Readings in Philippine History

Learning Outcome

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: PRELIM MODULES 2

1. Analyze the content, context, and perspective of the document.

2. Explain the importance of Pigafetta’s account on the study of Philippine History.

DISCUSSION

Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History

First Voyage around the World by Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan’s fateful circumnavigation of the world with an Italian nobleman, Antonio
Pigafetta, began in the sixteenth century. It is one of the most important primary sources in the study
of the pre-colonial Philippines. This was also a major reference to the events leading to Magellan’s
arrival in the Philippines, his encounter with local leaders, his death in the hands of Lapulapu’s forces
in the Battle of Mactan, and in the departure of what was left of Magellan’s fleet from the islands. The
First Voyage around the World by Magellan was published after Pigafetta returned to Italy.

Magellan and Pigafetta reached the Ladrones Islands or the “Islands of Thieves”, presently
known as the Marianas Islands. After ten days, Magellan decided to land in another uninhabited
island for greater security where they could rest for a few days. After two days, March 18, nine men
came and welcomed them with foods, drinks and gifts. The natives also gave them fish, palm wine
(uraca), figs, two cochos, rice (umai), cocos, and other food supplies. The people are friendly and
willingly showed them different islands. One of which is the “Watering Place of Good Signs”,Humunu
Island (Homonhon) where you can found the first signs of gold. This island and the nearby islands are
the archipelago of St. Lazarus. On March 25th, they saw two ballanghai (balangay), a long boat full of
people in Mazzava/Mazua. The king of the ballanghai (balangay), Raia Siagu, sent his men to the
ship of Magellan to offer a bar of gold and a chest of ginger, but Magellan declined. Instead, Magellan
asked for money for the needs of his ships. Magellan, then exchanged gifts of robes in Turkish
fashion, red cap, and gave the people knives and mirrors. He further showed the king his other
weapons, helmets, artilleries. Magellan also shared his charts, maps and islands they found.

After a few days, Magellan was introduced to the king’s brother, Raia Calambu, who was a
king of another island named Zuluan and Calagan (Butuan and Caragua). Raia Calambu was the
most handsome of all the men in the island. He was adorned with silk and gold accessories like a
golden dagger which he carried with him in a wooden polished sheath. His house and the parts of the
ship are made of gold. On March 31st, an Easter Sunday, ordered the chaplain to preside a Mass by
the shore. The king sent two dead pigs and attended the mass with the other king. After the mass,
Magellan ordered that the cross be brought with nails and crown in place for it would be beneficial to
the people because Spaniards will saw the cross and know that they had been in that island and
would not cause troubles. After seven days, Magellan moved to the islands of Ceylon (Leyte), Bohol,
and Zebu (Cebu). Cebu is the largest and the richest of the islands. By April 7th of the 7 same year,
Magellan and his men reached the port of Cebu. The king of Cebu offered a bit of his blood and
demanded that they pay tribute for it was customary. The following day, Magellan spoke about peace
and God. And on the 14th of April, Magellan spoke to the king and encouraged him to be a good
Christian by burning all the idols and worship the cross instead. And so, the king of Cebu was
baptized as a Christian.

On the 26th of April, Zula, a principal man from the island of Matan (Mactan), asked for a bat
full of men to fight the chief named Silapulapu (Lapulapu). However, Magellan offered three boats
and expressed his desire to go to Mactan himself to fight Lapulapu. Magellan’s total forces are 49 and
the islanders of Mactan were estimated to number 1,500. Magellan died in the battle because he was
pierced with a poisoned arrow in his right leg. Magellan was hit with a lance in the face. He retaliated
and pierced the same native with his lance in the breast and tried to draw his sword but could not lift it
because of his wounded arm. Magellan attacked with lances, swords, and even with their bare hands.
Magellan’s men elected Duarte Barbosa as the new captain. They left Cebu and continued their
journey around the world.

ACTIVITIES

Directions: READ the excerpts from the book Magellan’s Voyage Around the World by Antonio
Pigafetta. Analyze the content, context and perspective of the document by answering the
following question.
1. Who is Antonio Pigafetta? What is his role in the Magellan expedition?
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2. According to Pigafetta, how did the locals of the island welcome Magellan and his crew? (indicate
the page number/s on which you based your answer)
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3. How are the islander’s way of life, cultural practices, and religious beliefs described from the book
(indicate the page number/s on which you based your answer)? What does Pigafetta’s account tell us
about the conditions of the Visayan Islands in the 16 th century?
Cultural Practices
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Religious Beliefs
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Conditions of the Visayan islands in the 16 th century according to Pigafetta’s account
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4. Based on Pigafetta’s account, how did the battle of Mactan start? (Indicate the page number/s on
which you based your answer)
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5. What particular traits of early Filipinos would you consider are still evident today? Do you agree
that such particular traits contributed to the present problems we have as a nation? Do you agree that
Filipinos are becoming more passive, more self-centered in their attitude in resolving so many issues
besetting our country? Justify your answer.
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Rubric
10 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a clear, sensible and
consistent manner. There are no major grammatical errors.
7 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a somewhat clear,
sensible and consistent manner. There may be minor grammatical errors.
4 - The student has difficulty answering the different questions and explaining his/her answer. There
may be major grammatical errors.
1 - The student makes an attempt to answer the different questions but the explanation is without
merit.

Prepared by;

DARWIN M. LORCENA
Instructor
 Readings in Philippine History

Learning Outcome

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: PRELIM MODULE 3

1. Examine the context and perspective of the document.

2. Determine the main teachings and guiding principles of the Kartilya
3. Recognize the importance of the Kartilya to the past and today’s society.

DISCUSSION

Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History

The KKK and the Kartilya ng Katipunan

The Kataastaasan Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan

is the most important organization formed in the Philippine History. It was only the organization that
envisioned a united Filipino nation that would revolt against the Spaniards for the total independence
of the country from Spain. Katipunan created a complex structure and a defined value system that
would guide the organization as a collective aspiring for a single goal. One of the most important
Katipunan documents was the Kartilya ng Katipunan which was originally titled as “Manga [sic] Aral
Nang [sic] Katipunan ng mga A.N.b.” or Lessons of the Organization of the Sons of Country. It was
written by Emilio Jacinto in 1896 who is a law student at the Unibersidad of Santo Tomas. Jacinto
was only 18 years of age when he joined the movement, but, due to his value and intellect; he
became the secretary of the organization and took charge of the short-lived printing press of the
Katipunan.

On April 15, 1897, at the age of 22, Jacinto became the commander of the Katipunan in
Northern Luzon, and later, died of Malaria in the town of Magdalena, Laguna at the age of 24. The
Kartilya can be treated as the Katipunan’s code of conduct which consists of fourteen rules that
instruct the way a Katipunero should behave, and which specific values should be uphold. These
rules are classified into two groups. The first rules contains the rules that will make the number an
upright individual and the second group contains the rules that will guide the way he treats his fellow
men. And these rules of Kartilya will help in understanding the values, ideals, aspirations and even
the ideology of the organization.

ACTIVITIES

Question

I. Answer the questions carefully and write your answer on the space provided.10 points
each.
1. What was the socio-political context when the Kartilya was written? How crucial was this
document in the 19th century Philippines?

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2. Research on why Andres Bonifacio, who was then the Supremo or Supreme Leader of the
Katipunan, opted to adopt Emilio Jacinto’s Teaching of the Katipunan insteade of his own draft
of the Dekalogo ng Katipunan (Katipunan code of conduct). Do you find this decision sound?
How are their perspectives different and alike?

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3. Why can the Kartilya be considered timeless and relevant to the industrializing and globalizing
present?

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Rubric
10 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a clear, sensible and
consistent manner. There are no major grammatical errors.
7 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a somewhat clear,
sensible and consistent manner. There may be minor grammatical errors.
4 - The student has difficulty answering the different questions and explaining his/her answer. There
may be major grammatical errors.
1 - The student makes an attempt to answer the different questions but the explanation is without
merit.

Prepared by:

DARWIN M. LORCENA
Instructor
 Readings in Philippine History

Learning Outcome

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: PRELIM MODULES 4

1. Explain how the Philippine achieved its independence from Spanish colonial rule.
2. Examine the state of Philippine independence today.

DISCUSSION

Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History

Proclamation of the Philippine Independence

Philippine Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. We commemorate it every year
for it signalled the end of the 333 years of Spanish colonization. The declaration was a short 2,000-
word document which summarized the reason behind the revolution against Spain, the war for
independence and the future of the new republic under Emilio Aguinaldo. The proclamation
commenced with a characterization of the conditions in the Philippine during the Spanish Colonial
period. The document specifically mentioned abuses and inequalities in the colony such as abuse by
the Civil Guards and the unlawful shooting of prisoners whom they alleged as attempting to escape. It
also condemns the unequal protection of the law between the Filipino people and the eminent
personages. Aside from that, they also condemn what they saw as the unjust deportation and
rendering of other decision with proper hearing.

Moreover, the proclamation proceeded with a brief historical overview of the Spanish
occupation since Magellan’s arrival in Visayas until the Philippine Revolution and after the collapse of
Pact of Biak-na-Bato. The document narrates the spread of the movement like an “electric spark”
through different towns and provinces like Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna and
Morong and the quick decline of Spanish forces in the same provinces. The document also mentions
Rizal’s execution calling it unjust to please the greedy body of friars in their insatiable desire to seek
revenge upon and exterminate all those who are opposed to their Machiavellan purposes when
tramples upon the penal code prescribed for these islands. Also, it narrates the infamous execution of
GOMBURZA in the Cavite Mutiny of January 1872 whose innocent blood was shed through the
intrigues of those so called religious orders.

The proclamation of the independence invokes the establishment of the republic under the
dictatorship of Emilio Aguinaldo. Another detail in the proclamation is the explanation on the
Philippine Flag that was first waved on the same day. The white triangle symbolizes the Katipunan.
The red and blue colors of the flag are associated with courage and peace respectively. The original
symbolic meaning of something presents the several historical truths that can explain the subsequent
events which unfolded after the declaration of independence on the 12th day of June 1898.
ACTIVITIES

Question

I. Answer the questions carefully and write your answer on the space provided.10 points
each.
1. Who is Emilio Aguinaldo? How did he end up as the leader of the revolution?
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2. According to the declaration, how did the Spanish colonization begin?
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3. Who were the inspirations of the revolution?
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4. Considering the American and Japanese occupations as well as the current state of the
Philippines, how important is the 1898 Declaration of Independence?
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Rubric
10 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a clear, sensible and
consistent manner. There are no major grammatical errors.
7 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a somewhat clear,
sensible and consistent manner. There may be minor grammatical errors.
4 - The student has difficulty answering the different questions and explaining his/her answer. There
may be major grammatical errors.
1 - The student makes an attempt to answer the different questions but the explanation is without
merit.

Prepared by:

DARWIN M. LORCENA
Instructor
 Readings in Philippine History

Learning Outcome

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: PRELIM MODULES 5

1. Analyze the historical context and perspective of the document

2. Examine the content of the document.
3. Relate the speech to the country’s current socio-economic and/or socio-political conditions.

DISCUSSION

Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History

Speech of President Corazon C. Aquino Before The Joint Session of the United States
Congress, September 18, 1986
Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino was functioned as he symbol of the restoration of
democracy and the overthrow of the Marcos Dictatorship in 1986 through the EDSA People Power
which considered as the “cheapest revolution” ever. In her speech, it talks of her family background
and Ninoy, her husband who served as the real leading figure of the opposition at that time. Cory
talked about Ninoy’s toil and suffering at the hands of the dictatorship that he resisted. The ideology
or the principles of the new democratic can also be seen in the said speech. Cory then proceeded on
her peace agenda which involves political initiatives and re-integration program to persuade insurgent
to leave the country side and return to the mainstream society to participate in the restoration of
democracy. Also, she enumerates the challenges of the Filipino people as trying to build the new
democracy such as persisting communist insurgency and economic deterioration.

As seen in her speech, she decided to build and continue with the alliance between the
Philippine and the United States to effectively implement an essentially similar foreign policy to that of
the dictatorship. And lastly, Cory ended her speech by thanking America for serving as home to her
family.

ACTIVITIES

Question

I. Answer the questions carefully and write your answer on the space provided.10 points
each.
1. Watch the speech of Cory Aquino. Describe the scene. How was the speech? How did the
audience react to her half-hour-long address?

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 2. How didi the speech affect you as a viewe? In what way would it be rendered relevant to the
current conditions of our country? Cite specific lines from the speech.

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3. What are the points in her speech that you agree and disagree with? Which lines hit home?

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Rubric
10 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a clear, sensible and
consistent manner. There are no major grammatical errors.
7 - The student answers the different questions and explains his/her answer in a somewhat clear,
sensible and consistent manner. There may be minor grammatical errors.
4 - The student has difficulty answering the different questions and explaining his/her answer. There
may be major grammatical errors.
1 - The student makes an attempt to answer the different questions but the explanation is without
merit.

Prepared by:

DARWIN M. LORCENA
Instructor