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Aklan Catholic College

Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes St.
5600 Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (036)268-4152; 268-9171
Fax No.: (036)268-4010
Website: http://www.acc.edu.ph
E-mail Add: [email protected]

Readings in Philippine History

Course Code & Title: GE 4—Readings in Philippine History

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.

Outcomes: At the end of the course, the learner should have

1. compared and contrasted primary and secondary sources;

2. evaluated primary sources for their credibility, authenticity and provenance;
3. analyzed the context, content, and perspective of different kinds of primary sources;
4. developed critical and analytical skills with exposure to primary sources;
5. demonstrated the ability to use primary sources to argue in favor or against a particular issue;
6. effectively communicate using various techniques and genres, their historic effectively
communicate using various techniques and genres, their historical analysis of a particular event or
issue that could help other people understanding the chosen topic;
7. proposed recommendations/solutions to present-day problems based on their understanding of root
causes and their anticipation of future scenarios; and
8. manifest interest in local history and concern in promoting and preserving our country’s national
patrimony and cultural heritage.

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COMPARING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

In this lesson, we will discuss the relevance of history, the distinction between primary and
secondary sources, and customs, beliefs, and myths during the pre-colonial Philippines.

History: Meaning and Relevance

• “a documented record of a man and his society”
• “everything that has happened or occurred from the beginning of the time to the last instance”
• History shows a pattern on how a man and his society has evolved from the primitive form to
the present; showing his ability to cope with obstacles that he himself or nature has placed
throughout his existence.
History is being recorded by a historian and readers who analyses different historical sources uses
method which is called as historical method. What could be the role of a historian and what is a historical
method?
• A historian has the ability to depict the unravelling of fateful events and to portray the rise and
deterioration of character of events, ranking it with novels and epic poetry.
• Historical method is the process of critically analyzing and examining the records.

Historical sources are mainly categorized into two which will be discussed below.
Historical Sources: Primary vs. Secondary
Primary Sources
o It is considered as the lifeblood of history.
o These sources directly talks about the subject matter and are produced at the same time as
the event, period, or subject being studied.
o These are the accounts of people who are direct participants or eyewitness to an event.

Kinds of Primary Sources

1. Human Fossils. The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified
form or as a mold or cast in rock.
2. Artifacts. Objects made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.
3. Royal Decrees and Laws. These are accounts and documents of laws and decrees of
colonizers.
4. Chronicles. These are factual written account of important or historical events in the order of
their occurrence.
5. Maps. These are diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical
features, cities, roads, etc.
6. Memoirs. These are historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or
special sources.
7. Newspapers. These are printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and
containing news, feature articles, advertisements, and correspondence
8. Legislative Journal.A book or log in which entries are made to record events on a daily basis.
It is kept by the clerk and is a daily record of the legislative proceedings.
9. Speeches. Thesearethe expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by
articulate sounds.
10. Personal Letter. This is a letter (or informal composition) that usually concerns
personal matters and is sent from one individual to another.
11. Documentary Films. These are nonfictional motion picture intended to document some
aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical
record.
12. Recorded Interview.A conversation where questions are asked and answers are given. This
also refers to a one-on-one conversation with one person acting in the role of the interviewer
and the other in the role of the interviewee.

Secondary Sources
o These are sources that interprets and analyzes primary sources. Examples are history
textbooks, periodicals, and serials.

In reading sources, it doesn’t mean that you just merely comprehend the historical sources you are
reading without even asking the validity and reliability of these sources. For you to better apply analytical
skills in reading these kind of sources, the next discussion will be about the different types of criticism and
how will you apply it while reading.

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Historical Criticism: External vs. Internal

• All sources of historical data must be subjected to rigorous scientific analysis to determine
both their authenticity and accuracy.

External Criticism Internal Criticism

Establishment of authenticity Accuracy and credibility
Purpose is to ensure documents are not mere Purpose is to evaluate the accuracy and the
forgeries or inventions worth of the data.
Date of the document, Quality of paper, Type of Agenda, intended purpose, the knowledge which
ink, language and words used. informed it.

External Criticism
This examines the physical characteristics and the materials used for the evidence. For doing so,
the following are the terms being used when you are checking the physical aspect of a source.
• Anachronistic. This looks at the style of writing (idiom, punctuation, orthography) and
reference to events (to early or too late)
• Provenance. This determines if the text is genuine.
• Semantics. This looks at meaning of text or words usedaccording to the time the source was
written.
• Hermeneutics. This determines ambiguity present in the source.

Internal Criticism
This analyzes as close as what really happened from a critical examination. The following are the
things to check if you are going to use this kind of criticism.
• Identification of the author
• Determination of approximate date
• Ability to tell the truth
• Willingness to tell the truth
• Corroboration - Includes historical facts and validation of sources.

To further apply internal criticism, the following are questions to ask if the source is reliable or not.

Questions to Check Reliability

1. How close was the author to the event being studied?
2. When was the account made?
3. Who was the recipient of the account?
4. Is there bias to be accounted for?
5. Does informed common sense make the account probable?
6. Is the account corroborated by other accounts?

In this next discussion, we will briefly look at early Filipinos’ beliefs, customs, and myths.

PRE-COLONIAL PHILIPPINES
The Early Filipinos
✣ Archipelago was decentralized and was divided into localized settlements called barangay.
✣ The barangays were seen as political, economic, social, cultural and spiritual institutions

Spiritual Beliefs
✣ In conducting their spiritual belifes, it is being led by the local spiritual leader called babaylan in
Visayas and catalonan in Luzon.
✣ The position of babaylan is being obtained by female. If a male wanted to become one, he must
wear clothes which worn by a female babaylan.
✣ The babaylan led the barangay in all rituals, sacrifices to local deities and spirits. They are believed
to have the power to transcend to the spiritual realm. In order to become one, he/she must be
skillfull to fulfill the position.

Society and Culture

Barangay

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✣ It can be composed of 30-100 families living in an agreed territory.
✣ In order to form alliance to neighboring barangays, there should be marriage between the
children of the datus and blood compact between the datus.

In a barangay, there is the presence of class. The following are the classification of early Filipinos
before.
1. Nobility
✣ Maginoo in Tagalog and Kadatoan in Visayan
✣ They are the ruling class.
2. Commoners/Freemen
✣ Forms the majority of the people.
✣ Maharlika in Tagalog and Timawa in Visayan.
3. Slaves
✣ A person becomes one through debt bondage, raids and wars, and punishment for a crime.

The Datu
✣ To become a datu, one must be from a ruling class or from the nobility.
✣ The datu is the primary maker, executer and adjudicator of laws.
✣ He is also responsible for protecting the barangay against raids and wars.

How do early Filipinos govern? What are their political customs? What clothes do they wear? These
are some of the questions that you might ask while reading the previous discussion which will be answered
in the next discussion.

Governmentand Political Customs(Excerpt from Labor Evangelica: of the Government and

Political Customs of these People by Francisco Colin, S. J.)
✣ There is great emphasis on the degree of respect to parents and elders.
✣ For the determination of suit, the opponents summoned and endeavored have to come into
agreement.
✣ The penalty of death is only imposed if the murderer and victim were common men and had no
gold to satisfy the murder.
✣ The chiefs attain position through their blood, or if not, because of their energy and strength.

Laws of Slavery (from Relacion de las Islas Filipinas)

✣ For every crime, there is an established fine payed by gold or jewels.
✣ If the culprit is unable to pay, he will borrow money and as a result becomes a slave. There are
three types of slaves before, namely:
• Ayuey – a slave that works for his master for three days.
• Tumaranpoc – They live in their own house and work for his master for one day.
• Tomatabans – Works for his master only if there is a banquet or revel.
✣ If a thief commits a great robbery, he and all his relatives are fined. This law applies to all classes.
✣ In time of famine, the poor goes to the rich and surrenders themselves to them as slaves – in
order to be fed.

Visayan’s Marriage Customs(from Cronicas by Juan Francisco de San Antonio)

✣ The general rule was for each man to have one legitimate wife: one who is within their own
family.
✣ Chiefs and wealthy were allowed to have some slaves as concubines.
✣ Before the marriage, the dowry called as bigaycayawas always given by the man to the
parents of the woman.
✣ Ifa sum is given to the mother of the bride it is being called as panhimuyat while the sum
being given to the chichiva (nurse) who had reared the bride is called pasoso.
✣ The dowry was never returned unless the son-in-law wins the affection of the parents.
✣ If the woman who has to be married is alone, she herself and no other received the dowry.
However, this not always the case since some relative will present themselves as the one
who reared the bride so that the dowry will be given to them.
✣ During the marriage, a relative should also offer presents to the bride and groom.
✣ In preparation for the wedding, apalapala is being made. It is an extension outside the house
which makes the house larger so all guest may be accommodated. Relatives assemble to
the house to celebrate three days before the wedding and another three days before the
wedding which makes the total celebration for almost a week.

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Tattoing and Clothing Traditions (from Boxer Codex A manuscript anonymously authored
✣ To the men, tatoos serve as clothing with bahaque which is acotton cloth wrap around the
waist and between the legs of men and purones, amulti-colored head-scarf with strips of
gold.
✣ For women,they wore garments and dresses consist of some blankets with diverse colored
stripes made of cotton. They also wear garlands and crowns and many wear a lot of gold
jewelry.

Gastronomic Culture (from Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas Antonio de Morga)

✣ Early Filipinos are fond of buyo (betel) from a tree, which leaf is shaped like that of the
mulberry.
✣ Its fruit called bonga is being cut lengthwise in strips and put into envelope made from the
leaf. It is then thrown in a powder of quick lime. The compound then is placed in mouth and
chewed.
✣ The juice from the chewed compound is called capa which they considered as beneficial for
strengthening and preserving of teeth and gums from all inflammations, decay and aches.
✣ This kind of cuisine is one of the staple foods of early Filipinos even at the time the
Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards. In the modern time, it is still practiced by the
elders and by few places that would want to preserve this kind of culture in their society.

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history. Jaro,Iloilo: Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. &Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history. Manila: Vibal Group Inc..

ILLUSTRATING ISSUES FROM PRIMARY SOURCES

In this lesson, we will discuss the different narratives of the pastand its relevance to the present
time.

ANTONIO PIGAFETTA’S FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD

Who is Antonio Pigafetta?

• He was an Italian scholar and explorer from the Republic of Venice. He traveled with
the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew by order of the King Charles I of Spain on
their voyage around the world. During the expedition, he served as Magellan's assistant and kept an
accurate journal which later assisted him in translating the Cebuano language.
• Pigafetta was one of the 18 men who returned to Spain in 1522, out of the approximately 240 who set
out three years earlier. The voyage completed the first circumnavigation of the world; Pigafetta's
surviving journal is the source for much of what we know about Magellan and Elcano's voyage.

from First Voyage Around the World

✵ The expedition led by Magellan was composed of a fleet of five ships and 250 men who were mostly
Castillians.
✵ They started off from San Lucar, Spain, where they navigated through a strait located at the tip of the
South American continent, and crossed the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
✵ On March 16, 1521, after almost two years of hardship at sea, they saw the island of Samar in the
eastern part of the country. They named the newly discovered territory Archipelago de San Lazaro
because it was the feast day of the saint.
✵ Upon arriving the island, Magellan met some local chiefs with whom he had cordial relationship with.
On Easter Sunday, the first recorded mass in the Philippine history was held in a small island “Mazaua”.
✵ The expedition then proceeded to the port of Cebu. There they met Cebu’s ruler, Raja Humabon, whom
Magellan was able to convince to become a vasal of the King and servant of Christ. Magellan, gets
embroiled in a conflict between two chiefs of Mactan, Zula and Lapu-lapu – which was followed by a
battle.

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The Battle of Mactan

Though Magellan had formed alliance with the Raja of Cebu, the leaders of Mactan did not welcome
the troop of Magellan. Below is the exact words used by Pigafetta in his chronicle when they were
approaching Mactan.

✵ "On Friday, April twenty-six, Zula, a chief of the island of Matan, sent one of his sons to present two
goats to the captain-general, and to say that he would send him all that he had promised, but that he
had not been able to send it to him because of the other chief Cilapulapu, who refused to obey the
king of Spagnia. ”
✵ "When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than one
thousand five hundred persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud
cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front. When the captain saw that, he formed
us into two divisions, and thus did we begin to fight.”
✵ “The natives continued to pursue us, and picking up the same spear four or six times, hurled it at us
again and again. Recognizing the captain, so many turned upon him that they knocked his helmet off
his head twice, but he always stood firmly like a good knight, together with some others. Thus, did
we fight for more than one hour, refusing to retire farther. ”
✵ “An Indian hurled a bamboo spear into the captain's face, but the latter immediately killed him with
his lance, which he left in the Indian's body. Then, trying to lay hand on sword, he could draw it out
but halfway, because he had been wounded in the arm with a bamboo spear. When the natives saw
that, they all hurled themselves upon him. One of them wounded him on the left leg with a large
cutlass.”
✵ “That caused the captain to fall face downward, when immediately they rushed upon him with iron
and bamboo spears and with their cutlasses, until they killed our mirror, our light, our comfort, and
our true guide. When they wounded him, he turned back many times to see whether we were all in
the boats. Thereupon, beholding him dead, we, wounded, retreated, as best we could, to the boats,
which were already pulling off. ”

• After Magellan’s demise, the remaining members of the expedition tried to make their way
back to Spain but only the little ship Victoria commanded by Sebastian del Cano was able
to return safely.
• The eighteen survivors arrived in Seville in 1522, completing the first circumnavigation of the
world.

The next discussion will be about Jacinto’s Kartilya ng Katipunan. May you ponder on the teachings
as you might apply it in your everyday lives.

KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN by Emilio Jacinto

✵ Emilio Jacinto, who was considered to be the “Brains of the Katipunan.”
✵ The Kartilya served as a pamphlet of “twelve guiding principles and fourteen teachings.”
✵ It is translated in English as “TEACHINGS OF THE KATIPUNAN” which aims to expound on the
Katipunan’s aspirations and to enumerate the ethical values which were expected from its members.
✵ These teachings conveyed the importance of good morals and character, equality amidst race and
descent, the respect for women, and the defense of the oppressed.

The following are the fourteen teachings of the Katipunan which might help you in carrying out your
decisions or actions in life.

1. The life that is not dedicated to a great and sacred cause is like a tree without a shade, or a
poisonous weed.
2. The good deed lacks virtue if it springs from a desire of personal profit and not from a sincere desire
to do good.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. A person with a noble character values honor above self-interest, while a person with an ignoble
character values self-interest above honor.
6. An honorable man’s word is his bond.
7. Don’t waste time; lost wealth may be recovered, but time lost is lost forever.
8. Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor.

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9. An intelligent man is he who takes care of everything he says and keeps quiet about what must be
kept secret.
10. 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 the led.
11. Do not regard a woman as a mere plaything, but as a helpmate and partner in the hardships of the
existence. Have due regard to her weakness, and remember the mother who brought you into this
world and nurtured you in your infancy.
12. What you would not want done to your wife, daughter and sister, do not do to the wife, daughter
and sister of another.
13. A man’s worth is not measured by his status in life, neither by the length of his nose nor the fairness
of skin, and certainly not by whether he is a priest claiming to be God's deputy. Even if he is a
tribesman from the hills and speaks only his own tongue, a man is honorable if he possesses a
good character, is true to his word, has fine perceptions and is loyal to his native land.
14. When these doctrines shall have spread and the brilliant sun of beloved liberty shines on these poor
islands, and shed its sweet light upon a united race, a people in everlasting happiness, then the
lives lost, the struggle and suffering will have been more than recompensed.

The next account which will be discussed is the Memoirs of the Revolution by Aguinaldo. The following
accounts taken from the memoir focuses on the 1896 revolution and the Treaty of Biak-na-Bato.

MEMOIRS OF THE REVOLUTION by Emilio Aguinaldo

Emilio Aguinaldo: A Brief Background
• Joined Andres Bonifacio’s Katipunan movement in 1894.
• Became the general of the Cavite area when open war broke out in 1896.
• Aguinaldo went into exile in late 1897, after surrendering to the Spanish.
• The first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines.
• Aguinaldo is of Chinese and Tagalog parentage.
• He attended San Juan de Letrán College in Manila but left school early to help his mother run the
family farm.
• In August 1896 he was mayor of Cavite Viejo and was the local leader of the Katipunan, a
revolutionary society that fought bitterly and successfully against the Spanish.
• The first volume of the memoir was produced between 1928 and 1946
• Memoirs was based on a diary, documents preserved and family lore gathered from elders
Aguinaldo kept.
• The second volume covers the resumption of the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the
Philippine-American war.

The Revolution of 1896 from the Memoirs of the Revolution

• Spain maintained control of the Philippine Islands for more than three centuries and a half, during
which period the tyranny, misconduct and abuses of the Friars and the Civil and Military
Administration exhausted the patience of the natives and caused them to make a desperate effort
to shake off the unbearable galling yoke on the 26th and 31st August, 1896, then commencing the
revolution in the provinces of Manila and Cavite.
• The people of Balintawak, Santa Mesa, Kalookan, Kawit, Noveleta and San Francisco de Malabon
rose against the Spaniards and proclaimed the Independence of the Philippines.
• When Filipinos revolt against the Spaniards, General Polavieja advanced against the revolutionary
forces with 16,000 men armed, and one field battery. He had scarcely reconquered half of Cavite
province when he resigned, owing to bad health. That was in April, 1897.
• When Gen. Polavieja resigned, he was succeeded by the veteran General Don Fernando Primo de
Rivera, who had seen much active service. As soon as Rivera had taken over command of the
Forces he personally led his army in the assault upon and pursuit of the revolutionary forces, and
so firmly, as well as humanely, was the campaign conducted that he soon reconquered the whole
of Cavite province and drove the insurgents into the mountains.

The Treaty of Biak-na-Bato (December 14, 1897)

• This treaty created a truce between Spanish colonial Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera
and the revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo to end the Philippine Revolution.
• Aguinaldo and his fellow revolutionaries were given amnesty and monetary indemnity by the
Spanish Government, in return, for which the revolutionary government would go into exile in Hong
Kong.

Polavieja and Aguinaldo reached an agreement and the following are the principal conditions of the
treaty which were the actual words taken from the memoir of Aguinaldo:

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1. “That I would, and any of my associates who desired to go with me, be free to live in any
foreign country. Having fixed upon Hongkong as my place of residence, it was agreed that payment
of the indemnity of $800,000 (Mexican) should be made in three installments, namely, $400,000
when all the arms in Biak-na-bato were delivered to the Spanish authorities; $200,000 when the
arms surrendered amounted to eight hundred stand; the final payment to be made when one
thousand stand of arms shall have been handed over to the authorities and the Te Deum sung in
the Cathedral in Manila as thanksgiving for the restoration of peace. The latter part of February was
fixed as the limit of time wherein the surrender of arms should be completed.”
2. “The whole of the money was to be paid to me personally, leaving the disposal of the money
to my discretion and knowledge of the understanding with my associates and other insurgents.”
3. “Prior to evacuating Biak-na-bato the remainder of the insurgent forces, under Captain-
General Primo de Rivera should send to Biak-na-bato two General of the Spanish Army to be held
as hostages by my associates who remained there until I and a few of my compatriots arrived in
Hongkong and the first installment of the money payment (namely, four hundred thousand dollars)
was paid to me.”
4. “It was also agreed that the religious corporations in the Philippines be expelled and an
autonomous system of government, political and administrative, be established, though by special
request of General Primo de Rivera these conditions were not insisted on in the drawing up of the
Treaty, the General contending that such concessions would subject the Spanish Government to
severe criticism and even ridicule.”

“But the Captain General Primo de Rivera failed to fulfill the agreement as faithfully as we did.
The other installments were never paid; the Friars were neither restricted in their acts of tyranny
and oppression nor were any steps taken to expel them or secularize the religious Orders.”
“This failure of the Spanish authorities to abide by the terms of the Treaty caused me and my
companions much unhappiness, which quickly changed to exasperation when I received a letter
from Lieutenant-Colonel Don Miguel Primo de Rivera (nephew and private Secretary of the above-
named General) informing me that I and my companions could never return to Manila.”

In the end, Aguinaldo was left with hopelessness and frustration despite the sacrifices he made for the
freedom of his country.

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history.Jaro,Iloilo:Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history.Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history.Manila:Vibal Group Inc..

EXAMINING AUTHOR’S POINT OF VIEW

In this lesson, we will discuss the different narratives of the past and its relevance to the present
time by Grey (2018).

PHILIPPINE CARTOONS: POLITICAL CARICATURE OF THE AMERICAN ERA (1900-1941) by Alfred

W. McCoy

Author’s background
• Alfred W. McCoy is a professor of History at the University of Wisconsin where he also served as
Director of Center for Southeast Asian Studies. He specialized in Philippine Political History and
Global Opium Trafficking.

Historical Background of “Political Caricature of The American Era” (Editorial Cartoons)

• During the American era, Philippine political cartoons gained full expression during the American era.
Filipino artists recorded national attitudes toward the coming of the Americans as well as the changing
mores and times.

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• While the 377 cartoons compiled in the book speak for themselves, historian Alfred McCoy’s
extensive research in Philippine and American archives provides a comprehensive background not
only to the cartoons but to the turbulent period as well.
• The presentation of the cartoons varies from racial to conservative, vivid and wordy to express the
cartoonist’s views and languages used are either in English or Spanish.
• The victims are presented in a bad and sorry state to convey sympathy from the readers.
• The characters to emphasize on the “good side” are shown in normal features while the “bad”
emaciated, leering, laughing creatures, more on animal features than human, e.g. Chinese men in
the cartoon editorial “Is the Police Force Bribed?”
• The artists, using their cartoons, illustrated not just their opinions, but broad image of the Philippines
under the US.
• The transition from Spanish Colonial period to American Occupation shows different changes as well
as in culture, society, and politics. The drastic introduction of democracy to a nation not properly
oriented about it and its consequences are far from ideal. Thus, it ushered free press. The rich
remained affluent and powerful, while the poor people remained poor, desperate, and victims of state
repression.

Historical information of the Cartoons

Cartoons are one of the ways of the press to press the issues existing in the society. It usually mocks or
ridicules by exaggerating certain features related to issues of the day. The following cartoons are created
during the American period which reflected the different issues being faced by the Filipinos at that time.

• This cartoon depicts the first of Manila's

periodic police scandals during the American
era.
• The cartoonist, Fernando Amorsolo, gives the
illustration of his usual racist edge, e.g.
Chinese men are usually caricatured for they
are described as corruptors or opium
smugglers.

• This cartoon ridicules the Filipinos

since the Board of Health was
turned over to them. For the press
believed that the public health will be
at risk because they believed that
Filipinos are incompetent in handling
health matters.

• This is a mocking editorial about authorizing

active and retired legislators to bear
firearms. Sarcastically, the Manila Press
went outraged. They stated that those
people in authority must then be respected!

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▪ This cartoon shows that the Free press

denounces the proliferation of illegal taxis
called COLORUMS.
• With automobiles crowded into Manila's narrow
streets and authorities’ failure to take necessary
actions, the Free press had some gloomy
thoughts. With the proliferation of illegal PUVS
and Taxis (Colorums), fatal accidents were
expected to rise on that year.

• During the American period, Manila sinks into

a miasma of corruption, vice and
mismanagement.
• Political thuggery escalates and members of
the Council running for re-election mobilize
the city's gangsters to coerce voters
• The editorial pointed out that the gangster or
terrorist carries more political influence than
an honest man.

Editorial cartoons play an important role in understanding the Filipinos' sentiments concerning the
transition of governance from Spain to the Americans. Pressing issues are clearly illustrated in the caricature
of characters and satirized situations in the Philippine society during the American era. Indeed, artists’ works
are relevant in the study of Philippine history. Artists’ free expression of thoughts through their cartoons or
caricatures somehow influenced the Filipinos at that particular period.

In the next discussion, we will see the point of view of the author on the administration of Governor
Wood during his leadership here in the Philippines. We will also see how the author viewed the
character of Wood.

FILIPINO GRIEVANCES AGAINST GOVERNOR WOOD

Leonard Wood
• He was a United States Army major general, physician, and public official. He served as the Chief
of Staff of the United States Army, Military Governor of Cuba, and Governor General of the
Philippines.
• He was promoted to major general in 1903 despite significant opposition and served as governor
of Moro province, a stronghold of Muslim rebellion, from 1903 to 1906.

Wood’s Administration
• During his administration, it was described that the government has been characterized by a train
of usurpations and arbitrary acts, resulting in the curtailment of our autonomy, the destruction of our
constitutional system, and the reversal of America’s Philippine policy.
• These usurpations happened because Wood created the Executive order no.37
which nullified laws by creating the Board of Control and he assumed functions of that body.
• Because of this executive order, a series of usurpations occurred during his administration which
are the following:
• He has reversed the policy of Filipinizing the services of the government by appointing
Americans even when Filipinos of proven capacity are available.
• He has obstructed the carrying out of national economic policies duly adopted by the
Legislature, merely because they are in conflict with his personal views.
• He has set at naught both the legal authority and responsibility for the Philippine heads of
departments.

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• He has used certain public funds to grant additional compensation to public officials in clear
violation of law.
• He has unduly interfered in the administration of justice.
• He has refused to obtain the advice of the senate in making appointments where such advice
is required by the Organic Act.
• He has sanctioned the campaign of insidious propaganda in the United States against
Filipino people and their aspirations.
• He has attempted to close the Philippine National Bank so necessary for the economic
development of the country.
• He has adopted the practice of intervening in and controlling directly the affairs of the
Philippine government both insular and local, in violation of self-government.
These usurpations made the Filipinos cry for freedom from his clutches which puched them
to passed in the US government a document of protest. The content of the document of
protest is as follows:
“We, the constitutional representatives of the filipino people ... do hereby, on our
behalf and in the name of the filipino people, solemnly and publicly make known our
most protest against the arbitrary acts and usurpations of the present governor-
general of the philippine islands, particularly against executive order no. 37”

• This document served as an impeachment request for Governor Wood which was approved
by the Commission on Independence on November 17,1926. A year after this document
was approved, Governor Wood died due to surgery failure.

The history of a countryis not just reflected through written narratives. Artworks like paintings can
be a good primary source to be acquainted of the events in the past. Therefore, the next discussion will
revolve on the contribution of Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna’s paintings to our history. Paintings were
not included in this discussion but you can see them to Works of Amorsolo and Luna in your flashdrive.

CONTRIBUTION OF AMORSOLO AND LUNA’S WORKS

Amorsolo’s Paintings
• His works is characterized by scenes of the Filipino countryside, harmoniously composed and
richly coloured, saturated with bright sunlight and populated by beautiful, happy people: it is an
art of beauty, contentment, peace.
• His bright, optimistic, pastoral images set the tone for Philippine painting before World War II.
Except for his darker World War II-era paintings, Amorsolo painted quiet and peaceful scenes
throughout his career.
• Amorsolo's paintings were considered to be the first to extensively portray traditional Filipino
customs ad manners, fiestas, and occupations like fishing, planting, going to market, washing
laundry, cooking and reading.
• Amorsolo’s paintings that depict history are not only renowned for its rich colors and textures but
its accurate representation of the significance of the event.

Juan Luna
• Juan Luna’s love for his country as well as his abiding concern for the poor and the oppressed,
imbued his later paintings with deep social realism and meaning.
• His allegorical works were inspired with classical balance, and often showed figures in theatrical
poses.
• Most of his works embodies the essence of the political, moral, and social lives of the Filipino
people.
• Juan Luna’s work is an example of how one’s talent and love for art and country can empower
one to overcome limitations and challenges in creating enduring beauty and continuing art’s social
relevance.

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history.Jaro,Iloilo:Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history.Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history.Manila:Vibal Group Inc..

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VERIFYING RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION

“One past but many histories.” This adage speaks more of the lesson we will discuss here. The discussion
will focus on the different versions of a particular historical event happened in our history. Hence, your critical
thinking skills will be challenged in this discussion because you are going toevaluate the evidences being
presented by different parties.

CAVITE MUTINY: What really happened?

The historical significance of the Cavite Mutiny and the execution of the GomBurZa is
unquestioned. What remain to be controversial, however, are the differing accounts and stories of what
took place in the fateful year of 1872.
The succeeding discussion will shed light to the differing Spanish and Filipino accounts of the
mutiny.

Spanish Accounts
▪ Jose Montero y Vidal’saccount of the Cavite Mutiny focused on how the event was an indication of
an attempt in overthrowing the Spanish government in the Philippines.
▪ This was also “corroborated” by the Spanish account of the then Governor General Rafael Izquierdo
who underscored and implicated the native clergy who are active in the secularization movement.

Causes of the mutiny for Izquierdo:

▪ abolition of privileges of workers, such as exemption from paying tribute and polo y servicios.
▪ Due to the Spanish revolution which overthrew a secular throne, new liberal ideas were being put into
practice.
▪ That at various times especially in the beginning year of 1872 the authorities received anonymous
communications with the information that a great uprising would break out against the Spanish…that
all would be assassinated including the friars.
▪ I n general, Spanish accounts stated tha the mutiny as a manifestation of overthrowing the Spanish
authority.

Filipino Accounts
▪ The primary source for the Filipino account of the Cavite Mutiny was written by Pardo de Tavera.
▪ For him, Cavite Mutiny was merely a mutiny by the native Filipino soldiers and laborers of the Cavite
arsenal against the harsh policy of Governor General Rafael Izquierdo. The purpose is for the
abolishment of their exemption from paying the annual tribute and from rendering the polo

Causes of the mutiny for Pardo de Tavera:

✓ The event is merely an expression of dissatisfaction arising from the policies of Izquierdo.
✓ The abolition of the privileges and prohibition of the founding of the school of arts and trades for
Filipinos.
✓ The Filipino people had never blamed the Spanish nation for its backward condition but rather on
the maladministration in the colony
✓ Cavite Mutiny was used as “a powerful lever” by the Spanish authorities and friars to secure their
own interests and to justify their continuing presence and dominance in the country and the mutiny
gave them this opportunity.
✓ The central government in Madrid, was planning to deprive the friars of all the powers of intervention
in matters of civil government and direction and management of educational institutions.
✓ The friars needed something to justify their continuing dominance in the country, and the mutiny
provided such opportunity.

The next discussion will revolve around the controversy where and when was the cry of rebellion
happened.

CRY OF REBELLION “EL GRITO DE REBELION”: Where and when did it happen?
 It happened in August 1896, northeast of Manila, where they declared rebellion against the Spanish
colonial government.
 Controversy regarding the event stems from the identification of the date and place where the Cry
happened.

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Primary Sources: Accounts of the Cry

Below are the differing accounts about when and where the cry of rebellion happened.

ACCOUNTS IDENTIFICATION
Lt. Olegario Diaz (a guardia civil) Identified the Cry to have happened in Balintawak on August
25, 1896.
Teodoro Kalaw (Filipino Historian) Marks the place to be in Kangkong, Balintawak, on the last
week of August 1896.
Santiago Alvarez (a Katipunero) Puts the Cry in Bahay Toro in Quezon City on August 24,
1896
Pio Valenzuela (a Katipunero) and Stated and identified that the Cry happened in Pugad Lawin
Teodoro Agoncillo ( a Historian) on August 23, 1896
Gregorio Zaide (a Historian) Identified the Cry to have happened in Balintawak on August
26, 1896

 Guillermo Masangkay, Cry of Balintawak”

According to Masangkay, on August 26th, a big meeting was held in Balintawak, at the house of
Apolonio Samson, then the cabeza of that barrio of Caloocan. At about nine o’clock in the morning of
August 26, the meeting was opened by Andres Bonifacio presiding and Emilio Jacinto acting as secretary.
The purpose was to discuss when the uprising was to take place.
Andres Bonifacio told the people that the leaders were arguing against starting the revolution
early, and appealed to them in a fiery speech in which he said: “Our organization has been discovered and
we are all marked men. If we don’t stop the uprising, the Spaniards will get us anyway. What then, do you
say?”
“Revolt!” the people shouted as one.
Bonifacio then asked the people to give a pledge that they were to revolt.
“If it is true that you are ready to revolt... I want to see you destroy your cedulas. It will be a sign
that all of us have declared our severance from the Spaniards.

 Pio valenzuela, Cry of Pugad Lawin”

However, for Valenzuela it was at Pugad Lawin, the house, store-house, where over 1,000
members of the Katipunan met and carried out considerable debate and discussion on August 23,
1896. The discussion was on whether or not the revolution against the Spanish government should
be started on August 29, 1896.

Based on the primary sources and secondary sources above, four places have been identified: Balintawak,
Kangkong, Pugad Lawin, and Bahay Toro, while the dates vary: 23, 24, 25, or 26 August 1896.

The next discussion will be about the arguments as to where the first mass happened here in the
Philippines. Where do you think did it happen? Let’s find out on the discussion below.

SITE OF THE FIRST MASS: BUTUAN OR LIMASAWA?

• Filipinos are particular where was the 1st mass celebrated.
• The National Historical Institute (NHI) has already reached a conclusion after a two-year study. In 1996,
it reaffirmed the popular beliefpropelled by Republic Act 2733 that thefirst Holy Mass was celebrated
in Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521.
• Despite of Republic Act 2733 favoring Limasawa, local historians in Butuan said that they have new
data and evidences to prove that the ‘HONOR” belongs to them. According to Herman Licayan, “Our
real battle is not just about the site of the first mass, it is actually an effort to define our identity clearly
asto the question of who we are”.
• Until today, innumerable numbers of Filipinos including the top experts in education, history, religion,
politics and other subjects are still debating about the issue.

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Why does it need to be resolved?
• March 21, 2021 is 500th year Anniversary of the "First Mass on Easter” but still no clear as to the exact
location.

The next discussion are the arguments which supports that the site of the first mass happened in
Limasawa Island.

Arguments fo rLimasawa Island

The basis for this argument is Pigafettas’ account, The First Voyage around the World. National Historical
Institute (NHI) cited the memoirs of Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled the expedition of Magellan, as “the
only credible primary source that yields the best evidence of the celebration of the first Christian mass in
Philippine soil”.
The following are the arguments based from Pigafetta’s account.

(1)“ On Thursday morning, March twenty-eight, as we had seen a fire on an island the night before,
we anchored near it.”
• Magellan’s fleet was in the vicinity of Panaon Island when they saw a fire on an island and headed
towards it. The island west and nearest of Panaon Island is Limasawa Island. In addition, Limasawa
is an island while Masao is not.
• Furthermore, it is possible that the ships could anchor near Limasawa because of the underwater
sheer wall on the east and west coast of the island. Unlike Masao, it has no harbor and the nearest
port for big ships is located in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte 26.7 km. from Masao, Butuan City.

(2)“... and that afternoon went together with the two kings to the summit of the highest mountain
there. When we reached the summit, the captain-general told them that he esteemed highly having
sweated for them, for since the cross was there, it could be of great use to them.”
• Limasawa island’s topography is mountainous with narrow coastal strip unlike Masao in Butuan
where the area is a floodplain.

(3)“on asking them which port was the best to get food, they replied that there were three, namely,
Ceylon, Zubu, and Calaghann, but that Zubu was the largest and the one with most trade.”
• Magellan made it clear that he needed provisions for his ships. He also stated, however, that he had
no intention of stripping Limasawa bare but would seek a bigger island, one with ample food
resources.
• On April 4, 1521, Magellan’s fleet left Limasawa and entered the port of Cebu on April 7, 1521 after
three days of voyage. The sea travel from Butuan to Cebu during that time will take 6 days while
Limasawa is much nearer to Cebu.
• It was so obvious that the Easter Sunday was held in Limasawa Island because of its strategic
location - being surrounded by the sea and is easily visible to any ship passing from the east or west
or from the north or south.
• Limasawa as the place of first mass has been accepted by American and Filipino scholars, notably
Emma H. Blair and James A. Robertson ,Prof. Teodoro A. Agoncillo and Dr. Gregorio F. Zaide
• National Historical Institute(NHI) reaffirmed the popular belief propelled by R.A. 2733 that the first
Holy Mass was celebrated in Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521.

However, there are arguments that say that the first mass happened in Butuan. The following
discussionsare the counterarguments which supports that the site of the first mass happened in Butuan.

Arguments for Butuan

Before the coming of Spaniards, Butuan was already an established Kingdom. That Butuan was
well-known kingdom in the East with advanced civilization, producing the earliest ship-building in the country,
known for her wealth for the abundance of gold in the area, and having already established some diplomatic
and trade relations with the world’s greatest civilizations such as China and India as early as before the
thirteenth century.
During the Spanish period, it was discovered that the first systematic Christian evangelization
in Mindanao took place in Butuan. And that the first Parish dedicated to our Lady of Light was erected with
Fr. Valeriano Legaspi and Fr. Martinez both of the Society of Jesus were the first priests.
Thereby the first church was subsequently built at the closure of the seventeenth century. This
is uncontested. This is an important historical landmark in the history of Christian evangelization in the whole
Island of Mindanao. These discoveries started because of the first mass.

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For Fr. Joesilo Amalla, of Diocese of Butuan the distances and time and directions travelled by
Magellan do not point to Limasawa at all. Besides, Limasawa has a rocky shoreline which cannot be a natural
harbor as mentioned in the journals. And it is too small and rough to have rice fields which would take two
days to harvest. And it has no gold mines, no kingdoms, no oral tradition documenting such an encounter—
unlike in Butuan.”
Amalla further said: “Did you know that Limasawa has been inaccessible and hardly been inhabited
that it became a parish only in 1994? But the first Christian settlement in Mindanao was in Butuan in 1596?”

These accounts speak of what they believe where the first mass happened. Yet, wherever it may
be, it doesn’t change the fact that because of Spanish occupation we were evangelized into Catholics and
we are all still identified as children of our Creator.

The last discussion for this lesson is a controversial topic in the Philippine studies. Do you believe
that Rizal retracted? After this discussion, let’s see which side will you choose by analysing the
arguments being presented by both sides.

RETRACTION OF RIZAL: A Hoax or Not?

For decades, the authenticity of Jose Rizal’s retraction documents have raised issues, skepticism,
and heated debates among those who seek to know the truth regarding this controversy. However, the lack
of evidence and different statement by significant people involved have only contributed to the complications
and uncertainty which envelope this fiery argument.
The controversy whether the National Hero actually wrote a retraction document only lies in the
judgment of its reader. The proof between the two opposing groups – the Masonic Rizalists (who firmly
believed that Rizal did not withdraw) and the Catholic Rizalists (who were convinced Rizal retracted) – will
be discussed in this report.

The following arguments try to prove that Rizal did retract. Upon reading the arguments, make sure
to examine the evidences being presented by both sides.
➢ Since Rizal’s retraction letter was discovered by Father Manuel Garcia, C.M. in 1935, its content
has become a favorite subject of dispute among academicians and Catholics. The letter, dated
December 29, 1896, was said to have been signed by the National Hero himself. It stated:
“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.”
➢ According to a testimony by Father Vicente Balaguer, a Jesuit missionary who befriended the hero
during his exile in Dapitan, Rizal accepted a shorter retraction document prepared by the superior
of the Jesuit Society in the Philippines, Father Pio Pi.
➢ Rizal then wrote his retraction after making some modifications in the document. In his retraction,
he disavowed Masonry and religious thoughts that opposed Catholic belief.
“Personally, I did not believe he retracted, but some documents that was purchased by
the Philippine government from Spain in the mid-1990s, the Cuerpo de Vigilancia de
Manila,” showed some interesting points about the retraction, said Jose Victor Torres,
professor at the History department of the De La Salle University.
➢ ,
“I have carefully compared the handwriting of the retraction not only with the ULTIMO
ADIOS and with the letter written by Dr. Jose Rizal to his “Defensor,” Don Luis Traviel
de Andrade, as well as with the manuscript of the farewell addressed to his mother Dona
Teodora Alonso, dated the thirtieth of December, 1896, but also with numerous letters
of Dr. Jose Rizal now in the archives of the Filipiniana Division, National Library. In
honesty, I can say that I so not find anything in Dr. Rizal’s retraction which does not
proclaim that the retraction which does not proclaim that the retraction is in fact and in
truth of the authentic and genuine handwriting of Dr. Jose Rizal.”

Counterarguments for Retraction of Rizal

➢ Proof of Rizal not contracting first is that there are no records of marriage between Rizal and
Josephine Bracken as a reward if Rizal did retract. The love birds earlier sought this while Rizal
was exiled in Dapitan.
➢ Another is that, the “original” retraction document was never submitted to an independent testing
body for authentication. The blown-up picture of Rizal’s execution, now displayed at the Manila City
Hall, also shows Rizal without a rosary in his hand like what Fr. Balaguer and biographers Guerrero
and Cavanna have written.

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➢ The following assertions bring about the testimonies that Rizal did not retract before his execution.
➢ When Rizal’s family requested for the original copy, it was said that it was lost. Could the
Jesuits be this irresponsible to not know the value of the paper? Or was it just hidden?
➢ Thirty-nine years later the original copy was found in the archdiocesan archives.
➢ Ricardo Pascual Ph. D who was given permission by the Archbishop Nozaleda to examine
the document and later concluded in his book, “Rizal beyond the Grave” that the documents
presented was a forgery. The common rebuttal of this argument was either Father Balaguer
or Father Pi had made errors in reproducing another copy of the original.
➢ Another evidence as to Rizal did not retract is that when Father Balaguer came to terms that
he married Jose and Josephine, after Jose had signed the retraction paper, however, there
were no marriage certificate or public record shown that could prove Father Balaguer’s
statements.

➢ Why would Rizal retract when he knows for a fact that even if he signs the retraction paper he would
still be executed?
➢ Since the Archbishop and Jesuits cannot do anything to mitigate his penalty because the
judicial process involved was purely a military tribunal where civilian or church interference
was uncommon and not allowed.
➢ Rizal was accused of participating in filibusterous propaganda where the penalty as provided
by the Spanish Code is death. The same of what happened to the three priests who were
garrotted years earlier, even though they were still a part of the church; they were still treated
as rebellious and were also not given a proper burial.
➢ Furthermore, way back when Rizal was still exiled in Dapitan, Father Sanchez- Rizal’s
favourite teacher from Ateneo- was sent by the Jesuits superiors to try to convince his former
student’s allegation towards the Catholic religion and Spanish religious in the Philippines.
Father Sanchez told him to retract in exchange of a professorship, a hundred thousand pesos
and an estate (Laubach, 1936) however Rizal rejected the offer.

➢ Rizal’s behaviour during his last hours in Fort Santiago does not point to a conversion- the Mi Ultimo
Adios and letters- or indicate even a religious instability. In the evening where his sister and mother
arrived, never had he mentioned about the retraction, contrary to what Father Balaguer claimed
that even in the afternoon, Rizal was oblivious and was asking for the formula of the retraction.
➢ Rizal was fixated of the thought that he would die for the love of his country, he, himself had coveted
death a long time ago. His character speaks so loud that even all of Rizal’s friends do not believe
that he have written a retraction.
➢ Look at Rizal’s character as a man aged 33. He was mature enough to realize the consequences
of the choice he had made even before he opposed to the Jesuits; he had been anticipating this to
happen and would be unlikely if he had a behaviour showing a threat from death. Anyone who has
been studying his biography and had been acquainted with him knows this is so, even the priests
had admitted that Rizal showed a behaviour consistent of what he was throughout his mature years.

Whether Rizal retracted or not, still it doesn’t change the fact that he was an instrument for
awakening the patriotism and nationalism of his fellow Filipinos. His works and sacrifices will still not go in
vain because it paved the way for Filipinos to fight for our freedom which we already enjoying today.

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history.Jaro,Iloilo:Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history.Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history.Manila:Vibal Group Inc..

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ILLUSTRATING DEVELOPMENTS IN PHILIPPINE LAND REFORM

In this lesson, we will discuss the evolution of land reform in the Philippines and the Comprehensive Agrarian
Reform.

EVOLUTION OF LAND REFORM IN THE PHILIPPINES

Pre-Spanish Period
◈ During this period, records are virtually non-existent. Everyone had the access of the soil sources. Tribal hunters and
gatherers existed in their resource with no system of land ownership. Every land may be utilized by everyone.

Spanish Period
◈ The concept of Encomienda system was introduced. Legaspi in compliance with the decree issued by King Philip II in
1558, distributed lands in Cebu to loyal Spanish subjects.

Encomienda System
Filipinos at this period were placed in a particular placed where an encomendero is being assigned so that the
encomienda system would be carried out with ease. This system is the right to collect tributes–or taxes–from the
inhabitants of the area being collected by an encomendero.

First Philippine Republic

◈ Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s intention to confiscate large estates of the friars but failed. Republic was short-lived, that
Aguinaldo’s plan was never implemented.

American Period
◈ Land Registration act of 1902 (Act No. 496). Thisact provided for a comprehensive registration of land titles under the
Torrens system.

Torrens System
This is a land registration and land transfer system, in which a state creates and maintains a register of land holdings,
which serves as the conclusive evidence of title of the person recorded on the register as the proprietor.
◈ Philippine Bill of 1902 – This sets the ceilings on the hectarage of land ownership. Private individuals may acquire 16
hectares while for corporations, they may acquire 1,024 hectares.
◈ Public Land Act of 1903 –This act introduced the homestead system in the Philippines. This serves as a mode of
acquiring alienable and disposable lands of the public domain for agricultural purposes conditioned upon actual
cultivation and residence.
◈ Tenancy Act of 1933 (Act No. 4054 and 4113) – This regulated relationships between landowners and tenants of rice
and sugar cane lands. Landowners and tenants of rice will have a 50-50 sharing.

Commonwealth Period
◈ Rural Program Administration, created March 2, 1939 – This provided the purchase and lease of haciendas and their
sale and lease to the tenants. However, the tenants were so poor, they simply could not buy the land they were farming.

Japanese Occupation
◈ Upon the arrival of the Japanese in the Philippines in 1942, peasants and workers organizations grew strength. Many
peasants took up arms and identified themselves with the anti Japanese group, the HUKBALAHAP (Hukbo ng Bayan
Laban sa Hapon).
◈ HUKBALAHAP controlled Central Luzon.
◈ Landlords who supported the Japanese lost their lands to peasants.
◈ Landlords who supported the HUKs earned fixed rentals in favor of the tenants.

THE NEW REPUBLIC

◈ President Manuel Roxas(1946-1948)
◈ Republic Act No. 34 (The Philippine Rice Share Tenancy Act)–This established the 70-30 sharing arrangements
and regulating share-tenancy contracts.
◈ The tenant shall receive seventy per cent of the net produce of the land and the landlord thirty percent, for first-
class land.
◈ President Elpidio Quirino(1948-1953)
◈ Executive Order No. 355 issued on October 23, 1950 - Replaced the National Land Settlement Administration with
Land Settlement Development Corporation (LASEDECO) which takes over the responsibilities of the Agricultural
Machinery Equipment Corporation and the Rice and Corn Production Administration.
◈ President Ramon Magsaysay(1953-1957)
◈ Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954–It abolished the LASEDECO and established the National Resettlement and
Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to resettle dissidents and landless farmers. It was particularly aimed at rebel
returnees providing home lots and farmlands in Palawan and Mindanao.

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◈ Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Cooperative Financing Administration) – This provided small
farmers and share tenants loans with low interest rates of six to eight percent.
◈ President Carlos Garcia(1957-1961)
◈ Continued the program of President Ramon Magsaysay. No new legislation passed.
◈ President Diosdado Macapagal(1961-1965)
◈ Republic Act No. 3844 of August 8, 1963 (Agricultural Land Reform Code) -- Abolished share tenancy,
institutionalized leasehold, set retention limit at 75 hectares, invested rights of preemption and redemption for tenant
farmers.
◈ President Ferdinand Marcos(1965-1986)
◈ Republic Act No. 6389 (Code of Agrarian Reform) and RA No. 6390 of 1971 -- Created the Department of Agrarian
Reform and the Agrarian Reform Special Account Fund. It strengthened the position of farmers and expanded the
scope of agrarian reform.
◈ Presidential Decree No. 2 September 26, 1972 -- Declared the country under land reform program. It enjoined all
agencies and offices of the government to extend full cooperation and assistance to the DAR. It also activated the
Agrarian Reform Coordinating Council
◈ President Corazon Aquino(1986-1992)
◈ Republic Act No. 6657, June 10, 1988 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law) –instituted a comprehensive
agrarian reform program to promote social justice and industrialization providing the mechanism for its
implementation and for other purposes. This law is still the one being implemented at present
◈ Executive Order No. 229 July 22, 1987 – Provided mechanism for the implementation of the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
◈ Executive Order No. 405, June 14, 1990 – Vested in the Land Bank of the Philippines the responsibility to
determine land valuation and compensation for all lands covered by CARP
◈ Executive Order No. 407, June 14, 1990 – Accelerated the acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands, pasture
lands, fishponds, agroforestry lands and other lands of the public domain suitable for agriculture.
◈ President Fidel V. Ramos(1992-1998)
◈ His administration committed to the vision “Fairer, faster and more meaningful implementation of the Agrarian
Reform Program.”
◈ Republic Act No. 7881, 1995 – Amended certain provisions of RA 6657 and exempted fishponds and prawns from
the coverage of CARP.
◈ Republic Act 8532, 1998 (Agrarian Reform Fund Bill) – Provided an additional Php50 billion for CARP and
extended its implementation for another 10 years.
◈ President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo (2000-2010)
◈ Republic Act No. 9700 (CARPER law), An act strengthening the comprehensive agrarian reform program (CARP),
extending the acquisition and distribution of all agricultural lands, instituting necessary reforms, amending for the
purpose certain provisions of Republic Act No. 6657.
◈ President Benigno S. Aquino (2010-2016)
◈ RA 9700 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Extension With Reforms (CARPER) – Fast tracking the documentation
and settlement of landowner compensation for already distributed lands.

Many reforms had been introduced in the agricultural sector of our country. These reforms served as a basis for
developing more reforms which would largely benefit the Filipino farmers. Presently, our government is introducing various
reforms by following the agrarian reform introduced during the administration of Corazon Aquino.

The next discussion will revolve around this present reform, the Comprehensive agrarian Reform Program (CARP)
which will surely widen your understanding of our country’s agricultural sector.

COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP)

◈ Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Republic Act No. 6657)
◈ It is the redistribution of private and public agricultural lands to help the beneficiaries survive as small independent
farmers, regardless of the “tenurial” arrangement.
◈ Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Republic Act No. 6657)
◈ It was signed into law by President Corazon Aquino on June 10, 1988. Congress enacted a law (Republic Act No. 8532)
appropriating additional funds for the program and extending the automatic appropriation of ill-gotten wealth recovered
by the Presidential Commission on Good Governance for CARP until 2008.
◈ Its goals are to provide landowners equality in terms of income and opportunities, empower land owner beneficiaries to
have an equitable land ownership, enhance the agricultural production and productivity, provide employment to more
agricultural workers, and put an end to conflicts regarding land ownership.

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CARPER or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (REPUBLIC ACT. 9700)
◈ An amendatory law that extended the deadline of distributing agricultural lands to the farmers for an additional five years.
This law also amends other provisions and regulations formerly stated in the CARP. It was signed into law on August 7,
2009 and was set to be accomplished by the year 2014.

How much land is subject to land reform?

◈ An estimated 7.8 million hectares of land is covered by CARP.
◈ As of December 31, 2013, the government has acquired and distributed 6.9 million hectares of land, equivalent to 88%
of the total land subject to CARP.
◈ In 2014 – 2016, DAR still needs to acquire 771,795 hectares. The DENR still needs to acquire 134,857 hectares.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM
The lead implementing agency, the DAR has the responsibility in carrying out the principal aspects of the program,
which are Land Tenure Improvement (LTI), Program Beneficiary Development (PBD), and the Agrarian Justice Delivery (AJD).

Land Tenure Improvement

◈ This component seeks to secure the tenurial status of the farmers and farmworkers. The DAR implements
this component through Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) or Non-land Transfer Schemes.
Land Acquisition and Distribution
◈ Involves the redistribution of private and government-owned land to landless farmers and farm workers.
Regarding Land Acquisition, the DAR identifies lands that are eligible for distribution under the CARP with
accordance to the law, acquires the land by delivering a notice containing the offer with its corresponding
value to the owner should he choose to accept the payment.
Program Beneficiaries Development
◈ Under the support service delivery programs, the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) ensures
that agrarian reform beneficiaries are provided with support services such as land surveys and tilting,
construction of infrastructures, marketing and production assistance, credit and training.

Agrarian Justice Delivery

◈ DAR is hereby vested with the primary jurisdiction to determine and adjudicate agrarian reform matters and
shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all matters involving the implementation of agrarian reform
except those falling under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
◈ Bureau of Legal Assistance (BALA) - provides legal assistance to the beneficiaries affected by
agrarian cases, particularly those whose legal rights are challenged by landowners.

THE SCOPE OF CARP

◈ All public agricultural lands (alienable and disposable) except forest and mines.
◈ All public lands (public domain) which are announced by Congress to be possible for inclusion.
◈ All other lands owned by the government suitable for agriculture
◈ All private lands which are or may be converted into agricultural lands.
Retention Rights of the Owners of Private Lands Covered by CARP:
◈ Five (5) hectares for the owner of the land.
◈ Three (3) hectares for each son or daughter of the owners of the land on the condition that:
a. He/she is at least 15 years of age; and
b. He/she is the actual farmer or the manager of the farmland.
Exemptions and Exclusions
◈ Lands actually, directly and exclusively used for parks, wildlife, forest reserves, reforestation, fish and sanctuaries,
breeding grounds, watersheds and mangroves.
◈ Private lands actually, directly and exclusively used for prawn farms and fishponds.
◈ Lands actually, directly and exclusively used for national defense, school sites (public or private), church, temples and
mosque sites, communal burial grounds, penal colonies and penal farms.

Qualified Beneficiaries
◈ Agricultural lessees and share tenants;
◈ Regular farm workers;
◈ Seasonal farm workers;
◈ Other farm workers;
◈ Actual tillers or occupants of public lands;
◈ Collectives or cooperatives of the above beneficiaries;
◈ Others directly working for the land.
◈ Beneficiaries shall be awarded an area not exceeding three (3) hectares, which may cover a contiguous tract of land
or several parcels of land cumulated up to the prescribed award limits.

In cases where the land subject for land reform is privately owned, a process of acquiring it should be carry out. The
following is the process of acquiring it.

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Compulsory Acquisition of Agricultural Private Lands – Procedure:

1. Inform land owner through Notice of Coverage (NOC), that the property is covered by the CARP and the government
will make an offer based on the valuation of the property in accordance with the law.
2. The land owner shall inform the DAR if he accepts or rejects the offer; if he accepts, the DAR through the LBP shall
pay the purchase price and thereafter delivers a deed of transfer in favor of the government and surrenders the title of
the property.
3. In case of rejection, the DAR shall conduct a summary administrative proceeding for expropriation.
4. Any party who disagrees with the decision may bring the matter to the court for final determination of just compensation.

Problems encountered in the course of acquiring and distributing private lands:

1. Technical descriptions on the land titles (boundaries of the land) were found to be erroneous and had to be corrected.
2. Potential beneficiaries argued among themselves on who should or should not be qualified as beneficiaries; these
disputes had to be mediated or resolved by the government.
3. Landowners may petition that their lands be exempted or excluded from CARP coverage, and some of these petitions
have gone up to the Supreme Court.
4. Administrative problem.
If you want to further review on Evolution of Land Reformand CARP, see Chapter 4 Social, Political, Economic and
Cultural Issues in Philippine History in Readings in Philippine History by Grey (2018).

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history. Jaro,Iloilo: Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history. Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history. Manila:Vibal Group Inc..

DISCUSSING EVOLUTION OF PHILIPPINE TAXATION

In this lesson, we will discuss the forms of taxation from the past to present.

Taxation: Meaning and its Significance

Taxation is a reality that all citizens must contend with, for the primary reason that government raise revenue from
the people they govern to be able to function fully.
In exchange, for the TAXes that people pay, the government promises to improve the citizens’ lives through good
governance. Taxation, as a government mechanism to raise funds, developed and evolved through time.

EVOLUTION OF TAXATION

Taxation in Spanish Philippines

⊡ The form of paying taxes during this period is through payment of tribute or taxes (buhis/buwis/handug). It could be in
the form of money or products like their crops or rice.
⊡ The purpose of the tributos is to generate resources to finance the maintenance of the islands.
⊡ Another form is by obliging people to provide labor services to the datus which is called polo y servicio. It was being
practiced employed by Spanish colonizers for over 250 years that required the forced labor of all Filipino males from 16
to 60 years old for 40-day periods.
⊡ To easily collect revenues, Spaniards introduced the system of Reduccion by creating Pueblos.
⊡ Exempted from the payment of tributos were the principales: alcaldes, gobernadores, cabeza de barangay, soldiers,
government officials and vagrants. Vagrants are persons without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place
to place and lives by begging.
⊡ In 1884, the payment of tribute was put to a stop and was replaced by a poll tax collected through cedula personal. Poll
tax is a tax levied on every adult, without reference to income or resources. It is being levied as a prerequisite for voting
⊡ The payment of cedulas is by person, not by family.
⊡ In 1878, two direct taxes were added:
1. Urbana – is a tax on the annual rental value of an urban real estate.
2. Industria – is a tax on salaries, dividends, and profits.
Direct Taxes, as the name suggests, are taxes that are directly paid to the government by the taxpayer. It is
a tax applied on individuals and organizations directly by the government e.g. income tax, corporation tax, wealth tax etc.

⊡ Indirect taxes were imposed on exports and imports to further raise revenue, especially during the 19 th century when
economic growth increased.
⊡ Indirect Taxes are applied on the manufacture or sale of goods and services.

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Taxation in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period was characterized by the heavy burden placed on the
Filipinos. The disparity between the less taxed principales and the heavily taxed peasants made the rich richer and the poor
poorer.

Taxation Under the Americans

⊡ Urbana was replaced by tax on real estate, which became known as the land tax.
⊡ The land tax was levied on both urban and rural real estates.
⊡ The Internal Revenue Law of 1904 was passed as a reaction to the problems of collecting land tax. It prescribed
the following ten major sources of revenue:
1. License taxes on firms dealing in alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
2. Excise taxes on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Excise tax is being imposed on products that went under manufacturing. An excise or excise tax is any duty on
manufactured goods which is levied at the moment of manufacture, rather than at sale.
3.Taxes on banks and bankers.
4.Document stamp taxes
5.The cedula
6.Taxes on insurance and insurance companies.
7.Taxes on forest products.
A forest product is any material derived from forestry for direct consumption or commercial use, such as
lumber, paper, or forage for livestock.
1. Mining concessions.
A concession or concession agreement is a grant of rights, land or property by a government, local
authority, corporation, individual or other legal entity. Public services such as water supply may be operated as
a concession.
9.Tax on business and manufacturing.
10.Occupational licenses.

⊡ In 1907, some provinces were authorized to double the fee for the cedula to support the construction and
maintenance of roads.
⊡ Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act (1913) – export taxes levied on sugar, tobacco, and copra were lifted that results to
reduction in the revenue of the government.
A tariff is a tax on imports or exports between sovereign states.
⊡ Governor General Francis Burton Harrison urged that tax receipts be increased to make up for the loss.
⊡ In 1914, income tax was introduced
⊡ Imposition of taxes on mines, petroleum products, and dealers of petroleum products and tobacco.
⊡ In 1919, an inheritance tax was created.
⊡ In 1932, a national lottery was established to create more revenue for the government.

Taxation During the Commonwealth Period

⊡ Income tax rates were increased in 1936.
⊡ In 1937, the cedula tax was abolished, but in 1940, a residence tax was imposed on every citizen aged 18 years old
and on every corporation.
⊡ In 1939, Commonwealth government drafted the National Internal Revenue Code, introducing major changes of the
new tax system, as follows:
1. Personal exemptions were reduced.
2. Taxes on liquors, cigarettes, forestry products and mining were increased.
⊡ The agriculture sector was still taxed low to promote growth.
⊡ Taxation in Japanese administration

Japanese Period
⊡ During WWII, the system of tax collection was continued but exempted Japanese armed forces.
⊡ As the war raged, tax collection was difficult task, and additional incomes of government were derived form the sales
of the National Sweepstakes.

Fiscal Policy from 1946 to Present

Fiscal policy is the means by which a government adjusts its spending levels and tax rates to monitor and
influence a nation's economy.
⊡ The economic situation was problematic that by 1949, there was a severe lack of funds in many aspects of
governance, such as the military and education sectors.
⊡ During the Marcos regime, the tax system was still heavily dependent on indirect taxes, which made up to 70% of
total tax collection.
⊡ Corazon Aquino reformed the tax system through 1986 Tax Reform Program. - promotes equity by ensuring that
similarly situated individuals and firms bear the same tax burden, promote growth by withdrawing or modifying taxes
that reduce incentives to work or produce, and improve tax administration by simplifying tax system and tax
compliance.
⊡ A major reform in the tax system introduced under the term of Aquino was the introduction of the value-added tax
(VAT).

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This is charged when a VAT-registered business sells goods or services to another business or to
a non-business customer. Franchising VAT is an indirect tax which means the end consumer is being charged
for the tax. In the Philippines, the rate of VAT is at 12% except for export sales and other zero-rated sales
which is at 0%.
⊡ Executive Order 127 – restructuring of Department of Finance and its attached agency, the Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR).
⊡ Computerization was introduced and corruption relatively reduced.

Administration of Fidel Ramos in 1992 ventured into its own tax reform program in 1997 through the Comprehensive Tax
Reform Program.
⊡ Restored the VAT exemptions for all cooperatives (agricultural, electric, credit, or multi-purpose, and others provided
that the share capital of each member does not exceed P 15, 000.)
⊡ Exempted from the VAT are the following:
1. Importation of meat
2. Sale or importation of coal and natural gas in whatever form or state.
3. Educational services rendered by private educational institutions duly accredited by CHED.
4. House and lot valued at P 1 million and below.
5. Lease of residential units with monthly rental per unit of not more than P 8, 000.
6. Sale, importation, printing, or publication of books and any newspaper.

Arroyo undertook increased government spending without adjusting tax collections. This resulted to large deficits from 2002-
2004.
⊡ E-VAT was signed into law as Republic Act 9337. This expanded the VAT base, subjecting to VAT energy products
such as coal, petroleum products and electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
⊡ VAT tax rate was increased from 10% to 12%.

President Benigno Aquino III ventured into the adjustment of excise tax on liquor and cigarettes or the SIN TAX REFORM.
⊡ Republic Act 10351 – government revenues from alcohol and tobacco and alcohol excise taxes increased

President Rodrigo Duterte promised tax reform, particularly income taxes, as it vowed to lower income tax rates shouldered
by working Filipinos.
⊡ The present income tax scheme of the country is second highest to Southeast Asia, and current laws on income
taxes were outdated, as they were drafted two decades ago.
⊡ The proposed tax reform seeks to limit VAT exemptions and increase excise taxes on petroleum products and
automobiles.
⊡ Tax Amnesty Law (Republic Act 11213)– grants those who have failed to pay for taxable year 2017 and prior years
a one-time opportunity to settle tax obligations.
⊡ Under the new law, the government will only collect six percent of the net undeclared estate tax for those who died
before Jan. 1, 2018. It also granted amnesty on other general tax delinquencies, so that only 50 percent of the basic
tax excluding interest and surcharges will be collected. But taxpayers facing criminal charges will have to pay 80
percent of the basic tax.

The amnesty on delinquent taxes would cover national internal revenues taxes including income tax,
withholding tax, capital gains tax, donor’s tax, value-added tax, other percentage taxes, excise taxes and donor’s tax
collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and VAT and excise taxes collected by the Bureau of Customs for 2017
and prior years.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/02/24/1896151/benefits-tax-amnesty#3qos1rZc8FDIUZ68.99

⊡ Rice Tariffication Act – less restrictions to import volumes of crop from Southeast Asian countries. The collected
tariffs will be used to fund mass irrigation, warehousing and rice research.

It is hoped that reforms in the country’s tax policy will result into much-desired economic development that will be felt even by
the lowest classes in society.

If you want to further review on evolution of taxation in the Philippines, see Chapter 4: Social, Political, Economic, and
Cultural Issues in Philippine History in Readings in Philippine History by Grey (2017).

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history.Jaro,Iloilo:Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history.Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history.Manila:Vibal Group Inc..

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APPRECIATING ONE’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

In this lesson, we will discuss the cultural heritage of Aklan and why should be proud of your local heritage.

AKLAN CULTURAL HERITAGE

History of the Province

❖ Aklan, is in point of history, one of the oldest province in the country.
❖ The first settlers of Aklan came from Borneo.
❖ Aklan is believed to have been settled in the 12th century by settlers from Borneo, ruled by the chieftain Datu
Dinagandan which traded with its neighbouring islands
❖ They escaped in their land because of the unjust rule of Makatunaw, Sultan of Brunei. It was here where they carved
out a settlement and gathered rich harvest from the fertile plains, the forests and the sea.
❖ Aklanons believed that the forebears came from Borneo divided the island into three separate “sakups”:
❖ Akean now Capiz and Aklan
❖ Irong-irong now Iloilo
❖ Hamtik now Antique
❖ They left Borneo’s shore on a flotilla of balangays (ships) sailing northward. And one day, in 1250 (circa), they landed
on the bank of the Sirwakan River near the present town of San Joaquin, Iloilo.
❖ The Ati king named Marikudo and his queen, Maniwang-tiwang, welcomed the newcomers. The people moved into the
hinterlands and mountains in favor of the newcomers.
❖ An agreement was reached.
❖ The price for the land was a gold saduk (wide-brimmed helmet), a chain of pure gold necklace, and some gifts
consisting of colored clothes, decorated arms, and fanciful trinkets.
❖ The historic sale (Barter of Panay) was sealed by a sumptuous banquet attended by both the Atis and the Bornean
peoples, and everybody had a joyous celebration – feasting, dancing and singing.
❖ The celebration is commemorated every year, during the blooming season of mangoes, or at about the same time of
the year when the purchase was consummated. In later years, when the Ati descendants of Marikudo withdrew to the
mountains, the settlers chose to perpetuate the celebration.
❖ In the absence of the Atis, some of the settlers smeared themselves with soot to simulate the Atis. Thus, from then on,
the celebration that has withstood the tests of centuries came to be known as the Ati-atihan Festival.
❖ Towards the end of the 14th century, Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from what is now Batan. In 1433, Datu
Kalantiaw's grandson and successor, Datu Kalantiaw III, was said by Jose Marcos to have formulated a set of laws
known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.
❖ In 1437, the short-lived dynasty of Datu Kalantiaw ended when Datu Kalantiaw III was killed in battle with the tribes of
Datu Manduyog, the legitimate successor of Datu Dinagandan. When Datu Manduyog became the new chieftain, he
moved the capital to Bakan (now known as Banga).
❖ Several datus succeeded Datu Manduyog until the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi landed in Batan in 1565
and claimed the island for Spain, in early Spanish accounts it was called El Río de Aclán.

In the next discussion, we will see the history of the celebration of Ati-atihan and its significance to Aklanons.

Celebration of Ati-Atihan
❖ The name Ati-Atihan means "make-believe Atis. "
❖ It has been known as the wildest among Philippine fiestas. The Ati-Atihan is a festival in honour of the Santo Niño.
❖ The Ati-Atihan festival is named after the Ati, the indigenous natives of the island before the arrival of the Malay in
the 10th century and the Spanish in the 16th century.
❖ Originally, the festival was to celebrate the treaty between the Ati and the Malayan tribes who settled in the Island.
The Ati live in the mountain regions and the Malay people in the flatlands or close to the water.
❖ The festivity begins on the dry season, at which time the Ati come down from the mountains to trade and celebrate
with the Malayan tribes. When the Spaniards settled in the region and converted the Malays to their Christian
religion, they asked the Malays to celebrate this festivity to coincide with the Feast of the Santo Niño (Holy Child)
which is usually held during the third week of January.
❖ The dancing on the rhythms of the drums makes this festival very similar to the Mardi Gras celebration in Rio in
Brazil.

What is the source of income in the province of Aklan? What is its prime produced product? What does the province is
proud of to represent to the world? These are just some of the questions you might be asking about your own province. Yet,
do not be anxious since it will be answered in the next discussion.

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Economy of Aklan
❖ Aklan depends on agriculture, with palay being the top produce in the province. Rice plantations had an area of
42,218 hectares (104,320 acres) (0.39 percent of the total provincial agricultural area).
❖ Aklan is a top producer of abaca, which are dyed and made into cloths or place mats, bags, wall decors and fans.
❖ The piña cloth, considered as the "Queen of the Philippine Fabrics", is a prime produce of Kalibo, weaved from its
unique crude wooden or bamboo handloom.
❖ Kalibo, Aklan is the main and the oldest manufacturer/weaver of piña cloth in the Philippines which are being
exported to various parts of the world most particularly North America, and Europe.
❖ Lezo is known for its red clay, used by the natives to make pots, vases and various novelty items.

The next discussion will be about how we became an independent province and who were the first leaders of our
province. May this discussion enlighten you and appreciate your roots as an Aklanon.

Separation of Aklan from Capiz

❖ April25, 1956 is the birth of the province of Aklan
❖ Aklan became an independent province through Republic Act No. 1414 signed by Philippine President Ramon
Magsaysay on April 25, 1956-separating Aklan from Capiz authored by the Father of Aklan, Godofredo P. Ramos. The
original towns were Altavas, Balete, Batan, Banga, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Malay, Makato,
Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia, and Tangalan, then all part of the province of Capiz.
❖ The original 17 towns, then all part of Capiz province.
❖ Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos was the one who authored the law for the separation of Aklan from Capiz.
❖ The province was officially inaugurated on November 8, 1956
❖ When Aklan was separated from Capiz, Jose Raz Meňez was appointed as governor of Aklan while Godofredo Ramos
became the first elected governor of the province.

It has come to pass that the present-day Aklanons possess a deep-rooted pride and loyalty to their own locality, setting
them apart from the rest of the Capiceños. They fondly aspire to be an independent province, separate and independent from
Capiz province.The desire of the people with the same tongue, to group together and govern themselves is good enough
reason why a unit of political territory have to set apart or secede from it. So was true of Aklan from Capiz.

If you want to further review on local history of Aklan, see The Official Website of Aklan Province.

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history.Jaro,Iloilo:Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history.Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history.Manila:Vibal Group Inc..

REFLECTING FROM CONTRIBUTIONS OF AKLANONS

In this lesson, we will discuss the contribution of some prominent Aklanon to the local history of Aklan.

Biography of Prominent Akeanon

Godofredo P. Ramos
• He was born on November 8, 1911, Godofredo "Goding" Peralta Ramos is recognized as the “Father of Aklan” for his
unselfish endeavor in making Aklan a distinct local government unit from the mother province of Capiz through Republic
Act 1414 which he authored in Congress.
• November 8 had been declared since 2002 as a special (non-working) day in the province of Aklan through
Proclamation No. 194 to commemorate Godofredo P. Ramos’ birth anniversary.
• He served as a Member of the House of Representatives and was consistently voted as one of the “Ten Outstanding
Congressmen.”
• He also served the country as Justice of the Court of Appeals, Governor of Aklan, Delegate of the Constitutional
Convention, and Delegate of the Philippines to various international conferences such as the United Nations to pursue
the Philippine claim to Sabah, North Borneo, the Columbo Plan, and the International Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Melchor F. Cichon
• He was born in Sta. Cruz, Lezo, Aklan (April 7, 1945) His colleagues call him as the Father of Aklanon Literature.

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• He used to work at Great Savior College Library and at St. Therese-MTC College Library in Iloilo City after retiring from
the position of head librarian, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Library, University of the Philippines Visayas,
Miag-ao, Iloilo. He is a former lecturer in management at the U.P. College of Management.
• Cichon's poetry has been recognized by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), which awarded him with
the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas on 25 August 2001.
• His manuscript is entitled "Siniad-Siad nga Kaeangitan/Strips of Heaven" and is a collection of Aklanon haiku with
English translations.

Monsigñor Gabriel Reyes

• Archbishop Gabriel Martelino Reyes born in Kalibo, Aklan (March 24, 1892 - October 10, 1952).
• He was the First Filipino Archbishop of Manila, the Primate of the Roman Catholics in the Philippines.
• He entered St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo City at the age of 13, during the time of Bishop Frederick Rooker
• He ordained as priest by Bishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty of then Diocese of Jaro on March 27, 1915
• As the parish priest of Balasan, Iloilo in 1915, he covered 16 small islands with neither roads, chapels nor convents
but only ruins amidst increasing number Aglipayan and Protestant churches.
• He became the parish priest of Capiz, Capiz (now Roxas, Capiz) in 1918.
• On July 20, 1920, he was chosen as the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary by Bishop James McClosky of Jaro, while
at the same time, the parish priest of Santa Barbara, Iloilo.

Legacies
• The renovation of the Cebu Cathedral which was bombed during World War II.
• He established the San Carlos Seminary and parochial schools.
• He published the officer newspaper, Diaro-Kabuhi Sang Banua.
• His vision to build a Catholic center when he became archbishop of Manila was realized by his successor with the
building of the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center on U.N. Avenue in Manila. The Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial
Library (AGRM Library), the resource center of the San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex, was dedicated in his
honor.

Jaime Sin (born 1928)

• He was a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served in the Philippines. He was instrumental in the defeat of
the Marcos regime and in the installation of Corazon Aquino as president in 1986.
• He was born in the town of New Washington, Aklan, in the Visayan Islands of the Philippines on August 21, 1928.
He was the seventh of nine children of Juan Sin and Maxima Lachica.
• was ordained as priest on April 3, 1954
• In 1960 Pope John XXIII named him as domestic prelate.
• He began his missionary career in Jaro, Iloilo, where he attended the Jaro Archdiocesan Seminary of St. Vincent
Ferrer.
• He subsequently became metropolitan archbishop of Jaro in 1972 and metropolitan archbishop of Manila, the capital
of the Philippines, in 1974.
• Sin was named cardinal by Pope Paul VI on May 26, 1976.
• Cardinal Sin was known for his good sense of humor. He jokingly called his residence "the House of Sin" and smiled
at the ironic combination of his name and title.
• He increasingly criticized the Marcos regime for its indifference to the plight of the poor. Thus, he caught the ire of
President Marcos and the First Lady many times over his criticisms of the government's human rights violations and
over Imelda's extravagant expenditures.
• The cardinal became very vocal about the violence and cheating which characterized Philippine elections in the
1970s and 1980s.
• His involvement became more active in 1986 when President Marcos called for snap elections for president and vice-
president.
• The minister of national defense, Juan Ponce Enrile, and deputy chief of staff Fidel Ramos led the rebellion, asking
Cardinal Sin to protect the army against the president's reprisal by mobilizing civilian support.
• The cardinal made an appeal by radio, and the people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, heeded his call.
• Sin retired from the post of archbishop of Manila in November of 2003 when he reached the church's mandatory
retirement age of 75.
• Sin died of multiple organ failure on June 21, 2005, a few days after coming down with a fever. He was 76.

If you want to further review the biography of prominent Akeanon, see wordpress.com on Aklanon-The Histories and
Cultures the Filipino Nation.

References
1. Grey, E. (2017). Readings in philippine history.Jaro,Iloilo:Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
2. Candelaria, J. & Alporha, V.(2018).Readings in philippine history.Quezon City:Rex Book Store, Inc..
3. Camagay, M. et.al.(2018). Unravelling the past:readings in philippine history.Manila:Vibal Group Inc..
4. Lucero & de Juan, (2018). Aklanon-the histories and cultures the filipino nationRetrieved from
https://ourislandsourpeople.wordpress.com/aklanon/

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