Republic of the Philippines

Pangasinan State University

Urdaneta Campus
San Vicente, Urdaneta
City Telefax: (075) 632-
2559

MONES, MA. STELLA HEYDEN G.

BS ARCHITECTURE 1A

ACTIVITY 1
HISTORICAL HOAXES: THE CODE OF KALANTIAW AND SA AKING MGA KABATA

The Code of Kalantiaw

Questions to Answer:
1. Read the Code of Kalantiaw. Based from the document itself and if it was taken to
be true, how do you interpret the document? What can you say about the legal
system of the pre-colonial Filipinos?

Based from the document, I can say that the native Filipinos had already evolved their
own rules of behaviour based on their beliefs and traditions even before the Spaniards
came. But if I am going to interpret the document, I believe that The Code of Kalantiaw
is an example of an unfair law comparing it to the new laws. It lacks the true meaning of
justice since it contains commandments which contradicted one another and the
punishments were extremely brutal, usually having no relation to the severity of the crime
committed.

2. Do you think the creation of the document is a mistake or a conscious effort? If you
believe it was a mistake, why do you think it was easily believed? If it was a
conscious effort, give some reasons why you think the Code of Kalantiaw needed to
be created. What do you think is the motive for its creation as a historical hoax?

I believe the creation of the document is a conscious effort. I do believe the creation of
the document was intentional. We know that indigenous people have their own way of
life ever since. We can also say they have their own way of sovereignty, so it's no wonder
they can manage to have their own legal system and to create the Code of Kalantiaw.
Besides, some people believe that it was Jose E. Marco's effort as a fraud to create an
issue regarding the creation of the Code of Kalantiaw. He intended to have a goal of
discovering something that would create a huge impact on our history and that urged him
to create a document about the Code of Kakalntiaw being a hoax.

3. Why is it important for some people for the Code of Kalantiaw to be true?

For decades, people have accepted this document as fact. Some people think that the
Code of Kalantiaw was true and still believes that it is an example of the earliest
lawmakers in our country which is also a very valuable thing that we can call our own
considering that it was made by a native Filipino, which also brings a big contribution to
our history.

4. Why do you think the historical authenticity of the Code of Kalantiaw is still
believed by many to be true up to this day?
 The code of Kalantiaw was considered by others as one of the earliest lawmakers in our
country, some people still think the document itself is probably true since there are still
some questions that remain unanswered regarding to the controversy of the said
document being a hoax. Since it was started on Pre-colonial period, it is hard to gather
some information that we can use to study and also to prove the authenticity of The Code
of Kalantiaw.

5. What is/are the impact/s of the supposed truthfulness of the Code of Kalantiaw?
What about the impact/s of the revelation of it being a false document?

The supposed truthfulness of the Code of Kalantiaw brings a huge impact to our society
especially in the field of academics since it has been taught to us as a valid historical
archive. But after the revelation of the document as a hoax, it comes up with a lot of
negative effect, which made the researchers or historians to investigate more information
and seek for the truth. This controversy also tends to create a big argument for those who
believe and to those are not. However due to the investigation of the researchers or
historians for information from the pre-colonial period, it has also answered other
uncertainties in the history of our country,

SaAkingMgaKabata

Questions to Answer:
1. Read SaAkingMgaKabata. Based from the document itself and if it was taken to be
true, how do you interpret the document? What can you say about the Rizal’s ideas
during childhood?

After reading the poem, I found it very hard to understand since the poem was composed
of such profound words. But as I repeatedly read it, it can be seen in the verse form the
importance of our own lingua that we must cherish and should not be forgotten and it has
the sense of nationalism. If it was taken to be true, understanding deeply the poem I’d say
that Rizal wanted us to utilize our individuality for being a Filipino. I found it very odd
that an eight-year old boy could possibly wrote a prestigious poem composed of such
profound words. We all know that Jose Rizal was born intelligent and knowledgeable and
we can’t ignore the fact that for such young age, he still learning how to mold and
discover his skills, his mind was already focused on the circumstances of our country that
surrounds him, so he may be able to make this poem.

2. Do you think the creation of the document is a mistake or a conscious effort? If you
believe it was a mistake, why do you think it was easily believed? If it was a
conscious effort, give some reasons why you think the Sa AkingMgaKabata needed to
be created. What do you think is the motive for its creation as a historical hoax?

For me, the creation of the document is a conscious effort. Basically the creation of the
poem made a huge impact on the Filipino to clearly understand the importance of our
own language and our country and also it helps us utilize our identity of being a Filipino.
So there is no doubt that it was needed to be created. On the other hand, I do believe the
thought that the poem was created by a child captured the attention of other researchers
or historians to investigate the background of the author and the poem. Unfortunately, it
was very odd to know that a child could write a very prestigious work and they've also
discovered some evidences questioning the authorship of Rizal, so it might urge them to
accuse him and considered the poem as a historical hoax.

3. Why is it important for some people for Sa AkingMgaKabata to be true?

I think the Sa AkingMgaKabata symbolizes a very important part of our history. The
poem does not only provide a lesson for us, it is a proof showing the bravery of a young
 man to stand and persuade his own countrymen to rise and fought for the freedom. And
to the fact that it was written by our National Hero at his very young age, this poem can
be considered as Rizal’s first testimony and presentation about the Philippines state under
the leadership of Spaniards. If we think about it, it would make a stain to Rizal’s image
since a lot of people idolized and respect him.

4. Why do you think the historical authenticity of the Sa AkingMgaKabata is still

believed by many to be true up to this day?

We’ve been taught for so many years about the greatness of our National hero, Dr. Jose
Rizal and many of us idolized him for being intelligent and knowledgeable especially in
making such incredible works in literary and it was proven by all of his works and
contribution to our country, so there is no reason for them to doubt him. Some people
may also think that all the evidences mentioned are not credible to prove the authenticity
of the poem. If it was not really true that Rizal was the one who wrote the poem then the
real one should have complained the moment it was recognized.

5. What is/are the impact/s of the supposed truthfulness of the Sa Aking Mga Kabata?
What about the impact/s of the revelation of it being a false document?

As we can see, we don’t have the same opinion about this controversy. Some people
believe and some who are not. The said revelation gives a lot of confusion to the people
since the poem was traditionally believed to be Jose Rizal’s work. Eventually, it causes a
big problem and may ruin the knowledge and beliefs of the present generation about the
past. For this certain issue, it refutes the poem because obviously it wants our
nationalistic hearts to be ignited. It was written for us to open our eyes about the reality to
take action to cherish our own language and country, to have one faith and be as one.
 MONES, MA. STELLA HEYDEN G.
BS ARCHITECTURE 1A

ACTIVITY 2
HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION AND MULTIPERSPECTIVITY

Case Study 1: The Site of the First Mass

Questions to Answer:
1. Read Albo’s log and Pigafetta’s account. Create a timeline for both Albo’s log and
Pigafetta’s account, indicating the date and place of whatever happened from
March 16, 1521 to April 7, 1521. Where was the site of the first Catholic Mass and
when did it occur? For both accounts, did they explicitly mention where and when
the first Catholic Mass in the Philippinesoccurs? If not, how were you able to
determine the date and place where it occurred?

ALBO’S LOG PIGAFETTA’S

ACCOUNT
They saw a land MARCH 16, 1521 They reaches the MARCH 16, 1521
named Yunuguan island of Zamal
After that they
reached another
small islang named
Suluano.
They sailed and They reaches on MARCH 17, 1521
reached the island uninhabited island
of Gada. and met the people
of Zamal.
After sailing Magellan reaches the MARCH 22, 1521
westward they island of Humunu
reached the (Homonhon) and
inhabited island of named it The
Sielani (Leyte) Watering Place of
God.
They reached the MARCH 28, 1521 Magellan sailed past MARCH 25, 1521
island of Mazaba the islands of
and placed a cross Cenalo, Huinangar,
upon a mountain. Ibusson, and
Abarien.
They sailed back to Magellan met Raia MARCH 28, 1521
the Island of Siani and Raia
Seilani. Calambu in the
island of Mazzava.
They sailed down APRIL 7, 1521 Magellan arrived at APRIL 7, 1521
and turned west and Zzubu (Cebu) and
anchored in the discovered the other
town of Subu. islands such as
Leyte, Bohol,
Canighan, Baibai
and Santighan.

Francisco Albo does not mention the First mass, but instead, he writes that they erected a
cross on a mountain when they arrived on the island of Mazzava. After that, they sailed
on the island of Subu (Cebu). On the other hand, based on Pigafetta’s account, it says that
the first Catholic mass happened on the Easter Sunday of March 31, 1521, in the island of
 Mazzava. I use the dates from Pigafetta’s account to be able to determine the date and
place where the first Mass occurred. Pigafetta’s account is way more reliable since he
was very detailed in describing things that he has witnessed, unlike Albo who rarely gave
some information.

2. Did the two accounts corroborate one another? If so, where did you think the
controversy of the first Filipino Catholic Mass could have come from? If not, which
events contradicted one another?

Based on the details that were mentioned in both accounts there some events that
somehow prove that they corroborate each other. Unfortunately, the controversy of the
first Filipino Catholic Mass could be a result of failure to use Albo's account as
supporting evidence to defend Pigafetta's proclamations regarding the first Catholic mass.
For the reason that Albo's account was lack of information and he didn't even mention
anything about the first Catholic mass in the Philippines.

Case Study 2: The Events of Cavite Mutiny

Questions to Answer:

1. Read the four accounts of the Cavite Mutiny and the execution of the Gomburza.
Compare and contrast the four accounts according to the following aspects:

a. Reasons for the Cavite mutiny

According to the accounts, the uprising is believed to have led to Governor-General Rafael de
Izquierdo's imposition of personal taxes on soldiers and workers.

b. Reasons for the execution of the priests

The three priests incurred the hatred of the Spanish authorities for leading the campaign against
the abusive Spanish friars and fighting for equal rights among priests.

c. Instigators of the event

Based on Rafael Izquierdo's account, the incident was planned by the native clergy, mestizos,
and abogadillos. And on the other accounts, the workers in the Cavite are the said instigators.

d. Role of the priests in the event

The Filipinos considered the priests as someone who lead them and which they can be trusted.
Opposed to that, the Spaniards believe that the priests as a threat to them.

e. Plan of the mutineers and the priests

The plan of the mutineers and the priests is to establish their own government which will be
ruled by the priests.

2. Why do you think there are differences in perspectives for the accounts? What do
these differences indicate?

Jose Montero y Vidal account corroborated with the account of Governor-General Rafael
Izquierdo y Gutierrez, the governor-general of the Philippine Islands during the Mutiny.
Considering that both of them are Spaniards their proclamations differ compared to the
Filipino Version of the Cavite Mutiny of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera. And because of that,
the differences in view of the accounts are due to the fact that both parties are in different
positions and are at war with each other. So it is possible that the perspectives of each
account do not match.

3. Which perspective/s or account/s do you believe to be most accurate or more

believable? Why?
 I do believe in Trinidad Pardo de Tavera's account. There is no reason to doubt those
oppressed. In my opinion, the words of someone who's aiming for the truth and fighting
for their own freedom are more meaningful and credible, compared to those greedy
officials who only want the betterment of themselves and are obviously guilty.

Case Study 3: The Retraction of Rizal

Questions to Answer:

1. Read the supposed retraction of Rizal. Supposed it is true, what do you think are
Rizal’s motivations for the retraction?

Supposed the retraction was true, I think Rizal's motivation in writing it was to raise the
possible condemnation that the church could draw from his written works.

2. Do you think that Rizal made a retraction? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think Rizal did not make the retraction. For Rizal the retraction would have meant
accepting all the evil that the friars displayed in deeds that were incompatible with the
true teachings of Christianity. Therefore it could have been possible and most likely that
he did not retract.

3. Read the testimony of the agent of Cuerpo de Vigilancia stationed in Fort Santiago.
Did it support Father Balaguer’s testimony? If it did, how were you able to say so?
If not, what were the differences between what Father Balaguer claimed happened
during that time and what the witness saw?

Both testimonies clearly opposed each other. According to the statement of the witness,
Rizal wrote a paper he heard of the retraction. It was also mentioned that there were two
Jesuit priests who entered Rizal's prison. Surprisingly, he noted, everyone who went into
the cell that night, and never once mentioned that Father Balaguer had entered. Meaning
that Father Balaguer was not there, he could have been a secondary source and only
interviewed Father Vilaclara and Father March to formulate his testimony. However,
according to his testimony, Rizal suddenly woke up several times, four times confessing,
unanimous, agreeing, and even posting. And also according to Father Balaguer, Rizal
accepted a shorter retraction document prepared by the superior of the Jesuit Society in
the Philippines, Father Pio Pi.

4. What do you think would be the impact (in any aspect you think is important) if the
retraction was found to be undoubtedly true? What do you think would be the
impact (in any aspect you think is important) if the retraction was found to be
undoubtedly fake?

If the retraction was proven to be true, then it would question every proclamation that
was written from Rizal's works. And besides this document will also serve as a face-
saving measure for the friars whom he criticized in his novels. However, if it was
undoubtedly a fake, then it would be proven that his claims to the friars are true.
Case Study 4: The Cry of Rebellion
1.
Read the accounts of Masangkay, Alvarez, and Valenzuela on the Cry of Rebellion.
Compare the date, place, and circumstances in the occurrence of the Cry. Did they
corroborate one another’s accounts? Where did the differences lie?

Obviously, each account has different perspective what happened during the Cry. The
three accounts have similar ideas in their stories but different dates and places which
caused them to oppose each other.

2. Why do you think there are differences in accounts if all of them are eyewitnesses?
Who would you believe in this case?

Because of their frequent moving of locations to avoid the attack of the enemy, this led to
the discrepancy in the accounts of the witnesses regarding the said event. For me, the
account of Alvarez is the most reliable when it comes to information and details of what
happened during the occurrence of the Cry. Based from the three accounts that I have
read, his version was the most credible for a reason that he stated every detail that he
witnessed and that really captured my attention.

3. Why is it important for us to pinpoint the exact date and place for the Cry?

We are taught to examine our history. Learning history is a reflection of our past,
discovering our origins and becoming aware of our vibrant traditions and culture. And it
is important for us to know the exact date and place of the Cry because it is a valuable
event in our history of which it serves as symbol of the resistance and freedom of our
people against the Spanish leadership in our country. As we discover the truth about our
past we will understand better our identity being a Filipino.
 MONES, MA. STELLA HEYDEN G.
BS ARCHITECTURE 1A

Activity 3
Answer the following questions completely and concisely. Provide evidences for your answers
through the readings given and/or through your own research.
1. Compare and contrast the contents of the six (6) constitutions of the Philippines.
Highlight the differences between the contents of these Constitutions. It is not
recommended that you copy the whole provision in the constitution, but try to
highlight the important points or phrases without losing the meaning of the
provision. In your comparison, consider the following areas:
a. Executive power

COMPARISON DIFFERENCES

 The executive power shall be  It was mentioned in some

vested in the President of the
Republic of the Philippines.
 The Vice- President shall fill ad
interim the office of President
in case of vacancy.
 In other constitution the
constitution that the term of
office of the President shall be
six years. On the other hand, the
other constitution stated the
President shall hold his office
during a term of four years.
President of the Republic shall
be elected by the Assembly and
by the special Representatives.
While, on the other constitution,
the President shall be elected
with the majority of votes of the
Filipino citizen.

b. Legislative power

COMPARISON DIFFERENCES

 The Legislative power shall be  The other Legislative parts

vested in the National Assembly were considered as unicameral
who where representative Assembly but later on it turns
delegate elected of each to bicameral Congress.
province of the Philippines.  The numbers of elected
members are different in some
constitutions.

c. Judicial power

COMPARISON DIFFERENCES
  The judicial power were vested
to the Supreme Council and in
other courts established by law.
 The Members of the Supreme
 The Members of the Supreme
Court differ in the other
constitutions.
Court and judges of inferior
courts shall be appointed by the
President. On the other
constitution, the appointing for
its members, shall be chosen by
the National Assembly in
concurrence with the President
of the Republic and the
Secretaries of the Government.

d. Two (2) more significant areas that you find interesting.

COMPARISON DIFERRENCES

Citizenship  Naturally born in  Not all

the Philippines constitution
mentions the
 Both parents are illegality of dual
citizens of the citizenship.
Philippines  A female citizen of
 Those who are the Philippines
naturalized in who marries an
accordance with alien retains her
law. Philippine
citizenship.
 Those who are
citizens of the
Philippine Islands
at the time of the
adoption of this
Constitution.

 The lost of
Citizenship

Bill of Rights  The enumeration  Some content of

of the content Bill of Rights may
about a person’s differ to each
rights and other since it was
privileges which kept on
each constitution is undergoing
designed for changes and
protection against improvements for
the abuse of state
 power. every constitution.

2. One of the most recent issues regarding the Constitution is the change from our
current system of governance to federalism. Give the pros and cons for this change.
Do you support federalism as applied to the Philippines? Why or why not?

I'm not against Federalism being applied to the Philippines. The national government has
been struggling to assist the concerns of the provinces in our country. We all know that
the other parts of the country are being neglected while the development in the central
places, like Metro Manila, are rapidly out of control because most administrative powers
and resources are with the national government based in Metro Manila. Because of that, a
federal administration is not very efficient to impose in our country. For some reason, we
are aware that some parts of our country don't have enough resources to establish their
own power to sustain the needs of their local places. And also our country is still
suffering from corruption and when the criminal elements learn the inside weaknesses of
the federation it may cause more complications to the nation.

Pros:
Promotes specialization. The national and state governments can specialize in different
policy domains. With most administrative powers now with the regional governments,
the national government can focus on foreign policy, defense, and other nationwide
concerns, like healthcare and taxation.

Possible solution to the Mindanao conflict. The creation of the state of Bangsamoro

within a federalist system may address concerns of separatists who crave more autonomy
over the administration of Muslim Mindanao.

Decongestion of Metro Manila. Through fiscal autonomy for state governments,

federalism will more evenly distribute the country's wealth. In 2015, 35% of the national
budget went to Metro Manila even if it represents only 14% of the Philippine population.

Lessens dependence on Metro Manila. When there is political upheaval in Metro

Manila, other regions that have nothing to do with the chain of events are left waiting for
the resources that ony the national government can release. With federalism, regions
work independently of Metro Manila for most concerns.

Brings government closer to the people. If detractors say federalism will only make
local political dynasties more powerful, supporters give the argument that, in fact, it will
make all local leaders, including those part of political dynasties, more accountable to
their constituents. State governments will no longer have any excuse for delays in
services or projects that, in the present situation, are often blamed on choking
bureaucracy in Manila.

Encourages competition. With states now more self-reliant and in control of their

development, they will judge themselves relative to how their fellow states are
progressing. The competitive spirit will hopefully motivate state leaders and citizens to
level up in terms of quality of life, economic development, progressive policies, and
governance.
Cons:
Possibly divisive. Healthy competition among states can become alienating – creating
 rivalries and promoting the regionalism that some say already challenges the sense of
unity in the country. It could enflame hostilities between ethnic groups in the country like
Tagalogs, Cebuanos, Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Tausugs, and Zamboangueños.

Uneven development among states. Some states may not be as ready for autonomy as
others. Some states may not be as rich in natural resources or skilled labor as others.
States with good leaders will progress faster while states with ineffective ones will
degrade more than ever because national government will not be there to balance them
out.

Confusing overlaps in jurisdiction. Where does the responsibility of state governments

end and where does the responsibility of the national government begin? Unless these are
very clearly stated in the amended Constitution, ambiguities may arise, leading to conflict
and confusion. For instance, in times of disaster, what is the division of responsibilities
between state and national governments?

May not satisfy separatists in Mindanao. Separatists are calling for their own country,
not just a state that still belongs to a larger federal Philippines. Federalism may not be
enough for them. After all, the conflict continues despite the creation of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao.
3. Cite two current issues on agrarian reform that you feel strongly about. Trace the
root of the problem, its effects on the Filipino people, and ways on how to solve this
problem. Base your answers on your own viewpoint, with supporting evidence to
strengthen your arguments.

Misidentification of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) is also a ceaseless issue. In

some cases, favored employees of the landowner or those seen as under his patronage
substituted for priority beneficiaries (as set out in law). In other instances, local school
teachers, barangay officials, or relatives of DAR personnel have managed to be placed on
the list of beneficiaries. Meanwhile, some landowners (sometimes working in cahoots
with DAR officials) have been able to get potential beneficiaries to waive their rights to
land through a combination of inducements and threats. Another issue that bedevils the
CARP program is related to land transactions undertaken by beneficiaries after they get
their instruments of ownership. It has been estimated that land sales and pawning of titles
or CLOAS by beneficiaries may be as high as 30 percent of all beneficiaries. A previous
DAR study found that 80 percent of these transfers were in the form of outright sales or
mortgages while the remaining were the transfer of rights or leasing. However, these
issues are a result of the intense corruption that is taking place in our country. And these
issues prove that agrarian reform beneficiaries have been tempted by the speculatively
high prices offered to them by developers. This kind of unfairness is a huge disadvantage
to other Filipinos who are powerless.

4. Cite two current issues on taxation that you feel strongly about. Trace the root of
the problem, its effects on the Filipino people, and ways on how to solve this
problem. Base your answers on your own viewpoint, with supporting evidence to
strengthen your arguments.

Too many people are avoiding the tax system. this is just one of the issues that caught my
attention. Obviously, there are many Filipino tax evaders who can get away without
paying taxes and they are nearly impossible to catch. In addition, those who earn salaries
or wages, end up paying more in taxes than the self-employed and the professionals who
have the ability to hide part of their incomes. I do believe that some Filipinos lost their
 trust in the government because of corruption. And also, one of the reasons behind this
issue is because our tax system is too complicated, which I also considered as another
issue of taxation in our country. Our tax system is overly complicated and burdensome,
especially for small taxpayers. A study shows that the “complexity of tax regulations”
and our “high tax rates” are some of the most problematic factors for doing business in
the country. The government wants to impose progressive taxes to make society a fairer
place to live in. But at the same time, we want to make sure that such taxes do not reduce
economic activity so much. Not only do our taxes disproportionately burden the poor and
benefit the rich, but they also yield too little revenue given the distortions they create.
Needless to say, both problems need to be resolved soon. So I think it would be better if
the rules of the tax system should be as plain and simple as possible. Not only will it be
easier for taxpayers to understand their liabilities and to comply, but it will also minimize
the administrative costs of collection.

5. Identify three (3) areas that, in your opinion, should the majority of our taxes be
spent. Explain why and defend your discussion with evidences. Do you think the
government is spending enough on these areas? Why or why not?

We all believe that the government's sustenance for the country's budget should be
sufficient. In my view, the majority of our country's taxes should be spent correctly. We
know that not all Filipinos receive enough service when it comes to health, especially in
our situation today, where we are currently attacked by a pandemic that brings a big
disaster in our country and around the world. The Department of Health admitted that
they did not have enough equipment to control the said virus that is worsening today.
Since the budget is not enough to provide all the materials to prevent the spreading of the
virus, our country remains dependent on the help of the other nations. Second, the
government should also focus on the sector of education. As a student, I can tell that there
are many conflicts in every school that has not yet solve. Recently, the suspension of
classes in the country is a major problem today due to the issue of virus outbreaks. As we
can remember, under the leadership of Sec. Briones, he has consulted the advisers,
officials, sectors, and stakeholders as to when the school year 2020-2021 should begin. In
March, an online learning platform for students, teachers, and parents, was launched by
DepEd. This is one of the possible solutions that they suggested if ever the people may
not have been able to get out of their homes at the start of the new academic year. But we
are aware that there are also not enough resources to carry out this plan. If the
government meets the needs of teachers and especially students, this plan will succeed.
But we must face the reality that the government's budget is insufficient to finance this
kind of action. Lastly, the issue regarding the government's proper sustenance of budget
to the programs for the indigents should be improved. The problem of poverty in our
country will never end. But unfortunately, this issue still cannot be solved because the
assistance is not enough for the beneficiaries to sustain all their needs. One problem with
this is the government's unfair support because not all people are eligible to receive the
benefits that suppose to be given to those who are more deserving. I believe that the
actions of the government sustaining the assistance in these sectors are not enough. The
Philippine government was already corrupted. Thus, rather than the development of each
of us, only the ruthless officials who stole the people's money for their own good live in
wealth. As long as the corruption remains, nothing will change in our country.