Prelim Examination

Discuss/explain each question comprehensively. Give examples using concepts and situations
found in Philippine contexts.

1. Why is there a need for us to understand our country’s history? Is there such a thing as
historical necessity? Is there inevitability or necessity in history? Is history destined to
repeat itself?
2. Were the Filipinos uncivilized before the coming of the Spaniards? Why, or why not?
Support your answer.
3. Why is religious tradition important to the study of history and society? Where did the first
Mass in the Philippines take place? What is the religious profile of the Filipino people in
general? How did this affect their way of life?
4. Do you believe that Jose Rizal signed a retraction paper before he was executed in
Bagumbayan? Why or why not? Justify your answer.
5. Why is Rizal our national hero instead of Bonifacio? Do you agree that history is written
by the victors? If history is written by the victors, how do we know if they are telling the
truth?
6. Why was it argued that Bonifacio was the First President of the Philippine First Republic?
In your own opinion, who among Gat Andres Bonifacio and General Emilio Aguinaldo
shall be considered as our first Philippine president? Explain your answer.
7. Describe the location and climate of the Philippines. How had the country’s location and
climate affected the people and their history?
8. Why is the Philippines a poor country despite its abundant and diverse natural resources?
9. Why is the Philippines considered a multilingual nation? In what ways were the people
affected by this situation?
10. What are the traits and values that make the Filipino a distinctive nation? Which of these
traits or values should be modified, or retained, or discarded? Justify your answer.