Why Prehistoric Culture?

 Why prehistoric culture?

 What is its relevance to our contemporary life?
Our prehistoric past is the foundation
of our present society.
It can rekindle once more the spirit of
greatness in us and imbue us with a
deeper sense of moral commitment to
national unity and progress.
 It is the least known and understood aspect of
Philippine studies.
 Even college textbooks mention it only in passing
– at most only a few pages
 What little is written about it is presented from a
negative point of view – i.e., primitive or
uncivilized way of life,
 A traditionless people would have no sense of
identity with their heritage nor pride in
themselves
 The would forever be beholden to those who
gave them their history and tradition.
Of the many people who came, there were three
dominant groups that decided to stay and
attempted to reestablish their respective home
cultures. These were:
 The Muslim seafarers
 The Catholic Spaniards
 The Protestant Americans
 The Process of Islamization of Southern
Philippines
Religion Islam
Language Arabic
Political Form Sultanate
Cultural Tastes Islamic/Middle East
Loyalties Mecca/Middle East
Source of Political
Middle East
Influence
 The Process of Spanish Entry and Colonization of the
Islands
Religion Catholic Christianity
Language Spanish
Political Form European Feudalism
Cultural Tastes Spanish/European
Loyalties Spain
Source of Political
Madrid/Vatican
Influence
 The Process of American Entry and Colonization

Religion Protestant Christianity

Language English
Political Form Liberal Democracy
Cultural Tastes “Stateside”
Loyalties Washington DC
Source of Political
Washington DC
Influence
“The influence of these
external cultures has
obscured many of our
local ways of thinking,
believing, and doing
things. Thus, many
Filipinos cannot
appreciate the
achievements of the
past.”
“Neither are they aware that
we have a prehistoric
civilization to be proud
of.”

- F. Landa Jocano