco Panel (see Appendix) which dismissed the Ginés de
Mafra account as fake and forthwith unilaterally reverted the discussion to pre-de
Mafra context which was back to whether the site of the first mass was Limasawa,
the isle without anchorage, or Butuan, which is not an isle.
Another evidence to prove that the first Catholic site was held somewhere in
Butuan and not in Limasawa Island was the historical account of Joelito Monzon
Ramirez Jr., a local historian and writer.
(1) There was no island named Limasawa in 1521. On that event, Pigafetta
recorded today’s Limasawa as Gatighan Island, between Bohol and Panaon south
of Leyte. Magellan never landed in Gatighan. The name Limasawa appeared only
in l667, Historia de Mindanao, by Combes. Pigafetta saw these islands ON THEIR
WAY OUT FROM MAZAUA after their departure on April 4, after the first mass
was celebrated on March 31. (2) They went to Mazaua from Suluan by sailing, as
recorded, downwards west. From Suluan, Limasawa can be reached by sailing
northwest-but that is not their course. They sailed downwards-west (3) upon their
departure, they sailed northwards for Cebu. Had they been in Limasawa, that
direction would have landed them in Ormoc of Leyte.

The Cry of Balintawak

Cry of Balintawak or Cry of Pugad Lawin, where did Andres Bonifacio "Cry"?
The Cry of Balintawak is a contrived controversy. For nearly a century, the Cry of
Balintawak or Cry of Pugadlawin has been the subject of many controversies, It is
considered as a turning point of Philippine history. The main focus of controversy
is the date and place of Bonifacio Cry. There were five dates for the Cry-August
20,23,24,25, and 26 and five different venues for the first cry: Balintawak, Pugadlawin,
Kangkong, Bahay-Toro and Pasong Tamo.
The first issue: It has been widely accepted and believed that the first cry of the
revolution took place in Balintawak, Caloocan in August 23, 1896.
The second issue: The first cry was in August 23, 1896 but the exact place is
not in Balintawak but Pugadlawin. Between these two controversies, the Balintawak
tradition continues to thrive.
The third issue: The cry occurred towards the end of August 1896 and that all
the places mentioned above are in Caloocan (now a big City) which in those times

64
was a district of Balintawak.
But these controversies remain unresolved except in the Philippine History books.

The Cavite Mutiny Controversy

Jose Rizal dedicated his novel "El Filibusterismo" to the three priests, Mariano
Gomez, 85 years old, Jose Burgos, 30 and Jacinto Zamora, 35 who were executed at
Bagumbayan Field in the morning of February 17,1872 (Ariola, 2012; Agoncillo, 2010
and Zaide, 2004). The three priests were summarily tried and sentenced to death by
the garrote for being linked as instigators of the Cavite Arsenal Revolt of January
20,1872. The three priests were very active in the secularization (or nationalization)
of the clergy (Nuguid, 2012).
However, not all Filipinos, including college students knew that there were
two accounts or perspectives in reference to the death of the three Filipino Martyrs
according to Chris Antonette Piedad -Pugay (a history writer)

a. The Spanish Perspective of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny

(based on Pugay's historical account)
Jose Montero y Vidal, a prolific Spanish historian documented the event and
highlighted it as an attempt of the Indios to overthrow the Spanish government in the
Philippines. Meanwhile, Gov. Gen. Rafael Izquierdo's official report magnified the event
and made use of it to implicate the native clergy, which was then active propagandists
proliferated by unrestrained press, democratic liberal and republican books and
pamphlets reaching the Philippines, and most importantly, the presence of the native
clergy who out of animosity against the Spanish friars, "Conspired and supported" the
rebels and enemies of Spain.
In particular, Izquierdo blamed the unruly Spanish Press for "stockpiling
malicious propagandas grasped by the Filipinos. He reported to the King of Spain that
the "rebels" wanted to overthrow the Spanish government to install a new "hari" in the
likes of Fathers Burgos and Zamora. The general even added that the native clergies
enticed other participants by giving them charismatic assurance that their fight will not
fail because God is with them coupled with handsome promises of rewards such as
employment, wealth, and ranks in the army. Izquierdo, in his report lambasted the
Indios as gullible and possessed an innate propensity for stealing.
The two Spaniards deemed that the event of 1872 was planned earlier and was
thought of it as a big conspiracy among educated leaders, mestizos, abogadillos or
native lawyers, residents of Manila and Cavite and the native clergy. They insinuated

65
that the conspirators of Manila and Cavite planned to liquidate high-ranking Spanish
officers to be followed by the massacre of the friars. The alleged pre-concerted signal
among the conspirators of Manila and Cavite was the firing of rockets from the walls of
lntramuros.
On 17 February 1872 in an attempt of the Spanish government and
Frailocracia to instil fear among the Filipinos so that they may never commit
such daring act again, the GOMBURZA were executed. This event was tragic
but served as one of the moving forces that shaped Filipino nationalism.

b. The Filipino Version of the Cavite Incident

(based from the historical account of Pugay)
Dr. Trinidad Hermenigildo Pardo de Tavera, a Filipino scholar and researcher,
wrote the Filipino version of the bloody incident in Cavite. In his point of view, the
incident was a mere mutiny by the native Filipino soldiers and laborers of the Cavite
arsenal who turned out to be dissatisfied with the abolition of their privileges.
Indirectly, Tavera blamed Gov. Izquierdo's cold-blooded policies such as the abolition of
privileges of the workers and native army members of the arsenal and the prohibition
of the founding of school of arts and trades for the Filipinos, which the general believed
as a cover-up for the organization of a political club.
On 20 January 1872, about 200 men comprised of soldiers, laborers of the
arsenal, and residents of Cavite headed by Sergeant Lamadrid rose in arms and
assassinated the commanding officer and Spanish officers in sight. The insurgents were
expecting support from the bulk of the army unfortunately, that didn't happen. The
news about the mutiny reached authorities in Manila and Gen. Izquierdo immediately
ordered the reinforcement of Spanish troops in Cavite. After two days, the mutiny was
officially declared subdued.
Tavera believed that the Spanish friars and lzquierdo used the Cavite
Mutiny as a powerful lever by magnifying it as a full-blown conspiracy involving not
only the native army but also included residents of Cavite and Manila, and more
importantly the native clergy to overthrow the Spanish government in the Philippines. lt
is noteworthy that during the time, the Central Governmentin Madrid announced its
intention to deprive the friars of all the powers of intervention in matters of Civil
government and the direction and management of educational institutions. This turnout
of events was believed by Tavera, prompted the friars to do something drastic in their
dire desire to maintain power in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, in the intention of installing reforms, the Central Government of

66
Spain welcomed an educational decree authored by Segismundo Moret promoted the
fusion of sectarian schools run by the friars into a school called Philippine institute. The
decree proposed to improve the standard of education in the Philippines by requiring
teaching positions in such schools to be tilled by competitive examinations. This
improvement was warmly received by most Filipinos in spite of the native clergy's zest
tor secularization.
The friars, fearing that their influence in the Philippines would be a thing
of the past, took advantage of the incident and presented it to the Spanish
Government as a vast conspiracy organized throughout the archipelago with
the object of destroying Spanish sovereignty. Tavera sadly confirmed that
the Madrid government came to believe that the scheme was true without
any attempt to investigate the real facts or extent of the alleged revolution"
reported by Izquierdo and the friars.
Convicted educated men who participated in the mutiny were sentenced to
life imprisonment while members of the native clergy headed by the GOMBURZA
were tried and executed by garrotte. This episode leads to the awakening of
nationalism and eventually to the outbreak ot Philippine Revolution of 1896. The
French writer Edmund Plauchut's account complimented Tavera's account
by confirming that the event happened due to discontentment of the arsenal workers
and soldiers in Cavite fort. The Frenchman, however, dwelt more on the execution of
the three martyr priests which he actually witnessed.

The Philippine National Flag

Before the 1896 revolution, the Filipinos had no common flag. It was only on
theheight of revolution that started to exist. The Katipunan generals designed different
flags to signify the unit or battalion where they belong. But, the flags that they
created cannot be called as a national flag.
Here is Pugay's detailed historical account in the controversial Philippine
National Flag
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo aspired to establish a new nation to be signified by a
flag and an anthem during the second phase ot the Philippine Revolution. With this,
he himself made the sketch of the flag that he submitted to Dona Marcela Agoncillo
who was then living at 535 Morrison Hill Road in Hong Kong. In sewing the flag Mrs.
Agoncillo was assisted by her daughter Lorenza and by Delfina Herbosa Natividad. After
five days of hard work, the flag was delivered to Aguinaldo who went back to the
Philippines on 17 May 1898 through S.S. McCulloch. The flag as described by the maker

67
herself was "made from fine silk with a white triangle at the left containing a sunburst
with eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, an upper
stripe of dark blue and a lower stripe or red white triangle stood for the Filipinos' hope
for equality; the blue color stood for peace, truth and justice; and the red stood for
patriotism and valor. The sunburst or eight rays represented the first eight provinces to
take up arms against Spain, and the three stars symbolized Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao.

Philippine Flag was Banned!

Just like our country and its constitution, the Philippine flag also experienced
different controversies. When the Americans took over the Philippines in 189, mutual
distrust among the Filipinos and Americans started. This prompted the Philippine
Commission to enact the Flag Law of 1907 that forbade the Filipinos to use or display
the Philippine flag anywhere, even inside Filipino homes. The Filipinos responded with
bitter protests as they saw the Flag Law as a violation or the fundamental principle of
free expression.
Several efforts were done by Filipino legislators to repeal the law, but to no
avail. In 1919, Senator Rafael Palma sponsored the Senate Bill No. 1, a bill repealing
the Flag Law of 1907 following Gov. Gen. Francis Harrison's recommendation that the
law should be repealed since the distrust between the Filipinos and the Americans
no longer exists. On 24 October 1919, Act No. 2871 was approved and signed by
Gen. Harrison; thus, the Flag Law of 1907 was repealed.

Inclusion of a 9th Ray or Crescent in the Flag

In the early part of 1970, appeals for the inclusion of an additional ray or a
crescent in the Philippine flag created another issue. House Bill No. 7725 sponsored
by Rep. Sultan Omar Dianalan of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur petitioned for the
addition of 9th ray in the rays of the sun in the Philippine flag to symbolize the
Moslems and the cultural minorities who fought the Spaniards and waged war
against them. Other groups proposed that a crescent be placed beside the sun as a
form of tribute to the pre-colonial past. However, historians, headed by Teodoro
Agoncillo singled out that when Aguinaldo himself designed the flag, he had in his
mind the eight provinces which rise in arms against Spain during the Philippine
Revolution namely: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna
and Batangas. He also pointed out that one of the three stars in the flag already
represents the Moslem and the Moslem lands.

68
The Blue Color of the Flag
The repeal of the Flag Law of 1907 gave reason for the Filipinos to be jubilant,
however, it created a new controversy concerning the true color of the flag's blue
field. The issue was raised as early as mid 1970's until mid 1980's. Through studies
it appeared that the conflict in the shades of blue might have resulted from the
alleged hasty preparations of the flag that was used for the Flag Day of March 26,
1920 following the repeal of the Flag Law. The quartermaster was said to have run
out of light blue cloth and used dark blue instead similar to the one used for the
American flag.
Specification of the blue color of the original flag through a documented
interview of Emilio Aguinaldo by the historian Teodoro Agoncillo was noted before
the formers death. In the interview, Aguinaldo specified that the bIue color of the flag
is "bughaw" neither azul oscuro nor azul marino. Meanwhile, Juan Luna's painting of
the flag on May 21, 1899 in "Monograph" illustrated the flag in China blue, not navy
blue, whereas Mariano Ponce in his letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt described the blue
color of the flag "as blue as the sky" symbolizing hope. Ponce's description was
complemented by Salvador Vivencio del Rosario's in his article "La Bandera de la Patria"
published in October 1899 where he stated that the flag's color was color celeste"
(color of the sky). In 1943, however, The Philippine Flag wore a bright royal blue
during the inauguration of the Japanese-sponsored Repubic.
Nonetheless, numerous personalities maintained that the color of the flag 15
navy blue or dark blue. The daughter of the flag-maker also named Marcela Agoncillo
believed that it was not sky blue or light blue but dark blue. She also argued that, if
there was error in the color of the flag, why did Aguinaldo never question it during his
lifetime? Her description was supported by Teodoro Kalaw's description of the flag.
Meanwhile, Arturo Tolentino raised that the flag that was used and adopted by
the 1935 and the 1973 Constitution, which was colored dark blue should be maintained
because it was the one which was "consecrated and honored by the people” and the
change of its color or shade is a violation of law.
On 25 February 1985, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Executive Order
No. 1010 which changed dark blue to a lighter shade, lighter than navy blue but darker
than sky blue or azure which is the basis of the true shade of blue in the Philippine
flag.

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Where is the Original Flag?
In his letter to Captain Baja dated 11 June 1925, Aguinaldo mentioned that in
their Northward retreat during the Filipino-American War, the original flag was lost
somewhere in Tayug, Pangasinan. Some people believed that the original flag that
was hoisted during the proclamation of independence on 12 June 1898 was the one
stored in the Aguinaldo Museum at Baguio City. It cannot be denied that the said flag
was authentic and a contemporary of the original flag but experts found out that its by
the flag-maker herself in "Philippine Herald published in October 1929. There were also
reports that the first original flag of the Philippines was returned in July 1957 by US
Ambassador Charles E. Bohlen.
Very recently, American War Commission Public Relations Director Rudy
Asercion noticed a Philippine flag in an American Trophy Room of the San Francisco
War Memorial Building. He then asked if the flag in San Francisco could be the same
flag sewn by Agoncillo in 1898. Looking at the flag closely, it was made of fine silk but
its sun has 12 rays while the original has eight; it has six-pointed stars while the
original had five-pointed stars; the sun and stars in the original flag were sewn by hand
while the San Francisco flag has a painted sun and stars; and most importantly, the
original flag had a plain blue field while the San Francisco flag has a printed blue field
with a floral design. While the flag was proven to be authentic and was really used
during the Filipino-American War, it is definitely not the original Philippine flag of 1898.
Until today, the whereabouts of the original flag of 1898 remains a mystery. (Source:
Statement of Chris Piedad -Pugay, a history writer)
Every year, the Filipino people celebrate the Flag Day to pay respect to the
existing Philippine Flag. Controversies concerning the Philippine flag in the past should
not be a hindrance on how every Filipino citizen should look up to the flag. No matter
what happens to this flag, the Philippine national flag is the unifying symbol of all
Filipinos and this is the same flag that the revolutionaries served in war and in peace.
In short, the Philippine flag symbolizes the Filipinos as one nation and as a
people.

Antonio Luna's Assasination

Who really ordered Luna's murder? Is Aguinaldo a hero or a traitor? History
books blamed Aguinaldo as the mastermind in the death of General Antonio Luna.
Luna suffered over 30 wounds from bolos, bayonets, and bullets. Was the death of
Luna under the command and order of Aguinaldo?

70
1) General Antonio Luna, lieutenant commander of the Fillipino Army has been
assassinated by order of Aguinaldo. He was stabbed to death by a guard selected
by Aguinaldo to kill him. Investigation of the incident proved that Luna had been
killed and General Otis, the American Governor-General, had authentic information
regarding the death of the "insurgent general."
2) Another information says that Ney, a guard of Aguinaldo, by order of General
Aguinaldo purposely insulted Luna and forced a quarrel. One report says that Luna
was shot before Ney stabbed him.
3) Pedro Paterno, one of the Filipino leaders believed that Aguinaldo ordered the
killing of Luna. The assassination, he recalled, was similar to the fate of Bonifacio in
Cavite province. Both Luna and Bonifacio were rivals of Aguinaldo for the leadership
of the Filipinos.
4) General Luna was exceedingly unpopular among the Filipino troops on account
of his stubborn and dictatorial manners, and very little regret was expressed at his
death. Luna and Aguinaldo were unable to agree as to the manner of conducting the
campaign against the Spanish authorities and it is said that Aguinaldo was afraid he
would be assassinated by Luna's orders.

On the other hand, those who believed that it was not Aguinaldo who ordered
the death of Luna, but it was Luna' s fault and men who assassinated him expressed
the following views:
1. Emilio "Jun" Abaya, former Transportation Secretary and great grandson of
Aguinaldo had to defend his great grandfather. He said that Luna was not
assassinated on order of Aguinaldo.2. Professor Xiao Chua of De La Salle University
noted that there is no valid
evidence to support the claims that Aguinaldo had Luna killed. According to
Professor Chua, there are various accounts on Luna's death, including one by
Pedro Janolino, Aguinaldo's men from Kawit who was one of the people who
killed Luna.
3. Antonio Abad who interviewed Pedro Janolino said that it was he who killed
Luna by self-defense. This was the statement of Janolino:
"When Antonio Luna was coming down the stairs, nakita nya na galit na
galit si Antonio (referring to Luna). Sino ang nagpaputok?" asked Luna. According to
the interview with Janolino, Janolino was so afraid that Luna might kill him and his men
that they killed him first.

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Is Aguinaldo still be considered a hero or a traitor?
It is not easy to dismiss Aguinaldo's role in Philippine history given the
controversies surrounding his leadership. If one looked at it, he has roles in the
making of the Philippine flag, the production of the national anthem, and his role in
the revolution against the Spaniards and Americans. But just like other men, he had
also some mistake, and the mistakes must be taught and analyzed by every Filipino.
Let us learn from the mistakes of Aguinaldo.
lt is dangerous to make conclusions based only on the movies. Every young
Filipinos must revisit the primary source to say that Aguinaldo is a hero or a traitor
after critically analyzing and evaluating the primary source of primary document,
instead of just basing the conclusions from the movies. Professor Chua finally explained
that he does not personally consider Aguinaldo a hero. "I consider him a great Filipino,
not a hero",

Rizal's Retraction Controversy

Rizal's retraction letter was discovered by Father Manuel Garcia, C.M in 1935.
From this time on, the letter's content has become a favorite subject of dispute
among history writers, history professors, and academicians. The retraction letter
dated December 29, 1896 was said to have been signed by Rizal himself.
The first version: "I declare myself a Catholic and in this religion in which I was
born and educated. I wish to live and die. I retract with all my heart whatever in my
words, writings, publications, and conduct has been contrary to my character as son of
the Catholic Church."
The second version: "I retract with all my heart whatsoever in my words,
writings, publications, and conduct have been contrary to my character as a son of the
Catholic church."
Upon analysis of the two (2) versions of Rizal's letter, it can be shown that there
are different words used and some words are missing in the second version. At any
rate, whether Rizal truly resigned his Catholic faith is still a controversy. However
there are groups who believed or did not believe that Rizal retracted.
a.)Believers or defenders of Rizal's retraction:
1. Nick Joaquin, writer
2. Leon Maria Guerrero III
3. Gregorio Zaide, author of history books
4. Guillermo Gomez Rivera
5. Ambeth Ocamp0, author of history books

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6. John Schumaker
7. Antonio Molina
8. Paul Duval
9. Austin Craig, historian
10. Teodoro Kalaw, 33rd degree mason and handwriting expert
11. H. Otley Beyer, UP Professor
12. Jose Del Rosario, UP Professor
13. Fr Marciano Guzman, great grandnephew of Rizal
14. Fr. Vicente Balaguer, A Jesuit Missionary
15. Fr. Pio Pi, Society of Jesuits of the Philippines, Superior
16. Dr. Augusto de Vierra, UST Dept of History, Head

b) Non-believers of Rizal Retraction:

1. Ricardo Pascual, a historian
2. Sen. Rafael Palma, former UP President and prominent mason
3. Frank Laubach, a Protestant minister
4. Austin Coates, a British writer
5. Ricardo Manapat, National Archives director
6. Tomas U. Santos, a historian
7. Jose Victor Torres, history professor of De La Salle University

Believers of Rizal's retraction had the following arguments:

1. The retraction document (letter) is authentic having judged by a foremost

handwriting expert, Teodoro Kalaw and handwriting experts are known
and recognized in our courts of justice.
2. Eleven (11) witnesses saw Rizal wrote his own retraction, signed a Catholic
prayer book and recited Catholic prayers and kissed the crucifix before his
execution.
3. Rizal's 4 confessions were certified by 5 eyewitnesses, 10 qualified
witnesses, 7 newspapermen, and 12 historians and writers.
4. Aglipayan bishops, masons, and anti-clerics witnessed Rizal's signing of
the retraction document
5. The head of the Spanish Supreme Court notarized his retraction letter.
6. Beinga Catholic, he was buried inside the sacred grounds of Pako (now
Paco) Catholic Cemetery.

73
7. The retraction letter was not forged because witnesses were present while
Rizal was signing it.
8. Rizal retracted his masonry because he wanted to be at peace when he
dies.
9. Direct evidence which have a greater weight need to prove Rizaľ's
retraction than just circumstantial evidence.

Non-believers of Rizal's retraction had the following arguments:

1. There is no certificate of Rizal's catholic marriage to Josephine Bracken

2. There is an allegation that the retraction document was a forgery. There
are two versions of the retraction letter with some words missing in the
second document. Which document is authentic? Were these documents
written in Spanish, English, or Filipino? Since the signing of the document,
if it is true, Would have been written in Spanish, not in English. There was
no mention that the original writing is Spanish and translated in English.
3. The document was not in Rizal's own handwriting according to Senator
Palma.
4. The retraction letter is not in keeping with Rizal's character and
mature beliefs.

Prelude to Rizal's Signing of the Retraction Document

Some authors of history books dealing with Life, Works, and Writings of
Jose Rizal stated that the first draft of the retraction letter was sent by Archbishop
Bernardino Nozaleda to Rizal's cell in Fort Santiago the night before his execution.
Fort Santiago was the place where Rizal was imprisoned and where Rizal wrote his 14-
stanza poem "Mi Ultimo Adios." But Rizal was said to have rejected the draft because it
was lengthy and did not like the wordings.
According to a testimony by Fr. Vicente Balaguer who became Rizal's friend in
Dapitan, Rizal accepted a short retraction document prepared by Fr. Pio Pi, the head
of the Jesuit Society of the Philippines. However, Rizal wrote his own retraction after
making some modification in the shorter retraction letter shown to him. In his own
retraction letter, he disavowed masonry and religious thoughts that opposed
Catholic belief.

74
Concluding Statement on Rizal's Controversial Retraction
Whether Rizal signed a retraction or not, Rizal is still Rizal. It did not diminish
his stature as a great patriot, the hero who courted death "to prove to those who
deny our patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and our beliefs." (Jose
Diokno's statement). Rizal's retraction or not did not change the fact that his works and
writings began the wheels of change" in the Philippine colonial society - a change that
led to the Philippine independence. The retraction is just one aspect of the life, works,
and writings of Rizal (Jose Victor Torres). Torres noted that the controversy in Rizal's
retraction is irrelevant today. The way Rizal is taught today, the retraction means
nothing at all, Torres added.

Activity 1. Words to Know

Define the following terms based from your own understanding (not exactly cop1ed
from the text)
1. controversies
2. mutiny
3. retraction
4. physical features -
5. Cry (of Balintawak)

II. Brush Up
1. What was the "Cry of Balintawak" or "Cry of Pugadlawin"? What did it signify?
2. What were the reasons of Antonio Luna's assassination?
3. Who really killed or master-minded the killing of Antonio Luna? Give some proof.
4. What was the effect of Rizal's retraction or non-retraction controversy to the Filipino
nation?
5. Do you affirm or deny Rizal's retraction? Support your answer.
6. Do you agree that the Cavite Mutiny was instigated by GOMBURZA? Support your
answer.
7. Why was Luna against the forming of the revolutionary government? Support your
answer.
8. Was General Luna a dictator-general or not? Detend you answer.
9. Do you agree that the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was in
Limasawa? Justity your answer..
10. What does the blue color of the flag signify?
11. Do you agree that there should be 9 rays or a crescent in the flag instead of only

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8? Justify your answer.
12. Do you consider General Emilio Aguinaldo a hero or a traitor Justify your answer
13. Are you for or against this logical statement? "Aguinaldo could be the "brain" of
Luna's assassination since his assassination is similar to Bonifacio's assassination.
Elucidate this statement well.

B. Reaction Paper
Each student is required to submit a Reaction Paper (choose 1 topic only),
consisting of 200-300 words in a short bond paper. The teacher sets the
date of the submission and scoring key. The topics for the reaction paper
1. The Site of the First Mass Controversy
2. Rizal's Retraction Controversy
3. Luna Assassination Controversy
4. The Cavite Mutiny Controversy
5. The Cry of Balintawak Controversy

CHAPTER 4
Social, Political, Economic, and Cultural Issues in Philippine History

Lesson 1
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students must have:
1. Learned how to identify and used the primary sources
2. Mastered the historical facts and their connections with one another
3. Effectively communicated using various techniques and genres their historical
analysis of a particular event or issue that could help other people understand the
chosen topic
4. Proposed recommendations or solutions to present day problems based on your
own understanding of their root causes and your anticipation of future scenarios

A. Socio-Economic Issues and Concerns

There are social issues that affect the economic conditions of the people and
therefore these two issues are deemed combined. The socio-economic issues started
in the past and still being currently experienced by most Filipinos. These are listed
below (not in ranking order)
1. Corruption in the Philippines-Evidence of corruption accounted to billions of
money lost to projects anomalies, procurement process, paid barrel scam, ill- gotten

76
wealth, and many other forms of corruption.
In 2001 alone, the government lost about P21 billion to graft and corruption
from scheming contracts entered into by some senators and congressmen. Such
amount excluded money lost to corruption involving projects executed by other
government officials in various government agencies. Also, around P35 billion is lost to
graft and corruption in government infrastructure projects annually. These anomalies
come in the form of rigged public biddings, substantial works and cost padding. A few
government officials were already jailed on these
matters but some remain "untouched."
With respect to procurement process, the government is losing about P21
billion annually to corrupt officials involved in the procurement process, according to
the Procurement Watch Inc. (PWI). The survey conducted by the Social Weather
Station (SWS) showed that 15 percent of the cost of all government contracts is lost to
corruption. On pork barrel or procurement budget, funds of senators and congressmen,
It was reported in newspapers that some P21 billion or nearly 20 percent or the
estimated budget annually for pork barrel is pocketed by corrupt legislators in
connivance with government officials, contractors, non-existing NG05 and private
persons yearly, In fact, some lawmakers were already prosecuted while others are in
the waiting list for their anomalous involvement. Even former President Benigno Aquino
and former Budget Secretary Abad were reportedly
involved in these cases.
As a consequence of the "never-ending" corruption in the Philippines, Our
country was ranked fourth most corrupt in Asia behind Indonesia, lndia, and Vietnam in
a computed data in 2002 surveyed by the Hongkong-based Political and Economic Risk
Consultancy (PERC). The Philippines received a score of 8 on a scale of 10 with 0 as
the best possible score for a country with no corruption.
Likewise, in 2002 survey, the Transparency International (11) ranked the
Philippines as 77 among the 102 countries in terms of fighting graft and corruption.
The Philippines got a score of 2.6 in corruption index with 10 as the highest possible
score for a country that has no-corruption. Finland ranked first with no or least in
corruption obtaining a score of 9.2 while Bangladesh is at the bottom of the list (which
means most corrupt country), with a score of 1.2. The Philippines slid further down in
the Annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) obtaining a score of 3.5 in 2016, same as
its score in the 2015 report. Its ranking worsened to 101 in rank our of 176 countries
compared to 95th place out of 168 in 2015. In 2018, the Philippines was ranked 85th
out of 175 countries with a score of 3.8 out of 10.

77
 Regarding ill-gotten wealth or hidden wealth (another form of corruption)
by some government officials, the values of their properties and other assets do
not commensurate with the salaries and other emoluments they are receiving.
Many of these officials are still "uncaught" today. The Presidential Commission on Good
Governance (PCGG), has only recovered a total of 085 billion in an ill-gotten wealth
since it was created in 1986. Hence, there are still more to collect. But when and how?
That is the question.

2. Poverty - Poverty is a consequence of mant causes. According to the Population

Commission (POPCOM), there were about 32 million Filipinos who are poor in
2002. These affected 33.7 percent of all Filipino families in urban areas and 46.9
percent in rural areas - an indication that there are more poor families living in
the rural areas than in urban areas.
In 2015, the poverty incidence improved a little with more than 26 million
Filipinos remain poor compared to the 2002 report. However, what we should
be concerned most are those people who lack the means to feed themselves.
According to the survey in 2015, more than 12 million families are living in
"extreme poverty".
Of the 16 regions of the country, 5 had lower poverty levels - all located
in Luzon, These are, Metro Manila, the lowest with poverty incidence of
.percent; followed by Central Luzon, with poverty incidence/level of 17
percent; Region 4 (Southern Tagalog), 20.8 percent; Region 2 (Cagayan valley)
24.8 percent and Region 1 (Ilocos), 29.6 percent. These statistics were given
by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). The unequal regional
development is the reason for this disparity among the regions. Metro Manila,
being the center of education, trade and commerce and where the national
government agencies are located.

3. Overpopulation - Every year, more than one million people is added to the
existing population. Because of the higher number of birth and lower percentage
of deaths, population may "explode" and this causes a lot of problems, issues,
and concerns. According to the Worldometers Information, in 2017, the Philippine
population is 105,667,929 based on the United Nations estimates. the Philippines
population is equivalent to 1.39 percent of the total world population; thus, the
Philippines ranks number 13 in the list of countries by population. The land area
in the Philippines (298,170 kms) which is smaller compared to other countries of

78
the world, its population density is 352 per km2 or there are 911 people per mile.
There are more people living in the rural areas (55.6%) than in urban areas (44.4%).
It has also been estimated that the median age population is 24.3 years old.
It has been estimated that by the year 2018, the Philippines population is
106,512,374.

The causes of overpopulation in the Philippines are:

a. false beliefs and values by many Filipinos, especially among old folks. Children are
regarded as "gifts of God". This is one of the teachings of the catholic church.
b. natural birth control rather than artificial birth control is emphasized by the catholic
church. The Church is against the distribution and use of condoms and other artificial
methods of controlling birth.
C. lack of family planning in many families especially in rural areas.
d. lack of knowledge in the use of contraceptive devices
e. teenage pregnancy is on the rises
f. pornography. Even young children have access to pornographic materials
due to the advancement of social media and other technologies.
g. idleness of the parents, especially in rural areas
h. lack of recreational facilities and centers in the family or community.
Poverty, graft and corruption, criminality, family discord, economic crisis,
economic imbalance, political instability, unemployment, lack of peace and order are
some of the consequences of overpopulation in the country.
4. Unemployment and Underemployment - Related to the above issue and
concern in Philippine history is unemployment and underemployment. It was estimated
in 2002 that only 31 percent had work or earning a living at least 40 hours a week
while 69 percent of all Filipinos in the Philippines had no work or no income. The Trade
Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) which commissioned a study showed
that 26.2 percent of college graduates aged 24 years old and below were unemployed.
In 2002, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stated that there
were 4,866 million Filipinos unemployed accounting 13.9 percent of the total labor
force estimated at 35,052 million workers. Underemployment (no regular Sources of
income) was accounted 5,922 million or 19.6 percent of the labor force.
Likewise, the Social Weather Station (SWS) in a survey conducted in March
2002, it showed that 16.1 percent of its respondents had experienced hunger at
least once in the last 3 months and about 6 percent of the household members
surveyed also claimed that they experienced hunger often or always. This finding

79
could be due to poverty as a result of unemployment and underemployment.

5. Criminality - Many crimes are committed every day. Rape, murder, kidnapping,
snatching, unlicensed guns, ransom, theft and robbery, sex crimes against children,
prostitution, gambling, smuggling, abortion, counterfeiting and others.
Index crimes (crimes committed against lives and properties) are mostly
committed by persons, groups, or associations. In 2000 alone, there were 37,254
index crimes reported to the police.
Reports indicate that there are 328,329 loose firearms nationwide and these
are usually used in committing crimes. The Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) said that of the 12,000 firearms used in crimes in 2002, more
than 10,000 of which were unlicensed.
The Citizens Action Against Crime (CAAC), anon-government organization
(NGO) have reported that many Filipino-Chinese have become victims of kidnap
from ransom gang in the Philippines. Some of the ransom gangs are policemen and
military men (active and retired, or AWOL) who victimized rich Filipinos and Chinese
Filipinos including foreigners. Manila-based publications tagged the Philippines as the
"world's" kidnap capital, "the PNP quickly denied this title even claiming that Colombia
owns the title.
Concerning carnapping or stealing a car, it was reported that a total of 1,877
car theft cases were documented by the PNP. Carnapping is still a social problem
and issues today. Based on statistics, there are about 6 cars stolen each day or 185
cars each month.
Rape cases are increasing daily and most of the rape victims are young (below
21 years old). Police officers, soldiers, laborers, teachers, farmers, and some are family
members of the victims were involved in rape incidents. It is estimated that there are 8
cases of rape each day and one rape incident every 3 hours.Related to rape are sex
crimes (rape, incest, and acts of lasciviousness against children). According to the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there were 5,185 sex crimes
Committed against children in the Philippines. This figure is increasing daily due to
poverty, high prices of commodities, prostitution, pornography, lack of moral and
spiritual development in the family, broken family, poor family and school discipline
among other causes or factors.
Teenage pregnancy is also increasing as a result of the above causes. Teenage
pregnancy is not a crime per se, it becomes a crime when the teenage woman (20
years old below) was impregnated against her will. It is reported that one (1) of ten

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(10) teenage woman is pregnant daily.

6. Child-Sexual Abuse - According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer report, as relayed

by the former secretary of DSWD, as many as 2,147 cases of child abuse were reported
to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the first quarter of
this year, more than one-fourth of which was of a sexual nature.
The figure was nearly half of the total 4,374 child abuse cases reported in the
entire year of 2015, according to the Policy Development and Planning Bureau
of the DSWD.nIn a statement of the former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo
she called for greater vigilance among the public to protect the children in the face of
the growing number of child abuse cases in the country.

7. Prostitution -Despite the fact that prostitution is illegal, there are still women
and children who are involved in prostitution.
According to the General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity,
Equality, Leadership, and Action (GABRIELA), as early as 2000, there are already
400,000 women working as prostitutes in the country.
Based on the report of the United Nations International Children's Emergency
Fund (UNICEF), about 60,000 to 100,000 Filipino children are prostitutes as early
as 2000. The major child prostitution dens are found in the National Capital Region,
Angeles City, Puerto Galera, Davao City and Cebu City, according to the report. The
report also indicates that the Philippines is a favorite destination of paedophiles from
the US, Australia and other countries in Europe.
According to Artemio Dumlao (2013), sex workers in the country are reaching
the half a million mark. TEX, Baguio-based rights advocate and a member of the
Philippine Sex Workers Collective (PSWC) said that as the number of sex workers
(prostitutes) grows, so does the number of cases of abuse and violence against them.
The reason why so much abuse happens is that they are not recognized by
law and the government.., TEX said. An NGO called "Women Hookers Organizing for
Their Rights and Empowerment (WHORE) 1s treading the thorny path toward
government recognition of this history-old called prostitution. The project would start
with a photography contest in the city that according to TEX will lend a human face
to "hookers" or "whores", who also have human rights and need government
protection. TEX said "as long as poverty 1s there, you expect more people to
engage in prostitution."
Dumlao added that there are about 500,000 sex workers in the country, 3,000

81
of whom are in Baguio City, one of the country's top tourist draws. Among others,
Filipino sex workers face health issues, made worse by fear of being denied access to
health services.
Related to rape, prostitutions, teenage pregnancy and other sex crimes is
abortion, especially intentional abortion. Most of the aborted children are thrown
away or placed somewhere. As a consequence, some babies were born dead due to
the mother s desire not to keep the baby. Some of the said deaths were committed by
the abortionist. According to the study released by the Philippine Population Institute
(PPI) there were around 400,000 cases of abortion in the Philippines in 2003.

8. Cybersex - Due to the advancement of information and communication technology,

the social issues on cybersex emerged. Cybersex has many similar names such as
computer sex, internet sex and netsex. Cybersex is a virtual sex encounter in which
two or more persons connected remotely via computer network send each other
sexually explicit messages describing a sexual experience. In one form, this fantasy sex
is accomplished by the participants describing their actions and responding to their chat
partners in a mostly written form designed to stimulate their own sexual feelings and
fantasies.
Cybersex often includes real life masturbation of one or both. The quality of
a cybersex encounter typically depends upon the participants abilities to evoke a vivid,
visceral mental picture in the minds of their partners, Imagination and suspension of
disbelief are als0 critically important. Cybersex can occur either within the context of
existing or intimate relationships, e,g. among lovers who are geographically separated,
or among individuals who have no prior knowledge of one another and meet in virtual
spaces or cyberspaces and may even remain anonymous to one another. In some
contexts, cybersex is enhanced by the use of a webcam to transmit real-time video of
the partners.
The use of technology in the commission of traditional crimes and the new
found ways of committing crime in the country pose an investigative challenge to the
Philippine National Police. There is a rising incidence of financially motivated cybercrime
and politically motivated cyber-attacks on government by cyber actors in the
Philippines.
Cybersex is committed anywhere else as long as there are operators, patrons,
and participants and even protectors. This crime is held and performed in secret places
such as prostitution dens, bars, spas, massage parlors, private houses, and computer
shops. Cyber crime occurs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao but it is rampant in Metro

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Manila and its suburbs.
From 2002 up to 2012, a total of 2,776 cybercrime-related offenses was
recorded by the PNP. This year, 2018, there are already more than 5,000 offenses
recorded. By the year 2023, or five years from now, cybercrime incidence is expected
to rise by 3,600 recorded cases. Thus, cybercrime in the country is very alarming due
to the increase and advancements of ICT1. Another factor of increased criminality in
the country is due to overpopulation.

9. Legal Drugs - According to the reports of the Dangerous Drugs Board a few
years ago, there were about 2 to 3 million Filipinos who are drug pushers and more
than 2 million Filipinos are illegal drug users. The use of methamphetamine
hydrochloride or shabu has become the "most popular substance for drug abuse in the
Philippines. Shabu is usually prepared and distributed by shabu laboratories manned
mostly by Chinese nationals and a few Filipinos. Some of the shabu laboratories and
drug dens were already raided and the people involved in this illegal drug were
arrested.
Marijuana is the next common drug sold by some of the Filipinos in the
country, especially in the countryside according to the PNP. About 10 percent of
marijuana supply in the world might be coming from the Cordillera region because
there were marijuana plantations that have been found in the Cordillera farmlands in
the past.
Ecstasy is another illegal drug that is being famously used by popular
personalities and well-to-do people because of its high price in the market.
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy (abbreviated E,
X, or XTC), molly (U.5.), or mandy (U.K.), is a psychoactive drug with stimulant and
psychedelic effects that is primarily used as a recreational drug. Drugs sold under the
street names ecstasy, molly, or mandy are often advertised as pure MDMA, but are
often mixed with multiple other drugs. MDMA can cause feelings of euphoria (extreme
happiness) and altered sensations. Bad side effects include insomnia, nausea, rapid
heartbeat, and addiction. It causes an initial increase in neurotransmitters that is
followed by a short-term drop in neurotransmitters, which can lead to
severebdepression after coming down from the high.
MDMA is illegal in most countries including the Philippines. Possessing, making
or selling it could result in criminal prosecution and a possible prison term. Some
countries, such as the U.S., have made limited exceptions to these laws for research.
There have been some initial studies on whether it can help patients with severe PT5D

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post-traumatic stress disorder) make progress in therapy if they take very low doses of
MDMA immediately before appointments (Lunder medical supervision). AS of 2016,
MDMA has no accepted medical uses. Ecstasy has a very serious effect on the human
body and brain. lt makes the brain release the chemicals serotonin, dopamine and
norepinephrine. During MDMA use the body also makes more of the hormones
Oxytocin and vasopressin.
All these effects together can make MDMA dangerous to use. The change in
body temperature and the tendency to dance for hours on end can make users
dehydrate if not enough water is drunk during this time (an example of dehydration
and hyperthermia). Lots of dancing can also put pressure on the heart. People with
existing heart conditions are vulnerable to these negative side effects. This year 2018,
around 7 people die out of every million that use MDMA. Mostly this is due to
overheating and dehydration. However, it is possible to drink too much water, swelling
the brain and causing death. Many people have died from this after taking MDMA.
Another factor is the hormone vasopressin, which is released during MDMA use.
Vasopressin restricts the body's urge to urinate, which helps to get rid of excess liquid
in the body before it becomes a problem. There had already been arrest made in
concerts, dancing halls, bars, and restaurants, including prostitution and drug dens but
still many drug pushers and users keep on violating the law.
Related to illegal drug issue is the famous (or is it infamous)"war on drugs
of the present administration., Exasperated by the illegal drugs menace in the country,
President Rodrigo Duterte has waged an all-out campaign against it. Since he assumed
office. But it was temporarily suspended on January 30, 2017, when President Duterte
instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to first rid of its ranks of corrupt
personnel. This is after some policemen were reportedly got involved in the kidnap and
murder of a South Korean businessman. This case has not yet been completely solved
by incarcerating those involved in the case. Weeks later, on February 27, 2017, the
President allowed the PNP back into the "war on drugs" but with limited participation
through smaller task forces.
On March 6, 2017, the PNP officially relaunched its participation in a campaign
dubbed Oplan Double Barrel Alpha Reloaded.

Here are the latest numbers based on data from the PNP.
Death toll
Data below is as of April 23, 2017, 6 am, 162 - suspected drug personalities
killed in police operations, since March 1, 2017. The PNP initially started keeping track

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of Double Barrel Alpha Reloaded statistics from March 6, based on messages sent to
the media. But in its data update on March 30, the PNP adjusted the start date to
March 1, 2017. Before the suspension of PNP'S anti-drug operations, there had been
over 7,000 deaths linked to the "war on drugs- both from legitimate police
operations and vigilante-style or unexplained killings (including deaths under
investigation) from July 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017.
Below were the figures based on revised PNP data at the end of that period:
1. 7,080- total number of people killed in #WarOnDrugs sinçe July 1, 2016
2. 2,555-suspected drug personalities killed in police operations, as of January
31, 2017
3. 3,603- victims in cases of deaths under investigation, as of January 9, 2017
4. 922- victims in cases where investigation has concluded, as of January 9, 2017
As of 6 a.m. of September 14, 2017 the number of suspects killed in police
operations reached 1,506. But during a Senate probe on extrajudicial killings that day,
PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa said that after validation by its Directorate for Operations,
the figure was corrected to only 1,105 deaths.

Double Barrel' and "TokHang' Campaign

The PNP calls its campaign against illegal drugs "Oplan Double Barrel."
(READ: Warning to drug dealers: PNP has 'double barrel' plan)
Meanwhile, Project "TokHang" - a contraction of "toktok" and "hangyo" (Visayan words
for "knock" and "request" respectively) - refers to the strategy of the police nationwide
to go house-to-house in their jurisdictions and convince known drug pushers and users
to surrender and change their ways.
On October 26, 2017 the PNP launched Phase 2 of Oplan Double Barrel.
After this, the statistics that the PNP started sending to media were "reset" to zero. For
this purpose, figures from Phase 2 of Oplan Double Barrel were added to the final
figures of Phase 1 as of October 26, 2017. But on November 2, the PNP returned to its
cumulative count by the PNP and PDEA. Some of those killings was reported as "extra-
judicial killings" or formerly known as EJK.

10. Extrajudicial Killings (EJK) and forced disappearance - Both are considered
unlawful or felonious killing because they are done outside the realm of courts or done
without due process of the law. EJK and forced disappearance are form of extrajudicial
punishment and include extrajudicial exceptions, summary executions, arbitrary arrest
and detentions, and failed prosecutions due to political activities of leading political,

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trade union members, dissident and/ or social figures, left-wing political parties, non-
governmental organizations, political journalists, outspoken clergy, anti-minin8 activists,
agricultural reform activists, members or organi1zations that are allied or legal fronts of
the communist movement or suspected supporters of the NPA and its political wing,
the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Extrajudicial killings are most commonly referred to as "salvaging" in Philippine
English. The word is believed to be a direct Anglicization of Tagalog salbahe ("cruel",
"barbaric"), from spanish salvaje ("wild", "savage").
Extrajudicial killings (BJKS) is also synonymous with the term "extral egal
killings" (ELKs). Extrajudicial extralegal killings (BJKs/ ELKs) and enforced
disappearances (EDs) are unique in the Philippines in as much as it is pubiicly and
commonly known to be committed also by non-state armed groups (NAGS)
such as the New People's Army (NPA, ABU-SAYAF, Bangsa Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLE), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and the lISIS. Though cases have been well documented with conservative
estimates of EJKs/ ELKS and EDs committed by the NAS numbering to about 900-
1,000 victims based on the discovery of numerous mass grave sites all over country,
legal mechanisms for accountability of non-state actors have been weak if not wholly
non-existent. The issue of the EJK has not been solved up to this date (2015)

11. Violence Against Women - also known as gender-biased violence, is collectively,

violent acts that are primarily or, exclusively committed against women. Sometimes
considered a hate crime, this type of violence targets a specific group with the victims
gender as a primary motive. This type of violence is gender based, meaning that the
acts of violence are committed against women expressly because they are women. The
UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women states, "violence against
women is manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and
women and violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which
women are forced in top a subordinate position compared with men.
Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, declared in a 2006
report posted on the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) website.
Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions. At least
one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or
otherwise abused in her lifetime with the abuser usually someone known to her.
Violence against women can fit into several broad categories. These include
violence carried out by individuals as well as states. Some of the forms of violence

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perpetrated by individuals are: rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment,
reproductive coercion, female infanticide, prenatal sex selection, obstetric violence, and
mob violence; as well as harmful customary or traditional practices such as honor
kilings, dowry violence, female genital mutilation, marriage by abduction and forced
marriage. some forms of violence are perpetrated or condoned by the state such as
war rape; sexual violence and sexual slavery during conflict forced sterilization; forced
abortion; violence by the police and authoritative personnel; stoning and flogging many
forms of VAW, such as trafficking in women and forced prostitution are often
perpetrated by organized criminal networks.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its research on VAW, has analyzed
and categorized the different forms of VAW occurring through all stages of life from
before birth to old age.
In recent years, there has been a trend of approaching VAW at an international
level, through instruments such as conventions; or, in the European Union through
directives, Such as the directive against sexual harassment, and the directive against
human trafficking.
The 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National
Statistics Office (NSO) now called Philippine Statistics Authority(A) Reported
in 2014 that the "Women Safety Module" which aims to capture extent and types of
VAW experienced by women (15-49 years old). Information was collected on spousal
violence- covering all forms of VAW: 1) physical violence 2) sexual violence; 3)
emotional violence; and 4) economic violence (the 3rd and 4th forms of VAW were
grouped together in the survey as other forms of violence). The module also included
questions on marital control, which may tall either under emotional/psychological
violence or economic violence.

Physical Violence
The NDHS revealed that one in five women aged 15-49 has experienced
physical violence since age 15;144percentof married women have experienced physical
abuse from their husbands; and more than one-third (575) of separated or widowed
women have experienced physical violence, implying that domestic violence could be
the reason tor separation or annulment

Sexual Violence
One in twenty five women age 15-49 who have ever had sex ever experienced
forced first sexual intercourse

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 One in ten women age 15-49 ever experienced sexual violence

Physical Violence During Pregnancy

Overall, 4 percent of women who have ever been pregnant have ever
experienced physical violence during pregnancy. The incident increases slightly with
number of living children; decreases slightly with age; decreases with education level;
and declines steadily with wealth quintile.

12. Violence in Schools-School's - play a major role in the education of people,

especially children and adults and therefore, it is expected that they are safe havens for
learners. Violence in schools started many years back but are continuously happening
up to the present. Shootings, stabbings, fighting, and even suicide often occur daily.
Some died, others were seriously injured. Classmates, schoolmates, and terrorist are
the common culprits of school violence. It is even reported that the schools are no
longer a very safe place for studying and learning for pupils and students.
Some teachers and administrators have been murdered inside the school campus.
For this reason, the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered the creation
every school when it issued Department Order No. 40 on May 14, 2012 and adapted its
policy and guidelines n protection of children in school from abuse, violence,
exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse.
Citing a DepEd report, Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas said that some 31
incidents of bullying are reported every day in schools.
A total of 6,363 cases of bullying in public as well as private elementary and
high schools were recorded in 2014, up nearly 21 percent versus the 5,236
documented in 2013, he said.
Based on a cycle of 201 school days, this translates to at least 31 incidents
of bullying every day, he said. He surmised that the number could be more. We
presume that out of fear of possible retaliation, many victims are still reluctant to
complain of bullying in school," he added

13. Squatting in the Philippines

Squatting is a huge social and economic problem in the Philippines, more so
because squatters are protected by laws that make it difficult to remove them from
properties they infest. Presidential Decree 772 (PD 72) effected by former President
Ferdinand Marcos in 1975 made prosecuting "squatting and other criminal acts
relatively easy. Squatting under PD 72 was clearly a criminal undertaking as Section 1

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of the decree states…
Any person who, with the use of force, intimidation or threat, or taking advantage
of the absence or tolerance ot the landowner, succeeds in occupyıng or possessing the
property of the latter against his will for residential commercial or any other purposes,
shall be punished by an imprisonment ranging from six months to one year or a fine of
not less than one thousand nor more than five thousand pesos at the discretion of the
court, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency. If the report of the Metro
Manila Inter-Agency Committee on Informal Settlers (NMIAC) is to be believed, then
one () out of every five (6) residents in Metro Manila is a squatter. In other words,
there are more than 544,609 households of informal settlers (squatters) in Metro
Manila, representing about 21% of the total 2.6 million household population in that
city.

14. Street Children -They are mostly the children of poor families, broken families,
product of prostitutions, and others who work in the streets selling or begging. Others
are being used by adults or their parents to beg tor them or to earn a living. The End
Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism (ECPAT) showed that the Philippines had more than
2 million children living or working in the street of about 65 cities. Metro Manila alone
had at least 7,000 street children since 2007, approximately 70% of the children are
boys. Our concern to street children is that some of them are sexually exploited, driven
to commit a crime, or prostitution. They do not only as beggars but as pickpockets,
snatchers, thieves, robbers, and pimps. A few of them use illegal substance.
According to "A Better Life Foundation", there are three different categories
of street children: Children on the streets make up approximately 75% of the street
children in the Philippines. 1hey work on the streets but do not live there. They
generally have a home to return to after working, and some even continue to attend
school while working long hours on the streets. Children of the street make their homes
on the street. They make up 25%-30% of the street children in the Philippines. They
often create a sort of family with their fellow street children. Some of them still have
family ties but may either rarely tend to them or view them negatively.
Completely abandoned children have no family ties and are entirely on their own
tor physical and psychological survival. They make up approximately>o-1070
of the street children in the Philippines.

15. Illegal Gambling - Illegal gambling is a crime and those who commit such crime
are arrested and prosecuted. Gambling per se is a crime because there is betting and

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betting is a form of gambling. Gambling is allowed when it is allowed by law and
compliance with the legal requirements of the law or ordinance. The government
promotes casino operations, lottery (Sweepstakes, lotto, and other forms), jai-alai, text
gambling, but bans jueteng. Jueteng is rampant even now in some regions of the
country. The police force could not totally eradicate this form of gambling because it is
the favorite game to win by many average and low-earners in the locality. Moreover, it
is funded by gambling lords and supported by some unscrupulous government officials,
police, and military officials. Thus, jueteng is a never-ending game like illegal drugs,
criminality, graft and corruption, and other issues and concerns.

16. Counterfeiting Products and other Items - If there are fake news, there are
also take products, take money, fake log80s, fake brands, etc. All of these fake matters
have started in the past and are still being done today. It has never been stopped due
to bribery and corruption. Philippine and foreign currency is often counterfeited. The
Brand Protection Association (BPA) composed of multinational companies based in the
Philippines said that counterfeiting and even piracy problems are not limited to CD s,
VCD's and computer software but also affect top brands of garments, bags, wallets,
medicines, shoes, LPG, batteries, lamps, bulbs and switches, brandy, vodka, cigarettes,
soaps, shampoo, laser printer toner, ink cartridges, sofa beds, hacksaws, toys, and
electronic goods.
As a result of counterfeiting and piracy, the government is losing about
P1.5 billion pesos in potential revenues annually. Likewise, pharmaceutical companies
are losing revenues due to fake drugs and smuggled medicines because about 30 to 40
percent or total products in the pharmaceutical section are being lost due to
counterfeiting and piracy.

17. Working Children - Nowadays, many Children are working to earn a living for
themselves and/or for their families. This is a very critical poverty incidence and
a critical issue and concern in the country today.
According to Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), about 4 to 5 million out
of a total of 25 million in 2001 were working during the time when they are supposed
to be in school. Most of these working children are male aged 10 to 17 years old,
unskilled and unpaid. They worked as farmers, fishermen, hunters vendors, and factory
workers. They did heavy physical work, faced physical hazards, suffered injuries at
work, and suffered work-related illness. They were forced to work because their
parents could not find work or the family s income cannot support the family needs.

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18. High Prices of Commodities - According to the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), prices of commodities increased by over 6 percent since 2001
particularly the prices of fuel, light and water, rice, appliances, agricultural
products and manufactured items. Rice reportedly cost 3 times as much as it does
in Thailand. Even the prices of branded medicines, they increased 3X as much as
they were in India. In December 2017, the seasonally adjusted Consumer Price
Index (CP) for all items and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel at the
national level went up by 0.3 percent. Likewise, the year-on-year growth of General
Wholesale Price Index (GWP) at the national level went up by 39 percent in
September 2017. This means that the average Filipino income earneris becoming poor
yearly. The saddest state is that even generics medicines, especially those maintenance
medicines being used by many senior citizens suffering from cardio vascular diseases,
also increased. Such increase in their prices makes these medicines less affordable to
senior citizens who are supposed to benefit from the law. Today, 2018 drugstores
selling generic medicines require senior citizens to present the following requirements
1.doctor'sprescription
2 purchase slip or booklet
3. S.C. valid LD.
4. authorization letter (optional)
"NO REQUIREMENT, NO DISCOUNT"

19. Traffic Congestion -Traffic congestion has been a perennial problem due to
the increase of population and volume of cars, but there is no or less increase in
the width of highways, streets, and other passageways. According to the study
conducted by the Japan international0operation Agency OICA) in 1999, the Philippines
was losing about Pl40 billion annually to traffic congestion. This means that the
national economy is directly losing P0 billion in the form of lost gasoline and diesel fuel,
man-hours, electricity, salaries of traffic aides and increased expenses tor mobile
phones. Indirectly, the country is losing P100 billion in the form ot lost business
opportunities, depreciated value of real property and increased cost of health care due
to pollution caused by traffic problems. Due to traffic congestion, the average speed of
a vehicle has slowed down to 13 kilometers per hour today from 18 kilometers per hour
10 to 15 years ago.
According to John Viktor Cabuenas in a GMA Newspaper report, the streets of
Metro Manila alone is costing the Philippines at least P2.4 billion a day, the Japan

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International Cooperation Agency (0ICA) cited in a study it released in
September 2014 in conjunction with the National Economic Development Authority
(NEDA). A year later, NEDA Director General Arsenio Balisacan estimated the economic
loss from traffic jams at P3 billion a day, saying the amount is equivalent
to 0.8 percent of the gross domestic product. JICA noted that the economic cost of the
daily gridlock is likely to reach P6 billion a day by 2030. With these problems and
issues, there should be a down-to-earth solution, a fast and serious solution, and not
just press release intervention.

20. Tax Evasion - There were about 15-18 million salaried workers in the country
in the latter part of the year 2000, of this number, only about 3-4 million actually
paid their income taxes. Senator Ralph Recto disclosed in 2000 that .57 percent of
salaried and non-salaried workers like businessmen and professionals (doctors,
engineers, lawyers in the private sectors) failed to settle their individual income
taxes in 2000. According to the Department of Finance (LDOF), some P245 billion
pesos in potential government revenues is lost to tax evaders yearly some P70 billion
pesos was lost due to leakage in the value-added tax P60 billion in corporate income
tax; P7 billion in documentary ta; P2 billion in withholding tax on bank deposits; P3
billion fringe benefits tax; P2 billion in gross receipt tax; and P371 million in insurance
tax. Recent statistics reveal that in 2016, less than a third of Filipinos pay income
tax. This means that only 30 million out of the estimated 105 million Filipinos are
registered taxpayers.
The BIR noted that overseas Filipino workers and a bigger portion of individuals
classified as minimum wage earners not subject to income tax. Others who are
registered with the BIR but should pay income tax belong to the underground
economy. The BIR is embarking on a year-long tax campaign to boost revenues and
expand the tax net.

21. Deployment of Filipino Entertainers Abroad - Many of the Filipino women

worked as entertainers abroad especially in Japan such that they are called
“Japayukis”. The Philippine government allows the deployment of Filipino women as
youngas 18 years old. Several issues come out regarding the deployment of women as
entertainers abroad. One issue is the alleged delaying of the issuance of certification to
young Filipino women to work as entertainers or “ overseas performing artists” in
Japan sometime in 2002.
The Philippine Association of recruitment Agencies Deploying Artists

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(PARADA) accused TESDA officials for deliberately delaying the issuance of Artist
Record Books (ARB) certificate to prospective pertorming8 artists. ARB is needed to get
a visa from Japan Embassy. The PARADA alleged that some TESDA officials demanded
25,000 for an ARB instead of only 300 from each applicant. Such alleged irregularity in
TESDA resulted to the lost of earning about US $800 a month for the Filipino women
applicants. But the second issue is not the delay in the issuance of ARB certificate but
their deployment to work as prostitutes or sex workers in other country. Many of the
women who served as entertainers abroad were vulnerable to abuse and some were
even driven to prostitution by the Japanese Yakuza gang.
According to the Movement for Responsible Enterprise (MORE), a civic group of
concerned citizens, the Philippine government provided cover to save Japan from
embarrassment of hosting Filipino prostitutes in Japan. More stated that the
government made them appear like performing artists but sent to Japan as
entertainers.

22. Get Rich Quick Scheme

There are many ways of getting rich, with less energy and sweat. This was the
corporate watchdog Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) described the usual
promise made by pseudo-investment firms in luring the public to invest in substantial
amount in their get-rich-quick schemes. The SEC warned that pseudo-investment firms
that are not registered with the government office have already duped many investors,
including foreigners and Filipino-Americans. Some victims, who have placed
investments ranging from P10,000 to P50 million, were not able to recover their money
and its supposed interest.
The SEC has already issued cease-and-desist orders (CDOS) on the operations
of several pseudo-investment firms that have been in operation without licenses.
According to the corporate watchdog some of these firms acted as lending investors,
investment firms, and financial companies that issue securities to the public. The
companies promote their services by telephone calls, mails or personal visits and
usually offer investors huge interest on every investment placed, without explaining the
risks involved. They also require immediate investments.
The pseudo-investment firms give promise that a minimum investment of
P10,000 to P100,000 would earn a monthly interest of 15 percent. Among the
promotional gimmicks of these pseudo-investments firms are seminars that use the
lines “You can become a millionaire in three years”, and “You can turn’ your financial
dreams into reality”. Investors usually discover that they have been duped only when

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the checks issued to them bounced. More problematic is that the operators are
nowhere to be found; and their supposed offices are locked or non-existent. As of
January 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC, e government corporate
watchdog said that investment firms engaged in the so-called pyramiding operation
have duped at least 2 million Filipinos of as much as P70 billion.
Even now, there are still pyramiding scam in the provinces duping "innocent”
people wanting to get rich quickly. This problem's issues, and concerns have not been
completely stopped, because the government's attention is more on drugs and
corruption.

23. Food Crisis Issue -According to Anthony Chase Lin (2016), a lower-middle
income country, the Philippines has a food deficit that exacerbated by the combined
effects of man-made and natural disasters that include earthquakes, typhoons, and
armed conflict. As one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, it ranks third out
of 171 countries on the 2015 World Risk Index and fourth out of 188 countries on the
2016 Global Climate Risk Index.
The Mindanao region has suffered from over four decades of armed conflict
resulting in internal displacements and overall deterioration of living standards.
The people of the Central Mindanao region are the country's poorest. The World Food
Programme (WFP) works closely with the Government of the Philippines, other United
Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and communities to support poor
and vulnerable people in the Philippines, particularly those affected by the conflict in
the Mindanao region.

24. Cyberbullying - Cyberbullying is a social crime that is plaguing our country today
because of the influx of the social media gadgets and other online technology in the
market. As reported by Emmanuel Tupas (2016), Cases of cyber bullying have
increased by 70.74 percent. In 2016, the Philippine National Police -Anti Cybercrime
Group (ACG) said a total of 782 cases were reported to the ACG. This is significantly
higher than 498, an increase of 60.12 percent compared to the previous
years 311 cases. Next is online threat increased by 96.22 percent, 106 cases
in 2015 to 208 in 2016. Cases of unjust vexation spiked by 39.39 percent from 33
in 2015 to 46 in 2016.
It is widely known that face-to-face bullying can result in long-term
psychological harm to victims, including low self-esteem, depression, anger, school
failure, and avoidance and in some cases, school violence or suicide.

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 In fact, in a study of over 3,000 students, one researcher found that 38% of
bully victims felt vengeful, 37o were angry, and 24% felt helpless. According to
a 2001 tact sheet on juvenile bullying produced by the the U.S. Department of Justice's
Office of Juvenile Justice and delinquency Prevention, victims of schoolyard bullying
tear going to school and experience loneliness, humiliation, and insecurity. Moreover,
they tend to struggle with poor relationships and have difficulty making emotional and
social adjustments. Cyberbullying is even more harmful to young people than face-to-
face bullying for a number of reasons:
Permanence: The insults, comments or images can be preserved by the person who
was bullied or by others so that the victim may read or view them over and over again
and the harm is re-inflicted with each reading or viewing.
Audience size: The size of the audience that is able to view or access the
damaging material increases the victim s humiliation.
Familiarity: Many young people are friends with or know their cyber bully either
through school or other personal connections, increasing the potential for
embarrassment and humiliation.
Social Networking: Social networking sites such as Facebook, Tweeter Instagram
and MySpace allow cyber bullies to engage in campaigns against particular person
which may involve many others.
Speed: The speed at which harmful messages can reach large audiences also plays a
major part in making cyberbullying so damaging to the targets.

25. Social Media Issues - Many parents worry about how exposure to technology
might affect children's developmentally. We know our preschoolers are picking up new
social and cognitive skills at a stunning pace, and we don't want hours spent glued to
an iPad to impede that. But adolescence is an equally important period of rapid
development, and too few of us are paying attention to how our teenagers use of
technology much more intense and intimate than a 3-year old playing with dad's
iPhone-is affecting them. In fact, experts worry that the social media and text
messages that have become so integral to teenage life are promoting anxiety and
lowering self-esteem. More than this, children and adults have less time in studying
their lessons, doing their assignments, and working on their projects and other
homework. In the classroom, some students plug their ears with earphones to listen to
music instead of carefully and attentively listening to class activities. Others are texting
while classes are ongoing. Instead of personally relating themselves to people or trying
out their human and social skills, they instead do their texting and chatting on the

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phone. Teens keep themselves busy with their phones instead of listening to radio and
television programs and news reporting Only a few of the students now go to libraries,
read books, newspapers, and magazines. They just depend on Facebook and on the
internet. At home and after school, they keep themselves occupied. They have less
time to exercise and do the "Zumba".
At bedtime, instead of sleeping early or doing their homework, they are
online with their phones, laptop, or inside the computer shops, scrolling or
playing video games. Thus, the social media have created a lot of benefits and
risks today. What must be done?

26. Terrorism Issue -Terrorism is a major social issue in the Philippines and is linked
to the Moro Conflict, Abu- Sayaff, BIFF, and the CPP-NPA-NDF rebellion. Terrorism is a
crime under the Human Security Act of 2007 and described such act as causing
"widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace”. The first group to
be officially listed as a terrorist organization under the law is the Abu Sayyaf on
September 10, 2015 by the Basilan provincial court.
The Abu Sayyaf is a "small but terrible" group. Their exact population is unclear
but is arguably one of the smallest lawless groups in the Philippines and among the
"violent". However, the Australian National Security (ANS) says there are
approximately 400 ASG fighter today (2018), a figure that continues to fluctuate due to
counterterrorism efforts, both local and international. The ASG members usually are
young Filipino Muslims from the Sulu Archipelago and across the Southern Mindanao
region and have included foreign jihadists. Theynare reportedly funded and trained by
international terrorist network Al Quaeda and its affiliate Indonesia-based Jemaah
Islamiyah.
The MNLF and the MILF are groups based in Mindanao seeking a Bangsamoro
autonomous region of the Moro people from the central government. These groups are
found in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, Palawan, Basilan,
and other places in Mindanao. The BIFF people were originally members of the MILF
but they separated from the leadership of the MILF due to differences in leadership and
policies. National defense officials announced that the number of new People's Army
(NPA) members dropped to 3,926 as of the end of 2015 from 4,443 in 2014. 1his
report however, was not consistent with those issued by the military
According to the military reports, there were 3,200 NPA members as of the end
of 2014. It was also reported that the number of armed rebels has decreased to less
than 3,000 in the first three months of 2015. The most active armed groups fighting

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government forces this 2018 are the NPA rebels. They started fighting the military
men, destroying government and private properties, killing government supporters,
kidnapping men and women because of the failed peace negotiation between
government negotiators and CPP-NDF panel. Due to aforementioned atrocities caused
by NPA rebels, they were categorized as a terrorist group by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Armed conflict has been a perennial problem of the country and the government.
The Philippines is overpopulated but has a small land area which is impossible to
divide it for the armed groups advocating their own motives. They are all Filipinos
fighting with each other-something out of logic. Much more, the recurring armed
conflict between the national government and the rebel forces would cost
Southwestern Mindanao over P100 billion in the next 10years (2017-2027) in terms of
lost or stagnant investments. 1here is always a large amount of money involved for
additional salaries of government employees for construction and improvement of
infrastructure projects.

27. The Marawi City Crisis - The Marawi siege in which at least 500 people were
killed and thousands displaced was a lesson for every Filipino, especially the defense
department according to Secretary Lorenzana. Defense Secretary Lorenzana said that
what happened in Maraw1 1S a lesson for everyone in the defense department.
He admitted that the Marawi crisis was a failure of intelligence.
28. Issue on Low Salaries- Low salary, lack of incentives for skilled workers, and
rising cost of living in the Philippines are some of the factors that drive away Filipino
laborers in the country or in other countries, leaving vacant positions to some
employees who cannot afford to go abroad or elsewhere.
According to Gerard Seno of Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)
Associated Labor Unions, with a measly P466 a day minimum wage in Metro Manila,
the highest in the country, many Filipinos will still gamble their fate abroad leaving
more vacancy in the country. The 10,000 monthly salary good for a family of 5 (as
announced by NEDA) is not enough for a decent salary. But mostly employers who are
against wage increase said that increasing minimum wage too much can have severe
effect for a small business. Increases in payroll expense often requires small business
owners to raise consumer price on goods and services or reduce business cost. It may
also result in small businesses laying off employee's annual income in a higher tax
bracket, thereby having high marginal tax rate on the employer. Employees will also
face higher payroll taxes or contributions in the SSS, PAG-IBIG, Philhealth and other
contributions of the employee. As to comparability of salaries and benefits between

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government employees and private sector employees, overall government employees
enjoy excellent benefits and job security than employees in the private sectors. As to
job security, government jobs are generally more stable and permanent unless an
employee commits gross errors or illegal actions. In the private sector, no one is
assured of a permanent position, even if one is a holder of a license from PRC.

29. Issues on Contractualization- Organized labor groups wanted it to end

contractualization to force enterprises to hire workers for longer term periods.
Many labor supporters and sympathizers are also critical of the order. They see it as a
continuation of the same contractualization practices, even with the termination of
"endo". Business enterprises find labor costs to be too high in relation to productivity. A
major reason is the high labor standards that have accumulated through the years of
rising labor welfare legislation - from minimum wages, pension deductions, to vacation
leaves to 13th month pay. Many local businesses are apprehensive that shouldering the
costs of regularization of employees would result to less hirings and/or retrenchments.
Foreign investor groups already operating in the country are less bothered. As long as
they can continue to hire their labor force, they are compliant with the changes. The
labor contracting that many foreign investors have been undertaking would continue
without much disturbance. Moreover, their pay structures are, in general, able to deal
with the cost of hiring labor which, from their viewpoint remains affordable.
Of course, the foreign direct investments the country attracts depends on the
choices about costs that the investors prefer and the industry they are in. Many
investors in the garments industry are not present in the country, but Semiconductor
assemblers are plentiful. Foreign investments that depend on much lower labor costs
would be squeezed somewhat harder. Among local enterprises that do business mainly
in the local economy, there is great sensitivity to the new policy. Some of the
businesses are very sensitive to the cost of labor and the hiring practices that they
have developed over time.
In general, many of the larger domestic enterprises serving the local market
would survive some of the changes in the labor policy. This is not the case with small
enterprises. Will they survive a change in their framework, or will it mean their demise
into the informal sector of the economy? Many small and medium scale domestic
enterprises will face a rising cost of hiring labor. Those unable to adjust to these
circumstances would simply have to dispense with additional hirings or evaporate into
informality.
In general, the worse hit among the stakeholders is the worker who could be

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forced out of a job. (Gerardo Sicat, Philippine Star, March 27,2017) Today (2018)
however, private companies/firms are required to "regularize their employees. They are
required to submit a report on employees’ regularization tenure. Penalty is imposed to
companies/firms that do not comply with the order. 30. Issue on Fare Hike The issue of
raising fares in buses, jeepneys, and taxis is a "never-ending" issue. Yearly, the drivers
are asking for a fare hike from the LTFRB. This 2018, the proposal of drivers is to
increase the fare from P8 to P10. However, the LTFRB deferred such fare hike hearing
because it wants the operators to improve their services first. The LTFRB personnel
pointed out that the public expects a better service for the increase of the fare. The
drivers and the operators wanted an immediate increase in fare because there is a
rapid increase of vehicle parts and diesel which require the immediate recovery of cost
of operating the units.
Ultimately, the LTFRB is requiring those asking for fare to show clear and
real evidence for citing an increase.

31. Issue on K to 12 Curriculum

(CNN Philippines) - It's been nearly three years since the government began
implementing its K-12 educational reform program but the policy continues to have its
share of detractors. Last March (2017), a coalition of teachers and staff of higher
educational institutions around the Philippines petitioned the Supreme Court to suspend
the K-12 law. The program adds two years of senior high school to the country’s basic
education system which allow senior high school students to specialize in one of three
tracks: academic, technical-vocational-livelihood, and sports and arts.
ln a statement, the Suspend K12 Coalition said that the K-12 program does not
take into account the labor rights of teaching and nonteaching staff who Will be
displaced by the program. Unless full protection of labor is ensured and the attack on
security of tenure and other rights is avoided, the K-12 Law becomes a justice and
peace issue. As head of the coalition, Professor Rene Tadle of the University of Santo
Tomas told CNN Philippines that the group agrees with the objectives of the program.
Nevertheless, he said that the law should be suspended because the government is not
yet prepared to implement it, especially with regard to labor. "It [the law] only
mentioned the word "labor" once... The law is incomplete in far as to address [the
issue of] labor displacement."
With the K-12 Curriculum points to estimates showing that about 13,000
teaching staff will lose their jobs over a five-year period, including nearly 11,000
nonteaching staff. However, Jesus Mateo, assistant secretary of planning and

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development of the Department of Education, told CNN Philippines that the
government has set in place programs to accommodate displaced workers. He says
that the government will set aside funding over the next several years to support a
transition fund and several other programs. About P20 billion in funding has been
slated for 2016, as well as P26.7 billion for 2017. However, only a few benefited from
this funding (such as scholarship funds).

32. Energy Crisis in the Philippines -Here are some related issues concerning
power crisis.
1. Summer brownouts is always expected. Technically, brownouts are called voltage
redirections or power outages due to "reasonable dry spell" and major gas production
facility supplying power plants. According to power plant officials, this is being done so
that electricity reserves will be running low enough that a random tripping of a power
plant might cause Widespread outages.
2. The ouster of President Marcos led to the cancellation of a controversial nuclear
power plant (an example is Bataan) and no new capacity was built.
3. It takes 165 signatures and a minimum of 3 years to secure the necessary permits
for the operation of coal plants. Activists are against the putting up of a coal plant due
to pollution reason. There is also red tape in securing permits. With the new law on
"Ease on Business Transaction", this will remove red tape transaction.
4. Reluctance of some investors in the face of contractual and pricing insecurity. It was
reported that the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) has been slow to approve cost
recovery delaying rate changes in the face of increasing generation cost.
5. During predicted shortages, large establishments such as shopping malls,
supermarkets, factories, etc.) do not voluntarily interrupt their power from the main
grid. They do not start running their generators when an outage occurs.
6. Presidents are not given emergency powers to fast track contracts for new power
generation due to suspicion of the opposition of increased presidential powers.
Activity I. Words to Know
Define the following terms based on your own point of view (not exactly copied from
the text)
1. corruption
2. graft (as a serial issue) -
3. poverty
4. Overpopulation
5. crime

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6. Sexual abuse--
7. incest crime -
8. terrorism
9. armed conflict
10. extrajudicial killing
Activity II. Brush Up
1.. Marawi crisis was a lesson for us"- Lorenzana. What was he referring to as a
"lesson"?
2. Do you agree that the Filipino youth today have a very shallow knowledge of
history? Support your answer.
3. What is the most effective way to stop smoking?
4. The Philippines has reportedly became a favorite destination of pedophiles from the
U.S., Australia, and Europe. What do you think is the reason?
5. Why do you think there were cases of intentional abortion in the country each year
despite the fact that abortion is illegal here? Support your answer.
6. It was reported that there are 8 cases of rape each day and one rape incident in
every three hours in the Philippines. Do you agree with this figure? if yes, why do you
think so? If no, what is your statistical figure?
7. Why do you think there are people who evade or avoid paying their tax?
Activity IlI. Sharpen your mind
Relate the extent of solution/eradication of the following soci0-economic issues
by putting a check mark on the space.
3-means it can be totally eradicated on or before the end of 5 years (2018-2022)
2-means it can be eradicated to a greater extent before the end of 5 years (2018-
2022)
1-means it cannot be eradicated at all
3 2 1
a) corruption
b) Illegal drugs in our country
c)terrorism
d) poverty
e) criminality
f) prostitution
g) cybercrime
h) traffic problem
i)illegal gambling

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j) pyramiding scam

Activity II. Give additional 2 causes and 2 solutions to the following issues/concerns:
1. corruption
2. overpopulation
3. illegal drugs
4. terrorism
5. street children
6. child abuse
7. violence against violence
8. unemployment/ underemployment
9. social media issues
9. child abuse
10. tax evasion/tax avoidance

B. Socio-Political Issues in Philippine History

Among the socio-political issues that started in the past and still recurring today
which necessitates historical analysis that could help students understand these issues
and concerns are: violent elections, federalism, constitutional change, political
dynasty, Bangsamoro law, MRT, same sex marriages, human rights, intellectual rights,
congestions in jails and prisons among others.
1. Issues on Violent Elections
Philippine elections, whether local or national, are marred by political violence
and voting chaos as a result of faulty automated voting machines. There are reported
cheatings in many polling places. Relatives, friends, and spouses kill each other for
political cause and for political power. Ambushes and kidnappings of political
candidates do happen months before the election time. After election, there are always
protest coming from the losing candidates, there is a usual election adage in Filipino-
"walang natatalo, mayroon lang nadadaya." COMELEC and the police usually describe
the election situation as generally peaceful because fewer people die each year.

2. Issues on Federalism
Federalism is a concept of power exercised by the national government; an
opposite of the unitary government. At present, (2018), the Philippines follows the
unitary government in which control and process of national and local affairs are
exercised by the central or national government (Ariola, 2009) In a federal

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government, the control and power of the government are divided between two sets of
organs: one organ is, for the national affairs with each region being supreme within its
local sphere. Some of the countries with federal forms of government are: Austria,
Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Mexico, Switzerland, USA,
and Venezuela. President Duterte is advocating for federalism.
A few of them want a Modified Federal Philippine Republic and one of them
was Senator Nene Pimentel, the father of the former Senate President (Senator Tito
Sotto is the new Senate President). According to Vice President Leni Robredo, the
federal system of government may pose dangers to the-provinces or regions that are
economically unstable, hence the need for further discussions. There must be more
consultation to the people to get their pulse. Probably, a referendum may do, such as
asking them the question: "Are you in favor of a federal form of government in the
Philippines?" It is answerable by yes or no. Robredo further expressed that there is
anxiety on what is being proposed. The proposed form of government has no clear
objectives, form and which model should be. Former Chief Justice of SC said that
President Duterte and Vice-President Robredo should not be allowed to run under the
new Federal form of government.

3. Issues on Constitutional Change

This change is often dubbed as charter change (cha-cha). The present
Constitution (1987 edition) has not been changed or amended since it was Crafted
approved and ratified by the electorates on a plebiscite held on February 2, 1987 when
President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino came into power. It has I7 articles with a new
preamble. For more than 31 years now, the charter has not undergone major change
or revision. Lawmakers do not agree as to what articles, sections, paragraphs, and
items to be included and discarded, what method of amendment or revision, people
who should do the crafting, who will benefit from such revision and the amount to
finance the change. All these issues have political colors.
4. Issues on Political Dynasty
Political dynasties have long been an issue in Philippine politics. Political
dynasties are typically characterized as families that have long established their political
or economic dominance in Metro Manila, in the province elsewhere. They have
coordinated efforts to move on to involvement in national and local governments and
other positions of political prominence. Political dynasties usually have a strong
consolidated support base that is concentrated around Metro Manila.

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5. Issues on Human Rights Violation
The Philippines has adhered to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) through the Bill of Rights and continued to create laws and policies that cater
to a specific sector of society like the Labor Code for employees and the indigenous
people's rights. The concept of "human rights in the context of the Philippines pertains
mainly (but is not limited to the civil and political rights of a person). Although human
rights are respected, sometimes they are violated. According to historians, there were
human rights violation during martial law regime. There will always be human rights
violation in ever government administration. These violations are committed by
lawmakers, government officials, police, and military personnel, and private individuals.
One of the most controversial issues in human rights revolution is the issue of
extrajudicial killings (EJK). When Rodrigo Duterte took office as president of the
Philippines on June 30, 2016, he explicitly told the people to "kill all of you who makes
the lives of all Filipinos miserable," including criminal suspects, as part of his vow to
solve drugs, criminality, and corruption in three to six months. During his inauguration,
he pledged that his administration would be sensitive to the state’s obligation to
promote, and protect, fulfil the human rig its of our citizen…even as the rule of law
shall at all times prevail." During the government’s campaign against illegal drugs,
however, President Duterte has publicly praised extrajudicial killing of suspected drug
dealers and drug users. The human rights group have linked the campaign and
Duterte's often fiery rhetoric to a surge of killings by police and unidentified gunmen
since he took office nearly 4,800 people killed at the time of writing this book. Police
says that individuals targeted by police were killed only after they "resisted arrest and
shot at police officers," but have provided no evidence to support the claim. The killings
have highlighted the country's long-standing problem of impunity for abusive peace
personnel.

6. Perennial MRT issues

The issue about MRT-3 is an "unstoppable" one but the MRT coach is
stoppable." There has been an abundance of news report until now about glitches,
accidents, and all sorts of problems and issues involving the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)
Line 3 that serves EDSA, Metro Manila's artery. Some of the issues and problems are: a
coach was detached from the train body, a diaper was hanging on the electric wire
causing the train to stop operating, a door failed to close or open, overcrowding inside
the coach, failure of the air-conditioning system to function that resulted to passenger's
sweating,

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delay in the train's arrival to the destination and all sorts of problems arising. The
government officials, the train operators, maintenance personnel and the country
where the train was bought blamed each other for the train's failure to operate
properly together with the many accidents brought by the MRT-3. The Manilans are not
the only one affected by the train' s glitches and mishaps. Even people from the
province who go to Manila for one reason or another and took the MRT train hoping for
a "fast delivery are affected especially if they are forced to walk along the track as a
result of the train's stoppage. How soon will the MRT and other electric-operated trains
run smoothly and conveniently? Only history and the Philippines can tell the answer.

7. Issue on Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage is the union between a couple of the same sex: it may be a
union between both women or both men. Same-sex marriage is already allowed in
some countries, particularly in the U.5. and in Europe. In the Philippines, it is
not yet legalized. President Rodrigo Duterte said he was amenable to amending the law
to allow same-sex marriage in the country. "I want same-sex marriage, the problem
is well have to change the law. But we can change the law," the President said in his
speech during the seventh lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Community
yearend gathering held Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Davao City the law provides
that marriage as a union between a man and a woman. I don't have any problem in
making it marrying a man, marrying a woman or whatever is the predilection of the
human being," he added. Duterte's latest remark was contrary to his previous
statement in March 2017. Duterte had cited the Family Code of the Philippines, which
he said merely allows marriage "between a man and a woman." At present, June
21, 2018, same-sex marriage issue is being heard by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile,
President Duterte favored "civil union than sex marriage.

8. Issue on Intellectual Property Violation

Intellectual property refers to those written documents or sources which are
produced by the owner's mental ability and skills. When these properties are
copyrighted and thereafter plagiarized or copied, reproduced, or sold for profit by
someone without the copyright owner's permission, a violation of the copyrights law is
committed. Some students copy from books, journals, and magazines to form part of
their term paper and research projects. Likewise, some wise instructors sell
photocopied books as handouts to their students for profit-a violation of the copyright
law. Today, the Philippines is trying to hit intellectual property rights issues head on,

105
but in a different way. The focus lately has been on the implementation of a new IP
rights legislation in order to protect the results obtained in laboratories that are funded
by the government. The Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 actually was
released in May 2012. The result is that research and development institutions that are
running their laboratories are now granted intellectual ownership of the results,
provided the research has been funded by the government. This is to protect the
potential exploitation of the efforts made by the individual scientists.

9. Backlog of Court Cases

The administration of justice by the court is such a delicate and serious task and
not an ordinary chore of business. Passing judgment upon a person involving their
rights and fortunes, determining their innocence and guilt that may even affect their
lives, honor, and freedom are of such grave responsibility of the courts. In the
administration of justice, there is no assurance that all justices and judges will
discharge duties of their office impartially and free from pressure and influence
because the legal qualifications of the justices and judges are not God-given. Some of
them may be subservient to one administration after another or cater to the influence
of one litigant after another, etc. which might affect the independence of the judiciary.
One example of this was the quo-warranto case against the former SC Chief Justice
Lourdes Sereno. According to her, the decision of many of the SC Justices was under
the influence of the President.
One significant issue that has plagued the courts of justice ever since is the
court’s backlog of cases. According to the report of the National Statistical Coordination
Board (NCSB), the Philippine Judiciary faces serious difficulties in addressing case
backlogs as lower courts are congested with over a million cases every year. Lower
courts are continuously confronted with heavy volume of caseloads due to lack of
judges to litigate the cases, transfer and illness of judges, too many postponement of
cases, delaying tactics of either prosecutors or defense lawyers, unavailability of the
respondents to appear personally in courts, resignation of judges, and other reasons.

10. Issue on Jail and Prison Congestions

The country's jails are overcrowded by 51.1. percent, according to the
Commission on Audit (COA) report in 2017. In its annual audit report released, COA
noted that the number of inmates increased by 30,544 from 2015. "As of Dec.
31, 2016, the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) has a total jail
population of 126,946, which exceeded the total ideal capacity of 20,746, having a

106
variance of 106,200 or a total average of 511 percent of congestion/overcrowding or
clogging," the report said. The COA said the overcrowding in the country's district jails,
city jails, municipal jails, extension jails and female dormitories violates BJMP's own
Manual on Habitat, Water, Sanitation and Kitchen in Jails as well as the United Nations'
Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Under the BJMP manual, the
ideal habitable floor area for each inmate is 4.7 square meters while the ideal
maximum number of inmates per cell should only be 10.
The COA noted that the congestion in jails is not only a social and political
issue but is resulting in "health and sanitation problems and increased gang affiliation
of inmates." Because of such overcrowding, many inmates got sick and a few died of
illness and contamination. Others escaped due to the inconvenience they are
experiencing. Other issues related to overcrowding are selling and using of prohibited
drugs inside the prison cell, hiding of dangerous weapons and explosives, sex orgies,
keeping of mobile phones, and other prohibited devices, etc. These issues and
concerns had been going on ever since and no way that will stop the inmates because
of the connivance of some prison guards and BJMP officials. At this time (2018), former
PNP Chief and now Director of the Bureau of Prisons is very strict in enforcing the BJMP
law because he is the only "siga" in the jails.
Activity 1. Words to Know
Define the following terms based on your own point of view (not exactly copied from
the text)
1. socio-political issues
2. violent
3. right
4. court backlog
5. lower courts
6. political issues
7. dynasty
8. intellectual property
9.copyright law
10. court of justice-
Activity 2. Essay
1. Why do you think local and national elections are marred by violence and voting
chaos?
2. Why are jails and prisons congested with inmates? Do you think this condition is an
extreme punishment to the inmates? Who should be blamed for the congestion

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3. Are you for or against same-sex marriage in the Philippines? Explain your answer.

Activity 3. Sharpen your Mind

Give additional 2 causes and 2 solutions to the following issues/concerns:

1. violent elections
2. federalism
3. Constitutional Change
4. Political Dynasty
5. Perennial MRT-3 issue
6. Human Rights Violation
7. intellectual property violation
8. backlog of court cases
9. congestion of jails and prisons
10.other socio-political cases (please specify)

C. Environmental, Health and Sports Issues and Concerns

There is no issue that exclusively belongs to one particular area because one
issue has direct or indirect impact on another kind of issue. Hence the issues discussed
in this section may belong to socio-political issues or socio- economic issues or vice
versa. The issues presented and discussed in this section are not ranked accordingly.

1. Issues on Segregation of Waste

The segregation of waste is one of the biggest problems of waste management
agencies and people in the country. Many households place their waste in only one
container. It's either due to laziness or lack of container for Waste disposal. More often
than not, waste collectors or "basureros do not collect the waste materials if not
segregated. Uncollected garbage remains in the streets or backyards or in front of
houses and some of these garbage bags contained spoiled food that either ends up
destroyed by stray animals or street children. These uncollected garbage poses a
serious health hazard.
Corollary to this issue is the problem of improper waste disposal. In one
study, it was concluded that improper waste disposal is a big environmental and
health problems in the country.

This problem may be resolved or it will remain a problem to the country

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in the next few years. Mismanagement of waste disposal has a serious effect on
ground and surface water contamination, flooding, air pollution, water pollution, etc.
People will suffer in the next few years of existence if they continue with this kind of
activity. Health security may not be secured or guarded well especially when in drinking
contaminated water because of the improper disposal of the waste.

Republic Act No. 9003 was passed by the Philippine Congress on December
20, 2000 and was subsequently approved by the Office of the President on January
26, 2001. This law was crafted in response to the growing rate of garbage problems
in the country. Although there is a law on management of waste disposal but the
Philippines still ranked third top source of plastic thrown in oceans according to a
February 2015 study. The country generates 2.7 million metric tons of plastic garbage
each year, 20% or 521,000 tons of which ends up in the ocean. The study found that
waste leakage in the Philippines often happens while the garbage is transported from
the collection site to the dump sites. The country's open dump sites are one of the
major reasons why Waste product or waste materials are leaked to the waterways
causing the water to be affected and get contaminated. Usually, improper waste
disposal occurs in urban cities like Metro Manila that produces one fourth of Philippine
garbage. According to the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR)
"residents are responsible for one-fourth of the country's daily solid waste." A single
resident can produce an average of 0.7-kilogram waste per day which can affect the
city's garbage rate. Half of the garbage from Metro Manila is biodegradable waste such
as food scraps, leftovers, and animal carcasses. About 17 percent are paper while 16
percent are plastics. The rest are discarded metal, ceramics, rubber, and leather. This
improper segregation of waste is still a big problem of the government today, especially
in Metro Manila.
Metro Manila produces about 6 to 7 tons of garbage daily, according to the
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Added to this is the Waste matters
disposed of and transported to Metro Manila and some provinces by foreign countries.
According to the National Poverty Indicators, survey conducted by the National
Statistics Office (NSO) now Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), only about 80 percent
of the Filipino families had access to şafe water. This finding is very alarming. One of
the causes of unsafe water is land and water pollution due to waste not properly
disposed of.

2. Smoking Ban

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 The warning that "smoking is dangerous to your health" is not very effective in
stopping smokers from smoking once it becomes a habit or addiction. Smoking poses
more risks than benefits. Radio, television, and billboards advertisements have been
banned from advertising the sale of tobaccos and cigarettes. Despite such banning of
cigarette smoking, some smokers still smoke anywhere.
Due to this, President Rodrigo Duterte has now ordered a strict ban on smoking
in public places and called on citizens to help the local authorities apprehend smokers.
The executive order signed in 2017 forbids the use of tobacco, including electronic
cigarettes, in all public spaces, even in sidewalks. It also prohibits anyone under 18
from "using, selling, or buying cigarettes or tobacco products."
More than a quarter of Filipinos smoke, according to a 2015 World Health
Organization report, including 11 percent of minors.
The nationwide measure, known as Executive Order 26, is similar to the near
universal smoking ban Mr. Duterte put in place in Davao City in 2002, when he was the
city's mayor. A former smoker, Mr. Duterte quit cigarettes and drinking decades ago,
when he was found to have two rare conditions, Barrett's esophagus and Buerger's
disease.
According to the new order, tobacco cannot be sold within 100 meters, or
about 330 feet, of schools, playgrounds or anywhere children might gather.
Municipalities must also designate smoking areas that are far from these places, and
away from elevators, stairwells, gas stations, health centers and wherever food is
prepared. "No smoking" signs are to be posted in all public places.
The order also called on civilians to join a "Smoke Free Task Force to help
carry out the provisions of this order and apprehend and charge violators. Calling for
citizens to enforce the ban raises the specter of vigilantes carrying out their own
interpretation of Mr. Duterte's strict prohibitions, as was reported during his tenure as
mayor of Davao dating to the 1980s.

3. Firecracker Ban
The use of firecrackers to signify the celebration of an event has been going on
since the American period. Whether in parties or New Year's Eve, all kinds of fireworks
are displayed and used. Unlike before, there are now hundred sorts of firecrackers
being manufactured and sold in the markets. Every year, People have died and injured
due to firecracker use. For this reason, President Duterte has signed in June
20, 2017 Executive Order No.28 banning fireworks in households or place of residence
nationwide and shall only confine its use of firecrackers for "community works display."

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According to the Executive Order, there is a substantial number of firecracker-related
injuries, even casualties recorded every year, some accidents involved bystanders so
"the promulgation of stricter national standards., rules and regulations are warranted.
According to the EO, a community fireworks display is "conducted under the
supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the Philippine National Police." It
should also be "allowed by the municipality/city concerned through a permit specifying
the date and time of fireworks display and the specific area in which the display will be
conducted, in conformity with national standards, rules and regulations."
The PNP, Department of Health, Department of the Interier and Local
Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Bureau of
Fire Protection were also mandated to promulgate rules and regulations tor the
implementation of the EO and conduct information campaigns on the danger of using
fireworks.
The DOH had been urging the President to sign the EO limiting the use of
firecrackers even as the country reported lower injuries in the last 2017 New Year
celebrations. The DOH recorded a total of 630 fireworks-related injuries and no death
during the 2017 revelries.
This number is 292 cases or 32 percent lower than last year's count (2016).
This also beats the country's record-low of 720 cases in 2008. Among the culprits were
prohibited firecrackers such as piccolo, Goodbye Philippines and five-star, which
caused 192 injuries (61 percent), and 32 cases (6Percent), respectively.

4. Dengvaxia issue
Families of child ren who were immunized with Dengvaxia vaccine and their
supporters from Gabriela party-list group picketed in front of the Department of Health
main office in Manila to protest the implementation of the P3.5 billion dengue
immunization program without sufficient clinical trials. -(Marian Bermudez report, 2017)
Malacañang also said that it would use the full force of the law on the culprits
behind the P3.5-bilion dengue vaccine fiasco. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque
expressed the view that the government is not taking the issue sitting down and noted
that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already suspended the sale,
distribution, and marketing of the dengue vaccine "Dengvaxia in the Philippines. The
Department of Justice (DO) and the Senate has already investigated the issue. Former
President Benigno Aquino and some members of his cabinet attended the investigation.
Dengvaxia is made by the French drug maker Sanofi Pasteur, which released findings
that the vaccine could worsen symptoms in people who had not previously been

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infected. The Department of Health (DOH) suspended its dengue immunization
program after Sanofi's announcement. Former Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, during
whose term the Implemerntation of the government s dengue vaccination program
continued, said that she initially had hesitation about the use of Dengvaxia. As of this
writing the issue is still being debated.

5. Issue on PhilHealth ID
The senate has included a provision in the proposed P3.35-trillion national
budget cancelling the need for patients seeking treatment in hospitals to present a
Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth) card as a condition for availing themselves
of benefits from the state health insurer, according to newspaper report. Senate
Minority Leader Ralph Recto said the scrapping of the "No Philhealth I.D, No Benefits
policy is one of the many provisions crafted by the Senate to guarantee universal
health coverage. Recto sponsored the 2017 budget provision which states that "in the
attainment of universal coverage, no Filipino, whether a Philhealth member or not, shall
be denied of Philhealth benefits. Philhealth identification card is not necessary in the
availment of benefits. On the same issue, the major Philhealth-related initiative pushed
Sen. Loren Legarda- appropriated P5 billion tor paying the insurance premiums of the
estimated "last eight million uninsured Filipinos. This backlog was discovered in the
course of budget deliberations, Recto said. "Because the Senate did its job, the
discrepancy was found, he pointed out. (Newspaper report)

6. HIV Positive and AIDS cases

The Department of Health has recorded 1,761 HIV-positive cases and 578 AIDS
cases from January 1984 to September 2002. Most of these cases involved persons
aged 20 to 39 years old. However, the US Central Intelligence Agency Said that there
were about 28,000 Filipinos infected with HIV or AIDS and that 1,200 of them died
in 1999 alone. Although national prevalence is still low, the country has experienced a
sharp rise in new HIV infections in recent years. Prevalence among men who have sex
with men (MSM) has increased 10-fold since 2010. In 2015, the Department of Health
reported that at least 11 cities registered HlV prevalence rates among MSM of more
than 5 percent, with one-Cebu City, the second largest city-recording a 15 percent
prevalence rate in 2015. That compares to a 0.2 percernt HIV prevalence rate for the
Asia-Pacific region and a 4.7 percent HIV prevalence rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, which
has the most serious HIV epidemic in the world. In Region 1, Pangasinan ranks first in
the number of HlV cases.

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 Among the cities in Pangasinan, Dagupan City has the highest HIV cases. There
has also been an increase in Cebu City in HIV prevalence among pregnant women, and
in newly recorded infections among people who inject drugs in Cebu City, where the
prevalence rate among such people has been recorded at between 40 and 50 percent.
Many of these new infections among People who inject drugs are due to sharing
contaminated needles. The growing HIV epidemic is driven by a legal and policy
environment hostile to evidence-based policies and interventions that could help
prevent HIV transmission. Such restrictions are found in national provincial government
policies, and are compounded by the resistance of the Catholic Church to sexual health
education and condom use.

7. Ethical Issues Surrounding Gene Therapy (Posted in the internet, 2017))

Because gene therapy involves making changes to the body's set of basic
instructions, it raises many unique ethical concerns. The ethical questions surrounding
gene therapy include:
How can "good" and "bad" uses of gene therapy be distinguished?
Who decides which traits are normal and which constitute a disability or
disorder?
Will the high costs of gene therapy make it available only to the wealthy?
Could the widespread use of gene therapy make society less accepting of
people who are different?
Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to enhance basic human traits
Such as height, intelligence, or athletic ability?
Current gene therapy research has focused on treating individuals by targeting
the therapy to body cells such as bone marrow or blood cells. This type of gene
therapy cannot be passed to a person's children. Gene therapy could be targeted to
egg and Sperm cells (germ cells), however, which would allow the inserted gene to be
passed to future generations. This approach is known as germline gene therapy. The
idea of germline gene therapy is controversial. While it could spare future it might
affect the development of a fetus in unexpected ways or have long term side effects
that are not yet known. Because people who would be affected by germline gene
therapy are not yet born, they can’t choose whether to have the treatment. In the
Philippines, there are reports that only few people who could avail the cost of gene
therapy use this in treating old-age illness, cancer, Poor memory, etc. The effect of
gene therapy on physical and mental health is still being studied. But its risk on the
immune system has been found out. According to the findings of the study, the

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immune system may respond leading to inflammation due to the inserted genes. Virus
vector may target genes other than intended ones. The activation of inserted genes
may be placed in a wrong place. Virus vector may lead to further health problems.

8. Issue on Cutting of Trees

Republic Act No. 3571 prohibits the cutting of trees and other environmental
plants which have been planted along public roads and in plazas for beautification
purposes versus the nationwide efforts to improve the economy by facilitating flow of
people goods, and services through capital investments in widening roads and bridges.
The issue is, after investing so much money adding two extra lanes and widening the
bridge, traffic has not improved a bit because the mango and acacia tree along the
road remain standing obstructing traffic. Another issue is the law regulating the cutting
of trees in private lands. Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the
Philippine states that trees in private lands may only be cut with permission from
DENR. Worse. the permit to cut trees is separated from the permit to transport. This is
a big issue to solve.

9. Issue of Log ban

The Philippines is among the countries with the highest deforestation rates.
It has only around seven million hectares ot forest land left. Even reports of the
Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) reveal that large- scale
commercial logging have continued since the country's colonial period. Seemingly
indifferent or apathetic to findings exposing the rapidly dwindling forest cover, the
Philippine government continues to issue permits to big logging companies to cut down
trees for commercial use and export.
Based on most recent reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management council (NDM, damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture from
floods in parts of Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao has amounted to P12bilion. The floods
have also displaced 262,107 families, or some 1.335 million individuals. 1he death toll
was last pegged at 42, while five remain missing. Agency reports also show that
1,618 municipalities across the country already considered disaster hotspots. Despite
his seemingly firm stance, however, former President Benigno Aquino made the
admission that a log ban could not be enforced immediately He said that the
Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) and loggings firms should
first come to an agreement. He added that the EO would also affect and small-time
saw mills. Previous administrations have also flexed their muscles against logging but

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given the state of the country's forests, it appears that all their efforts have not been
positive. The Arroyo administration laid down total ban on logging activities in the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Ousted president Joseph Estrada said he
would implement a total log ban during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA),
but no policy or law was created. The Ramos administration carried the policy of
selective logging wherein areas were 1dentihed to allow logging under the concept of
sustainable development.
The Catholic Church officials have already supported the call for a total log ban.
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the creation of a tripartite committee that would
study the implementation ot a total log barn in the country. Aside from the tripartite
committee, no definite move has been undertaken on the issue of log ban.

10. Issue of Mining

The report in mining in the Philippines argues that mining is being developed at
a speed and in a manner likely to cause massive long-term environmental damage and
social problems including environmental and health.
The report finds that:
a. current mining plans will undermine the Government's own strategy for sustainable
development by destroying or severely damaging critical eco- systems, including
watersheds, rivers, marine eco-systems and important agricultural production areas
b. implementation of the proposed mining plan will bring insufficient benefits
to the Filipino people
c. corruption is a serious problem in the Philippines and it can be expected that plans
for extensive mining operations in remote areas requiring licensing regulation and
monitoring will make it worse
d. the Philippines currently faces a crisis of extra-judicial killings. More than
700 activists - including civil rights and environmental advocates – have been killed
since the current administration came to power in 2001.
The report recommends that:
a. the Philippine government should cancel all current mining applications that may
cause major environmental damage to critical watersheds, eco-systems, agriculture or
fisheries and result in social disruption. The former woman DENR Secretary resigned
because of this issue.
b. the Philippine government should revoke the Mining Act of 1995 and enact
alternative legislation that more effectively protects the interests of the affected local
communities, indigenous peoples and the environment

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c. the World Bank Group should halt its promotion and support tor mining expansion in
the Philippines under current conditions
d. all mining projects should be inspected by reputable independent organizations
before investment.

11. Issue on Malnutrition

Poor nutrition remains a major problem in the Philippines with 3.4 million
children found to be stunted and over 300,000 underweight-all under 5 years old. A
study released by the Inter-Agency Regional Analyst Network (RAN) and the Action
Against Hunger (ACH) said these figures are alarming given the growing economy of
the Philippines. Titled "Socio-economy of Chronic Malnutrition in the Philippines: A
preliminary key trends analysis by 2030, the study noted that several theories have
established that "higher incomes automatically improve the access to food."A relatively
modest increase in GDP per capita could or should - significantly improve a range of
social progress indicators, it added.
But the Philippines, the 9th among the countries with the highest prevalence of
stunted kids, has had slow progress in addressing the issue. From a prevalence rate of
38% in 1998, the decrease has not been consistent, only reaching 30% in 2013 based
on the estimates of United Nations (UN) agencies Based on Food Nutrition and
Research Institute (FNRI) data as of 2015, stunting or the chronic malnutrition rate
among children is now at 33.4%. Lower-income countries like Vietnam and Cambodia
are even faring better than the Philippines. Only 230 of children are stunted in Vietnam
while 32.9% are affected in Cambodia. The Philippines' disturbing figures, the study
said, are expected to shoot up by 2030 if government does not boost support for social
services. According to the study, 20% of deaths among children under 5 years old are
due to poor health Services.

12. Issue on the Use of Mobile Phones

Presently, mobile phones are being used everywhere because these devices do
not use the physical cable/wire that is demanded for the communications purposes.
Their demand for the electromagnetic radiation tor receiving and transferring the data
in the air, either it is a network or a sound data. These mobile phone devices give off
harmful radiations which affect the human Health because such type of radiations are
available everywhere and their existence cannot be felt.
There is a great impact of using mobile phones on human health. These
radiations also penetrate in the body and they affect the ell structure at the DNA. The

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different types of radiations are being used for connecting the mobile phone devices
with each other and each type of radiation having its own frequency and wavelength,
the frequency mostly ranges from 3kHz to 300 GHZ. There are several cases of mobile
phone devices such as cell phones, wireless router, tablet PC, cell telephone tower,
wireless handfree, Bluetooth device, audio player, laptop connected to the wireless
router (Wi-Fi). These devices give off harmful radiations such as brain tumor, male
infertility, and ear hearing impairment effect on the fetus, Alzheimer’s diseases,
Parkinson's disease, asthma, heart trouble, insomnia, high blood pressure, leukemia,
birth defects, Immune system, and rheumatoid arthritis. Radiations are also causes of
some symptoms which are: headache, sleep disruption, tiredness, and so on. DNA
damage can also happen because the wireless radiation is given off by the mobile
phone devices during the sending and receiving process of the data. The survey-based
study was directed with the assistance of doctors using survey questionnaire. This
survey contained some of the diseases which are induced by radiations like male
infertility, brain tumor and the ear hearing impairment.

13. Issue on Philippine Sports

Sports enthusiast pointed out that theres a sorry state of sports in the
Philippines, especially in this contemporary society. Gone were the days when sports
participated in by Filipinos came into the limelight of all international athletic events,
the Olympics is the most glamorous and significant in the Philippine sports. The
Olympics have come and gone and yet again, the Philippines has failed to rank among
the world’s best.
For the fourth Olympics in a row, Filipino athletes were unable to take home a
medal of any color for the country, the last having been boxer Mansueto Onyok Velasco
won a silver in Atlanta in 1996. In over 20 Olympic Games since 1924, the Philippines
has won a dismal 9 medals-2 silvers and 7 bronzes. This record is only one medal more
than the record 8 medals won by the Philippines neighboring country Thailand in one
Olympics. Only in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics did the country win more than one
medal in the Games. In LA, the Philippines won 3 bronze medals in 3 different sports--
athletics, boxing and swimming. Exactly 90 years later, the LA Games is still the most
successful Olympics the country has ever had, with the state of sports in the Philippines
having appeared to worsen rather than improve over the decades.
In the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, the Philippines came out on top, besting its
10 other neighbors and bagging 281 medals. By 2011, the Philippines finished a dismal
6th of 11, with its measly 169-medal haul. According to sports officials and athletes

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lack of rigid training, poor funding during training and actual events, tavoritism in the
selection of participants, and other sports management are attributed to the "sorry
state of sports."

Activity
I. Words to Know
Define the following terms according to your understanding (not copied from the text)
1. environment
2. health
3. sports
4. Segregation-
5. vaccines
6. mining
7. malnutrition-
II. Brush Up
1. Differentiate the folowing terms
a. labor and labor contracting
b. endo and contractualization
c. Sports and gamess
d. malnutrition and undernutrition
e. HIV and AlDS
2. Give some other cultural values and cultural practices not found in this book.
a. 3 cultural values
b. 3 cultural practices
3. Why are the cutting of trees in private lands prohibited?
4. Should the cutting of logs and other forest trees be selectively/partially banned or
totally banned? What is your idea to this issue?
5. Do you agree to the negative effects of frequently using mobile phones? Defend
your answer.
6. Why do some household families do not separate their waste materials?
7. What is wrong with Dengvaxia
8. Why do you think HIV positive cases are increasing?
III. Reaction
Individually submit a Reaction Paper (in handwritten form). 300-500 words reaction,
experiences during the COVID-19.
IV. Draw or get images of the following issues and then describe the images

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1. Segregation of Waste
2. A child/adult smoking
3. Firecrackers displayed or used
4. Dengvaxia Vaccination
5. Cutting Trees

ESSSAY
Write an essay consisting of 150-300 words in handwritten form. Topics that can be
selected for an essay are:
1. Waste Segregation in our country
2. The Health Hazards of Mobile Phones
3. The School as a No Smoking zone
4. The Firecracker Ban: How effective is the ban?
5. Prohibition of Cutting of Trees: Its Positive and Negative Impact

D. Cultural Values and Cultural Heritage Issues

Culture gives meaning to man's existence. There is no society that does not
have culture. Through culture, the existence of the members of the society became
more meaningful and with a purpose. Although culture and cultural heritage serve
as distinguishing mark of the Filipino people, there has been issues and concerns
concerning acceptable cultural values and practices. Among these are the Filipino
indolence, the "ningas cogon" attitude, the mañana habit, bahala na attitude, hiya
complex, amor propio, lagay and areglo, palakasan scheme, and the suerte and malas
form of fatalism.

1. Filipino Indolence
It was Rizal who stated that the "Filipinos in general are indolent people. If this
statement was true during his time, this is still true and happening now. There are
Filipinos who do not care of their future. They prefer to play game of chance
like"bingo", "mahjong", "tong-its", "lucky 9", "cara y cruz" and other gambling
activities. Many children and adolescents could be found in internet cafes in corner
places hanging around most of the time instead of doing household chores or
helping the family members doing household duties."Istambay'" of "idler" today
are being arrested by the police - but this strategy by the government to prevent

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criminal activities - are being legally questioned.

2. "Ningas-Cugon" attitude
This is an unacceptable cultural value that most Filipinos do even today. At the
beginning, Filipinos are very eager and ready to do and finish a work but after some
time, they become complacent and lazy at the end. In Tagalog, "masipag sa simula
pero tamad na sa huli". It is like a cogon grass that easily kindle and burn and nothing
is left but ashes at the end.

3. "Mañana Habit" attitude

This is the tomorrow-attitude or procrastination attitude. People set aside their
work for tomorrow what they can already do today. People can accomplish many things
if they only make use of their time profitably.

4. "Bahala na" attitude

This is a kind of fatalism in which the person leaves everything to fate. He lets
fate control his destiny and decides his success. This term comes from "Bathala na"
which means that God will take care of everything. Some students, for instance, do not
bring their books, notes, or handouts to class, or read their books or work on their
assignments. they care less on their studies but they care more on texting and social
networking. A laborer spends his earning in a week's time without any savings at all. fie
is then called a "one-day millionaire"

5. Indulging in gambling
This is one favorite pastime of Filipinos which has more negative effects than
positive ones. Jueteng, tongits, jai-alai, cara y cruz, pintakasi (sabong) mahjong
are some of the forms of gambling that bring evil to society because of negative
effects they bring especially to the young adults.

6. "Hiya" Complex
This is an uncomfortable feeling of being found in an unacceptable position or
uncomfortable feeling of doing something not socially acceptable, accompanied by a
feeling of shame or embarrassment. It is stronger when dealing with an authority
figure. When "hiya" is given too much importance, it becomes a threat to progress. A
feeling of confidence and personal worth can reduce the "hiya" complex.

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7. Amor Propio
This is associated closely with "hiya". It is a Spanish term meaning self- love, or
self-esteem, the fear of losing social acceptance. Once a person has attained social
acceptance, he will do everything to keep that status. A person will certainly feel hurt
and insulted if the criticism is directed against those qualities that he holds dear or has
value to him.

8. Lagay" and "Areglo"

These are established socio-political connections for some material
consideration to be able to obtain favors. These negative practices often occur in
government offices where special privileges and favors may be obtained in return for
which certain considerations are exchanged.

9. Palakasan" scheme
Obtaining a job, getting a promotion transfer, and other special privileges
and favors are often done in "palakasan." This scheme is manifested in a society
where there is strong family ties and the influence of power and wealth.

10. Use of euphemistic expression

Euphemistic expression is stating an unpleasant opinion, truth or request
as pleasantly as possible to please another person so as not to directly hurt his
ego. It is sometimes called "white lies”. To avoid direct confrontation, one uses
the euphemistic expression like tsaka na lang (later on), okey lang or marahil
(perhaps), Seguro nga (could be) or bahala na.

11. The "suerte", "tadhana", "malas", and Buena form of fatalism

These are beliefs in fate, predestination, in horoscope and hula (fortune
ollino) This fatalism still persists today when a Filipino accepts with resignation and
tolertance his pain and frustration. These undesirable values can be minimized if
parents, teachers and elders emphasize to the individual the value of hardwork and
savings, by personal achievement, that environment can be controlled and that life is
what we make it.

12. The Existence of Spirits, Ghosts and Supernatural Beings

The beliefs on these "unseen beings'" still persists in our thoughts and we
imagine them to be existing in this material world. Many people believe that sprits

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possess supernatural powers and so we pray to them, offer food to the anitos and
anitas so that they will not harm us or bring bad luck to our activities. Sometimes, we
ask these spirits to cure our illness or to provide us safety, good harvest, and luck.
Most of these beliefs and values are already deeply rooted in our culture. Even young
children believe in these "beings because of the practice of "yayas", parents and elders
to frighten children to stop crying or to let them sleep.

13 The Gaya-Gaya Practice

Generally, imitation is not bad per se because it is one form of learning
especially if there is a good model to imitate. On the other hand, "gaya-gaya"
has a negative value if it indicates lack of creativity, imitativeness, pioneering
spirit or as a consequence of timidity to go into a new field of endeavour and rely on
just mere imitation. It does not bring good result to the individual's ingenuity and
resourcefulness.

14. Karma
Many Filipinos believe in karma, the lndian word which means "the law of
nature". The saying "for every action, there is an equal reaction and opposite reaction"
is referred to karma. There is also a saying in Tagalog: "Kung ano ang itinanim, ay
siyang aanihin" (What you have sowed, is what you will reap). If you do harm to
others, that harm goes back to you.

To sum up, most of these values, beliefs, and practices have been integrated
or incorporated into the characteristics of the people in a certain society. Since they
have been ingrained and rooted, they are very difficult to change or eliminate and thus
they are being repeated from generation to generation. Today, we are confronted with
many Filipino cultural values, beliefs and practices. In this modern age, it we want our
society to survive morally, we must emphasize and build moral and ethical standards
among the people. The agents of change in society (parents, teachers, community
leaders, elders) should be proactive in developing and enriching those values, beliefs,
and practices that are desirable, worthy of approval, satisfying and worthwhile. Those
that are unacceptable, because of their negative effects to the personality and
character of the individual, should be changed, modified, or entirety eliminated.

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On Cultural Heritage Issues
Some of these are:
1. Seeming apathy and lack of concern of the government and the public in general
about the deteriorating state of the various places around the country showcasing how
the Filipino live at a given time, their customs, arts and conveniences. These places are
the Banawe Rice Terraces, the cobble streets and Spanish houses in Vigan City and
Intramuros, Manila, baroque churches in the Philippines, the Cagsawa Ruins in Bicol,
various museums, archives and historical places is other parts of the country. It is
lamentable that these cultural heritages have been almost forgotten due to the
absence of comprehensive program in preserving or restoring them.

2. Equally becoming irrelevant and almost forgotten to the present generation are the
other important repositories of our culture, our folk songs and folk devices. Folk songs
such as the "kundiman" which used to float on air waves of radio stations until pop
music took over was not anymore promoted and preserved. Folk dances, such as the
"Tinikling", "Maglalatik", "Pandango sa Ilaw", "Sayaw sa Bangko", and others which
could be the finest forms and most popular ways of depicting Filipino culture are slowly
extinguished. These artifacts of our behavior in the past would have given us a clear
and distinct portrait of a true Filipino in thoughts, words, and deeds.

3. Another landscape of heritage structure which is laid to waste for commercial

enterprise is the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. This Complex has been declared a
National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
and an important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines comes as
a timely and welcome intervention plans by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to convert
the historic area into a mall in a joint project with private group. Built in 1934 in the art
deco style by architect Juan Arellano, the Rizal Memorial Stadium hosted various
international events in its prime, including the Beatles concert and the Far Eastern
Championship Games. It was also used as a garrison by the Japanese during World
War II. In 1989, tennis rivals Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe matched skills in its courts.
And for the longest time, it also served as training ground for some of the country's
finest athletes. The twin declarations by the NHCP and the NMP would now ensure
the sports complex's preservation and protection against modifications that might
violate Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. By
declaring the structure's heritage value, the government is also obligated to provide
funds to maintain and preserve it.

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 Some quarters may argue that the stadium, which has barely undergone
structural improvements and upgrading since the 1950s, is now unsuitable and unsafe
for training athletes, and as a venue for local and international games. Others may say
that Manila has become too congested and polluted and, therefore, unhealthy-for
athletes, thus the proposal training site to Clark in Pampanga.

4. In lloilo, the San Joaquin Convent ruins have become an unsightly warren makeshift
stalls and kiosks notwithstanding its heritage status as a National Cultural Treasure.
The call of commerce is irresistible and that of survival even more so.

5. The value of old churches such as those in Intramuros like the Manila Cathedral and
the San Agustin Church; The Our Lady of Purificacion Parish Church in Binmaley,
Pangasinan, San Fernando City, and Bawang churches in La Union and all other
churches located in Dagupan, Pampanga, Bulacan Laguna, Balagtas, Visayas, Mindanao
churches which are a link to our past and a reflection to our identity becomes a source
of pride to national unity.

6. Lecturers from the Heritage Conservation Society recalled massacred cultural

properties and vista corridors destroyed by structures like the "Torre de Manila" and
also the case of the adoration chapel of the St. Martin de Tours basilica of Taal and
that Spanish masonry aqueduct of San Juan City. This lost relic was part of the
Carriedo water system built by Genaro Palacios of the Inspeccion General de Obras
Publicas. Ironically enough, its sudden disappearance in early 2000s was due to a court
order of the Department of Public Works and Highways prohibiting its destruction.
Apparently, the then mayor of San Juan had other plans so the historic aqueduct-
bridge was demolished, somewhat surreptitiously. That aqueduct which had supplied
potable water to Manila and environment survived more than a century of revolutions
and wars could have been preserved, if only for its touristic value. It had six arches of
adobe and was an essential part of the Carriedo water system that had supplied Manila
and environs with water from Montalban.

7. At around the same time, another vintage water system, almost a century old, was
severely endangered-the water tower of San Fernando city, in Pampanga. That was
built during the American colonial period and since then become a veritable landmark
of the city. To improve on what Spain had left behind, the American colonial
administration established a modern water supply system to distribute the precious

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liquid directly to end-users through a complicated network of pipes. The water tower
could distribute as much as a hundred thousand gallons when it was in full use.
Lamentably, it was decommissioned in the late 1990s after a foreign consultant said
the structure had become "unsafe."
The San Fernando water tower tilts several degrees to the southeast, which is
why residents fondly refer to it as their "leaning tower of Pisa" Roundabout 2005, the
officials of Barangay Lourdes passed a resolution to demolish it ostensibly to protect an
elementary school located within crumbling distance. Surprisingly enough, it was the
San Fernando Water District Office that deterred action in order to conduct public
consultations which involved the University or the Philippines Urban Design Laboratory.
Activity 1. Words to Know
Define ne following terms according to your understanding (not copied from the text)
1. cultural values
2. culture -
3. cultural heritage
4. historical landmark -
5. folk songs and folk dances

Activity II. Brush Up

1. Differentiate the following terms:
a. cultural values and cultural practices
b. ningas cogon and bahala na attitude
2. Give some other cultural values and cultural practices not found in this b0ok.
a. "The Filipinos are lazy
b. "There is a good effect of Mañana habit"
c. The gaya-gaya practice is not bad or wrong all the time"

Activity 3. Essay
Write an essay consisting of 150-300 words on any of the following topics.
1. Karma: True of False
2. The Unforgotten Landmarks/Historical Place in our Region
3. Promotion and Preservation of Cultural Values and Practices in our Town/City

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E. Mandated Topics Issues
The following are topics issues by the national government through
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd) to be
lessons in Social Sciences. These are the Agrarian Reform Program, Philippine
Constitution and Taxation.

1. The Philippine Costitution

The constitutional issues are 'centered in the following constitutions; 1898
Malolos Constitution, 1973 Constitution, and 1987 Constitution.

a. Issues on the 1899 Malolos Constitution

The 1899 Malolos Constitution was the first democratic, organic law ever
made by the Filipinos. It was written by Felipe G. Calderon, a Filipino lawyer and a
descendant of a Franciscan friar of Santa Ana Manila, with the advise of Cayetano
Arellano, a brilliant lawyer. This constitution was borrowed from the Constitution
of France, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala because
the Filipino resembled the people of these countries in religion, culture, and
psychology. The Constitution established a free and independent Republic of the
Philippines. It created a popular representative government based on the three
separate powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial power. But the most crucial
and contentious issues in the Revolutionary Congress that created the 1899 Malolos
Constitution pertained to the separation of church and state which was by a mere one
vote. Until now, this episode in Philippine history has not received a satisfactory
explanation. The debate in Malolos was profoundly divisive because the two sides were
driven by differing visions of national community. A crucial point was the Filipinization
of the Catholic Church, which the proponents of church state unity championed and
which their opponents sidestepped. Even as the debate raged, however, Aguinaldo’s
revolutionary government acted on the church-state issue out of political expediency.
In the end, the issue that Filipino elites could not resolve was settled by US colonialism,
which imposed church state separation without Filipinization.

b. Issues on the 1935 Malolos Constitution

In the 1935 Philippine Constitution was drafted by the delegates of the
Constitutional Convention (Con-con) who were elected in 1934. Claro M. Recto was
elected president of the convention. The delegates crafted the 1935 Constitution.
Salient features of the 1935 Constitution include the following: a bicameral legislature

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composed of a senate and House of Representatives. The President is to be elected to
a four-year term together with the vice-President without re-election, rights of suffrage
by male citizens of the Philippines who are twenty-one years of age or over and are
able to read and write; extension of the right of suffrage women within two years after
the adoption of the constitution.
The draft of the constitution was approved by the convention on February
8, 1935 and ratified by Pres. Roosevelt in Washington D.C on March 25, 1935 and
not by the Filipino people. Elections were held in September 1935, Manuel L Quezon
was elected as the president of the Commonwealth. The 1935 Constitution provided
the legal basis of the Commonwealth Government which was considered a transition
government before the granting of the Philippine independence with American-inspired
constitution; the Philippine government would eventually pattern its government
system after American government.

The Controversy:
Controversy divided the Philippine legislature with the debate on the acceptance
or rejection of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Bill brought home by Osmeña- Roxas mission
from the US Congress in 1931, which provided for a 10-year transition period before
the granting of Philippine independence. The passage of the independence bill resulted
in the splitting of the Democrata Party and Nacionalista Party into two factions; the
Pros and Antis. Majority in the legislature led by Quezon and Recto rejected the said
bill, thereby composing the Antis, while the Pros became the Minority under Osmena,
Roxas and others. On October 17, 1933, Quezon and others triumphed in this battle as
the Philippine legislature rejected the bill. Quezon eventually brought in from the
United States the Tydings-McDuffie Act (Public Law 73-127) authored by Sen. Millard
Tydings and Rep. John McDuffie, a slightly amended version of the Hare- Hawes-
Cutting bill signed by President Franklin Roosevelt on March 24, 1934. The bill set July
4 after the tenth year of the commonwealth as date of Philippine independence. This
was accepted by the Philippine Legislature on May 1, 1934.

C. Issues on the 1973 Philippine Constitution

In March 20, 2016. Tony La Viña made historical account entitled "Travesty of
the 1973 Constitution". It is presented hereof with some modifications: While
reformists called for the convening of the 1971 Constitutional Convention, the Marcos
forces eventually hijacked it; as a consequence, the 1973 Constitution was turned into
a tool by the Marcos regime to perpetuate itself in power. Having declared martial law

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earlier, Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 86 calling for the cancellation of the
plebiscite and instituted barangays citizens' assemblies to ratify the new constitution by
a referendum from 10-15 January 1973. This was challenged before the Supreme Court
in what became known as the ratification and plebiscite cases. These involved petitions
assailing the proposed ratification upon the grounds, among others, that the
presidential decree "has no force and effect as law because the calling... of such
plebiscite, the setting of guidelines tor the conduct of the same, the prescription of the
ballots to be used and the question to be answered by the voters, and the
appropriation of public funds for the purpose, are, by the Constitution, lodged
exclusively in Congress... and there is no proper submission to the people there being
no freedom of speech, press and assembly, and there being no sufficient time to
inform the people of the contents thereof." While the case was being heard, Marcos, on
January 17,1975 issued Proclamation No. 1102 certifying and proclaiming that
the 1973 Constitution had been ratified by the Filipino people and thereby was in
effect. Proclamation was questioned in Javellana v. Executive Secretary, which the
Supreme Court severely divided on the issues. Despite the voting Court decision stated
in its dispositive portion that, "This being the vote of the majority, there is no further
judicial obstacle to the new Constitution being considered in force and effect." In that
case then, there was no Supreme Court ruling that the 1973 Constitution has been
validly ratified because six out of ten Justices held that there was no valid ratification in
accordance with Article XV Section 1 of the 1935 Constitution, which provides only one
way for ratification ie., "in an election or plebiscite held in accordance with law and
participated in only by qualified and duly registered voters.
Moreover, that Supreme Court "resolution could not be considered an outright
decision on the merits. Nevertheless, because there were not enough Justices to grant
the petitions to nullify Proclamation 1102, a majority of Justices agreed on the formula
that there was no longer any further judicial obstacle to the new Constitution being
considered in force and effect. The Javellana decision removed the final legal obstacle
to institutionalizing an authoritarian regime in the Philippines. Later on, because of this
legitimation by the Supreme Court, Marcos and his supporters would claim that his
regime was one of constitutional authoritarianism.
Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion, then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
dissented from the Javellana case, and famously added "I dissent." right after the
dispositive portion. Disappointed by the Court's decision, Concepcion would opt for
early retirement. Later, he would have the last word as in the Chief Justice would later
chair the Judiciary committee of the Constitutional Commission that would draft

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the 1987 Constitution. In the latter constitution, Concepcion made sure that never
again would the Supreme Court shirk from its solemn duty to decide the most
important disputes in our society.
During its lifetime, several amendments to the 1973 Constitution were
introduced. These were initially enter initiated primarily to perpetuate Marcos'
one-man- rule, as exemplified by the aforementioned Amendment No. 6, or introduce
to construct some semblance of democracy to his unpopular regime by experimenting
with various political system like the French presidential system. The referenda and
plebiscites that were conducted to ratify the amendments were all rigged, orchestrated,
and made possible by his total control of governmental agencies like the bureaucracy,
the military, and the Supreme Court.

d. Issues on the 1987 Philippine Constitution

The 1987 Constitution had some doubts, conflicts, and controversies. These
include the death penalty, economic policies, land reform, form of government, and
even the retention of American military bases in Clark and Subic among others.

Other issues are:

1. choice of the presidential system over a parliamentary system and a unitary system
against a federal system. The three branches of government are separated
2. and equal but neither is true formally and in the operational code of actual of power
3. the president has almost have total control of the budget which explains why
legislators easily abandon their political parties to join the administration coalition
4. lingering legal shadows of martial law which give the president the power to declare
martial law
5. several issues were the subject of heated discussions within concern that drifted the
law. Film director Lino Brocka was among the member who walked out from the
Concon. Brocka was responsible in insulting the freedom of expression clause in Article
III, Section 4 as the word "freedom".

2. The Agrarian Reform Issue

Corazon Aquino's presidency launched the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
(Republic Act No. 6650) on June 10, 1985. It became center piece of the government
with respect to agrarian reform.
The Arroyo administration passed the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
Extension and Reform (CARPER) - Republic Act No. 9700 on August 7, 2009. This did

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not supersede the CARL (R.A. No. 6651) but instead, it intended to strengthen and
improve the CARL. This means that agrarian reform progress will continue even when
all landless farmers have owned a piece of agricultural land. The DAR is expected to
proceed with its delivery of support services mandated in R.A. 6657.
However, there are five (5) issues that the farmers from Kaisahan Tungo sa
Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan (KAISAHAN) wants President
Duterte to address in the agrarian sector.

These are enumerated as follows:

Problems on Installation and Positioning of the Beneficiaries of Agrarian
Reform to their land
According to the group, in many parts of Mindanao and Luzon, farmers cannot
occupy their land due to titles being hidden in Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
offices. In the Visavas, landlords are using "delaying tactics prevent farmers from
occupying their land, despite land titles already in the possession of the farmers. The
group asked for a nationwide inventory of installed and uninstalled Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries (ARBs) for a better monitoring of the program.
According to data from DAR, about 12,000 landholdings nationwide with a total
area of close to 127,000 hectares have not yet been issued Comprehensive Agrarian
Reform Program (CARP) notices of coverage (NOC) or do not have valid NOCs. The
lack of NOCs means that the government has not yet done any of the 27 steps to have
the landholdings acquired and distributed through the program.

a. Weak Implementation of Agrarian Programs

In their experience, farmers have observed that DAR officials do not have the
political will to implement their programs. These were observed to happen when a
threat of a lawsuit towards DAR officials come from the old landlord. The farmers asked
for security and protection to the officials of DAR who are involved in CARP.
In fact, under the Aquino administration, the DAR failed to meet its target
of 198,000 hectares of farmland to CARP beneficiaries, hitting only 18% of the target,
showing a lack of implementation, despite reforms made in the current administration.
It has also been observed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization that "true
reform can only come from pressure groups such as-members of NGOs, political
organizations, and sympathetic reform officials."

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b. Cancellation of Titles or Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOAA)
Some of the farmers have had their land titles cancelled for many reasons.
This is one of the reasons why DAR officials are stopping the installation of the ARBs.
According to the Official Gazette, "some titles were destroyed, and had to be reissued
through a court process, similar to filing a case." These cases, according to a study
from the University of the Philippines, can take at least 148 days for processing even in
the Supreme Court of the Philippines

C. Human Rights Violations

The farmers believed that violation of their land rights is also a violation killing
of their fellow farmers, in of their human rights. With threats and even killing of their
fellow farmers, in order to evict them from their own land, they believe that this form
of abuse should be stopped. During a protest by farmers from Negros and Batangas
provinces in June 2014, Task Force Mapalad President Jose Rodito Angeles asserted
that these have become the cost of fighting for agrarian reform.
"If there were victories under the Aquino version of the CARP, these were
mostly won not through the government's political will but by the efforts of peasants
who fought with their lives and limbs to reclaim the land they have been tilling for
decades," Angeles said.

d. Conflicting laws
Despite the farmers' faith in CARP, they recognized that it incurs some
problems because some provisions of CARP are in conflict with the law. This includes
problems with zoning conversion where some arable lands are being used for mining.
The issue of a genuine agrarian reform program in the Philippines is a centuries-old
problem. Since the Spanish and American colonial periods to the present administration
of Duterte, it remains a clamor of landless Filipino farmers like the KAISAHAN farmers.
It is still an issue and promise often heard during national elections campaign, but
usually unheard or even forgotten since the candidates were already elected.

3. Issue on Taxation in the Philippines

Taxation started during the Spanish time in the Philippines. The Filipinos
were compelled to pay tribute (tax) to pay for the administration of the country,
construction of churches, government buildings, roads, bridges, and improvement of

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transportation and communication. Originally, the tribute was 8 reales (one real is
equivalent to 12 centavos) but was raised to 10 in 1602, then increased to 12 in 1851.
Those who were required to pay taxes were individuals from 16 years old to 60 years
old. Unmarried man over 20 years old and unmarried woman over 25 years old paid
half of the imposed tribute.
The natives did not like the way the tribute was collected because the
encomenderos became very wealthy and reaped huge profit from it. Because of such
abuse, the King of Spain abolished it in 1884. In its place, the cedula (residence tax or
community tax) served as an income tax and personal identification of the inhabitants.
Another burden on the people was the bandala - the compulsory sale of farmer's farm
products to the government but in many cases, the products were not paid for.
In the Philippines today, these are the two kinds of taxes and local taxes.
National taxes are imposed by the national government through the National Internal
Revenue Code, Tariff and Customs Code. Local taxes are those collected by the local
government units (LGUs) based on Local Government Code. Som of these local taxes
are the real property tax and community tax. Taxes are paid for the use of public
services, construction of infrastructural projects, for the salaries of the government
employees, for operating expenses, and others.
According to reports, Philippine taxes disproportionately burden the poor
and benefit the rich, but they also yield two little revenue given the distortions
they create. The plan, originally crafted by the Department of Finance, aims for a
"simpler, fairer, and more efficient" tax system that will promote investments, create
jobs, and reduce poverty. Many sectors have expressed support for it, including a
group of former DOF and NEDA secretaries. But some lawmakers have branded the tax
proposal as "heartless" and "anti-poor" because of, say, the planned increase on fuel
taxes. Others have also questioned certain spending items in the Genera Appropriations
Act of 2017 that do not merit the additional revenues that tax reform will yield.
Activity 1. Words to Know
Define the following terms according to your understanding (not copied from the text).
1. Constitution
2. agrarian reform -
3. Revolutionary government-
4. tax-
5. taxation

Activity II. Brush Up

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1.Why is tax a burden? Support your answer
2. Why are the issues in the implementation of the agrarian reform law still persist
today?
3. Why are the above mandated topics included or integrated in the study of Philippine
History? Support your answer.

Activity III. Reflection Paper:

Write a reflection paper consisting of 150-300 words on any of the following topics.
1. too many goods and services are not being taxed
2. Our Philippine tax is too complicated
3. Rich Filipinos are not paying their fair share of taxes

CHAPTER 5
Promoting and Preserving Historical and Cultural Heritage

Lesson 1

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students must have:
1. Manifested interest in local history and show concern in promoting our cultural
heritage
A.2.Protection
Applied historiographical methods
and Conservation of in theNational
the writing ofCultural
local history
Heritage
3. Participated in the promotion and preservation of local history and culture

An act that provides for the protection and Conservation of the national cultural
heritage as well as the strengthening of the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA) is Republic Act No. 10066. This Act is known as the "National Cultural
Heritage Act of 2009". This Act was approved on March 26, 2010 under the Presidency
of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

This Act has the following objectives:

(1) Protect, preserve, conserve, and promote the nation's cultural heritage, its property
and histories and the ethnicity of local communities
(2) Establish and strengthen cultural institutions, and
(3) Protect cultural workers and ensure this professional development and well-being

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Local History
Local history refers to a written record of past events relating to local
situations. National histories actually sprouted from the contributions of local history. In
other words, there was local history before there was national history. The following
are the controversial issues:

Importance of Local History

1. Local history enriches our understanding of our national history. It provide us with
the documentation and analysis of the broad processes which are important to the life
of the people. It is more than the study of towns, provinces, and regions of the
Philippines and the people who live there. The study of local history provides the
foundation and the substance of true national history is history in the local context.
2. More importantly, it encourages creative and innovative responses to development
with people with special talents and potentials. lt provides more room for local
initiatives to develop and for local potentials to progress. Autonomy implies an exercise
of freedom with limited control or influence from the national government. Local history
along with oral history are basic to autonomy.
3. From this inexhaustible reservoir people can draw patriotic strength in times of crisis,
inspiration, in moments of despair, and direction, and in times of ambiguity and
dilemma. It is actually a reservoir of local data and memories of events, realties, and
things that provide the essences of local life. History is defined as an organized record
of a meaningful past.
4. The Philippines has a strong and varied source of local history because it has 16
regions, 78 provinces, 1.537 municipalities, 69 cities, 41,925 barangays and over a
hundred ethnolinguistic groups. Here we can see community life in the context of social
perspective. Local history provides the vital task of putting the meaningful essence of
community in space and time.
5. National interests by reason of national purpose and will should represent the
various localities, sectors, and ethnic groups from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, regardless of
creed, origin, race, and gender. National history seeks together all diverse groups. By
their very nature both help unite the nation as an example of unity in diversity. Local
and oral history are fundamental to national interests.
6. Filipino historiography incorporates both approaches to national history. The
difference of Hispanic historiography is that it autocratic and prescriptive while the
American is liberal and democratic. This includes the Hispano-American

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historiographical tradition we have preserved in our national historiography.
7. In short, national history without local history is shallow just as local history without
national interest is parochial and divisive. It must derive substance and sustenance
from local history data before it can establish generalizations. Local history is an
important tool of decolonization. Nationalist historiography aims to decolonize the old
views which is the task of the Filipino historian.

Sources in Local History

History without sources is like a bird without wings. Sources are the
foundation of historical data and information. However, not all historical works with
sources are commendable. This brings to the question on what sources to use and how
to use them for historical construction. History without sources is unthinkable but not
all historical works with sources are commendable.
Cultural sources which are preserved evidences of human culture including
archaeological artifacts as tar back in time as possible. Oral historical sources gathered
from interviews which represent the main focus of oral history ions as a methology.
Written source such as reports, correspondences, speeches, memorials, petitions and
any printed matter available. Historical sources may be generally divided into:

*Secondary accounts which include accounts by individuals with some valid information
from eyewitnesses.
*Primary accounts such as eyewitness accounts.

Methodology of Local History

What is worth researching and what are those things to be researched did
essential matters in conducting historical research. It must deal with a subject of
historical value. Note everything which happened in the past is worth researching.
History is an academic discipline in which we look back where we came from, how
things changed and what particular path we have taken for what persons and why we
are where we are now. It must be an original work not a recycling or rehashed work
that has been written countless of times. It should present new information or at least
a new perspective, insight or interpretation.
Any historical work that does not cite its sources is not credible because it
cannot be cross-verified. Proper attributes through a bibliography with footnotes
and end notes. clarify of presentation or narrative. A good research must have good
grammar. Thirdly, basic academic requirements must be met. Other forms of local

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histories are features articles in local and national newspapers which contain stories
about events in towns and cities. These take form in souvenir programs by countless
town fiestas and similar community celebrations. Local history actually has a long
tradition in the country. With the end of monoliths historians can now have more
freedom and exercise cultural creativity including historical research. Elements of
monoliths such as state censorship and state-sponsored writing of an official history
and the suppression of counter thoughts prevented the emergence of "other views".
The effect of the fall of a monolith such as the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 triggered
interest in local history.
Instead of reliving national events there are efforts to research the effect of
national events in local situations. Events such as the centennial of the declaration of
Philippine independence provided impetus. The Philippine government actually
encourages this through its agencies such as the National Commission tor Culture and
the Arts which fund local history research. Governments following the collapse ot the
monoliths actually encourage local research.
Local historians serve as interpreters to the larger world and can conversely
interpret the larger world to the local Community. He will have the advantage of
knowing the vernacular or the local language in using local sources especially oral
histories. Local historians Will have the authority to express their own values and
perceptions specific to his group or province. It is a source of pride for the hometown
or home province. The history of a region or a Province can be researched by the
people of the locality themselves. To achieve this one may use as reference national
history textbooks such as History of the Filipino People by T.A. Agoncillo, S.K. Tan's A
History of the Philippines and R. Constantino's The Philippines a Past Revisited as well a
as other textbooks Iike G.F. Zaide, E. Alip, A. Molina, and the history book of Ariola.
The understanding of national history enables the local historian to place in a larger
context the local developments. He/she must have a good grasp of the national history
of the Philippines. This does not mean the memorization of obscure or irrelevant but a
familiarity with the trivia but a familiarity with the general developments and trends of
national significance. Examples are the nature of colonialism, the process of nation-
building, the building of anti-colonial sentiment and the impact of global trade on local
economies. The local historian needs to have some preparation before writing a
historical account.

Pre-requisites of Local History Research

These materials are useful in learning activities and make lectures and class

136
presentations relevant. They help you find leads in your own research. These helps
you from duplicating earlier research. A local historian must be familiar with the
historical literature of his region. Compilation of articles by Alfred McCoy and Ed de
Jesus in Philippine Social History: Global Trade and Local Transformation, etc. W.H.
Scott's Cracks in the Parchment Curtain and Documentary Sources for the Study of the
Prehistory of the Philippines provide an excellent data as well as theoretical framework.
Previous works may provide a guide in writing.
Secondary sources are based on primary sources the latter carry greater weight
on the accuracy of facts. Primary sources are those written and oral are eyewitness
or contemporaneous sources or observers in a particular historical era. Historical
sources can be obtained from primary and secondary sources. The quick answer
was analysis but one must remember there cannot be analysis without facts. Which
is more important facts or analysis?

Sources of Data: Primary Sources and Secondary Sources

Unpublished primary sources can be found in the UST archives the
archdiocesan archives of Manila and other ecclesiastical archives. Traveler accounts -
writings by John Foreman, Jean Mallat, FeodorJagor. Friar accounts - works by Ignacio
Alcina, Pedro Chirino, Aduarte, MalumbresPlascencia. The Philippine Islands by James
Alexander Robertson and Emma Helen Blair which is a collection of documents and
eyewitness accounts from the 15th to the 19th centuries. There might be racial
prejudice and bias which tend to distort their observations and perceptions. One must
be critical in using these sources.Many other sources in the PNA.Difunciones - deaths,
Bautismos- baptisms, Asuntos Criminals- crimes. Filipinos Ilustres -Illustrious Filipinos,
Sediciones y Rebelliones- for studying the formation of towns - For those who can
read Spanish may consult the following:

Maps, Sketches, plans and other primary sources. Some topics are fairly
common such as the history of a barangay, town or province. This type of research
usually highlights the remarkable events in the locality such as the beginning or end
of a period. Be sure that you will finish your research on time; have a schedule or
timetable. Determine your access to research sources. the topic must have a definite
scope and limitation. Get a topic that interests you most; one that attracts your
curiosity; one that is an original topic.

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Selecting a Research Topic
Another area is institutional history such as the history of an academic
institution or a business company. One may do an economic history such as the history
of the mining sector, the weaving industry. One may research a particular era such as
the Philippine Revolution, Peacetime of the Japanese Occupation. Another topic would
be the story of a site or structure such as a church or even a series of historical sites.
Such biographies should include previously unknown information. Other topics maybe
biographical.
It is up for the researcher to use his creativity and insight in unearthing and
retrieving data from local sources. Local primary sources are now available for all
these topics. Women's histories - now increasingly popular. Cultural history includes
changes in the practices of the communities such as the Tingguianes and the Apayaos.
Do not alter data that you encounter just because it runs against what you believe is
the correct information or your projected conclusions. Do not mix two or more topics in
one note card. If you come across a new topic start with a new note card to avoid
confusion later. Take notes carefully especially of direct quotes, to ensure accuracy.
Use note cards or note paper because papers of a uniform size is easier to carry, store
and organize.

Practical Guidelines for Data-Gathering

There may be other practical steps which you have found useful and which
work is best for you. Take proper care of primary materials such as old photographs,
manuscripts, or maps. Such materials are extremely rare and one-of-a-kind and need
special handling. Organize your data into primary and secondary sources or according
to major topics or chronologically. Always indicate the source of information, such as
the title and date of a document, or the bibliographic data for the printed materials
such as books, pamphlets and magazines. These are based on the text and analysis
and a summation of your findings. Analysis -this is your explanation and interpretation
of the data that you have provided and that this explains your analytical framework or
theory that you employed. Text-this is the main bulk of your written account. This
must be organized and coherent. An outline tor this section is necessary.

Bibliography
This is the listing of sources including books that were used which could be
classified as primary or secondary, published or unpublished, oral or written. Endnotes/
footnotes-these are required in academic research but may not be always applicable.

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Appendix and glossary-these are materials which could not be incorporated into the
text but would add to the clarity and depth of your research. Contemporary historians
utilize a nationalist perspective. This is not anti-foreign but it reflects our nationalist
consciousness and sentiment. Writing down history is not simply putting down facts in
paper but it should be done through a proper framework or context. Language - first
decide in what language to Use. You may choose to write in vernacular but if you
decide to have a wider audience English would be the best language. Writing in English
does not mean a lack of nationalism.

Shortcomings and Ethical Issues in Local History Writings

In many instances local historians allow their personal biases to distort their
work by hiding certain unfavorable facts, misinterpreting events and passing off false
information as true which result in the work becoming a propaganda instead of an
accurate rendering of the past. Tendency of local historians to slant their narrative in
favor of powerful families or portray a national personality in the hope of achieving
reflected glory or gaining patronage and reward from that family. There is too much
emphasis on local celebrities and personalities who may appear important but they are
not i.e. longest-serving mayor or councilor. Indiscriminate presentation of facts in the
belief that all data gathered must not go to waste. There maybe rigid conformity to
periodization which conforms to national history i.e. PreSpanish, Spanish, and American
periods. There maybe difficulty in relating cause and effect. The historian should take
to account various local and external forces.
Do not pass off somebody else's work as your own- because this will be
eventually found out. Plagiarism is an intellectual theft which discredits the author and
a plagiarized work has no values to the scholars. Never plagiarize- always acknowledge
and provide citation of your sources. Always cite in quotation marks every statement
and phrase you lifted verbatim from a source. Doing so constitutes an abuse of one's
position. Nor should you use their output/data without your permission and without
giving them due credit. Do not make students and/or subordinates do your research
work. Publishing and revealing something that an informant wanted to keep
confidential will cause harm to other people. Respect the wishes of your sources. If you
are going to use the information for some other purposes, you should also tell them.
Tell them about your purpose. Always tell your informant that you are using their
information in a written account.
Always tell the informants or sources that you are going to use their material.
Just as you do not want to be fooled, so you should not fool others in dealing with

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them. Finally, do not conduct your research under false pretenses.

Oral History
Oral history is a historical source of a special nature. Its special nature lies in
the fact it is unwritten source of information which consists of verbal testimonies which
are reported statements involving the past. Oral history is not a discipline history. It is
only a methodology of history which first-hand historical events are recounted by the
eyewitness through the intervention of a historian.
Filpino historians like T.A. Agoncillo and Isabelo de los Reyes used oral history
in obtaining historical information. However, the popular use of oral history as a
methodology is relatively new even among professional historians. The main technique
of oral history is the interview. This technique goes as far back as ancient time
including that of Homer and Herodotus who used the technique in their prototype of
historical discourse.

Importance of Oral History

Its importance to Modern Historiography
Though not suited for historical analysis, oral tradition can be used as
traditional material. These come in the form of epics, tales, genealogies, and legends.
Oral tradition- this comes from collective consciousness of a people.

Eyewitness Account
Hearsay does not quality as eyewitness account because the event was not
witnessed by the narrator and remembered by the informant himself. Eyewitness
accounts do not fall the realm ot oral tradition. Eyewitness accounts are given by
people who are actually in the place of a historical event or were actually its
participants.

Rumor Account
It becomes useful as a historical source. If it is corroboration by other sources,
otherwise it should be dismissed as an uncorroborated hearsay. It is transmitted from
one person to another. A rumor is a verbal account which does not always concern the
present.

The Practice of Oral History

Where written documents are lacking oral history may be used as long as this

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is corroborated by other sources. The best example was created by Dr.Marcelino
Foronda of De la Salle University who organized students to conduct interviews
of important personalities starting from the 70s. Recently historical bodies have
engaged in oral history. Oral history also gives the power to the marginalized people
who have no access to writing or could not write or those who have no time to write
history, their view of the past. Being a "talking people, Filipinos are full of oral histories.

The informant is the one who transmits the information and he plays an
important role in the process of oral history. The informant- is a person or group of
persons who gives an account of a referent or that of which the account is given -the
thing observed. An eyewitness account is the sum of the testimonies made an
informant concerning a single series of events or a single event. One should not use it
as justification to use uncorroborated accounts. Oral history helps fill the gaps in
written history. The credibility and the reliability of the informant- one important task of
the researcher is to determine the reliability of the eyewitness account. The interviewer
must make a careful study of the cultural system of the interviewee otherwise he would
not be able to obtain the information he truly needed. If the interviewer is not adept in
these elements then the information obtained by him may be unintelligible. The
researcher must know the language and culture. Get to know the environment.

The Search for Informant

Their reputation is not tainted by dishonesty. Their status must equip them
with certain necessary information. Conversant with the information required. The
informants must have the following: Not everyone is capable of supplying the
information he needed.

B. Promotion and Preservation of Philippine Museums

The Historic Presentation Division (HPD) of the NHCP aims to promote Filipino
cultural heritage through the presentation, protection, and development of historic
museums, archives, shrines, landmarks, art galleries, and other historical structures. It
keeps itself abreast and updated with the latest on scientific and information
technologies in relation to the field of historic conservation.

Museums of the Philippines

A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and
its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches,

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communicates, and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its
environment for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment.

Five (5) Best Museums in the Philippines (Source: Internet)

Within these museums lies the grandness and richness of human culture and its
legacy. Visit them and see how fabulous and finest they are:

1. University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts and Sciences

Location: University of Sto. Tomas, España Boulevard, Manila

Starting out as Gabinete de Fisica, an observation room of mineral, botanical
and biological collections tor science courses especially in Medicine and Pharmacy in
the 17th centurv, the University of Santo Tomas Museum, known to be the oldest
existing museum in the Philippines boasts of a vast collection preserved for
over 300 years, the collection expanded to include cultural Pieces and artifacts.
A large part of the UST Museum's pieces are cultural artifacts indigenous
the Philippines, categorized into tribal musical instruments, three-dimensional artifacts
and petrified animals. It even includes the chair Pope John Paul II sat in during
his 1981 visit to Manila, leftover pieces from old Intramuros churches, gold pieces
found all over the Philippines, household wares, weaponry, brass and metal crafts and
burial jars.

2. Ayala Museum

Location: Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati City

Located at the heart of the country's business district, Makati City, the Ayala
Museum is one of the most important and most visited private museums. It houses a
large number of rare and priceless cultural and historical items not found elsewhere in
the country. For over 40 years, its handcrafted dioramas of Philippine history scenes
have impressed visitors. But the Ayala Museum really has so much more to offer. The
Maritime Vessels Collection of finely crafted ship models paying tribute to ancient boats
is worth every visit. The museum's fine arts collection, which includes paintings by Juan
Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zobel, representing Philippine art from the
late 19th to the 20th century, is not one to be missed. It also holds a small collection of
ethnographic artifacts of Filipino minority communities that include tools, weapons,
ritual objects, clothing, body ornaments and musical instruments.

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3. Rizal Shrine

Location: Calamba, Laguna

Being one of the most frequented historical and tourist sites in Laguna, Jose
Rizal Shrine in Calamba has an average of 270,000 visitors annually. The museum is a
replica of the ancestral house where Jose Rizal was shaped and molded and who would
later become the finest expression of his race.
With the house destroyed during world War 1, President Elpidio Quirino
ordered the reconstruction of the national hero' s home through the supervision of
National Artist, Architect Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. One of the known
features of the Spanish-Colonial house is a deep well that has become a "wishing well"
for tourists and visitors. lt is home to various memorabilia, books, manuscripts and
artworks that belonged to the Philippine national hero.

4. The Mind Museum

Location: JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

The mind museum is the first world- class science museum in the Philippines
that makes everything you didn't bother learning in grade school suddenly so
fascinating. It has five interesting galleries namely: (1) The Story of the Universe: Its
Beginning and Majesty; (2) The Storv of the Earth: Its Story across the Breath of
time;(3) The Story of Life: The Exuberant Varieties of Life; (4) The Story of the Atom;
The Strange World of the Very Small; and (5) The Story of Technology: The Showcase
of Human Ingenuity-presenting science through five main stories.
All the exhibitions are originally designed by Filipino artists and fabricators who
worked closely with both local and international scientists.

5. National Museum of the Philippines

Location: Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila

The National Museum, officially the Museum of the Filipino People, in Rizal
Park, Manila was originally designed as a public library in 1918 before it was
inaugurated on July 16, 1926. In 2003, renovations started to transform it into the
National Art Gallery. The National Museum is the premier institution and repository of
the Filipino heritage. Within its walls are National Art Gallery, Planetarium, and the

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regional museums. This massive museum offers an enriching visual experience for its
visitors with its extensive archaeological, anthropological, botanical, geological and
zoological artifacts and diverse artworks by local artists.

C. Promoting and Preserving Archives

Archives are places where records of all types and formats are kept and made
accessible for research and other purposes. They are a good place to find primary
sources, both unpublished materials and those that have been published for their
parent institution's members or constituencies. Personal and institutional records of
all types can be found in archives, as well as mass media, ephemera, oral histories,
and even artifacts. Archives are distinct from libraries with regard to their functions and
organizations, although archival collection can often be found within library buildings:

1. The National Archives of the Philippines (NAP)

This or in Filipino (Pambansang Sinupan ng Pilipinas) is an agency of the
Republic of the Philippines mandated to collect, store, preserve and make available
archival records of the government and other primary sources pertaining to the history
and developed Or the country. It is the primary record management agency tasked to
formulate and implement the records of management agency. Tasked to formulate and
implement the records schedule and vital records protection programs for the
government. The Archives as it is organized today was a result of the passage of
Republic Act 9470 in 2007 but its roots can be traced back to at least the 19th Century
when the spans colonial government in the Philippines established its Division of
Archives.
NAP is presently located at Velco Centre, Roberto Oca St, Port area, Manila,
Metro Manila.

2. Family History Library

Most vital records should be available at the Family History Library and Family
History Centers. The microfilmed records include birth certificates, death certificates,
marriage contracts, and notarial records.
The Family Library has filmed the most important genealogical records from
this collection, including:
-Cemetery records (cementerios).
-Inheritance records and inventories of personalestates (bienes dedifuntos).
-Marriage records (matrimonios).

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 -Census records (vencidarios, estadisticas, padrones de chinos).
-Military records (quintas, guardia civil, hojas de servicio).
-Immigration and naturalization records (naturalizacion de Españoles,
radicacion de estrangeros).
- Notarial records (protocolos).

3. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) formerly National Statistics Office
(NSO) which is under the jurisdiction of the office of the Civil Registrar General has
several records of birth, marriage, death, etc. There are branches all over the
Philippines but its main office is located at PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon
City.

4. National Library of the Philippines (Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas)

Records Management and Archives Office (Tanggapan sa Pamamahalang mga
Kasulatan at Sinupan)
The National Library of the Philippines has a valuable 45,000-volume
Filipiniana collection of biographies, local histories, bibliographies, and gazetteers. It
also has a collection of rare books and manuscripts, newspapers brochures, microfilms,
microfilms, atlases, maps, gazetteers, and manuscripts of the rare books collection. The
NLP has approximately 11 million documents from the Spanish Colonization period
(1552-1898) and a few records from the Americanboccupation period 1898-1946.
Unfortunately, thousands of documents have been lost due to careless handling,
deliberate destruction, and natural deterioration caused by termites, mold, and
moisture.
The National Library of the Philippines can be located at T.M. Kalaw Street,
Ermita, Manila, 2801.

The following libraries shelve Filipiniana collections;

*The Ayala Museum Library has over 3,500 rare books and manuscripts;
Ayala Museum Library and Iconographic Archives
Makati Avenue
Makati, Manila
*The Jorge B. Vargas Filipiniana Foundation
241 Shaw Boulevard
Mandaluyong, Manila

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*The Fr. Luis G. Merino Library has rare holdings from 1700 on, Philippine history,
architecture, cultural arts, and the restoration of the historic walled City of Intramuros.
*The Fr. Luis G. Merino Library
5/F Palacio del Gobernador Building
Gen. Luna Street, Intramuros
The following collection includes mostly documents from the American
occupation period, with some records from the Spanish colonization period, and a few
modern records.
*U.S. Embassy, American Collection Ateneo de Manila University Quezon Metropolitan
Manila,Philippines
Besides the libraries listed above, each province has a library that stores
valuable local histories. Some municipalities and cities have libraries that collect local
family histories and other important genealogical records. Also, each municipality has a
local civil registrar office that keeps valuable family history information.
D. Promoting and Preserving Historical Shrines, Landmarks, and Sites
Historical shrines refer to historical sites or structures and revered for their
history or association as declared by the National Historical Institute. Among these
shrines are;
1.Rizal Monument (Bantayog ni Rizal)
Basic information:
Location: Rizal Park, (Luneta), Manila
Designer: Richard Kissling
Date of inauguration: December 30, 1913
Dedicated to: To the memory of Jose Rizal, patriot and martyr
Why you should visit it:
The monument of Rizal in Rizal Park (Luneta) is considered by many as the
most popular, most visited and most photographed monument in the Philippines. It
housed the remains of Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist, novelist, poet, journalist,
ophthalmologist, and a national hero. Rizal wrote the novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo to expose the cruelty and injustice of the Spanish ruling government in
the Philippines during his time. Because of his revolutionary writings, he was executed
by a firing squad in Luneta on December 30, 1896. There are at least 118 Rizal
monuments in the Philippines and at least 10 in the other parts of the world. There's
even a replica of the Rizal monument in Luneta in Madrid, Spain.

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2. Bonifacio Monument (Monumento)
Basic information:
Location: Grace Park, Caloocan City, Metro Manila
Designer: Guillermo Tolentino
Date of inauguration: November 30, 1933
Dedicated to: To the memory of Andrés Bonifacio, the founder and Supremo of the
Katipunan.
Why you should visit it:
Andres Bonifacio is popularly known as the father of the Philippine Revolution,
and the founder and Supremo of the Katipunan or the Samahang Kataastaasan,
Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). He is an icon of bravery and
pride of the Filipinos. The monument is one of the most beautiful works of art in the
Philippines. It was designed by national artist Guillermo Tolentino, who also sculpted
the famous University of the Philippines' Oblation statue. An important historical and
cultural landmark in the Philippines, the monument has twenty-three figures, including
Emilio Jacinto (popularly known as the brains of the Katipunan) and the three martyred
priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos and Jacinto Zamora (well known by many
Filipinos as the GOMBURZA).
3. Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Basic information:
Location: Liberty Shrine, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Dedicated to: Lapu-Lapu, a native chieftain of Mactan who defeated Magellan in the
battle of Mactan in 1521.
Date built: Sometime in 1969 through RA. 5695

Why you should visit it:

Lapu-Lapu is considered as the first Filipino hero who successfully defended the
Philippines from the Spanish invasion. He's a symbol of courage and success in
defeating enemies. In fact, his image is the central figure in the seal of the Philippine
National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection. He is best known as the hero of the
Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. The Battle of Mactan stopped the invasion of
Magellan in Cebu and delayed the Spanish occupation of the islands by over forty years
until the expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi in 1564. The monument of Lapu-Lapu
is located in Liberty Shrine (Mactan Shrine), where the historic battle of Mactan took
place at dawn on April 27, 1521. The area is also the place where Magellan Shrine and
the marker of the spot the Portuguese conquistador was killed are located.

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4. Magellan Shrine
Basic information:
Location: Liberty Shrine (Mactan Shrine), Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Dedicated to: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan
Date built: 1866
Why you should visit it:
The monument of Magellan is the oldest in this list. It was built in 1866 -that makes the
monument almost 150 years old now. The monument or shrine of Magellan is just a
few steps from the statue of Lapu-Lapu. Both monuments and other important markers
of events that happened during the historic battle of Mactan are found in Liberty Shrine
or Mactan Shrine. Ferdinand Magellan may be remembered by Filipinos as an enemy of
the legendary hero Lapu-Lapu but the Portuguese explorer is also recognized by many
as the man who rediscovered the Philippines. The Portuguese explorer is also
recognized by the world as the one who organized the Spanish expedition
from 1519 to 1522 that resulted to the first circumnavigation of the Earth. A few steps
from the monument of Magellan is a marker on the exact spot where the Portuguese
explorer was killed during the Battle of Mactan who brought Christianity in the
Philippines.
5.MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
Basic information:
Location: MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, Palo, Leyte
Designer: Anastacio Caedo
Date of inauguration: October 20 1981
Dedicated to: General Douglas MacArthur, his entourage, and all the soldiers
who fought and died in the battles of Leyte during the World War lI
Why you should visit it:
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo beach was the site where the Allied
Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944. The
monument also reminds us the fulfillment of MacArthur s iconic words and promise "I
shall return". The fulfillment of that promise was the start of the Leyte invasion and his
campaign to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese occupation during the World
War II. This historic event also led to the naval battle between the Japanese Imperial
Navy and the US Navy (with the help from the Australian Royal Navy). The Battles of
Leyte Gulf is recognized by many historians as the largest naval battle in history.
The Leyte Landing monument is composed of seven double-life-sized bronze statues of

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General Douglas MacArthur, Philippine President Sergio Osmeña, Lieutenant General
Richard Sutherland, Brigadier General Carlos P Romulo, Major General Courtney
Whitney, Sergeant Francisco Salveron and CBS Radio correspondent William J. Dunn.
The monument also resembles the iconic photo of MacArthur and his entourage during
the historic A-Day Landing as captured by Gaetano Faillace.

6. Sandugo (Blood Compact) Shrine

Basic information:
Location: Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Designer: Napoleon Abueva
Dedicated to: The peace pact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi
in 1565
Why you should visit it:
The province of Bohol in Visayas is not only home to the magnificent Chocolate
Hills and clear water beaches but also to rich historical sites. One of the most famous
landmarks and historical sites in the Philippines is the site of the Blood Compact
(Sandugo) between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565 to insure the
friendly relations between the Spaniards and Filipinos.
Among the monuments in this list, the Blood Compact shrine commemorates
friendship rather than battles or wars.
The blood Compact monument is one of the works of Napoleon Abueva, a
Filipino national artist and also called as the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture".

7. Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor)

Basic information:
Location: Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan, Philippines
Designer: Lorenzo del Castillo and Napoleon Abueva
Date built: 1970
Dedicated to: The Soldiers who fought for freedom in the Battle of Bataan.
Why you should visit it:
Mount Samat in Bataan was the site where the Philippine and American
soldiers took their last stand against the invading Japanese forces in the Battle of
Bataan. After a three-month battle, Bataan fell and surrendered to the Japanese on
April9, 1942. This Japanese victory led to the infamous Bataan Death March that
involved 60,000-80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war. The march resulted to
more than 20,000 dead Filipino and American prisoners of war.

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 The Shrine of Valor was built not only to honor the gallantry of the Filipinos
who fought in the Battle of Bataan but to honor all the brave soldiers who fought and
died fighting for our freedom during the Japanese invasion. To commemorate and
honor the heroism and bravery of the soldiers who fought the Japanese invaders in the
Battle of Bataan, the Philippine government declared April 9 as a national holiday. The
day is known as Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor.

8. Sultan Kudarat Monument

Basic information:
Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Dedicated to: Sul tan Kudarat, the Muslim brave hero and Mindanao's most powerful
ruler.
Why you should visit it:
Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, popularly known as Sultan Kudarat, is
considered as the greatest Sultan or Magindanao and the most powerful Sultan of
Mindanao. His monument located in front or the Provincial Capitol building of Sultan
Kudarat is a testament of his bravery, ingenuity and relentlessness in conquering
Mindanao and other parts of the parts rom the authority of Spain The sultan of
Maguindanao never allowed the Spaniards to conquer his sultanate. That is the reason
why Spain failed to invade the whole of Mindanao and convert the natives to Roman
Catholics. The valiant ruler of Mindanao was declared a national hero during the
presidency of Ferdinand Marcos.

9. Pinaglabanan Shrine and the Spirit of Pinaglabanan

Basic information:
Location: N. Domingo corner Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan, Metro Manila
Designer: Eduardo Castrillo (designer of the Spirit of Pinaglabanan monumen
Date built: 1974
Dedicated to: The brave Katipuneros who fought and died in that battlefield.
Why you should visit it:
Pinaglabanan Shrine commemorates the Battle of San Juan del Monte, the
first attempt of the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto to fight the
Spanish forces in late August of 1896. Although the battle of San Juan del Monte was
won by the Spaniards, the Katipuneros, who were only armed with bolos and
homemade guns, did not lose their spirits. The guts and bravery of the Filipinos who
fought during the battle sent a warning to Spain that their colonization of the

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Philippines will soon be over. The five-hectare Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine includes
the Museo ng Katipunan, the Battle of Pinaglabanan statue (statue of a woman
supported by two children, holding up a bolo), and the monument of the Spirit of
Pinaglabanan (the shrine's centerpiece which is a statue of elongated figures created
by Edgardo Castrillo).

10. Balangiga Encounter Monument

Basic information:
Location: Balangiga, Eastern Samar
Designer: Napoleon Abueva
Date built: September 28, 2003
Dedicated to: The heroism of the local freedom fighters in Samar
Why you should visit it:
The Balangiga Encounter Monument reminds us that Filipinos will not back
down to fight for freedom against any foreign invader - even against the mighty
American forces. On September 28, 1901, the church bells of Balangiga were rung to
signal an attack by native bolo fighters from Balangiga and the nearby villages of
Lawaan, Giporlos and Quinapondan that killed more than 50 US soldiers. The
encounter, popularly known as the Balangiga Masacre, was described as the United
States Army' s worst defeat during the Philippine- American War. The attack outraged
Gen. Jacob Smith and instructed his men to kill all Filipinos who were capable of
bearing arms, including boys over 10 years old. Thousands of locals were killed and
homes were burned under Smith’s Order.
The historic bells of the church at Balangiga were taken by the Americans as
war booty. The bells have not yet been returned to the town’ s church even up to this
day.

11. EDSA Shrine

Basic information:
Location: Ortigas Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ugong Norte Quezon City
Designer: Various artists
Date built: 1989
Dedicated to: The peaceful outcome of the People Power Revolution in 1986
Why you should visit it:
The EDSA Shrine was originally built to commemorate the events during the
People Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome. The People Power Revolution (also

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called the EDSA Revolution or the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of
nonviolent demonstrations joined by over two million Filipino civilians including several
political, military and religious personalities on February 22-25, 1986. The people power
revolution caused the departure of the dictator President Ferdinand Marcos and the
restoration of the country's democracy. The Shrine includes the seven-meter bronze
statue of Our Lady of Peace, sculpted by Virginia Ty-Navarro. It has also two chapels-
the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel and the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration - where catholic
devotees can offer a prayer.

12. People Power Monument

Basic information:
Location: Corner of EDSA and white Flains Avenue in Barangay Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Designer: Eduardo Castrillo
Date built: 1993
Dedicated to: The brave Filipinos who marched on the streets of EDSA during
the People Power Revolution in 1986
Why you should visit it:
The monument is about 0.89 kilometers from the EDSA Shrine. The Fillpinos
earned the respect of the world when they successfully demonstrated the power of the
people without using violence to end dictatorship and regain democracy in the
Philippines.

Historical Landmarks
Landmarks as defined by R.A. No. 10066 refers to sites or structures that are
associated with the events or achievements significant to Philippine history declared by
the National Historical Institute (Section 3 of Article ll)

Some landmarks of the Philippines are:

1. Bataan National Park which is found in Abucay, Bagac, Balanga, Hermosa

Morong Orani, and Samal.
2. Biak na Bato National Park found in Bulacan and in its town ot Dona Kenmedios
Trinidad, San lidetonso, and San Miguel
3. The Enchanted Kingdom of Santa Rosa, Laguna
4. Manila Ocean Park located at Ermita, Manila

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5. Mayon Volcano National Park at Albay specifically located in Legazpl, Ligao
and Tabaco. At first it was a national park in 1955 and later classified as natural park
in 2000.
6. Paco Park located at Paco, Manila. It Was once a Municipal Cemetery built by the
Dominican Order. Dr. Jose P. Rizal was secretly interred at this park after his execution
at Bagumbayan Field on December 30, 1896 and was guarded for 15 days by the
Guardia Civil Veterans. His remains were exhumed in August 17, 1898 and onDecember
30, 1912 was laid to underneath the monument dedicated to him at Luneta as stated in
the Park's marker.
7. Quezon Memorial Circle-located at the Quezon City. Its main feature is a tall
mausoleum containing the remains of Manuel L Quezon, the second official President of
the Philippines and the first of ten internationally recognized Philippine Presidents and
his wife First Lady Aurora Quezon.
8. Rizal Park - situated at Roxas (formerly Dewey) Boulevard, Manila. This is a tribute
to the National Hero of the Philippines.
9. Star City-located at CCP Complex, Pasay City.
10. Salinas Natural Monunment located at Arntao, Bambang, at Kayapa, Nueva
Vizcaya. This park was established on May 26, 1914 as a Salinas Forest Reserve
covering the Salinas Salt Spring through Executive Order No. H signed by Governor
General Francis Burton Harrison. lt was finally declared as a national monument
in 2000 by President joseph Estrada.
Sites
For this purpose, sites are classified into historical sites and archaeological
sites. Historical sites are classified further into churches, cultural and historical
landmarks, and natural landmarks.
I. Historical Sites/Landmarks/Sites

a) Churches b) Cultural and Historical

Landmark/Sites
Antipolo Cathedral - Antipolo City Cagsawa Ruins - Daraga, Albay
Baclaran Church Baclaran, Cape Belinao Lighthouse- Bolinao,
Parañaque Pangasinan
Baguio Cathedral - Baguio City Casino Españiol de Manila - Ermita,
Manila
Barasoain Church - Malolos, Bulacan Corregidor Island-Cavite City
Basilica of Our Lady of Piat - Piat, Fort Santiago - Manila
Cagayan
Binondo Church - Binondo, Manila Magellan Shrine - Lapu-Lapu Cebu
Las Piñas Church-Las Piñas City Malacañan Palace –Manila
Malolos Cathedral - Malolos,Bulacan Manila Hotel - Ermita, Manila
Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Manila Metropolitan Theatre -
Mount Holy Manila

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 Rosary of Manaoag - Manaoag, Rizal Shrine - Calamba City
Pangasinan
Peñafrancia Shrine- Naga City, .Tutuban Railway - Manila
Bicol Region
Quiapo Church Quiapo, Manila
Sampaloc Church -Sampaloc,
Manila
Santa Cruz Churct- Manila
Santo Domingo Church - Quezon
Avenue, QC.
c) Natural Landmarks/Sites d) Urban Architectural
Landmarks/Sites
Banaue Rice Terraces- Banaue Araneta Coliseum -Cubao, Quezon
City
Boracay Island - Malay, Aklan Ayala Center Makati
.Chocolate Hills- Bohol Bonifacio Global City - Taguig City
Ocean Park Luneta Cultural Center of the Philippines
Pasay City
Hinulugang Taktak -Antipolo City Mall of Asia - Pasay City
Hundred Islands National Park
Alaminos City
Maria Cristina Falls- Iligan City National Library of the Philippines
- Ermita
Matabungkay Island - Lian, National Museum of the Philippines -
Batangas Manila
Mount Mayon -Legazpi
Mount Apo - Davao City
Mount Banahaw-Laguna
Mount Bulusan- Bulusan. Sorsogon
Mount Hibok-Hibok - Mambajao,
Camiguin
Mount Makiling - Calamba
Mount Isarog - Camarines Sur
Mount Pulag - Benguet
Pagsanjan Falls - Laguna
Puerto Galera -Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Princesa Sub-terranean River
National Park - Puerto Princesa,
Palawan
Rice Terraces- Ifugao
Taal Volcano - Batangas
Tubbataha Reef- Puerto Princesa

II. Archaeological Sites in the Philippines

An archaeological site is a place (or group of physical sites) in which evidence
of past activity is preserved (either prehistoric or historic or contemporary), and which
has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and represents a
part of the archaeological record. Sites may range from those with few or no remains
visible above ground to buildings and other structures still in use.

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1. Angono Petroglyphs ( Mga Petroglipo ng Angono)
These inscriptions clearly show stylized human figures, frogs and lizards, along
with other designs that may have depicted other interesting figures but erosion may
have caused it to become indistinguishable. The engravings are mostly symbolic
representations and are associated with healing and sympathetic magic. The site has
been declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural
Treasure in 1973. It is also included in the list of the World lnventory of Rock Art
in 1985 and historic sites of the World Monuments Watch and World Monuments Funds
and part of the Philippines tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Buenavista Protected Landscape
It is a conservation area and an archaeological site located on Bondoc
Peninsula in the southern Luzon province of Quezon in the Philippines. lt conserves an
important watershed area composed of secondary-growth forest, grassland and
coconut land in the rural village of Buenavista within the coastal Municipality of
Mulanay, The area was primarily set aside for watershed protection and timber
production in 1937 covering approximately 356 hectares (880 acres). In 2000, it was
re-established as a protected landscape area under the National Integrated Protected
Areas System. The area is known as the site of an ancient village containing unique
limestone graves discovered in 2011. The protected area, including the limestone
tombs of Kamhantik were recommended by various scholars to be included in the
tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, yet no government or private entities
have yet to file a tentative nomination to the UNESCO Secretariat.
3. Idjang
An Idjang is a triangular-shaped hilltop citadel or castle on the Batanes Islands
in the Philippines, made from limestone and wood.
4. Kalanay Cave
It is a small cave located on the island of Masbate in central Philippines. The
cave is located specifically at the northwest coast of the island within the Municipality
of Aroroy. The artifacts recovered from the site were similar to those found in
Southeast Asia and South Vietnam. The site is one of the "Sa Huynh-Kalanay” pottery
complex which originated from Vietnam. The type of pottery found in the site were
dated 400BC-1500 AD.
5. Lal-lo and Gattaran Shell Middens
These are located along the banks of the Cagayan River in the province of
Cagayan. It is currently under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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6. Lapuz Lapuz Cave
It is among the many cave sites found in the Bulabog Putian National Park
in Moroboro, Dingle, lloilo in the Philippines. It is 90 m (295.3 ft) long and light reaches
up to within 30 m (98.4 ft) from each of its two entrances. The limestone area at its
south end is adjacent to Jalaur River, while the north side is adjacent to the Tambunac
River.
7. Limestone Tombs of Kamhantik
It is an excavated remains of a thousand -year-old barangay (a term used to
connote a polity during the classical era) found in the jungles of Mount Maclayao in
Sitio Kamhantik within the Buenavista Protected Landscape of Mulanay, Quezon,
Philippines. It is composed of fifteen limestone coffins that can be dated back from the
period of 10th to 14th century based on one of National Museum’s top archaeologist” a
complex archeological site with both habitation and burial remains from the period of
approximately 10th to 14th century… the first of its kind in the Philippines having carved
limestone tombs.”
8. Old Tanauan Church Ruins (Ruins de Tanauan)
These ruins are located at the lake shore of Talisay in Batangas Province
dating back to the Spanish Colonial Period of the Philippines. It is the site of the first
stone church of Tanauan, betore the whole town relocated to its present location
in 1754. Currently the ruins are within the property of Club Balai lsabel Resort.
9. Pandanan Shipwreck
The Pandanan Shipwreck is an archaeological site which was excavated in
1995 by the Underwater Archaeology Division of the National Museum of the
Philippines in Pandanan Island, in the coast of Southern Palawan. The ship was
surmised to be a Southeast Asian cargo boat travelling from either Vietnam or
Southern China and is one of the best-preserved pre-Spanish trading ships within
the jurisdiction of Philippines. It is speculated that the ship stopped at some ports
mainland South East Asia to load trade wares. Bad weather might have led to
the sinking or the ship.
10. Pinagbayanan Excavation
The site was worked on numerous times through the years 2005 to 2012,
during which the remains of an old church, two stone houses, and a number of stone
features indicating the previous location or a town during the Spanish colonial period
in the Philippines were found. The study was meant to investigate the material history
of the church, from its construction to its abandonment, and to compare it to the other
stone structures in the area and to the architecture of other churches from the same

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time period. lt was also meant to provide archaeological evidence relating to the
settlement history of San Juan.

III UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

1. Cultural Baroque Churches of the Philippines
These four churches, the first of which was built by the Spanish in the late
16th century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao.
Their unique architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese
and Philippine craftsmen.
2. The Historic Town of Vigan
According to UNESCO, "It is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish
colonial town. Its architecture reflects the coming together or cultural elements from
elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and
townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.
3. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras is an outstanding example
of an evolved, living cultural landscape that can be traced as far back as two millennia
ago in the pre-colonial Philippines. The terraces are located in the remote areas of the
Philippine Cordillera mountain range on the northern island of Luzon, Philippine
archipelago. While the historic terraces cover an extensive area, the inscribed property
consists of five clusters of the most intact and impressive terraces, located in four
municipalities. They are all the products of the lfugao ethnic group, a minority
community that has occupied these mountains for thousands of years.
4.Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Forming a mountain ridge running north-south along the Pujada Peninsula in
the south-eastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount
Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation range of 751.637 m above sea
level and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species. The property
showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and incudes
threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at
Mount Hamiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic
Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.
5. Puerto Princesa Sub-terranean River National Park
The National Park beckons with its amazing limestone karst landscape and is
located in the west coast of Palawan. The park boasts of a healthy ecosystem and
protects some of the most significant forests in Asia. A highlight of each visit is a ride

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through its 8-kilometer-long underground river. The river runs through a dome of
stalactites complemented by stalagmites running the entire length of the cave.
6. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
The Tubataha Reef National Marine Park covers an area of some 33,000
hectares and is located in the middle of the central Sulu Sea or approximately 90
nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. The park is home to a
diverse population of marine life with more than 300 coral species and 400 species of
fish and is recognized by the international community for having the highest
biodiversity level in the world.

Promoting and Preserving Traditional Cultural Performances

Republic Act No. 7356 created the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA). There are several objectives of the Commission among which are: (1)
to encourage and Support programs through publication, exhibition, production,
performance, staging and reproduction of original Filipino creations; (2) promote
the popularization of information about artists and cultural achievements and
programs, in coordination with 8overnment agencies and non-government
organizations and institutions; 6) to preserve and to integrate traditional culture
and its various creative expressions.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (Filipino: Sentrong Pangkultura ng
Pilipinas, or CCP) is a government owned and controlled corporation established to
preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the Philippines. The CCP was
established through Executive Order No. 30 s. 1966 by President Ferdinand Marcos.
Although an independent corporation of the Philippine government, it receives an
annual subsidy and is placed under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
tor purposes of policy coordination. The CCP is headed by an 11-member Board of
Trustees, currently headed by Chairperson Margarita Moran-Floirendo. Its current
president is Arsenio Lizaso, The CCP provides performance and exhibition venues for
various local and international productions at the 62-hectare (150-acre) Cultural Center
of the Philippines Complex located in the cities of Pasay and Manila. Its artistic
programs include the production of performances, festivals, exhibitions, cultural
research, outreach, Preservation, and publication of materials on Philippine art and
culture. It holds its headquarters at the Tanghalang Pambansa (English: National
Theatre a structure designed by National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin.
Locsin would later design many of the other buildings in the CCP Complex.

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Resident companies of the CCP are:
*Ballet Philippines
*Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company
*National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation
*Philippine Ballet Theatre
*Philippine Madrigal Singers
*Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
*Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group
*Tanghalang Pilipino
*UST Symphony Orchestra

Events and Programs

The scope of activities the center engages in include architecture, film and
broadcast arts, dance, literature, music, new media, theatre and visual arts. Aside from
the its promotion of local and indigenous artists, it has played host to numerous
prominent and international artists like Van Cliburn, Plácido Domingo, Marcel Marceau,
the Bolshoi Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, the Royal Ballet, the Royal Daish Ballet, the New
York Philharmonic, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, among many other Music,
dance and theatre are often key features of cultural promotion intended to attract
tourists and regularly feature in the itineraries of tour operators. Although this may
bring more visitors and increased revenue to a country or community and offer a
window into its culture, it may also result in the emergence of new ways of presenting
the performing arts, which have been altered for the tourist market.
While tourism can contribute to reviving traditional performing arts and give a
market value to intangible cultural heritage, it can also have a distorting effect, as the
performances are often reduced to show adapted highlights in order to meet tourist
demands. Often, traditional art forms are turned into commodities in the name of
entertainment, with the loss of important forms of community expression. In other
cases, wider social or environmental factors may have a serious impact on performing
art traditions. Deforestation, for example, can deprive a community of wood to make
traditional instruments used to perform music.

Promoting and Preserving Indigenous Cultural Practices

Indigenous cultural practices are developed over centuries by our ancestors
and are passed orally from generation to generation. It was proven to be a perfect

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scaffold to sustainable development connecting the past, the present, and the future.
The Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions. However, these practices are at
escalating rate of deterioration due to consistent assimilation that resulted from the
continuing lost of interest of these practices from young people.

Here are the traditional/indigenous cultural practices:

About Dating
Women during the Spanish regime were generally shy, refined, and inhibited.
Their behavior was strictly monitored by the family to maintain their good reputation. A
girl was not seen alone with a man; he did not touch them, not even her hands when
talking to each other woman's trusted friend who would help in case he wanted to have
the opportunity to see the girl of his dreams. He did not directly approach the woman;
that was impolite. On the other hand, the woman did not face a man alone; to
exchange glances with the man was unbecoming.
A man who had the courage to ask for a date had to pass several tests. First,
he got the permission of the girt s parents to visit their daughter. Once he was
permitted, his forma visit was in full attendance of the older members of the family
who also participated in the conversation. The hardest test was how to convince the
girl to say “yes” because the woman played hard to get. She kept putting off her
answer. When the man finally succeeded, the girl was strictly chaperoned during their
date so that he was not even able to whisper romantic words or hold the hands of the
girl.

About Marriage
MARRIAGE is a sacred to the Filipinos. One becomes the butt of jokes if he
or she remains single. A bachelorette is considered a potential competitor for the
attention of a husband. Parents train their sons and daughters in the proper choice of a
mate. Both are reminded that it they marry, they had to get along well not just with
one another but with their in-laws as well.
Before marriage, the boy's parents seek the approval of the girl's parents for
MARRIAGE with their daughter. This is called pamanhikan. The man's parents often
take along someone whom they believe is highly respected by the girls parents. This
was especially when they fear that the girl's parents would say no. The grandparents of
the man also join the pamanhikan. They first engage into discussions regarding the
latest happenings and when the proper climate is established, the man's father states
the purpose of their visit, which is to ask for the girl's hand in marriage. The girl's

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parents are not expected to agree immediately. They will first talk about the
shortcomings of their daughter. If the future in-laws persist the parents of the bride
give their consent. The details of their marriage are discussed and agreed upon during
the next visit of the future parents-in-law.
The wedding reception is held in the bride's home. Members of the
community volunteer to help bridegroom in one way or another by either contributing
some money or by offering their services in the preparation of the wedding feats.

About the Art

Filipinos are lovers of art. Their art is reflected in the things they do and way
they believe in daily life. Our ancestors passed their time singing awaits, corridos, and
reading stories about the bravery of legendary heroes. For stage dramas they
performed the Zarzuela and the moro-moro, forms of art which depicted the life of the
people. The best examples of architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth century
are the churches built by the Spaniards with the help of the Filipinos. They are
structures built in Baroque style with elaborate curved arches, altars and images of
saints. Filipinos love music in any form. This is evident in the presence of various string
and wind musical instruments in almost all communities even before the coming of
the Spaniards, the skill of the Filipinos in playing musical instruments can gauged
when one listens to a number played by a rondalla. A rondalla is composed of
musicians that play stringed musical instruments such as the guitar and the ukulele.
The idea of organizing a rondalla must have been born during the latter part of Spanish
rule in the Philippines when the guitar was introduced. Added to the guitar was other
string instruments that pre-spanish Filipinos played and nine other instrument that
were added much later. All together these instruments formed the nucleus of the
rondalla. The rondalla was popular entertainer in almost sorts of gatherings like
baptisms, wedding, fiesta, and funerals. It also rendered accompaniment to vocals,
violins and other instruments, solos, and choral ensembles. The rodalla thus became an
essentials part of social gatherings. The Filipinos also love to sing and dance. Their
songs range from folk to pop; classic kundiman to modern operas. They sing to their
soul's content. The Philippines has contributed its share of the world-famous opera
singers such as Jovita Fuente, Isang Tapales, Conchita Gaston, and Aurello Estanislao,
Pilita Corales, etc.
Dancing is the moving spirit among many Filipinos. Their skill on the dance
floor is superb. Early indigenous dances represented nature. Other Filipino dances
reflected Malay, Muslim, Spanish, and American influences. Folk dances are very

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common ballroom dancing such as Cha-Cha, Tango, Rhumba, etc. also the favorites

of young and old people.

Fifty years ago, every school program was a literary-musical program of
Filipino Folk songs, dances, dramas and poems. Now, with school programs consisting
of modern dances and plays, pop and jazz music, how can we expect our youth to be
proud of the Filipino culture? What can be done before it is too late.

About the Games

Children of yesterdays played games that no longer familiar to the children of
today. Their games were played either indoors or outdoors in involving little active
participation. Some games were imitations of what the elders did. The bahay-bahayan,
lutu-lutuan were imitations of mother's household activities which the girls enjoyed
playing. Other games were replicas of daily happening in the rural areas. A typical
example was the game Pusa at Aso. In a circle, sticks, slippers, and wooden shoes
were placed to symbolized the bones of the dog' which was IT. The CATS who were
the other players tried to get into the circle to steal the bones without being caught
became the dog. This was repeated as many times tor as long as the players are not
tired of the game.
A more exciting game called Juego de Anillo involved knights on bicycles trying
their best to hook a ring dangling from a ribbon. Hulugang panyo reminded one of the
days when ladies dropped their hankies to call the attention of the gentlemen. A game
popular to boys and adults 1S playing with the "trumpo" or top. The trumpo is a
conical-shaped wood made from guava branches with a pointed nail at the tail of the
cone. The trumpo spins on the iron-nail. In an outdoor game called podigo, one players
would try to split another boy's trumpo placed in the middle of a drawn circle after
spinning, he becomes the next "taya" or it.
Luksong tinik and Piko are moderately active games which are usually played
by girls. Piko involves hopping on one Or two legs through a series of rectangle drawn
on the ground. Luksong tinik is played by two player who are seated facing each other
and stretching their bare feet are in contact. Touching the toes are their fingers, one
above the other is spike form. The other player jump over the feet; then over the feet
and one hand, and so on until all the hands are spread over the feet. A player may
continue Playing as long as he does not touch any of the formal spikes, the moment he
touches them, he becomes the "it".
Other games at siesta time can either be the siklot or sungka. Siklot uses sigay

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shells, sampaloc seeds, or pebbles. The player gently tosses the shells and catches
them back with her hand. The forefinger hits the shells that fall to the floor one by
one. When the player succeeds in catching and hitting everything, he gets a prize,
The game continues until all the shells have been captured.
Sungka like siklot, also needs shells sigay or tamarind seeds. The game hole
carved in it. Each hole to begin should contain seven shells. One player drops one shell
into each hole. He picks the other shells in the hole where he drops his last shell, then
continues dropping a shell in each hole. He continues playing as long as he has shells
to drop. Should he drop his last shell into an empty hole, then his chance to play ends.
It is now the other player turn. There are other indoor and outdoor games in the past.
Can you name them?

The Filipino Religion

Before the introduction of Christianity, the Filipinos were mostly pagans. They
worshipped spirits which they believed dwell in objects like trees, mountains, rivers,
ect. They worshipped nature, the sun the moon, and the stars. They also believed in
a supreme God or deity. Because of their belief in a deity and in animate or living
things their religion was called animo-deism.
It was not long after the Spain colonized the Philippines that the Filipinos
became Christians. Today, majority of the Filipinos are Catholics. But a group of Filipino
Catholics headed by Mr. Gregorio Aglipay founded the Philippines Independent Church.
This splinter, nationalistic group does not recognize the Pope as the head of the
Catholic church. But their beliefs and doctrines are the same as of the Catholic. This
group are called Aglipayan after their founder.
Another Filipino church and one of the true Filipino church that has originated
in the Philippines is the IGLESIA NI CRISTO which has a fast-growing membership
throughout the Philippines and the world.
According to Encyclopedia Britanica Macropaedia page #246 Volume 6
IGLESlA NI KRISTO is the largest entirety indigenous Christian church in the
Philippines. Its members assert that the early church was restored in GOD'S chosen
nation, the Filipinos when Brother Felix Y. Manalo launched this church in 1914. Rapid
growth after 1945 produced some 600,000 members by the late 20th century,
imposing chapels throughout the nation, and wealthy centralized organization under
Bishop Erano G. Manalo, the son of Felix. Strong discipline from the leaders dictates a
literal interpretation of the Bible and suggest individual contributions and the casting of
votes, making the church a substantial political power. Unitarian in theology and

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Philippines in its language, liturgy, and music it represents a popular anti-Western
movement for spiritual independence.

The Catholic Celebrations and Practices

In spite of the diverse religious groups in the Philippines each with its
particular practices; the Filipinos believe in only one God who is Almighty and
Omnipotent. Religious practices show concern and love for one's neighbours. Among
the Catholics the Ten Commandments set the standard of behavior. They keep Images
of their saints at home and every church has a patron saint.

About Fiesta Celebrations

Fiestas are held on the birthday of the patron saint celebrated with the
holding or a novena, a nine-day devotion of masses followed by special prayers of
praise to the patron saint. The plaza around the church is decorated with colorful
buntings. On the ninth day which is the feast day of the saint, a high mass is
celebrated by one or several priests, Suddenly the plaza is transformed into a mini-
market where ready-made clothes, toys, fruits, and native delicacies are sold. A brass
band plays after the mass and then makes a round of the immediate vicinity playın8
Popular Filipino songs, marches and kundimans. This sets a happy, festive mood in the
community with residents going on splurge entertaining relatives and friends from
other towns.
The town fiesta is an event that the residents look forward to. Three or four
months before the fiesta the family takes good care of a piglet and chickens earmarked
for the fiesta. Of course, the fiesta is an occasion when friends and relatives can be
together, enjoy each other's account of the past year's experiences and partake of
the palatable dishes prepared for a day. Children living out-of-town make a special
effort to come home and be with their parents, relatives, and friends for the fiesta.
Aside from the town fiesta, there is also a barrio (barangay) fiesta.bThe fiesta is a
Filipino heritage that has been handed down from generation. It has its advantages as
well as its disadvantages. Must we continue portraying it as it is? Can it be perpetuated
with certain modifications?

About Christmas Celebrations

As soon as December sets in, everyone in the Philippines, young and old
alike are busy preparing for the biggest religious activity on December 25. Houses are
cleaned, painted and decorated with new colorful curtains, Christmas decorations

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and multi-colored lights. Lanterns of different Christmas tree and a Belen are placed

in the living rooms of the most homes. Belen and lantern competitions also take
place usually sponsored by schools, organizations, and local governments. Caroling
is also common usually among children and young adults. The nine-day masses or Misa
de Gallo, celebrated at dawn when the rooster starts to crow and it begins on
December. These masses are well-attended in spite of the fact that those who attend
wake up as early as three o' clock in the morning. As one walks to the church, one will
notice the streets lined with small stores selling puto, bibingka and puto bumbong.
The climax of the Christmas celebration is a midnight mass on Christmas eve,
December 24. The family makes an effort to go to mass. On Christmas day children
dressed in their best attires visit ninongs, ninangs, relatives and friends. They kiss
the hands of the elders as a sign of respect. In return the elders give them money
gifts or native delicacies. Christmas is for everyone and at no other time of the year is
the family more complete. Even married children who are abroad make a special
effort to be home in the Philippines for Christmas.

The Holy Week (Catholic Celebration)

The Lenten season is as significant to the Filipinos as Christmas. Christian
Filipinos commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ with as much sincerity
and seriousness as His birth. On Ash Wednesday, the faithful goes to church where a
sign of the cross imprinted with ashes on the forehead of every season. Chanting of the
Pasyon (Christ suffering before His death) in the native tongue of the region begins on
Holy Week and is held at certain hours of the night. On Holy Thursday, the chanting
goes on the whole day and night until the following morning. By Good Friday, the
whole town is deep in meditation on the passion and death of Christ on the Cross. In
Church one can observe individuals as well as families praying the Stations of the
Cross.
Good Friday is a day of fasting and penance to atone for one's sins. A
penance quite common in the barrios is for a penitent to cover his face with a black
cloth and walk down the streets beating his back with thin bambo0 sticks until blood
oozes out of his wounds. In the afternoon of Good Friday, the devotees flock to church
for a sermon on the "Seven Last Words of Jesus" as he was crucified on the cross. AA
procession is held usually at 4-5 pm after the sermon and mass to commemorate the
crucifixion of Jesus in Mt. Calvary.
Easter Sunday is a memorable day. The faithful wake up early for the

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salubong, a re-enactment of the Risen Lord's meeting with His Mother at dawn. There
are many more religious celebrations and festivities observed by the Catholics in the
Philippines which vary from community to community and all of which give honor and
glory to Jesus Christ. All these are according to Catholic believers.
Other Religions like the INC, the Baptist, Jehova's Witness, Born Again
Christians and some other religious sects do not celebrate the religious practices as
mentioned above.

About the Burial

The loss of a member of a family is an occasion for bayanihan. Friends,
relatives and neighbors come to condole with the bereaved family. Flowers, foods and
money are offered as tokens of sympathy. Before the burial, there is a lamayan, a vigil
attended by all who wish to come. People at the wake participate in some activities
such as gambling, telling stories, or playing mental games, to keep them awake
through the night.
For as long as the deceased is in state, sweeping the floor and taking a bath in
the house are forbidden. The bereaved are also cautioned to keep their tears from
dropping in the coffin. The general practice is for the bereaved family to bury the
deceased member within 24 hours after his death. Close relatives wearing black attire
(now white attire) and friends accompany the corpse to church for the religious rites
then the funeral procession headed by the band of musicians proceeds to the
cemetery.

About the All Saint's Day (Pangangaluluwa)

(Practiced by the Catholic Religion)
November 1 is a day for remembering the dead. According to the Catholic
belief though it is not biblical, tradition has it that the immediate members of all the
deceased go to cemetery a few days before All Saints Day to clean and white-wash the
tombs of their dead. On the day itself, the family attends a mass before going to the
cemetery bringing with them flowers, drinking water and food to last till midnight.
There is no music, playing cards or drinking in the cemetery. The cemetery becomes a
busy and crowded place. Candles are lighted during the day and all through the night
to the wee hours of the next day.
Another custom during ALL SAINTS DAY called pangangaluwa, is based on the
belief that the suffering of souls in purgatory would be lessened if the living would
pray for them and material help is given to the living, this is according to the catholic

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believers.
At about 10:00 in the night until the early morning hours, men and woman
went singing from one house to another representing the souls in purgatory and asked
for alms. Later, however, barrio folk did not entertain these souls anymore because
instead of asking for alms, the mangangaluluwa stole things underneath the houses
and picked fruits on trees in the yards. They would then feast on all these stolen
goods.

About the Filipino Foods

The food of the Filipino is simple. Rice is the chief food. Together with rice, fish
or meat and vegetables are eaten. The Filipino is fond of eating pork, chicken, corn,
fruits, and vegetables. One of the more popular foods of the Filipino on special
occasions is lechon, a whole pig roasted over charcoal fire. Adobo is another popular
dish which almost every Filipino can cook. Eating is done with the hands and for
outdoor meals, the banana leaves serve as plates. The Filipino cooks his food in clay
pots over a clay stove (kalan) using wood to build a fire.

About the Filipino Clothes

Our ancestors, both men and women wore two-piece clothes; a collarless,
short-sleeved jacket and strip of cloth wrapped around the waist and in between the
legs. The women wore the baro, a wide-sleeved jacket and a skirt of cotton cloth
wrapped about the waist. The Filipina wardrobe was later modified. The saya, the tapis
and the enagua comprised the ladies wear. Do you know how these looked like?
They say it is a long skirt which touches the floor. It has a kola or train which
mean the woman holds to keep it clean as she moves. Printed satin is the usual
material used for the saya; brocade for gala use.
Over the saya, a tapis with tassels on the edges is worn. Beneath the saya and
tapis is the enagua, a slip with lace edging. The elegant clothes of the Filipino women
are properly taken cared of. Women give special attention to their clothes especially
those made of fibers such as fina or sinamay.

About Filipinos Manner of Dressing

The laundry woman would sort out the white from the colored ones. the plain
from the printed, the cotton and satin from those made of fibers. Dirt is removed using
a wooden palu-palo or by trampling upon the clothes laid out on smooth rocks. Round
sabon intsik or Chinese soap and blue tina are essential washing materials. After

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washing, some clothes are starched. The starch used was made from rice lugaw
pressed with a wooden sandok or ladle form a cheesecloth duyan (hammock) tied to
the clothes line at four points. below this was a wooden batya or basin to catch the
starch. This is then gently patted on the barong tagalog and butterfly sleeves of the
women's baro. The starched clothes are later stretched into shape and dried on the flat
galvanized iron sheets.
Stains are removed from the clothes by dropping calamansi juice on the
stained spots after which the clothes are bleached in the sunlight. Starched clothes are
sprinkled with water before pressing with a flat iron filled with glowing charcoal.

About the Filipino Houses

The houses vary in the same style depending on their location and social status
and taste of the family. Houses of the Filipinos are usually made of wood and nipa.
Later galvanized iron replaced nipa for roofing.
In some towns, barrios, and cities, houses made of nipa and bamboo are still to
be found. Some have sawali walls and cogon roofings. Most of the houses especially
the older ones are situated high above the ground for better ventilation and reduced
humidity. In the past, building a house was fast and inexpensive. Houses were built
then through the help of friends and neighbors.
Today there are only few bamboo houses. Most houses are already built of
strong materials like hollow blocks, wood, galvanized iron and glass windows.
Modernity has not entirely changed the architecture of the Filipino houses. The batalan
is stall a part of the houses in Luzon and is used as an open bathroom, a place for
water jars or tapayan and a place for washing. The modern batalan is made or
concrete and is still adjacent to the kitchen.
The banguerahan, a storage shelf and drainer before the dish rack was
introduced, is still a part of a few modern houses. The modern banguerahan is no
longer enclosed with bamboo spikes but is screened.
The old houses before are not painted. The present ones are painted in varied
colors and built styles. The old houses were built high on the ground and the space
below called silong is fenced with bamboo to keep pigs, dogs, and chickens out.
Chairs, tables, beds and other furniture’s are found in most houses. Many Filipinos,
particularly the Tagalogs, still prefer to sleep on bamboo or wooden floors
instead of on beds. Some years ago, Kerosene lamps were used in most houses. Now
electricity has found its way in almost all houses. The old kalan or native stove has
been replaced by electric ranges; the palayok or native pot by aluminum pots and

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pans. Firewood and charcoal are still used by some Filipino housewives especially now
that gas and electricity have become very expensive.
The verandah or porch is still a part of today's houses. Pots of ferns and
flowering plants surrounded the wall kept verandah. The artistic touch of the Filipino 15
still evident in his house. In a one-room house, you can see curtains hanging on the
walls and windows, and a family picture and a saint prominently displayed in one
corner of the room.
The Filipinos also displays neatness and cleanliness in keeping their houses. The
Filipinos housewife uses different kinds of brooms for cleaning. There is the soft broom
tor sweeping the floor; a smaller one for dusting wall carvings and picture frames; the
walis-tingting or stiff broom for cleaning stone floors; and the plumero, a broom made
from chicken feathers for dusting. Buckets, wooden scrub brushes with thick bristles,
bunot or coconut husk, dustpans, bar soap, gugo or native shampoo, is-is leaves,
banana leaves, kerosene and coconut oil are also used for cleaning the houses.
Floor wax was prepared by homemakers from candles, atsuete and kerosene
melted from glowing embers. In some homes, hardwood floors were swept from
scrubbed with is-is before wax is applied. When the sticky wax is dried, the floor is
scrubbed again until it become a very shiny. The furniture, window sills, staircases

and walls are also scrubbed with is-15 leaves or polished with wax. Kitchen tables
are cleaned with is-is leaves, water, sand and ash. Those made of zinc are wiped
with kerosene.

Promoting and Preserving Rituals and Ceremonies

A ritual is an established form of a ceremony. The Philippines is rich in
history, culture, and traditions. Some of these rituals are seemingly bizarre to many
Filipinos.

a. Traditional Cultural and Religious Practices

1. "Pukpok"
The word pukpok in the Philippines literally means to hit something usually
with a hammer. Circumcision in the country is a mandatory tradition inspired mainly by
religion. Circumcision among young boys is usually done in summer before classes
start. Nowadays, it is done by accredited practitioners to ensure that there is no risk in
the procedure.

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 However, in some parts of the country, the traditional way of circumcision is
still being practiced. Boys will chew in some guava leaves while a known local
practitioner would remove the foreskin of the male genital. Afterwards, the chewed
guava leaves will be put over the affected area to minimize pain and infection. Medical
experts, of course, do not approve of this kind of procedure as it is unsanitary and
might lead to health risks in the future.

2. "Kutkot"
Kutkot is a fading tradition that is practised by members of Hanunuo Tribe.
After burying the dead for a year, relatives clean the skeleton and cover it with cloth to
take up the shape of a mannequin or even a mummy called "sinakot”. It is then
adorned by clothes and even jewellery. The body is returned to the family and is
housed there for another year. After that period, the body is sent to a cave where the
rest of the sinakot are taken (Cabrera, 2010).

3. Baliw-baliw Festival
Baliw in Filipino means "crazy". Every May, residents of Barangay San Vicente
in Olango, Cebu celebrate the "Baliw-baliw" festival on the day with the highest 12-
noon tide (Domanguera, 2014). Men would cross-dress as women and pretend to give
birth by the shore. They would also carry around wooden sculptures of a man's
genitals. Although its conception is a mystery, locals celebrate the festival to give
thanks to "blessings" received.

4. Aswang Festival
The Philippines has many superstitions and folklore stories. Growing up,
children are made aware of aswangs or monsters that roam in the dark. Roxas City in
Capiz is notorious for being the home of aswangs. In the hopes of reversing the stigma
and boosting the city's tourism, a group called Dugo Capiznon Inc. created the festival
in 2004 (Aswang Project, n.d.). However, it only lasted for three years and has not
been revived since. The festival showcased the different mythical monsters known in
Philippine culture.

5. Penitensya
As a Catholic nation, the Philippines does not take penitence lightly. During
Holy Week, a group of men parading the streets are striking their already bleeding
backs with whips. In Pampanga, a bloody crucifixion re-enactment is held every Good

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Friday. While this cringe-worthy ritual is not supported by the Catholic Church, many
devotees still do this to imitate Jesus Christ's sufferings and show gratitude to God.

6. Bolitas
Inserting bolitas into the male penis enhances their partner s sexual pleasure.
In the past years, there were many sidewalk vendors selling bolitas somewhere in
Metro Manila like in Quiapo and Cubao areas.

7. Binukat/Secluded
This is where beautiful girls of the barangay would be kept isolated by
their families until they can be married.

8. Traditional Tattooing
This is pricking the skin with sharpened steel of wooden stick deep in wet
charcoal. Wang-Od is famous for this traditional way of tattooing 1he Visayan people
call this tradition "pintados"

9. Horse fighting
Another traditional cultural practices where horses are fighting for life and
supremacy -usually practiced by the lumads.

10. Bunong braso

This is still being practiced by men in faraway places of the countryside to
indicate strength and stamina among men.

Eight (8) Marriage Rituals

There is no better way to learn about Filipino culture and traditions than to
read the words of a Filipino. In this case, a Filipina. This article is from Jessie, a born
and raised Filipina who teaches us about marriage culture in the Philippines.

1. Pagtatapat (Proposal)
Filipino usually don't know how to pop the most awaited" Will you marry me"?
question. Couples usually assume they’re going to get married someday. It is just a
matter of 'when'. For Filipinos, "Let's get married! or Pakasal na tayo! is more likely to
be used rather than "Will you marry me. How many of your "girl" friends have been
asked that question?

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2. Singsing/Paghingi ng Kamay (Engagement Ring)
The giving of the ring symbolizes the deeper commitment of the couple.
Engagement ring concept 15 a western influence. The local adaptation is more of a
practicality than colonial mentality. Engagement ring is also a scaled down version of
our forefather's offering of dowry (bigay-kaya) to the future wife. Engagement ring is
not usually diamond. Traditional/Sentimental Filipino families would offer a treasured
family heirloom as an engagement ring. It also symbolizes his family s approval and her
acceptance into their family.

3. Pamanhikan (The meeting of two families)

Pamanhikan is a treasured Filipino heritage, which avoids the embarrassing
situation of having both parents meet as strangers during the wedding day. Meeting of
families is often awkward. In the old days, the pamanhikan is hosted by the bride's
family as the groom and his family visit them to formally ask their daughter s hand in
marriage. But in this modern time and to ease the awkwardness, families opt to hold
the meeting in neutral ground like a restaurant. They will discuss the plans for the
upcoming wedding, the guest list and the budget. It is customary that the visiting
family bring a gift (pasalubong) for the host, it may be a home cooked specialty of the
groom's mother.

4. Paninilbihan (Serving the Family)

Paninilbihan is a tradition wherein the soon-to-be-groom would perform
chores to show his worth and responsibility to the bride's family. In the old days, the
guy would chop wood (pagsibak ng kahoy) or fetch water (pag-igib ng tubig) for the
girls family. Some would say it is a dying tradition. But this ritual is still subconsciously
practiced. The guy would replace a busted light, do a little carpentry work, drive the
girl's mother to the supermarket and some other small errands for her family. The bride
would also do the same for his family, she would usually wash the dishes after dinner,
cook or help clean the house.

5. Pa-alam (Inform the family)

Pa-alam is a appreciated by the Filipino elders as a sign of respect. The practice
is a round of diplomatic visits or courtesy calls to the people who matters most to the
couple. Like the Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles of both parties. The spouse-to-be is
introduced to them and formally telling them of the upcoming and wedding and ask for
their blessings. It is best to do this at a family gathering to save trips and to hand out

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the wedding invitations. The soon-to-be-weds also visits their prospective ninongs and
ninangs (principal sponsor/godparents) for their wedding. And it is also customary to
bring them a little something (pasalubong).

6. Dulog (Meeting the "Father")

The term "dulog" literally means "approach". This is the time for the soon-to-be-
weds to approach their parish priest for a meeting. Dulog is also called Pre-Nuptial
interview. It is also a church requirement wherein the priest discusses with the couple
of their duties and responsibilities as husband and wife. It also serves as a purpose of
finding and possible problems and to determine the couples readiness and knowledge
of the doctrince of a Catholic marriage. It is also a good time to ask the priest anything
related to the church wedding. Despedida de Soltera (Bachelorette party) is a send-off
party hosted by her family held close to the wedding date in honor of the bride-to-be.
The groom and his family, the wedding entourage, close friends and relatives from
both sides are all invited to meet and to get to know another before the wedding day.
It is also a formal introduction of both parties to each other.

7. Alay-ltlog kay Sta. Clara (Offering eggs to St. Claire)

St. Claire (Sta. Clara) has long been considered the patron saint of good
weather. Clara means clear in Spanish. And where does the egg come in to play? Clara
de huevo is Spanish for egg white. Despite its pagan origins, marrying Catholic Pinoys
offer eggs and prayers to the patron saint or good weather that their wedding day
would be rain-free. Even though, rain showers on a wedding day is still believed to
bring bountiful blessings to the newlyweds, but others still prefer a clear and sunny
wedding.

8. Kasal-Kumpisal (Confession)
It is a moral obligation by the church of marrying Catholic couple day prior to
the wedding to have their final confessions with a priest. It also serves as a spiritual
cleansing tor the sins committed prior to the sacrament of marriage and a commitment
and devotion to one's partner.

Traditional Practices in a Wedding Ceremony

Traditionally, the brides or her family choose the color of the wedding gown.
But due to the American influence in the Philippines, the brides commonly wear white

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on their wedding day. The grooms wear the American attire of "coat and tie" or among
the rural folks the "Americana”.

Preparation for the Wedding Ceremony

Filipino weddings are full of symbols that show the bride and groom's love
and commitment to one another. The bride and groom choose people outside of their
bridal party to act as their sponsors for their special day. The principal sponsors are
usually an aunt, uncle, or close friends who they look up to and respect. The principal
sponsors have the honor of being their official witnesses of their marriage and signing
their marriage license. The secondary sponsors include the veil sponsors, cord
sponsors, con sponsors, and candle sponsors. The veil sponsors wrap a white veil
around the couple's shoulders to show that they are now clothed as one. The veil is
white to represent the purity of the couple. The cord sponsors tie a white cord in a
figure eight shape around the couple s shoulders to symbolize their marriage lasting
forever. The coin sponsors bring the couple the unity coins, or arrhae, to symbolize
both the financial prosperity for the couple and the groom's commitment to take care
of his bride and future children. The candle sponsors have the task of lighting candles
on the altar that symbolize the Light of Christ that will guide the couple in their future
together.

The Wedding Ceremony

Example: Prayer for Couple's Veil and Cord

(Reader/Celebrant reads as veil sponsors place veil over couple's shoulders): (couple's
names), At Baptism you were clothed with the white garments symbolizing the
new life of purity and joy in the Lord, to which the Risen Christ has called you. We
clothe you again with this precocious garment as you enter into the new phase of your
life with God. Wear it unstained and let the joy of the spirit shine forth to you and your
children whom the Lord's loving design will bring into your life.

(Reader/Celebrant reads as cord Sponsors place cord over couple's shoulders): This
cord symbolizes the love of God which brings your hearts and souls together. May your
love grow stronger and bind you closer together through years, from here to eternity.
We ask this from the Father, through Christ our Lord.

ALL: Amen.

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The Reception:
The reception is full of dancing and traditions. A popular tradition for Filipino
weddings is to dance the Pandanggo, which entails the guests pinning money on the
bride and groom's clothes for the honeymoon. The money is hopefully a sign that the
couple will be financially successful and happy. The couple also sets free a pair of
doves from a cage at the end of the reception. Whoever catches the doves can keep
them as pets. Some couples choose to dance a widely popular dance in the Philippines
called the Tinikling during their reception. The couple taps the ground with their feet,
hits the bamboo poles on the ground, and steps over bamboo on the ground during the
dance.

Funerals: (Indigenous Practice)

In the Philippines, there are different burial customs depending on whether
you are Roman Catholic, Muslim, or among the indigenous. For Filipinos who are
Roman Catholics, there is no choice for preference for how you want to be buried. That
choice belongs to the family and usually the family choose to bury everyone in the
same plot so they can be together. Family is one of the top priorities in the Philippines.
The elderly are rarely put into homes to be cared for by a staff. So when the time
comes for an elderly person to pass on, they are usually surrounded by their family.
The remaining family alert local officials of the death and receive a Death Certificate.
Family wash the deceased's body and wrap it in a shroud before sending the body to
the funeral parlor nearby. Once the body has been embalmed, they dress the body in
the deceased's best clothes and send the body back to their home. The deceased's
body is placed in an open casket on an altar that is surrounded by decorations. Flowers
line the casket, a few pictures of the person when they were alive sit on top of the
casket, white and black crepe paper line the wall for mourning, and crucifixes are
mounted on the altar as well.

The visitors the funeral takes pictures of the body during the funeral or wake
that lasts for nine days. Before the burial, the family eats food and plays music for the
guests in attendance. It is common to find men gamble to try to earn some money to
help pay the cost of the funeral. The guests sing hymns along with the family or the
deceased as holy water is sprinkled around the room. The next morning the family
attends ass. During the procession to the cemetery, guests will place flowers inside the
coffin. The service at the grave site is much shorter than the Mass and the rituals that
take place during the wake. After a couple of prayers, the body is lowered into the
around with more keepsakes. Everyone in attendance returns back to the home for a

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less involved party. The immediate family begins a mourning process in which the
widow/widower will wear black for one year.

Promoting and Preserving Your Culture

As a student in Philippine History, it is best for you to participate in the
traditional practices of your family and community, if you believe it is worthy of
emulation. In this advanced stage of science and technology, many of these indigenous
or traditional cultural practices have deteriorated or have been forgotten. Study and
understand your culture to find out if you can preserve it for posterity.
1. Learn about religious traditions. Whether or not you share your parents and
grandparents religion, studying it can help you understand their culture. Religion
connects to language, history, and personal behavior. Becoming more familiar with
your or your family's religion can help you understand all these other aspects. Sacred
texts and ceremonies can seem contusing with no one there to guide you. Find an
expert willing to explain their significance.
2.Speak your ancestral language. If you know someone who shares you culture but
has a different native tongue than yourself, ask him to teach you. Many linguists and
anthropologists argue that language shapes our whole perception of the world. Plus, if
the language is rare in your area, nobody will be able to eavesdrop on your
conversations! Thousands of languages are at risk of extinction. If you know one of
them, teach it to others. Share examples of the knowledge and perspective that would
be lost if it goes away. Record the language spoken and written (if possible), and work
on translations to less endangered languages.
3. Cook family recipes. It's never too late to whip up some recipes from your
grandmother's c0okbook. Smell and taste have powerful connections to memory. As
you knead dough or try to guess the right amount of spices, you might remember
meals from your childhood or holidays. Just reading a recipe can teach you how much
ingredients and kitchen tools have changed. And even if some of them are unfamiliar,
others have most likely become your comfort food or a source of family pride. It you
don't have family recipes, look for old cookbooks online or at flea markets. You could
even start your own by writing down recipes shared orally by your relatives.
4. Share your culture's art and technology. Each culture has its own clothing music,
visual art, storytelling traditions, and many more unique characteristics. Other
members of your culture will be overjoyed to teach or talk about their hobbies, their
jobs, their crafts, and what they do for fun. This includes traditional artwork you would
find in a museum, but material culture goes far beyond that even a kitchen spoon or a

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piece of software is a cultural artifact. People with less sophisticated technology are
often considered ignorant or less intelligent. This is completely wrong. Culture passes
on tools adapted to a particular environment and every tool has generations of thinking
behind it. Shaping a stone tool is one of the oldest cultural practices there is, and it still
takes great skill and knowledge.
5. Spend time with other members of the community. The best way to preserve your
culture is to keep it alive. Gather as a group not just for holidays, but for ordinary
meals, events, or just conversation. Many aspects of culture are difficult to learn in
books and museums, including etiquette, body language, and humor. Think about the
types of conversations you have within your culture, compared to the mainstream
culture where you live. (Or compare two different cultures you participate in.) Does one
feel more energetic or friendly than another? Would a normal statement in one context
be considered rude in another? Why do you think that is? This kind of deep analysis
can be tough to figure out, but it gets to the core of the cultural experience.
6. Attend or organize major events. Your country, tribe, religious denomination, or
immigrant ethnic group almost certainly celebrate major holidays or cultural festivals.
Travel to these to get a broader perspective on your culture. If you don't know of any
groups in your area, organize your own event.

Recording Your Culture

1. Choose a focus. You can record anything you have discovered through your
research and life, no matter how small it seems. What you can do is write down
everything there is to know about a culture. There is just too much to say. Most
people choose one of two directions instead:
*A personal history of one's own experience, or a family's.
*A detailed look at one aspect of the culture: cooking, jokes, or any other
subtopic.
2. Decide on a medium. You can use calligraphy, oral storytelling, or another traditional
medium to make the recording a personal cultural experience as well or you can put
your work on a website, DVD, or another digital form. This enables you to share your
cultural story with people from all around the world.
3. Conduct interviews. Interview the people whose histories you're telling or experts in
the subject you're writing about. Come prepared with a list of questions but let the
interviewee to wander to other topics and stories. You may learn something you would
never think to ask about.
*Keep each interview within one or two hours. If the interviewee is willing, return

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to conduct additional interviews. This lets you prepare more questions and lets the
interviewee search for documents or objects she wants to share.
*Use a video or audio recorder if the interviewee agrees to it. These are much
more accurate than trying to write everything down or hold it in your head.
4. Follow your family tree. Record your family tree with the help of family members
adding to it as you go along. There are probably whole branches of cousins and in-laws
you've never met. Track these down through family connections or online searches,
and they may offer whole new perspectives on your culture. Government websites and
physical record collections may offer additional information dating back centuries. Ask
family for scrapbooks, journals, and other records early on. You may discover that
someone else has started the work for you.
5. Use your records to fight for your culture. Minority cultures often struggle to pass on
cultural traditions. Share your stories and records with young people in your culture,
who may not know the riches of their cultural background. In the face of political
struggles or social challenges, organize people to participate in discussions and cultural
activities. Your research can help people understand the core values of their culture
and inspire them to keep it alive and thriving.
6. Accept change. The dialogue around passing on culture often sounds defeatist.
Cultures are "endangered" or need "preserving" before they die out. Real challenges
and threats do exist, but don't assume that all change is bad. Culture helps people
adapt to the world around them. The world has always been changing cultures have
always been adapting, and it's up to you to choose a direction you can be proud of.

Activity I. Words to Know

Define the following terms according to your understanding (not copied from the text)
1. conservative
2. interview
3. people power
4. park
5. landmark
6. limestone
7. church ruins -
8. cathedral
9. baroque church -
10. Ceremony

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Activity II. Brush Up
1. Differentiate the following terms:
a. church and cathedral
b. ritual and ceremony
c. landmarks and sites
d. museum and archive
e. museum and art gallery
2. Aside from what is found in this text, kindly give 5 additional rituals in the
Philippines?
3. Do you believe in "kutkot"? Why?
4. Who are the ultimate beneficiaries of all activities affecting cultural Communities?
5. Why do we have to protect and conserve the natural cultural history of the nation?

Activity III. Reasoning Ability

1. Give the significance of the following:
(a) Rizal monument in Luneta
(b) Calamba Shrine
(c) Fort Santiago
(d) Cagsawa Ruins
(e) Mount Mayon
2. Give the positive and negative effects of the following cultural values.
a. Palakasan
b. Dating
c. fiesta celebration
d. "round" fruits to signify luck for the "New year
e. body tattooing
Activity IV. Essay
Write an essay consisting of 200-500 words on the topic “How to preserve My Culture”

Lesson 2
History, Culture and the Indigenous Peoples

Learning Objectives
1. Define the general characteristics of indigenous peoples.
2. Familiarized with the history of indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
3. Appreciate culture and history of the indigenous peoples of Panay.

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Defining indigenous peoples
According to the United Nations and Development Program (2010), the
Philippines is a culturally diverse country with an estimated 14- 17 million Indigenous
Peoples (IPs) belonging to 110 ethno-linguistic groups; they are mainly concentrated in
Northern Luzon (Cordillera Administrative Region, 33%) and Mindanao (61%), with
some groups in the Visayas area.

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) defines indigenous peoples as a group
of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by others
who have continuously lived as organized community on communally bounded and
defined territory and who have under claims of ownership since time immemorial,
occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language,
through resistance to political, social and cultural inroads of colonization, non-
indigenous religions and culture became historically differentiated from majority of
Filipinos. The general characteristics of IPs, hence, includes the following:

1. Maintain a strong attachment to particular geographical locations and

ancestral origins.
2. Tend to preserve their own socio-cultural, economic and political ways of life.
3. Retained some or all of their own social, economic, cultural and political
institutions but who may have been displaced from their traditional domains
or who may have resettled outside their ancestral domains.
4. Specifically and overtly self-identify as “indigenous”.

Colonial History and IPs

Philippine colonial history showed that various words were used to refer to the
indigenous peoples. During the Spanish period, Christianized natives are called indios
while they refer to the indigenous communities as infieles. When the Americans came,
they referred to them as non-Christian tribes and non-Christian Filipinos. Moreover,
they established the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes in 1901. One of its objectives is to
conduct systematic investigations with reference to the non-Christian tribes of the
Philippine Islands. According to the bureau, this is “ to ascertain the name of each
tribe, the limits of the territory which it occupies, the approximate number of
individuals which compose it, their social organizations and their languages, beliefs,
manners and customs, determining the most practicable means for bringing about their
advancement in civilization and material prosperity.” At the core of the bureau’s

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research , however, are notions of cultural evolution and issues of racism as well as
justification for colonial expansion. It also provided a racial theory and ideology which
framed and legitimized ethnographic representations of the natives as savages.
In 1957, the term national cultural minorities is used by the Commission on
National Integration. Article 7, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution has a
provision protecting the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) to their
ancestral lands, to ensure their economic, social and cultural well-being. The term
indigenous cultural communities is later adopted in the IPRA where it was made
synonymous with the term indigenous peoples. Moreover, several terms have been
adopted for collective self-identification of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. These
include lumad, katutubo, tumandok and indigenous peoples.

A genealogy of official and unofficial terminology used to describe the

indigenous communities demonstrate the shifting constitution of “difference” that has
historically characterized non-indigenous knowledge of indigenous others in the
Philippines. The 1970s to 1990s show the operative distinctions between majority
non-indigenous populations and the minority indigenous population. These are seen in
the binaries such as Christian vs. pagan (religious), lowlander vs. highlander (elevation)
and civilized vs. savage, modern vs. backward, non-tribal vs. tribal (location on
temporal and evolutionary trajectory).

The implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371) in 1996 is a
breakthrough in protecting the rights of the IPs in the Philippines. The IPRA is an act to
recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural
communities/indigenous peoples, creating a National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms appropriating funds therefore and for
other purposes. The law comes with the four bundle of rights which includes right to
ancestral domains and lands, right to self-governance and empowerment, right to
social justice and human rights and rights to cultural integrity.

For the indigenous peoples in the Philippines, the right to ancestral domains is
relevant in the continued existence of the indigenous communities. For the IPs, land
means life. Culturally, land is sacred for them because it defines their very existence.
It is not only a source of life but also a sanctuary of collective memories, reflective of
their origins and history as an indigenous group.

Indigenous Peoples in Panay

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 Scholars like Dr. Alicia Magos and Dr. Felipe Landa Jocano has written about the
Panay Bukidnon indigenous peoples. Jocano in his Sulod Society: A Study in the
Kingship System and Social Organization of a Mountain People of Central Panay stated
that Bukidnon is a combination of the root word bukid – mountain and the suffix non, a
Hiligaynon ending designating – state of being from a certain place or – living in a
certain place. Magos, in her article entitled, Sea Episodes in the Sugidanon (Epic) and
the Boat-Building Tradition in Central Panay, Philippines indicated that they delineate
their territory and distinguish themselves from other mountain groups by using big
river systems as points of reference. At such, taga-Pan-ay or Pan-ayanon are those
who stay close to the headwaters of Pan-ay River, taga-Halawod or Halawodnon are
those living near the headwaters of Halawod River. Taga-Aklan or Akeanon are those
staying close to the headwaters of Aklan River and for mountains dwellers living in
Valderrama, the name Iraynon (from Iraya which means towards the interior) is given
to those staying near the headwaters of Pany-ay River. It is believed that their
ancestors settled in the lowlands because their twin epics largely deal about the sea.
Earlier information stated that they were shifting agriculturists who had sold their farms
to the lowlanders. It was also suggested that they were lowlanders who migrated to
the uplands at the onset of the Spanish occupation to escape suppression.

The Panay Bukidnon are known for their sugidanon. These are narratives that
are usually chanted in an archaic form of Kiniray-a to welcome and entertain visitors. It
does not only serve to entertain its listeners but its significance lies in the context of it
being used to transmit the traditional values and practices of the indigenous peoples.

Another group is the Ati indigenous peoples of Panay. They are one of the seven
indigenous peoples in the country classified under the Negrito race together with the
Batak of Palawan, Mamanua of Surigao, Ata of Negros, Aeta of Zambales, Dumagat of
Cagayan Province and the Agta of Ilocos.

As repository of the precious cultural heritage of the Filipino people,

collaborative efforts must be undertaken to save vanishing cultures and ensures their
survival as a group.

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 Sixteenth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand fifteen.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10689

AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST 9 AS NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND

MANDATING THE MEANINGFUL OBSERVANCE THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared a policy of the government to advance the rights and collective
well-being of indigenous peoples through the annual observance of the National Indigenous
Peoples Day in the Philippines.

SECTION 2. The National Indigenous Peoples Day in the Philippines shall be observed on August 9
of each year and is hereby declared a special working holiday.

SECTION 3. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples shall promulgate the rules and
regulations for the meaningful observance of the National Indigenous Peoples Day.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or
in a newspaper of general circulation. 1âwphi 1

Approved,

(Sgd.) FRANKLIN M. DRILON (Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.

President of the Senate Speaker of the House
of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of
Representatives and the Senate on May 26, 2014 and July 28, 2015, respectively.

(Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES (Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP

Secretary of the Senate Secretary General
House of Representatives

Approved: OCT 23 2015

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines

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 The word Panay Bukidnon is used as a generic term to the upland dwellers,
whether they are in Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan or Antique.

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Activity I. Essay. All answers must consist of not less than 100 words.
1. Are you in favor to include the pictures of our Indigenous Peoples in our
Philiipine Currency? Why or why not?
2. As a student, how will you promote our Indigenous Peoples?
3. Do you believe that Indigenous People’s are uncivilized? Support your answer
4. If you will conduct a research about Indigenous Peoples, what is it all about?
What is your propose title?
5. What is the role of the Indigenous Peoples in the resource conservation?

References

Unit 1

Howell and Prevenier, From Reliable Sources, (pp. 17-68)

Ligan V., Apsay L., et al.,Readings in Phillipine History, Mutya Pub. House, 2018

Teodoro Agoncillo, History of the Filipino People, (pp. 184-187).

Robert Fox, The Tabon Caves, (pp. 40-44; 109-119). [Human remains and artifacts]
William Henry Scott, Prehispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History,
(pp. 90-135).

Unit 2

Aguinaldo, Emilio. Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan. (pp. 78-82; 95-100; 177-188; 212-227)
[Memoirs]

Aquino, Corazon. President Corazon Aguino’s Speech before the U.S. Congress Sept.
18, 1986 [Speech]

Blair, Emma Helen and James Alexander Robertson. (1961). The Philippine Islands,
1493-1898. Mandaluyong: Cachos Hermanos Inc.

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Garcia, Mauro. (1979). Readings in Philippine History. Manila: Filipiniana Book
Guild.McCoy, Alfred. Political Caricatures of the American Era (Editorial Cartoons)

Pigafetta, Antonio, (1969). First Voyage Around the World. Manila: Filipiniana Book
Guild

Plasencia, Juan. Customs of the Tagalogs, (Garcia, (1979). pp. 221-234) [Friar
account]

Emilio Jacinto, “Kartilla ng Katipunan” (Richardson, (2013). pp. 131-137) [Declaration

of Principles]

National Historical Institute. (1997). Documents of the 1898 Declaration of Philippine

Independence, The Malolos Constitution and the First Philippine Republic. Manila:
National Historical Institute. (pp. 19-23)[Proclamation].

Mga gunita ng himagsikan 1998, National Centennial Commission, Cavite Historical

Society, A.T.S. & Associates, Mga gunita ng himagsikan 1998 in Tagalog -
Pangsentenaryong ed. at

Ariola M., Parajas R., Readings in Philippine History, Unlimited Books Library Services &
Publishing Inc. 2018

Torres,Victor Jose. Batis: Sources in Philippine History. C and E Publishing, Inc. 2018

Unit 3

Antonio Pigafetta. First Voyage Around the World, (pp. 23-32)

Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Filipino Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, (Zaide 7, pp. 274-280)

Jose Montero y Vidal, Spanish Version of the Cavite Munity of 1872 (Zaide 7, pp. 269-273)

Rafael Izquirdo, Official Report on the Cavite Mutiny, (Zaide 7, pp. 281-286)

Ricardo P. Garcia, The Great Debate: The Rizal Retraction, (pp. 9-19;31-43)

Jesus Ma. Cavanna, Rizal’s Unfading Glory, (pp. 1-52)

Ricardo R. Pascual, Rizal Beyond the Grave, (pp. 7-36)

Pio Valenzuela, Cry of Pugadlawin, (Zaide 8, pp.301-302)

Santiago Alvarez, Cry of Bahay Toro, (Zaide 8, pp. 303-304)

Gregoria de Jesus, Version of the First Cry, (Zaide 8, pp. 305-306)

Guillermo Masangkay, Cry of Balintawak, (Zaide 8, pp. 307-309)

Ariola M., Parajas R., Readings in Philippine History, Unlimited Books Library Services &
Publishing Inc. 2018

Unit 4
Ariola M., Parajas R., Readings in Philippine History, Unlimited Books Library Services &
Publishing Inc. 2018

Source htps://archive.org/details/firstvoyageround00piga

SPOLARIUM 197THCentury Juan Luna

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http://driftwoodjourneys.com/the-historical-triumph-and-social-relevance-juan-lunas-
spolarium/

The Parisian Life, 1892

http://www.mariaronabeltran.com/2011/08/juan-luna-and-his-parisian-life.html

Antipolo Fiesta, 1947

http://www.fernandocamorsolo.com/mfca_erratum/index.html

Palay Maiden, 1920

http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/masterpiece/detail.nhn?objecttld-10429

Video: http://www.yourube.com/watch?v=4ZnnvbKyNCQ[/youtube]

Transcript of the Speech: Retrieved

from http://www.officialgazette.gowv.ph/1986/09/18/speech-of-president-corazon-
aquino-during-the-joint-session-of-the-u-s-congress-septemb

http://cebuexperience.com/living-in-the-philippines/filipino-culture/9-Filipino-pre-
wedding-rituals/

Related Readings

1. Antonio Pigafetta, "First Voyage Around the World" (pp.23-32)

2. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, "Filipino Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872,
Zaide, 1990 Vol.7, pp. 274-280
3. Jose Montero y Vidal, "Spanish Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872" (Zaide,
1990, Vol.7, pp 269-273)
4. Rafael Isquierdo, "Official Report in the Cavite Mutiny" (Zaide, 1990) Vol.7 pp.
281-286
5. Mariano M. Ariola "The Cavite Mutiny," Philippine History and Government,
2012 (p.58)
6. Mariano M. Ariola, "The Life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal," (December 29,1896 at 10:00
p.m. (draft of retraction letter shown to Rizal at his prison cell in Fort Santiago),
Philippine History and Government, p.57.

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