Module I.

 
Readings in the Philippine History (Hist. 1)
          (Prelim)

Topic 1 - Knowing Philippine History

Introduction:

To make sense of history, it is necessary to first understand what it is all about.

Many people think that history is merely list of names, dates, places and important events. However,
history or the study if history is more than just knowing and memorizing facts. History becomes an
active factor in the study of Philippine society. It is also includes a tool into the development of
Philippine culture through time especially with the influences of the colonial period that would
eventually shape the present Philippine identity.

I. Lesson I – Learning History/understanding history

II. Learning outcomes:

1. Demosntrate an understanding of history

2. Explain te significance of history
3. Discuss how the history came about

III. Pre-assessment:

Multiple choice: Choosse the letter with the correct answer. Write your answers on the blanks provided.

_____   1. Philippine history is a study of struggle. This s according to 

    a. Renator Cosntantino c. Antonio Pigafetta
    b. Sonia Zaide d. Robert Fox
_____   2. The item below is a ssecondary source.
    a. diary b. fossil c. journal d. love letter
_____   3. This is an example of an artifact
    a. jaw bone b. pottery c. soil d. jewelry
_____   4. He wrote the “Sucesos de Las Islas Filipinas
    a. Feodor Jagor c. Alfredo Evangelista
    b. Antonio de Morga d. Arsenio Manuel
_____   5. The remains of the Tabon Man was discovered under the leadership of this Archeologist.
    a. Otley Bayer c. Antonio de Morga
    b. Wilhelm Sohein II d. Robert Fox
_____   6. In the Maragtas story, ten Bornean datus bought this island from the Ati King named 
    Marikudo
    a. Cebu b. Negros c. Panay d. Samar
_____   7. In this alleged manuscript, the Author prays for the preservation of the King os Spain in 1838 
    but spain had no king between 1833 to 1874.
    a. Kalantiaw Code c. Maragtas Code
    b. Sumakwel Code d. Madya-as
_____   8. This is the modern day name of Champa
    a. Java b. Borneo c. South Vietnam d. India
_____   9. The word Filipina was at first given by Villalobos’ men to refer to 
    a. Cebu b. Leyte c. Samar and Leyte d. Manila
_____10. Sung Dynasty sources in 982 AD referrd the Philippin islands as?
    a. Ma-yi b. Ma-I c. Ma-I d. Luzones
_____11. The Katipunan general who wanted the country to be named Rizaline Republic was
    a. Emilio Agjuinaldo b. Pio Del Pilar c. Artemio Ricarte d.Antonio Luna
_____12. The southernmost point of the Philippnes is.?
    a. Pusan point b. Saluag Isle c. Y’ Ami isle d. Sulu
_____13. Based on the migration theory of Otley Bayer, Iron age culture was introduced into the
Philippines Archipelago by?
    a. Malays b. Indonesians c. Negritos d. Chinesse
_____14. The Bagobos are primarily found in?
    a. Davao oriental c. Magjindanao
    b. Davao del Sur d. Sulu Archipelago
_____15. The legend of Benardo Carpio presents an explanation on how the country was?
    a. created b. changed c. colonized d. shaken by earthquake

IV. Lesson Opening

As a historical being, man responds to the situation placed before him and thus his acts
are based on his thoughts. The society uncovers the pattern of the history. To illustrate, in the struggle
of dauntless Filipinos to regain lost rights and freedom during the Spanish era, the propagandists and
revolutionaries responded to colonial oppression by resisting. The challenge was posed by the colonial
subjugations of the Filipinos generally characterized by injustice and corruption. The response was
defiance to the prevailing rule. An examination of the past can tell us a great deal about how we came to
be who we are. It means looking at the roots of modern institutions, ideas values and problems.

V. Discussion Proper

Class, the English word history is derived from the Greek noun “istoria”, meaning
learning. As used by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, history meant a systematic account of a set of
natural phenomena, whether or not chronological factoring was a factor in th account. In the course of
time, however, the equivalent latin word ‘scientia” (English “science”) came ot be used more regularly
to designate non-chronological systematic accounts of natural phenomena, and the word history was
reserved usually for accounts of phenomena esp. Human affairs) in chronological order.

By this most common definition, the word history now means, “the past of mankind”. In
its broadest sense, history is the study of past events. It generally presents the known past. What is
unknown is yet to be retrieved. The recording and analysis of experiences of a society comprise the
totality of a people’s history.

The study of history therefore, is the study of the beliefs and desires, practices and
institutions of human beings. With this definition, history becomes an active factor in the study of
Philippine society. It also includes a look into the development of Philippine culture throough time
especially with the influences of the colonial period that would eventually shape the resent Hpilippine
identity. Why study history? The past can tell us a great deal about how we came to be who we are . It
means looking at the roots of modern institution, ideas, values, and problems. Looking at the past
teaches us to see the world through different eyes – appreciating the diversity of human perceptions,
beliefs and culture.

There are some motivational forces found in the society affecting the actions of people
involved in the situation. A case in point is the early form of trading among the native inhabitants called
“barter”. Alliances of people, communities as well as nations are also rooted in the idea of interchange.

One of the most prominent thinkers of the 19 century was George Wilhelm Friedrich
th

Hegel, a German idealist philosopher. Hegel conceived the subject matter of philosophy to be reality as a
whole. This reality he reffered to as the absolute spirit. Hegel’s role of hisgorical man follows a principle
which he called “Welgiest” or “world spirit”, which embodies ideals like patriotism, heroism and unity.
Applying this in history there were guerilla fighters in World War II who were guided by their sense of
duty and responsibility to lead the people during the warfare. The situation was the Japanese invasion.
The continuation of their thoughts like patriotism and heroism resulted to their historical acts in the
battle that were fought against the Japanese forces during the war era. In understanding history,
another theory to be considered is “economic theory” of Karl Marx, another German philosopher. He
asserts that the prevailing economic system determines the form of societal organization and the
political and intellectual history of he epoch, which thus attribute actions and events in history to
economic motives. The struggle to maintain life is the most enduring motivation for any human activity.

To cite an instance, the intensification of interisland contacts and the increasing

specialization in craftsmanship by early dwellers were brought about by economic considerations.
Centuries of trade and personal relations with Southeast Asian neighbors led to the enrichment of
Filipino life and culture. As more dwellers traded with foreign merchants, influences in the field of
commerce, science, religion, language and the arts became more evident so they were transmitted to
other members of the society. Another example is the Spanish colonial era. It has been said that the  
three primary motives for vast exploration of lad were for God, Gold, and Glory but the main incentive
was for economic reasons. Colonies are important sources of raw-materials and opportunities for
investment. Spain was at the height of its power in the 16 century sine it exercised political and
th

economic control in its several colonies. 

The communist manifesto written by Marx which contains the statements of principles
of the Communist League, embodies the materialist concept of history or historical materialism. The
manifesto states that the history of society is a history of struggle between the ruling class and the
oppressed masses. This is based on the theory of scientific social evolution of Marx, wherein, he stated
that when society was still primitive, there was social equilibrium but with the introduction of new ideas
and tools of doing things, man became greatly concerned with material wealth. Tis led to class struggle
between the workers (proletariat) and the capitalist (bourgeoisie). From these premises, Marx
concluded that the capitalist class would be overthrown by the working class through revolution and
replaced by a classless society.

Philippine history is a people’s history, as defined by Renato Constantino history is “the

recorded struggle of people for even increasing freedom and for newer and higher realization of the
human person.” It is not about the story of man as the individual, but man as the associated man. Man
interacts with nature and with other men, thus consciously changing his own perspective and to some
extent, the system of environment.

History is not merely the work of heroes and great men as elucidated by Constantino in
his book, “The Philippines : A past Revisited.” He pointed out that the masses of individuals, as well as
the social forces generated by collective lives and struggles have to be included. Men must struggle
together to survive the exigencies of natural or social forces intervening their development. The
associated man as part of the society though their collective lives make history. Without a society
history is highly improbable. 

Constantino further mentioned that history is not necessarily presenting a long,

unbroken chain of events. It illustrates movement of people and ideas over time and space. They may
even be in conflict with one another. It is now the task of the historian to weave particular events into a
total view so that these experiences can be summed up and analyzed.

VI. Guide questions:

1. What is history?
2. How is your understanding of history different from what is explained in tis lesson?
3. What does a historian do?
4. How did the word “history” came about? Discuss its etymology and evolution

VII. Generalization/summary

1. The history can serve as a guide to present and the succeeding generations in facing 
     the challenges of the times
2. By projecting the people’s aspirations, a people’s history will enable us to grasp the
direction    
     of the country’s development and identify the factors that impede real progress.

Note: Generate your own generalization at least two

1.
2.

VIII. Post – Learning Assessment

a. True or false: Write letter T if the statement is correct and writ letter F if the statement is 
     incorrect.

_____   1. The task of the historian is to weave particular event into a total view so that these 
     experiences can be summed up and analyzed.
_____   2. Without a society, history is highly imporbable.
_____   3. History is merely the work of heroes and great men.
_____   4. Constantino further mentioned that history is necessarily presentation of a long, 
     unbroken chain of events.
_____   5. One of the prominent thinkers of 19 century was Karl Marx.
th
 _____   6. Hegel’s role of historical man follows a principle,, which he called Weltgiest of world 
     spirit.
_____   7. The study of history is the study of the beliefs and desires, practices and institutions
of 
     human beings.
_____   8. Philippine history is a people’s history as defined by Renato Constantno
_____   9. The early from of trading among the native inhabitants is called “barter.”
_____10. Spain was at the height of its power in the 16 century since it exercised political and 
th

         economic control in its several colonies.

b. Essay 5 points each

1. As a student of history, what do you think will be your duties?

2. What role does history take in the study of Philippine society, culture and identity?

IX. Feedback

X. References:

1. Batis: Sources of Philippine History, By Jose Victor Torres, 2018, C&E Pubishing Inc.
2. Philippine History: By Maria Christine N. Halili, Published and distributed by Rex bookstore