Republic of the Philippines

CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE

F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

College of Arts and Sciences

GEC 2 – READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY Period: 1st Semester AY 2020-2021

Subject Instructor: BENEDICT EUGENE ABIERA Course, Yr & Block: HRM 1A
Learning Materials: 1.0 Unit 1: Context Analysis Time Allotment: Week 2
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1.1 Learning History
Outline of Topics
1. Why study history?
2. Meaning of History

Specific Intended Learning Outcome/s (SILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student should be able to:
 Demonstrate an understanding of history
 Explain the significance of history
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Read the following articles and answer the given questions.

Lesson 1: Learning History

Why study history?

Reasons why we need to study history, Marvin Perry in 1988
1. To learn about the PAST. As we study history you will learn about the challenges and
achievements of people throughout the country in different period of times. The pleasure
and satisfaction we will gain from examining this amazing record is the initial reason for
studying our country.
2. To understand the PRESENT. The more knowledge we gain of the past, the more
insight we will have into the present. Links between the past and the present are all
around us. History will help us understand ourselves and the country in which we live.
3. To appreciate our HERITAGE. Knowledge of the country’s history will give us an
even greater appreciation of our heritage. Among our legacies are democracy from
ancient Athens. Written law from Mesopotamia, arabic numerals from India. We will to
value these contributions from the past that are the foundation of your culture and
tradition.
4. To broaden our PERSPECTIVE. Philippine history introduces us to places and
societies all over the country. Knowledge of other peoples and cultures will give us a
better perspective of the times in which we live.
5. To acquire background for CRITICAL THINKING. Problems and their solutions
are central to any survey of Philippine history. We will have many opportunities to
uncover the roots of present-day issues. Our understanding of the past will enhance our
ability to evaluate and deal effectively with concerns of our times.

The Meaning of History

1. Yesterday of Mankind. History is the yesterday of mankind. In Philippine history, it is the

memory of all Filipinos both living and dead. Without knowledge of yesterday, without any
memory, there is no guide to tomorrow. A nation without history lacks direction. But a people
who are conscious of their past can improve their future. They know that the forces that shaped
GEC 2 – Readings in Philippine History Page 1 of 1
 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

College of Arts and Sciences

the past are similar to those that shape the world they live in, and those that will determine the
future.
2. Record of the past. This subject is a record of the past. Even as read it, the world will change.
You will in the present, and see it become the future. The one certain thing in history is that
conditions change. Filipinos believe that the changes can become progress-movement toward a
goal, a better world in which Filipinos can live securely, meaningfully, nobly. But without a
guide, without direction, changes may be aimless and meaningless.
3. The story of all Filipinos. This chapter tells you, a student of Philippine history, the story of the
Filipino. It is more than a record of events. For those who have imagination, it is a dramatic
account of what had happened to actual men and women as they strove and searched for the good
life. also, it tries to tell not only what happened, but why it happened.
4. Historical forces. In order to understand our story better, ask yourself questions as you read it. If
you read thoughtfully and critically, asking questions and trying to find answers, you will
discover that history has often been shaped by certain forces. You can learn to discover these
forces by focusing yourself on certain areas, like:
 Geography. The influence of the environment;
 Economy. The kind of living they had;
 Politics. How they governed themselves;
 Education. How science, invention and research played an important part in their lives;
 Religion. How religion influenced the lives of men;
 Humanities. How arts- literature, painting, sculpture, architecture and music reflected the
people who created them;
 Wars. How did men seek peaceful solutions to their conflicts; and
 Civilization. What led to their rise, fall and decline.

History Defined
History is the scientific discipline, which deals with the study of significant events in the past
in order to ascertain the truth. This includes records or accounts usually written in sequential
arrangement of past events especially those concerning a particular nation, people, or field of
knowledge as well as activities.
History is considered to be a scientific discipline because it uses the tools of science in
finding out what really transpired in the past. There are two types of historical epoch:
1. Pre-historic past. Refers to that time before man invented writing. Historians rely on
physical evidences like skeletal remains, fossils and artifacts to ascertain what really
transpired during this period.
2. Historic past. Refers to the periods where events are recorded through written
documents. This period may be divided into the ancient past, the medieval or middle
ages, the modern period, and the post- modern period. Post-modern period history may be
further subdivided into contemporary history and recent history. The contemporary period
refers to that time that happened within the lifetime of a person while recent history refers
to current events.
Sources of Historical Data
There are at least five (5) sources of historical data:
1. Written sources. Everything that is written; for example, letters, diaries, contracts,
bulletins, newspaper accounts, journals, wills, testaments, books periodicals and others.

GEC 2 – Readings in Philippine History Page 2 of 1

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

College of Arts and Sciences

2. Orally transmitted materials. Everything that is unwritten and passed on through word
of mouth: example, myths, folklore, legends, tula, balagtasan, folk songs, kwentong
bayan, pabula and others.
3. Artistic production. Such as historical paintings, portraits, vases, carvings, engravings,
sketches, woven tapestries, and the like.
4. Electronic data. Everything produced through the use of energy like films,
documentaries, radio, television, computer data, and others.
5. Relics and remains. Include fossils, artifacts, bones, vases, potteries, language,

History and Changes

History is only possible because of changes of whatever kind. Without any changes, there
would be no history because something that is inert, dormant and dead cannot produce any kind of
changes.
There are two types of changes. Quantitative changes refer to those that can easily be
measured or counted. Qualitative changes are those that are refer to the modification of the intrinsic
value of thing. The former refers to growth while the latter refers to development. When combined,
they form progress. It is progress that we should watch as we study history, traditions, buildings,
roads, bridges, trails and others.

Learning Activity
Activity 1
Answer the following questions:

1. What is history? Give your own understanding on history aside from the information
already stated above.
2. As an HRM student, how can you relate or what is the importance of history in your
course?
3. Explain the term “Critical Thinking” and how are you applying this in your daily
lives?

Activity 2

1. Determine your Historical origin

Instructions: Illustrate your family using a Family tree and make a short story on
how the history of your family influence and mold your current personality

References:
BATIS Sources in Philippine History, Jose Victor Torres
Philippine History, Aimee A. Dizon et al

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