HOLY INFANT COLLEGE

TACLOBAN CITY

E-PORTFOLIO

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

IN

GHIST- READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

WITH PHIL.CONSTITUTION, AGRARIAN REFORM &TAXATION

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

COVER PAGE 1

LESSON III: Philippine History “Spaces for Conflict and Controversies”

Pre-Assessment 4

Exploring Activities 5-6

Demonstration/Application

Activity 1 7-9

Activity 2 10-12

Activity 3 13-15

Activity 4 16-18

Reflection 18

Post Assessment 19-21

LESSON IV: “Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Issues”

Pre-Assessment 22

Exploring Activities 23

Demonstration/Application

Activity 1 24-26

Activity 2 27-29

Activity 3 30-32

Reflection 33

Post Assessment 34-37

2
LESSON V: Doing History “Local and Oral History”

Pre-Assessment 38

Exploring Activities 38

Demonstration Application 39-41

Reflection 42

3
LESSON III

Philippine History: Spaces for Conflict and Controversies

PRE-ASSESSMENT: LESSON III

Directions: Read the following statement below. Write True if the statement is true. Otherwise,

write False in the space provided.

TRUE________1. Historical interpretation is based on the historian’s judgment on how the past

should be seen.

TRUE________2. We make sense of the past through historical interpretation.

FALSE_______3. Multi perspectivity is a quality of historical writing attributed to variety of

lenses that may be used to view the past.

TRUE________4. There is only one account of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines.

TRUE________5. The significance of the martyrdom of GOMBURZA is questioned by

historians.

TRUE________6. Jose Rizal’s essays go against the Catholic faith.

TRUE________7. The Cavity Mutiny is an event that led to the execution of the GOMBURZA.

FALSE_______8. There is no doubt that Rizal retracted his writings to be able to marry

Josephine Bracken.

TRUE________9. The Cry of the Rebellion happened in the present-day Quezon City.

TRUE________10. The site of the monument to the Heroes of 1896 was chosen because this is

the actual place where the Cry of the Rebellion happened.

4
EXPLORING ACTIVITIES:

Read the poem written by our national hero: Jose Rizal, entitled: Sa Aking mga

Kababata. Analyze and apply what you have learned to make correct interpretation.

Sa Aking Mga Kabata

Ni Jose Rizal

Kapagka ang baya’y sadyang umiibig

Sa kanyang salitang kaloob ng langit,
Sanlang kalayaan nasa ring masapit
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid.

Pagka’t ang salita’y isang kahatulan

Sa bayan, sa nayo’t mga kaharian,
At ang isang tao’y katulad, kabagay
Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita

Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda,
Kaya ang marapat pagyamaning kusa
Na tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin

Sa Ingles, Kastila at salitang anghel,
Sapagka’t ang Poong maalam tumingin
Ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin.

Ang salita nati’y huwad din sa iba

Na may alfabeto at sariling letra,
Na kaya nawala’y dinatnan ng sigwa
Ang lunday sa lawa noong dakong una

5
 The first stanza speaks that Rizal wants us to love our own language and it is a gift from

above that was given onto us to be grateful of for it is our step towards liberty. As Rizal

correlated it to a bird that can freely fly up in the sky, it has a will to fly wherever it wants

to go and whatever it wants to do. But if this bird is in a howl like us, Filipinos, who

cannot stand for what we believe is right, we will never experience independence.

 The next stanza implies that a nation that loves a God-given language also loves freedom.

A Filipino who loves his native tongue will definitely fight for his freedom seemingly

like a bird “lumilipad nang pagkataas-taas para sa mas malawak na liliparan”, a person

who preserves the marks of its liberty, as man preserve his independence.

 In the succeeding stanza, Rizal compared the person who doesn’t love his native tongue

from a putrid fish. Just like a fish which originally lives in water, stinks every time it goes

out of its place. Like some of the Filipinos that we could observe, we could see that when

they have reached a foreign country and adapted the foreign language and culture, they

tend to forget their own. And as they have adapted that culture, they will be so haughty to

despise and scorn their own fellowmen. They hide and cover their identity for being a

Filipino even though it’s very discernible. They just make themselves look foolish and

shameful. And with the last two lines from the third stanza, Rizal addressed to us that our

own language must be cherished and should not be forgotten because it is a very valuable

possession of our own country.

 Finally, the last stanza implies that we, just like the other nations existing, have
its own exceptional characteristics that we can be greatly proud of, those distinct
qualities of being a Filipino such that the blood itself that runs through your
veins, the culture, and your innate YOU is a certified Filipino that you can never
obliterate. Sad to say, the cornerstones established by our forefathers to come up
with a better country is now into annihilation…Annihilation caused by the influx
of challenges doomed to spoil what we have:

6
ACTIVITY 1

SITE OF THE FIRST

MASS AN ISSUE
ANALYSIS

IN RIPH (READINGS IN PHILIPPINE

HISTORY)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

7
 I. The Issue

The site of the first catholic mass in the Philippines has been a controversial
issue in the country. After the thorough research and investigation of National Historical
Commission of the Philippines, along with theologians and other historians in the
country and abroad, they confirmed that the first mass did happen in the island of
Limasawa, Southern Leyte. However, some people, especially the pro-Butuans, still
claims that the mass took place in Masao, Butuan.

II. Historical Background

The first catholic mass in the Philippines was held on the 31 st day of March
1521, which happened to be an Easter Sunday. According to the travelogue of Antonio
Pigafetta, the mass was officiated by Fr. Pedro Valderama by the order of the
Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan. The mass was held in the shores of Mazaua,
which is now known as Limasawa. Pigafetta aslo mentioned that the first natives or the
first Filipinos who participated in the mentioned event was Raia Calambu and Raia
Siagu. The first holy mass held in the Philippine soil served as the birth of Catholicism
in Philippine land. As of today, roman catholic still remains as the dominant religion in
the country.

III. Analysis

The location of the first mass in the country has been a debatable topic in the
Philippine history. Even if the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
already verified that the mass was held in Limasawa, some people still claims that it was
in Masao, Butuan.

Since it has been a long controversial topic in the Philippines, and as a part of the

preparation for the 500th year since the introduction of Christianity in our country, the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) along with other historians
and theologians, they conducted another thorough investigation about where the first
mass was held. They went back and forth in Masao, Butuan and Limasawa, Southern
Leyte. They also compared their findings in Pigafettas account of the first expedition in

8
 the world.

The First Voyage Around the World, an account written by Antonio Pigafetta,
serves the primary source of the first holy catholic mass in the Philippines. The findings
of the researchers matched Pigafettas claims. In his journal, he mentioned that the mass
was held in shore of the island of Mazua—which is now known as Limasawa. It
convinced the researchers that the island was Limasawa since Masao is just a barangay
of Butuan. In addition, the measurement of the distances from Limasawa to Cebu of the
pro- Limasawa group matched Pigafetta’s measurement from Mazua to Cebu as well.
Correspondingly, Pigafetta did not also mentioned that they went to Mindanao. Aside
from these presented evidences, the pro-Butuan group also failed to come-up with
enough proofs that claims that the mass was held in their place.

With the results of the investigation and the recommendation the recent panel,
led by Resil Mojares and was supported by catholic Bishops, sums up that the first mass
was conducted in the island of Limasawa, not in Masao, Butuan.

IV. Conclusion

The clarification of the controversy between Limasawa of Southern Leyte and

Masao of Butuan plays a huge impact in Philippine history, especially in the catholic
church. Not only because it proved that Limasawa is the place of birth of the Roman
Catholicism, but as well as how the dominance of Roman Catholicism paved its way in
the Philippines.

9
ACTIVITY 2

CAVITY MUTINY

AN ISSUE ANALYSIS

IN RIPH (READINGS IN PHILIPPINE

HISTORY)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

10
 I. The Issue

The 1872 Cavity Mutiny was the insurgence of the Filipino military force
against the Spanish rule in the country. It has been a controversial issue in the Philippine
history for the reason that the three accounts or sources differs from one another
regarding what triggers the said event to occur. The Spaniards claimed that the natives
were planning to overthrow the Spanish government. On the other hand, the Filipino
perspective claimed that it was the cruel governance of Governor-General Rafael de
Izquierdo that caused the mutiny.

II. Historical Background

The Cavity Mutiny of 1872 took place in Fort San Felipe, the former Spanish

arsenal in Cavite, on the 20th day of January 1872. The mutiny arose due to the
unlawful administration of Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo. He abolished the
benefits of the Filipino workers and he imposed the “polo y servicio” or the forced
labor. As a result, it triggered the Filipino military forces to go against the authority.

The mutiny was led by Sgt. Fernando La Madrid. There was approximately 200
men who joined the uprising. Some of them were members of military, laborers, and
some were the workers from Cavite. They attacked Fort San Felipe and assassinated the
commanding officer and other Spanish officers. The reinforcement that they were
expecting from other soldiers, unfortunately, did not arrived. The news about the revolt
reached Manila, because of this, the Spanish government in manila sent regiment to
Cavite. The mutiny was clearly unsuccessful. And those who participated in the mutiny
was killed. The Cavity Mutiny also led to the death of the three martyr priests—known
as the GOMBURZA. Correspondingly, some priests and professionals who are notable
for their liberal learnings were also sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

III. Analysis

There have been many accounts and different sources in the 1872 Cavite

11
 Mutiny, which made this issue controversial. There are contrasting claims and versions
of the story.

In Trinidad Pardo de Tavera’s account, he mentioned that the revolt against the
authority took place because the Filipinos were mistreated, abused, and their rights were
violated. They were also deprived by the labor benefits.

The Cavite Mutiny in Spanish interpretation, from the account of Jose Montero
Vidal, a Spanish historian, claimed that the natives attempted to overthrow the Spanish
government in the country. For the Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo, he stated that
the revolution was used to show the native clergy in the country, meaning the Filipinos
were in favor for the priest to rule and lead the government, which was highly opposed
by the Spaniards. Obviously, the Spaniards were threatened to lose their power over the
natives. So when the mutiny happened, they sentenced the rebels to death, in high hopes
that it would serve as a lesson for the natives to not go against their authority. However,
what aroused was hatred, not fear against them. The cruelty and oppression awakened
the souls of the Filipinos. It made them realize how oppressed they were and how awful
their condition was.

The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 is a tragic yet a meaningful event in the Philippine
history. Even if the uprising was unsuccessful, it still served as an eye opener to almost
every Filipino in the past to fight for their freedom.

IV. Conclusion

Despite the different accounts or sources of the event, one thing remains certain,
the 1872 Cavite Mutiny played a vital role Philippine history. It awakened the
nationalism among Filipinos and it paved way attaining the independence of the country
in 1898.

12
ACTIVITY 3

RETRACTION OF JOSE
RIZAL AN ISSUE
ANALYSIS

IN RIPH (READINGS IN PHILIPPINE

HISTORY)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

13
 I. The Issue

Among all the issues surfaced about Jose Rizal, his retraction became the most
controversial one. The authenticity of the document of his retraction has been a favorite
topic of dispute between the church and non-supporters of Rizal. A lot of people
believed that the document of retraction was just forged to furnish Jose Rizal’s
reputation since he was hailed as the country’s national hero. But, many people,
including Jesuits and historians, claimed that the document is authentic.

II. Historical Background

Jose Rizal is the Philippines national hero. He was born as a catholic, but as he
grew up, exposed to different cultures and places, his religious views were drastically
changed. A lot of religious personalities—priests and missionaries—disliked his claims
and writings for attacking the church during the revolutionary period. But before he was
executed, Jose Rizal retracted back to Roman Catholicism. As mentioned in Federico
Moreno’s report, Jose Rizal did religious practices inside his prison cell, which includes
attending a mass, nuptial with his lover, confessions, praying, and venerating the
Blessed Mother. He also mentioned that Rizal signed the document of retraction. The
document was also signed by Juan del Fresno and Señor Maure, which was confirmed
as the person’s identified by Federico Moreno when Fr. Garcia found a retraction
document of Rizal 1935. This undoubtedly, proved that Jose Rizal died as a Catholic,
not a Mason.

III. Analysis

Weighing different claims and sources, I consider Federico Moreno’s account

more credible compared to the account of Fr. Balaguer, even if both firmly claimed that
Rizal retracted back to Catholicism. Federico Moreno is a Chief Inspector. His job is

14
 clearly not affiliated in church or mason activity. What makes his account more credible
is the fact that it was written and submitted the day after Jose Rizal was executed in
Bagumbayan, meaning the chances of considering it as revised or polished is very low.
His narration was also detailed—including the names of who visited Rizal prior to his
execution, the time of visitation, the prayers prayed by Rizal in the chapel, and his last
meal on earth. In his report, he also mentioned the nuptials of Jose Rizal and Josephine
Bracken, the last mass attended by Jose Rizal, his last confession, and Jose Rizal
receiving a holy communion before he was handcuffed and brought to Bagumbayan.
The presented facts and evidences strongly affirms that Jose Rizal did retract back to the
Catholicism.

IV. Conclusion

Retracted or not, the fact still remains that it was Jose Rizal who awakened the
knowledge of nationalism in the Philippines. The controversy, whether he died as a
catholic or not, will never belie any of his writings and how immeasurable his
contributions to the Philippine independence.

15
ACTIVITY 4

THE CRY OF PUGAD

LAWIN AN ISSUE
ANALYSIS

IN RIPH (READINGS IN PHILIPPINE

HISTORY)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

16
 January 2021/ February 2021

I. The Issue

The first cry of the rebellion is a very intriguing topic in the Philippine history.

There were various accounts that made the issue more controversial that it already was.

The various accounts differ the place and date when the historic cry occurred, which is

still debatable up until today.

II. Historical Background

The Cry of Pugad Lawin symbolizes the Filipino’s cry for freedom. The Filipino

revolutionaries, led by Andres Bonofacio, seek for freedom against the cruel regime of

the colonizers who had governed the country for centuries. The cry was basically the

beginning of Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonization.

In Teodora Agoncillo’s account, The Revolt of the Masses, Pio Valenzuela

claimed that the cry happened on August 23, 1896, in the house of Juan Ramos, the son

of Tandang Sora. Juan Ramos’ home was situated in Sitio Gulod. Andres Bonifacio led

the discussion and planning about the upcoming rebellion against the Spaniards. He

even encouraged the rebels to take their cedulas out and tear it to pieces as it would

serve as the symbolism of their determination to fight against the authority who terribly

ruled the country.

III. Analysis

17
 The controversies about the first cry of the rebellion is still tackled by historians

until today. Even if the NHI considered that the first cry took place in Pugad Lawin on

August 23, 1896, many historians still cannot accept this as historically accurate. Truth

to be told, the research conducted by NIH lacks documentation and evidences. And the

testimony of the only witness—Pio Valenzuela, who claimed that the cry happened on

August 23, 1896 in Pugad Lawin—is not enough to verify the complicated event.

IV. Conclusion
Despite the place and date controversies of the first cry of the rebellion, no one

can eradicate the fact that what does really matter is the courage and determination of

the Filipino people who fought against the Spaniards in the past. Their sacrifices to fight

for the freedom of the Philippines were immeasurable.

REFLECTION
Primary sources are important in writing a historical document as it provides raw,
original, and first-hand information data. It promotes deeper understanding of history. It
improves the critical thinking of a student to be able to produce a historic interpretation.
Nowadays, looking for an actual primary source, especially about the Philippine historical
controversies, is quite challenging. It is time consuming to look for one credible source, most
especially if it is a lost document. As we all know, primary sources are not accessible to
everyone, especially the primary sources of the past events. However, with the help of
different interpretations historians about the historical events and issues, learning the and
creating analysis and judgements about the past was not impossible to do so.

18
POST ASSESSMENT: (Coverage: LESSON III)

(Major Exam: Semi-Finals)

Test-I (Identification): Read the following items and write your answer on the space provided.

LIMASAWA ISLAND 1. Site of the first mass was held in the Philippines.

MARCH 31, 1521 2. Date when the fist mass was held in the Philippines.

LAS FELIPINAS 3. Name given to our country by Ferdinand Magellan.

SAN MIGUEL 4. First Spanish City which was named: the “city of the most holy

name of Jesus”

SANTO NIÑO 5. The image given by Magellan to Queen Juana after being

baptized.

LIGA FILIPINA 6. Event Organization founded by Dr. Jose Rizal to campaign for

reforms.

RIZAL THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY 7. Document declaring Rizal’s belief in the

Catholic Church.

CRY OF PUGAD LAWIN 8. Revolutionary event that happened when Bonifacio tore the

cedula or tax receipt before the katipuneros who also did the same.

19
TRINIDAD PARDO DE TAVERA 9. Primary source & Filipino version of “Cavity

Mutiny.”

CAVITE MUTINY 10. Event which has a major factor in the awakening of

nationalism among the Filipinos of that time.

Test-II (Enumeration):
1.2 (2) Primary Sources of the First Mass in the Philippines
- Antonio Pigafetta’s, First Voyage Around the World
- Albo’s Log
3.4 (2) Historic Events in the Year 1872
- 1872 Cavite Mutiny
- Martyrdom of Gomburza

5.7 (3) Primary Sources of the Cavity Mutiny

- Pardo de Tavera
- Jose Montero Vidal
- Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo,
8-9 (2) Great Volume of Rizal’s Lifework
- Noli Me Tangere
- El Filibusterismp
10-12 (3) Martyr Priests (complete names)
- Mariano Gomez
- José Burgos
- Jacinto Zamora
13-16 (4) Historical Issues
- Site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines
- Cavite Mutiny
- The Retraction of Jose Rizal
- Cry of Rebellion
17-18 (2) Primary Sources of the Cry of Rebellion
- Guillermo Masangkay
- Pio Valenzuela

20
19-20 (2) Key Concepts in Historical Analysis
- Cause and Effect

Test-III (True or False): Read the following the following statement below. Write True if the

statement is true. Otherwise, write False in the space provided.

TRUE________1. The site of the monument to the Heroes of 1896 was chosen because this is

the actual place where the Cry of the Rebellion happened.

TRUE________2. The Cry of the Rebellion happened in the present-day Quezon City.

FALSE_______3. There is no doubt that Rizal retracted his writings to be able to marry

Josephine Bracken.

TRUE________4. The Cavity Mutiny is an event that led to the execution of the GOMBURZA.

TRUE________5. Jose Rizal’s essays go against the Catholic faith.

TRUE________6. The significance of the martyrdom of GOMBURZA is questioned by

historians.

TRUE________7. There is only one account of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines.

FALSE_______8. Multi perspectivity is a quality of historical writing attributed to variety of

lenses that may be used to view the past.

TRUE________9. We make sense of the past through historical interpretation.

TRUE________10. Historical interpretation is based on the historian’s judgment on how the past

should be seen.

Test-IV (Essay): (10 points)

1. From the four (4) historical issues, choose one (1) and explain briefly to which version and
account you agree.
Among all the controversial issues in the Philippine history, I chose the 1872 Cavite
Mutiny. I firmly agree with the narratives of the Filipino scholar and researcher, Pardo de

21
 Tavera about the historic Cavite Mutiny. The cruel intentions and unfair system imposed by
the Spanish Government highly triggered the rebels to go against the authorities and end the
Spanish regime. The incident clearly feared the Spaniards, and because of what happened, the
Spaniards caught and killed those who participated in the mutiny. It also led to the execution
of Gomburza and death of some educated men who are knowledgeable about liberty. With
those harsh judgment—killings and life imprisonment—the Spaniards thought that the natives
will learn their lesson not to go against their rule, but ironically, it boosted and inspired the
Filipinos to call for reforms and independence.

LESSON IV

Social, Political, Economic, and Cultural Issues

in Philippine History

PRE-ASSESSMENT: LESSON IV
Directions: Read the following statement below. Write True if the statement is true. Otherwise,
write False in the space provided.

TRUE________1. The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution was a result of the passage in the

United States Congress of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act.

FALSE_______2. The Philippine Commonwealth was interrupted by the Cold War.

TRUE________3. Before 1973, the constitution in effect in the Philippines was the 1935

Constitution.

TRUE________4. Landownership in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period was a

great hatred source of hatred and resentment among the Filipinos.

TRUE________5. The American period ushered in a great improvement in landownership in the

country.

FALSE_______6. Agrarian reform under the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was a failure.

FALSE_______7. The cedula personal was optional during the Spanish period.

22
FALSE_______8. The VAT or value-added tax was introduced during the time of President

Elpidio Quirino.

FALSE_______9. Direct taxation was suggested by the American after World War II, but then

President Manual Roxas declined it.

TRUE________10. The Sin Tax Reform is a good example on how tax reform could impact

social services.

EXPLORING ACTIVITIES:

The lessons here are dedicated to enduring issues in Philippines society which history

could lend a hand in understanding, and hopefully, proposing solutions. These topics include the

mandated discussion on Philippine constitution, policies on agrarian reform, and taxation.

Before the discussion of the said topics, do the activity below by reading the problems &

providing solutions through the topics mentioned.

PROBLEMS:

1. Reference to corruption of government officials.

Answer:
Suppressing the corruption in the Philippines is next to impossible. It has been deeply
rooted in our culture and has been practiced for too long now. No one can fully eradicate
corruption, but it can be reduced. The only effective way to diminish corruption is by
implementing a proper and the best quality of education for everyone—especially for the
young ones—the future generation. If all the voters are equipped with knowledge and proper
education, then there won’t be an incompetent, untrustworthy, and corrupt official serving in
the government. The absence of this kind of unfaithful leaders would eventually make a great
impact in the society.

2. Land owner and land tiller dispute.

Answer:
Quarrels related to land ownership arises from indefinite and inconsistent land policies.

23
 Creating an effective, much structured planning, and consistent land management and policies
regarding of land ownership between the land owners and land tillers, would greatly prevent
debates and disputes to occur.

3. Source of government income.

Answer:
The government income or the government funds provides the financial support for the public
consumption and use. For instance, the bridges, roads, education, health care, and many more. In often
times, the government funds are not enough to sustain all the needs of the public. To resolve this income
issues, it would be better if the government will provide jobs to save the people from poverty. With this, it
will not only help people but the nation as well. It will boost the economic income of the country.

DEMONSTRATION APPLICATION:

ACTIVITY 1 – 3: Reaction Paper

Direction: Search and analyze the details of each topic and write a reaction paper regarding its
relevance to the country.

ACTIVITY 1

Relevance of the Constitution

A Reaction Paper

In RIPH (Readings in Philippine History)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

24
 Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

I. Summary

Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It a set of rules that guides a country
and establishes, organizes, and empowers the government and determines how laws are
implemented. In the Philippines, we have had over six constitutions in total: The 1899
Malolos Constitution, The 1935 Constitution, The 1943 Constitution, The 1973
Constitution, and The 1987 Constitution. In the present time, the constitution in the
Philippines is The 1987 Constitution or also known as the Freedom Constitution.

Constitution is the most vital part of any country as it both organizes and
constrain power. Constitution is highly necessary because it maintains law and order of
a country, it imposes rules and regulations, it protects individual’s rights, and it limits
the power of the government. The absence of constitution will result in ungovernable
chaos—or worst in war. Without this, the society will be in total confusion, the people
will be denied with their rights, the oppressors might take advantage the oppressed, and
the government will never function well.

II. Reaction

Constitution was established to protect people’s rights to life, property, and

freedom. It was created to end injustices and oppression. Constitution is the most
important law that government and people must follow for the betterment of the state or
country. However, as what I’ve observed, some people doesn’t respect the proposed
constitution. There are people—especially in the government—who dishonor and
violates the constitution over and over again. They use their power for their own

25
 benefits. Their power turns them to be greedy. The Constitution was created to be
respected and followed, not neglected. It is so disappointing to know that there are
people who ignores the constitution and the importance of it. They should know that the
ignorance of law excuses no one and there’s no way that can escape the liability once
they disobey the law by being unware of it

III. Conclusion
Constitution protects the majority. It secures the safety and rights of the people
in a country. It promotes social stability and peace and it upholds national sovereignty.
Every citizen should respect and value the Constitution as it serves as the guide to live a
harmonious and trouble-free life in a diverse society.

IV. Recommendation
To strengthen the respect for the constitution, one must lead. One must serve as
an example to be followed by the people. For instance, the governing body—the public
officials. They must show and spread awareness the importance of being a law abiding
citizen. Moreover, boosting the education system will also play a massive role to
cultivate the constitution to people.

26
ACTIVITY 2

Agrarian Reform Policies

A Reaction Paper

In RIPH (Readings in Philippine History)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

27
 JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

I. Summary
During the pre-Hispanic era in the Philippines, the land is known to be a
communal property. Meaning everyone has the right of the land—the datu, freemen,
serfs and slaves. Private ownership of lands was introduced when the Spaniards
colonialize the Philippines. They presented the concept of encomienda or also known as
the Royal Land Grants to the country. The natives, who once owned the land, became
tenants to the powerful landlords.

The 1995 Constitution and other reforms settled the issues of foreign ownership
to land, and especially the relationship between the land owners and land tillers. The
early administrations, however, was not able to properly address land distribution
concerns and the policies and rules entailed were barely practiced and followed. With
this, the problems and policies of land ownership become more complicated and
tangled. The low level of effectivity of the established reforms caused drastic rural
poverty—especially for the farmers who still rent the land.

II. Reaction

The Philippine agrarian system remain as one of the longest issues that is still
been tackled up until today. This has been a problem in our country for more than a
century. And resolving this issue seems to be far from sight as of the moment.

As what I have noticed, the delays and hindrances in solving this issue is the
incompetence of the leaders and officials in the government in handling the reforms or

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 the issue in general. It seems that the officials who were elected and now sited in the
government ignore the importance of this reform to the public—especially for the
landless farmers. I also believe that there are some land owners who blocks this reform
to push through. For some reason, land made them powerful. It benefits them financially
by having their land leased to the farmers, and for others, owning a land helps them
bigtime in their political careers. The success and effectivity of this Agrarian Reforms in
the country would affect them drastically.

I believe that farmers should have a fair share of the land. Their efforts to work
in the fields to provide food for the masses is incomparable. The irony is that these
farmers are the ones who plants crops for people, but they are unable to sustain for their
daily needs. It is so upsetting and sad that the plea of farmers still remains unheard up
until today. If the farmers would be given a fair share of the land, then the rate of
poverty would decrease. The price of agricultural products will decrease as well and
many people will never experience hunger again due to the high-priced crops. And most
especially, farmers will get to earn what they truly deserve.

III. Conclusion

Land reform is one of the complicated laws in the Philippines. Many

administrations have had passed but the agrarian reform issues aren’t cleared yet.
Despite all the laws that was enacted before, none of these improved the agrarian
situation in the country. The Presidential Decree No. 27 issued during the Marcos
administration and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of the Aquino regime,
did not make much development in the Philippine agrarian state. If the agrarian reform
policy will be enacted well and effectively, then there would be a great effect in the
economy.

IV. Recommendation

The landless farmers are the ones who are clearly treated unfairly in this agrarian
reform issue in our country. The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program proposed
during the administration of Cory Aquino was clearly a fail—no development and no

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 progress was seen. To solve the agrarian problem in the Philippines would most likely
need a new system or reform. The government should create and enact a new reform
that would effectively respond to the farmer’s plea. The effectivity of a new proposed
reform would surely alleviate the farmers from poverty. On the other hand, Filipino’s
can also extend their help to the farmers through spreading awareness and information
to the public about the injustices and mistreatments the farmers experience.

ACTIVITY 3

Policy of Taxation

A Reaction Paper

In RIPH (Readings in Philippine History)

Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

30
 Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

I. Summary

Tax refers to the involuntary fees imposed on every individual or corporation to

sustain the governments expenditures which promotes general welfare to all of its
citizens. Taxes funds the public services such as education, health care, infrastructures
like buildings and roads. Taxes are compulsory, and the failure to settle taxes is
punishable by law. In the Philippines, it is the responsibility of the Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR) to collect tax of the national level, while the taxes of local level are
hereby collected by the local treasurer’s office.

II. Reaction

In southeast Asia, Philippines is ranked as one of the highest tax paying country.
According to a study, Filipino’s are taxed up to 32% of their income. Which
approximately higher compare to other developed countries in southeast Asia. With the
high tax income, foreigners would often have thought that Philippines is a rich country,
equipped with good services and infrastructures. However, in reality, Filipino people
still experience the worst and poor government services.

I am deeply saddened of the fact that we pay enormous amount of taxes, but the
services we have is far from what we really deserve. It would be fine to pay a high tax if
the services we experience and the infrastructures we have is worthy for what we pay
for. I am also disappointed that the money we involuntarily render to the government

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 goes directly to the corrupt officials. Like what happened in PhilHealth. In 2020, it was
reported that 15 billion pesos was stolen from the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation. With this, we can tell that the healthcare system would be tremendously
affected. There are actually more corruptions happening around and it is affecting the
country’s economy terribly.

III. Conclusion

Tax is imposed on every nation. Its primary purpose is to fund the government
expenses for the needs of the public. But, sadly, these funds for public use often lands in
the pockets of corrupt politicians, which, apparently, results to an awful effect in the
country’s economy. The effects are vividly seen in mediocre services in healthcare,
education, and poor infrastructures, such as bridges, roads, and buildings that easily
breaks and does not last long.

IV. Recommendation
No country can function without tax. Tax is clearly a vital pillar of a government
to run. In the Philippines, public funding has been a struggle for the government.
Despite how high the tax rate is; the country is still in debt. If the government genuinely
wanted to improve the funds or taxation in the country, they need to create a proper
system—with decent leaders, of course. Creating a new system of taxation together with
proper implementation, the taxpayers will not be discouraged to pay and the government
would have a sufficient fund to respond to the public needs. With this, the economy of
the country will eventually be in a good state.

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REFLECTION

The Constitution of the Philippines is the most important law of the land. It contains all
the important policies of the political system. It guides the country to make decisions and it
promotes fair judgement to all. It also guides the country to live peacefully in spite of
diversity. We have had six constitutions but only three constitutions have effectively governed
the Philippines.

Agrarian reform aims to make amendment in the agriculture and land issues in the
Philippines. Agrarian reform seeks to grant and redistribute the land to the landless farmers.
However, this reform was not effectively enacted as it was believed that some politicians and
who’s in power constantly blocks the implementation of the law. Because of this, the
agricultural sector of the country remains impoverished and the small farmers remains poor.

People must render money to the government. These funds are called the tax. It was
believed that taxation started when we were colonized way before. Taxes are basically used to
fund for the services and infrastructures in the country, which government believed to improve
people’s lives.

As I reflect in this lesson, I noticed what makes this certain existing issues in our
country unsolvable is the poor decision making skills and critical thinking of Filipinos—
especially the leaders. The incompetence and corrupt minds of the leaders resulted this events
to happen. What we are experiencing right now is the consequences of poor and decisive

33
 decisions that happened in the past and still continuously happens until today. Here, I realized
how essential education is. If the government will fund and make the education system better
in our country, then we won’t be facing these uncertainties we are dealing right now in the
future. Education can change everything. If education will be imposed to all, then we can have
a good governance; genuine leaders who do really care for the state and the welfare of the
public. With good leadership, people will be empowered to think critically, be responsible,
more meticulous, and wiser. With this, Philippines would probably become a peaceful, rich,
and injustice-free country.

POST ASSESSMENT: (Coverage: LESSON IV)

(Major Exam. - Final Exam.)

Test-I (Identification): Read each item & identify the correct answer. Write the complete

answer on the space provided.

TAXATION 1. Compulsory financial charge or some other type of levy imposed upon a

taxpayer (an individual or legal entity) by a governmental organization in order to fund

government spending and various public expenditures.

TAX EVASION 2. Refers to failure to pay tax or resistance to taxation, is punishable by

law.

3.

CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES 4. Governs chiefly the policy of taxation in the

Philippines.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6657 5. Signed on June 10, 1988, by former President

Corazon C. Aquino into law otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law

(CARL).

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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6657 6. Instituted through CARL in order to promote

social justice and industrialization providing the mechanism for its implementation and for other

purposes.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM AND THE AGRARIAN REFORM SPECIAL

ACCOUNT FUND 7. Government agency created through Republic

Act No.6389 and Republic Act No.6390 0f 1971.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 2 8. Declared the country under land reform program

in September 26, 1972.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3844 9. Restricted land reform scope to tenanted rice and

corn lands and set retention limit at 7 hectares.

SPANIARDS 10. Introduced to the Philippines the concept of “encomienda” or Royal

Land Grants.

TAXATION 11. Refers to the practice of a government collecting money from its

citizens to pay for public services.

INCOME TAX 12. Tax on all yearly profits arising from property, profession, trades or

offices, or as a tax on a person’s income, emoluments, profits, and the like.

PERCENTAGE TAX 13. Business tax imposed and collected from the seller in the course of

trade or business on every sale of properties (real or personal), lease of goods or properties (real

or personal), or vendors of services. It is an indirect tax; thus, it can be passed on to the buyer. 99

ARTICLE XI 14. Article of the Constitution which states the Accountability of Public

Officers.

ARTICLE II 15. Article of the Constitution that covers the declaration of Principles and

State Policies.

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Test-II (True or False): Read the following statement below. Write True if the statement is true.

Otherwise, write False in the space provided.

TRUE________1. The Sin Tax Reform is a good example on how tax reform could impact

social services.

FALSE_______2. Direct taxation was suggested by the American after World War II, but then

President Manual Roxas declined it.

FALSE_______3. The VAT or value-added tax was introduced during the time of President

Elpidio Quirino.

FALSE_______4. Cedula personal was optional during the Spanish period.

FALSE_______5. Agrarian reform under the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was a failure.

TRUE________6. The American period ushered in a great improvement in landownership in the

country.

TRUE________7. Before 1973, the constitution in effect in the Philippines was the 1935

Constitution.

TRUE________8. Landownership in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period was a

great hatred source of hatred and resentment among the Filipinos.

FALSE_______9. The Philippine Commonwealth was interrupted by the Cold War.

TRUE________10. The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution was a result of the passage in the
United States Congress of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act.

Test-III (Enumeration):

1-3 (3) Branches of Government

 LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

 JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

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4-6 (3) Constitutional Commissions

 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

 COMMISSION ON ELECTION

 COMMISSION ON AUDIT

7-9 (3) Sources of the Policies of Taxation in the Philippines

 CONSTITUTION

 NATIONAL LAW

 LOCAL LAWS

10-12 (3) Articles of the Constitution

 ARTICLE I - NATIONAL TERRITORY

 ARTICLE III - BILL OF RIGHTS

 ARTICLE IV - CITIZENSHIP

13-15 (3) Examples of Taxes in the Philippines

 INCOME TAX

 VALUE ADDED TAX

 PERCENTAGE TAX

Test-IV (Essay):

Explain briefly the relevance of the following: (5 pts. Each)

A. Constitution

 Set of fundamental principles established precedents according to which a state or

other organization is governed, thus the word itself means to be a part of a whole,

the coming together of distinct entities into one group, with the same principles

and ideals

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 B. CARP

 Created the Department of Agrarian Reform and the Agrarian Reform Special

Account Fund. It strengthens the position of farmers and expanded the scope of

agrarian reform.

C. Taxation

 A tax is a compulsory financial charge, or some other type of levy imposed upon

a taxpayer (an individual or legal entity) by a governmental organization in order

to fund government spending and various public expenditures.

LESSON V:

Doing History: Local and Oral History

(PRE-ASSESSMENT):
Direction: Essay

1. What do you know about local history? Can you give example?
Local history is the study of history the local geographic context. It is focused on the
local community—the daily life, struggles, achievements of the people and historical events in
the small community. For example, the local traditions and distinct practices and beliefs of a
small community.

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EXPLORING ACTIVITIES:

It is not enough that we know our history. We must also realize that as agents of social

change, we can contribute to the narrative of the nation by participating in writing about our

past and present. This topic focuses on applying the skills you have learned in the previous

lessons in writing history. Special attention will be given to doing local history. Practice doing

local history. Start identifying possible historical subject in your municipality or barangay and

make a list. From your list choose the historical subject which you are most interested.

List: The first institution built in Tacloban City, The way of life, The famous historical places

and spots in the city.

Among all the listed topics I wrote, I am interested in historical places and spots in the city. I am

intrigued about the story behind the Redoña Residences in Tacloban and why it was demolished in 2019.

Redoña Residences was known as the little Malacañang in Tacloban City. It was built in the early 1900’s.

According to sources, it was Sergio Osmeña’s residence in Tacloban during the World War II.

DEMONSTRATION (APPLICATION)

Tacloban City, Leyte

A Written Local History

In RIPH (Readings in Philippine History)

39
 Presented to:

MRS. ELENA C. BERNABE, MPM, DM (CAR)

GHIST- INSTRUCTOR

Presented by:

JEROME MARC C. MONTILLA

BSRT1 - ST. JUDE

January 2021/ February 2021

I. Introduction
Tacloban City is the largest and highly urbanized city in Region 8, Eastern
Visayas. It has a land area of 77.88 square miles. Tacloban is the most populous city in
Eastern Visayas. It has an approximate population of 240,000. Most residents in
Tacloban speak waray-waray, a local dialect. Tacloban City serves as the provincial
capital of both Leyte and Samar. The city is home for great hospitals, big universities,
and major shopping areas or malls in Eastern Visayas. Tacloban City is known for its
famous delicacies like moron, binagol, and suman. It is also known for its famous
tourist spots such as San Juanico Bridge—which connects Samar and Leyte, Sto. Nino
Shrine, Sto. Nino Church, and Leyte Provincial Capitol.

40
 II. Historical Background
Tacloban City was first known as Kankabatok. It was named after Kabatok, the
first inhabitant of the area—now is the Downtown area of Tacloban City. Kankabatok
was declared as a municipality in the year of 1770, the same year as the Augustinian
Missionaries discovered the area. The name was changed to Tarakluban, meaning a
contraption or cover for crabs, fishes, and sea creatures. And when the Franciscans
arrived in 1813, the name Tarakluban was changed into Tacloban, which is now the
present name of the City.

Since Tacloban City is located on the coast of San Pedro Bay and Cancabato
Bay, Tacloban became an ideal location for trading between Leyte and Samar. In 1830,

Tacloban was chosen as the capital of Leyte. On the 20th day of June 1952, Tacloban
became a city through the Republic Act No. 760, signed by the former President Elpidio
Quirino. And in December 2008, Tacloban City was considered as a highly urbanized
city in Eastern Visayas.

III. Documentation (attach historical pictures

41
 Sto. Niño Shrine Leyte Provincial Capitol

San Juanico Sto. Niño Church

IV. Conclusion & Recommendation

Tacloban is a flourishing city. New establishments and new sights are seen.
Improvements such these is actually good to boost Tacloban City’s economy and for it
to be known more. Tacloban City is indeed a promising place. However, the
government and the people should not also forget how Tacloban was known. The Local
Government of Tacloban should give importance to the historical places and must
treasure and protect the history and identity of Tacloban.

REFLECTION

Local history comprises stories that reveals the past and significant event in a certain

local community or place. Studying local history would allow people to connect what

happened in past to the present day. It serves as an instrument to discern the issues and distinct

event of the past that would help locals to interpret and embrace their locality. It is used to

enrich the national narratives about the historical events and personalities in a certain area or

place that no one else can claim. It also enables locals to share the stories through their own

42
understanding. Learning local history can be used to strengthen one’s nationalism. Moreover,

it is also essential because it reflects a person’s own identity and experiences.

Prepared by:

JEROME MARC MONTILLA

BSRT-I/ ST. JUDE

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