I.

COURSE TITLE: READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

II. COURSE NUMBER: GE 109

III. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course analyzes Philippine history from multiple perspectives through the lens
of selected primary sources coming from various disciplines and different genres. Students
are given opportunities to analyze the author’s background and main arguments, compare
different points of view, identify biases and examine the evidences presented in the
document. The discussions will tackle traditional topics in history and other
interdisciplinary themes that will deepen and broaden their understanding of Philippine
political, economic, cultural, social, scientific, and religious history. Priority is given to
primary materials that could help students develop their analytical and communication
skills. The end goal is to develop the historical and critical consciousness of the students so
that they will become versatile, articulate, broadminded, morally upright and responsible
citizens.

IV. TOTAL LEARNING TIME: 54 Hours in a Semester

V. OVERVIEW:

This module aims to be a guide to the students of CAPSU DAYAO who are
affected of this COVID-19 Pandemic. This is with regards to the solution to the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is trying to implement; specifically it is
called The Blended Learning. In this step, students are encouraged to the online
learning as well as the face to face learning. Preferably, this module is most
beneficial to those students who are stranded in their respective provinces. For all
we know that other municipalities in our province have a very poor internet
connection. This will still update them and encourage them to do independent
learning. And if by chance they have access to the internet, they could contact their
teachers for some additional module or clarifications about the said module.

VI. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Evaluate primary sources for their credibility, authenticity, and provenance
2. Analyze the context, content, and perspective of different kinds of primary
sources
3. Determine the contribution of different kinds of primary sources
4. Develop critical and analytical skills with exposure to primary sources
5. Demonstrate the ability to use primary sources to argue in favor or against a
particular issue
6. Effectively communicate, using various techniques and genres, their
historical analysis of a particular event or issue that could help others
understand the chosen topic
7. Propose recommendations/solutions to present-day problems based on their
understanding of root causes and their anticipation of future scenarios
8. Display the ability to work in a team and contribute to a group project
 9. Manifest interest in local history and concern in promoting and preserving
our country’s national patrimony and cultural heritage

VII. INDICATIVE CONTENT:

CHAPTER 1 – Meaning and relevance of history; distinction of primary and

secondary sources; external and internal criticism; repositories of
primary sources, and different kinds of primary sources

VIII. DISCUSSION

“In order to read the destiny of a people, it is necessary to open the book of the
PAST”

Meaning of History
Etymologically, the words history came from the Greek word historia which means " learning by
inquiry" which explain that knowledge is derived through conducting the process of scientific
investigation. Hence, in investigating history, there are theories formulated by historians. The
factual history of simply to present the basic and plain information to the reader with the
emphasis only of who, what, when, and where of the history while the speculative history goes
beyond dates, places, person, events. It attempts to explain the reason as to "how" and "why"
event/s happen that way. History that can be understood as the chronological presentation of past
events. It discusses the causes and effects of such happenings which resulted to another face of
change. The first historian credited for his profound knowledge about history was the 5th century
B.C Greek historian Herodotus, considered to be the “Father of History”. And along with his
contemporary Thucydides, who helped form the foundations for the modern study of human
history.

Sources of History
Sources of history data are classified into 2 types. The primary sources in which information
came from the period you are studying. examples of these are the written records, documents,
diaries, autobiographies, letter at that time and others. Also included are drawings, photographs,
paintings, vases, carving and other unwritten sources like myths, legends, folklore, songs, poems,
oral tradition (testimonies). Secondary sources are written records/documents of people which
were not present during the event such as books, information from electronic sources,
newspaper, magazines, and others. These historical sources are very much helpful to a historian
who would like to write something on historical events. The availability of primary sources can
make the historian writings limited.

SECONDARY SOURCES
PRIMARY SOURCES Sources of History
(restatements based on main
(main sources)
sources)
 The Significance of Studying History
History plays a vital role in understanding the evolution of change. The transformation of
society, the success and failure of a nation, the struggles and conflicts that one group/race fought
for, the causes and effects of the downfall of governance, the factors that influence the state
growth and development are just some of the scenarios where history can tell.
History then traces origin of human race, from barbaric period to civilization and the creation
of the different empires. It describes the beginning of colonialism, the spread of imperialism and
the existence of neo-colonialism which makes studying history more sensible. Thus, it may
arouse interest of an individual or group to be curious about the past and that curiosity can be a
stepping stone of achieving something that has use and worth.
Moreover, in studying history people will understand the uniqueness of history itself for we
cannot duplicate events exactly as what it happened. Thus, making a critical analysis of every
event must be put into its historical context so that an objective interpretation will come up. In
addition, studying history will teach us lesson to persevere in building a more humane society at
present where human dignity is well-respected not violated.
Indeed, studying history will give people a sense of pride and identity at the same time they
will learn to appreciate their origin and accept the flaws of the past and learn from it. Learn also
to embrace the complexities of human society and be more considerate in dealings with others
showing respect of individual differences such as age, religion, gender, status and race. This will
also strengthen tolerance with other people having different culture, beliefs, traditions and
practices.

Theory of Understanding History

Historical events may led to clusters of several and different interpretations. These are
referred as "School of thought". Sometimes historical writers adapted into one particular school
others may adapt two or more. The following are theories of understanding historical events.
Cyclical theory view that history repeats itself over time. Such views were popular in the
ancient time. Herodotus and Thucydides came up with this view which looked at society passed
through identical patterned of development in a repeated round. Toynbee and Spengler in the
modern times have also believed in it.
Linear theory suggests that historical events is characterized by sequential developments. St.
Augustine, lbnkhaldun, Voltaire, Karl Marx are some followers of these theory who believed in
progress. They believe that the world can made better.
Great man theory describes that individuals through their character or intellect determine the
course of history. Followers of these theory believed that historic men are made known through
their association with significant events that they did not themselves cause to occur. However,
opposing the great man theory is a belief that it is an effort of many not the small elite that
shaped history. Anthropologist, sociologist, psychologist agreed and often voice out these ideas.
Social historian also tend to direct their efforts on investing ordiy lives.
Great ideas theory- philosophic history emphasis that history is moved along by changing
ideas. Proponents such Hegel believed in a dialectic whereby an idea (thesis) posed challenged
(antithesis). A synthesis is arrived at which becomes a new thesis to be challenged again. History
therefore is the development of consciousness. He explained also that history changes in a
dialectical manner. Each stage of social development has had enough reason for coming into
existence. He asserted that historical process was imperatively rational. It had a logic which
revealed in a law governed manner defined by a dialectical process. Marxism interprets history
as a result of collective action of mass effort extending over prolonged time with the framework
of the power of introduction. Historical materialism then is itself the synthetic outcome of
historically elaborated facts and ideas which are rooted in the economy.
Geographic theory suggests that geography identify the potential and needs of the society.
Others believe that landscape or environment is a chief determinant that shape history.
Mostesquieu regarded geography and government as the principal factory that mad history and
society. Physical factor was most influential in the earlier and primitives’ stages of human
development.
Historians and critics play an important role in encouraging thought. If studying is
worthwhile, we should understand why.

ACTIVITY NO. 1
Name:. Date:
Course/year:. Score:

Answer each items substantially.

1. How important historical writings to a person, group/race, country?Explain.
2. Do you believe that knowing our own history is very essential? Explain.
3. How do you give meaning to a so called "History"? Explain.
4. Explain the significance of studying history?

The Philippines Its Land and Features

Philippines Geography
 The Philippines is an archipelago comprising 7,640 Island and is lying on the south eastern
portion as Asia continent. The country is bounded by big bodies of water in which bashi channel
in the north is found, Celebes sea in the southern portion, Pacific Ocean in the east and
Philippine deep (with a maximum depth of about 10,800 Meters) and west Philippine sea in the
west. According to Philippine atmospheric, geophysical and astronomical services administration
(PAG-ASA), It is just normal for the Philippines to be visited by more than 15 typhoons annually
considering that the country is situated in the "typhoon belt Pacific". Moreover, PAG ASA also
said that that country will experience tremor or earthquakes since it lies in a fault line and thus
belongs to the "Ring of fire" due to active volcanoes that surrounds the country My. Apo I.
Davao, Mt. Mayon in Albay, Mt.Banahaw in Quezon and Taal in the Batangas are some of the
notable active volcanoes.
The country has a total land are of 30 million hectares. Compared to Japan, Spain, Vietnam
and Thailand, Philippines is a little smaller but larger that Great Britain, Laos and Cambodia.
The country is topographically comprised of rugged mountains formerly heavily forested are and
generally leaving only narrow coastal plains. Further, the country is divided into 3 geographical
subdivision name Luzon with an are around 13,900,041 hectares, Mindanao with an are around
10,671,365 hectares and Visayas with an area around 5,662,632 hectares. Hence, the country is
composed of 17 regions as of 2013. the furthest island in the north is Y'mi isle which is about
78miles reaching from Taiwan while in the Southernmost point is the Saluag isles which is about
34 miles reaching east of Borneo
The climate of the country is tropical marine and has divided into two pronounced
season: rainy season from June to November and dry season from December to may. the dry
season may be categorized further into the cool dry season from December to February and the
hot dry season from March to May.
Moreover, the country is blessed with natural resources that can be used for the socalled
development of fully utilized. The country desire to get foreign investment to develop our
mineral deposits such as gold, nickel, platinum, copper,zinc, silver and cobalt.
More so, the country boasts different kinds of natural water from including rivers, falls,
lakes, bays, straits, gulf and swamps. The pristine white beaches offers attraction to local and
foreign nationals to come and visit Philippines for its natural panoramic scenes that makes the
country known to the world. these bodies of water measure around 1.67 million square
kilometers and rich in marine resources. there are 2,400 fish species found in the country and
those with good commercial value are used for export such as tuna, mackerel, shrimps, squid,
clam, crab, and lobster. Shells, corals, pearls are used in jewelry and handicrafts for business.
Corn, rice, sugarcane, abaca (hemp) and tobacco are(hemp) and tobacco are the major
agriculture crops that the country is producing as identified by the Philippine department of
environment and natural resources. Native fruits such water melons, mangoes, mangostene,
durian, marang, coconut are also abundant.

Origins of The Philippines

 Our country, the Philippines has been given numerous names since ancient times and
even before the coming of the Spaniards in the 16th century. There was really no name for
the archipelago as a whole, although some islands inhabited by people or outside contact
had given names to these places individually. In the annals of ancient history, it is
believed that the traders specifically ChauJu-Kua called our country Ma-I, which means
“Land of Barbarians,’ Chin San which means “Mountain of Gold,” Liu-Sung which
“Land Adjacent to the Mainland,” and San Tao or “Three islands”. Another pre-Spanish
Chinese writer Wang Ta-Yuan in 1349 wrote of his travels to “Mintolang”, which is
presently the Mindanao; Malilu which is Manila; Pishoye which is the Visayas. Even
Claudius Ptolemyin 105 C.E. called the Philippines as Maniolas.

ACTIVITY NO. 2
Name:. Date:
Course/year:. Score:

Answer each item substantially.

1. Do you believe that people in Luzon and Visayas are cursed because the regions are hit
by typhoons? explain you answer.

Early Philippine civilization and It's Asian influence

-In this chapter, the journey will explore different perspective of the beginning of the Filipino
people and its Asian influences long before the rediscovery of the Philippine Islands by the
westerners.
Contrary to what westerners claimed that there was no civilization that took place in the
island of the Philippines before they came was a false notion. This was attested by the writings of
Antonio Morga, the author of "Sucesos de lasIslas Filipinas" who described that early settlers
were already civilized before Europeans came. They had established their own way of living,
ways of governing, belief system and others.Generally, one could infer that the Filipino race is in
a way a product of eastern and western culture. Others may think the Filipino race is a product of
faith, goodwill adventure and just enough amount of bravery. The first settlers came in search of
a place to live. Anthropologically speaking, nomadic lifestyle was the trend just to look for food
only and when tribes decide to move it means they are not secured in the place. They felt
threatened by other groups or due to scarcity of food that the place can offer.
 Early people of The Philippines
Historians and scholars believed that the first settlers of the islands came by land bridges
from mainland Asia during the Pleistocene epoch. It is said that the first settlers came to the
Philippines during this period. In 1962, a skull of man was discovered in the Tabon caves in
Palawan. From this, it was learned that man had been in the Philippines at least 22,000 years ago.
They had a primitive culture, which consisted of stone implements. The Filipino people came
from the amalgam of the three major groups who migrated here in the Philippines. The first
group were the Negritos who arrived here at about 25,000 years ago and who were believed to
have come from the mainland Asia through the land bridges. They were physically described as
short, black-skinned, with dark kinky hair, round black eyes and broad- nose. They were
regarded as nomads because they do not have permanent settlements, they wore very little
clothing and had no well-defined language. They lived by hunting, gathering of wild fruits and
roots, and fishing. Their method of making fire was by rubbing together two pieces of bamboo
until enough heat was produced to give them warmth. They were skilled in the use of bows and
arrows. The next group of people who migrated in the Philippines were called Indonesian who
belonged to the mongoloid race with Caucasian resemblance, hence, they were considerably
taller people as compared with the Negritos. They came in boats being the first sea immigrants of
the country. There were two waves of Indonesians. The first group came of about 3000 B.C. and
they were described as slender, fair in complexion with sharp thin faces. While those who came
in the second wave at about 1000 B.C. were shorter in height, bulkier in built, and dark
complexioned. The Indonesians had a more advanced culture than the Negritos. They acquired
food through farming, thus, they settled in just one area. In addition, they also hunt and fish for
food. They wore clothes and their weapons were more advanced because aside from the bows
and arrows, they also had knives, spears, shields and blowguns or sumpit. They cooked their
food through bamboo tubes. The Malays came in the Philippines on sailboats and were attributed
as medium in height, brown complexion, with straight black hair, dark brown eyes and flat
noses. They were more advanced in terms of culture in comparison with the first two migrants.
They introduced land cultivation, sophisticated domestication of animals and system of
irrigation. they lived in permanent homes and wore clothes of woven fabrics. They tattooed their
bodies and wore ornaments. Their weapons included bows and arrows, spears, daggers, bolos,
blowguns, shields, armors and lantakas or bronze cannons. The Malays arrived in three waves:
The first group came from 200 B.C to A.D 100 and were known as the head- A.D 100 and were
known as the head- hunting Malays; the second group reached the country from A.D 100 up to
the 13th century and were called as the alphabet user Malays; and the third wave was from 14th
to 16th century and known as the Muslim Malays.
Culture may be associated with manufactured materials, for these are products of human
behavior. certainly, the structuring of the early Filipino society has been achieved in response to
the needs of prehistoric Philippine communities.
The Asian texture of Filipino culture from the prehistoric to Spanish times, therefore, could
be traced to evolutionary forces, the continuous migrations of people and the early contacts with
other Asian civilizations.
 The Influence of Indian Civilization
According to sulu tradition, between 900 A.D., immigrants from Champa, an Indianized
kingdom in Indochina established a trading colony with the Buranuns of Sulu. The men of
Champa were called Orang Dampuans, who were then vassals of the Sri Vijaya empire. The
Orang Dampuans settled in Taguima( now Basilan). They became the ancestors of the Yakans.
Years later immigrants from Bandjarmisin, Borneo (another Sri- Vijaya dependency) settled in
sulu. They were the orang Bandjar (Men of Bandjarmisin). They engaged actively in the rich
pearls trade. To establish goodwill with the Buranuns, they brought with them a beautiful
princess and offered her as a bride to the native ruler. This state marriage resulted to deeper
relations between sulu and Borneo. Like the Dampuans, the Orang Bandjar introduced Indian
culture in sulu.
Centuries of direct contact with these Indianized traders left vivid traces on Filipino history
and culture. The Indian influences were clearly noticeable in the religious beliefs, language,
literature, and customs of the ancient Filipinos. Bathala, the name of the chief god of the pre-
Christian Tagalogs, was an inspiration of the Sanskrit term Bhattara, meaning great Lord. Also
of Hindu origin was the belief of the early natives that the universe is filled with good and bad
spirits. They offered religious sacrifices and prayers to these spirits for help and protection.
Many Filipino fables were linked to Indian literature. Included here are the story of monkey
and the turtle, the tale of the race between the deer and the snail, and the Visayan anecdote to the
hawk and the hen. Filipino folk literature was also to some extent influenced by Indian literature.
Popular epics including Darangan of Lanao, lam- ang of Ilocandia, Ibalon of Bicolandia, and the
alim and the Hudhud of the Cordillera region were inspired by the Mahabharata (Sanskrit, Great
story) and Ramayana (Sanskrit, story of Rama) Which likely begun in the 3rd century B.C.
These epics were ritually recited with musical accompaniment.
The customs and traditions of the early Filipinos bear Hindu influence. Among them
were the placing of a fresh flowers garland around the neck of the visitor, the giving of a bigay
kaya (dowry) and rendering of personal services in the house of the bride's parents by the groom
before the wedding, the throwing of rice grains to the newlyweds after the matrimonial ceremony
by the guests, and the offering of the buyo to a guest as an expression of hospitality.
There were early superstitions in the country that came from Indianized immigrants.
Until today, many believed that a girl, who sings in front of the stove while cooking will marry a
widower and that a cat cleaning its face indicates the coming of the visitor. Likewise, eating twin
bananas would cause a mother to give birth to twins. Even the mode of dressing in pre- Spanish,
the Philippines shows Indian influences. The outing (turban) of the early Filipino men and the
sarong (lower garment) of the early Filipino women resemble the Indian puttees and sari.
Certain industries in the country are of Indian origin, notably boat building, weaving of
cotton clothes, and metal work. Decorative arts were also influenced as shown in the design of
gold necklaces and bolo handles. The manufacturing of some musical instruments like the
Kudyapi (guitar) and the planting of some species of flower like sampaguita and Champaka;
fruits like mango and Nangka; and vegetables such amplaya, patola, and malunggay came from
Indianized sojourners.

Chinese Influences
Historically speaking, Sino- Philippine relations began in the 10th century A.D. The earliest
known authentic date of these relations was 982 A.D., when several traders from Ma-Yi
(believed to include Mindoro, Batangas, Manila, and Pampanga). Arrived in canton on an Arab
ship and sold their valuable merchandise.
During the origin of Zhu Di (Chi Ti),the Yung-Lo emperor in 1403 to 1423 when China was
expanding the boundaries of its domain, induced the countries visited by his missions to play
tributes to the domain, induced the countries visited by his missions to play tributes to the Ming
court. China's greatest maritime explorer, admiral Zheng He, also known a Zheng He, also
known as Cheng Ho led seven expeditions from 1405 to 1433 in the south seas and reached the
Philippines, Borneo, Malay peninsula, Singapore, Indochina, India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
Centuries of trade and personal relations with the Chinese inevitably led to the enrichment of
Filipino life and culture. Decorated enameled ceramics painted in traditional patterns were
exported in the Philippines. The blue and white pieces of Chinese porcelain had their origins on
the Ming period.
The manufacture of gunpowder, the art of metallurgy, the use of porcelain, gongs, lead,
silver,tin and certain occupations like blacksmithing and goldsmithing in the country were
learned from the Chinese. the Filipinos practiced a form of duck culture around Pateros and
Taguig in Rizal that resembled the Chinese, which includes the method of artificial incubation of
eggs. they also taught the Filipinos kite-flying and other games including various forms of
gambling.
The Chinese improved the culinary art of the early Filipinos from them, the natives learned
the roasting of pigs, the brewing of tea for drinking and the cooking of several Chinese dishes.
Contrary to popular belief,chopsuey did not originate from the Chinese. It was a navy cook who
concocted the recipe that was popularized by Chinese restaurant. The Chinese also taught the
Filipinos the use of seasoning like Toyo (soy sauce) and plant vegetables like bataw, petsay and
upo.
During the early times, the Filipino manner of dressing bore Chinese traces. The sleeved
jackets (kangan) of the Filipino males, the loose trousers of the Muslim women if Mindanao and
the use of slippers, wooden shoes (bakya), fans and umbrellas were of Chinese origin. The social
customs of the early Filipinos showed Chinese influence. Among them were the arrangement of
marriage by the parents of the boy and girl, the hiring of go-between in marital negotiations, the
honouring of departed ancestors and the employment of professional mourners during the
funeral.
Certain existing social customs bear indication of Chinese origin like the blasting of
firecrackers on new year's eve, the beating of gongs to celebrate a feast, and the collection of
tong (percentage fee) by the owner of a gambling joint. Haggling between the merchant and the
customer to arrive at a price of a commodity is another practice that the natives have learned
from the Chinese. The linguistic influences of China on the Filipino language is quite
phenomenal. About 1,500 Chinese loan words are included in the present vocabulary of the
Filipinos.

Arabic Influences
In the middle of the 14th century, the Muslim traders from Malaysia brought Islam (in
Arabic means submission to the will of Allah) to the Philippines. It spread through the southern
parts of the islands. Historians mentioned Karim Mukhdum as a noted jugde and scholar from
Mecca, who after converting the sultan and the people of Malacca, went to sulu and began
missionary work.
About 1390, Rajah Baginda, a Muslim prince from Sumatra overpowered native resistance
and tired to convert the natives. Later, SayudAbu Bakr an Arab authority on Islamic religion and
law arrived in sulu from Johore Malaysia. He married princess Paramisuli, the beautiful daughter
of Rajah Baginda. Abu bake was said to have unified the coastal and hill dwellers of sulu. He
adopted the local traditions to the Qu'ran (The Holy Book of Islam) after reigning for 30 years,
he died in 1480. Until the present day, all sultans of sulu trace their ancestry from him.
The Islamic conquest of Mindanao was attributed to the legendary Sharif Kabungsuwan,
a Johore Muslim. He arrived in the Malabang area in Cotabato( Maguindanao) with an invading
force of Islamized Samal. The pagan natives ferociously apposed him but his Samal warriors
subdued them. After conquering the CotabatoValley, Kabungsuwan married a native princess
and converted the overpowered inhabitants to Islam. Those who refused to accept the new faith
fled to the mountains and became the present day Bilaans, Manobos, Subanuns and other pagan
Filipinos. Other Muslim missionaries entered the Philippines subsequently. Shortly before
Magellan's arrival in 1521, Muslim traders from Borneo actively spread the teachings of Islam.
Islam, which professes monotheism or the belief in a single God or creator, teaches that
Muhammad was the last of the most important in a series of prophets. Furthermore, it advocates
that all Muslim belong to one community, the umma regardless of ethnic background. The five
(5) pillars of Islam are: first, the profession of faith (Shahada); second, the ritual prayer
(Salat);third, the almsgiving (Zakat) ; fourth, the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj); and fifth, fasting
(Sawm), which is done during the lunar month of the Ramadan. Ramadan commemorates the
revelation of the holy Koran (Qu'ran) to prophet Mohammed. During the period of fasting, all
Muslim must refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse from daybreak to sunset.
Considered as sixth Pillar of Islam by some Muslims is the Jihad which in Arabic means to
struggle in order to please Allah.
Islam had left her lasting impression on the life and culture of the Muslim Filipinos. The
mosque is their special place of worship and point of convergence for social activity. It was built
as a link to Mecca. With Islam, came the sultanate form of government, together with the title of
political dignitaries.
 In cultural arts, Singkil, originated from Lanao del Sur. The dancers, with solemn faces
and dignified pose, dressed in elegant Muslim costumes begin dancing in slow pace, which soon
progresses to a faster tempo to the rhythmic clapping if crisscrossed bamboos. The ladies
gracefully wave big fans while the men glide with brightly colored handkerchief. In the artworks,
the Maranaos, used the poor design, a curvilinear floral design. The Indigenous bird motif, the
Sarimanok, is said to have been developed by the Maranaos. It is decorative in nature, having the
appearance of a bird or rooster holding a fish in its claws or break.
Another artistic expression of the Muslim is the Tausug Kris, which is a zigzag type of
sword. The people in the society collectively create and preserve culture. The Filipino people
culturally evolved because they were able to exchange their thoughts with others through
communication since the early Filipinos no longer lived in complete isolation. The ancient
Filipinos prior to the coming of the material remains of past societies. They were not uncivilized
to stand as equal to people elsewhere in the world.
Who is and what a Filipino? this question cannot come up with the exact definition of
"who" and "what" Filipino is. This may be answering by the technicalities of the 1987
constitution that defines Filipino as citizens. or use the historical context in describing what
Filipino is. But this description is just limited. As to the holistic answer of the question, it dealt a
lot of socio-political and sociocultural consideration and analysis of defining Filipinos. But one
thing is for sure, being a Filipino is not seen in the tone of your skin or in the height of the bridge
of your nose. it is the heart and blood that makes a Filipino, the very heritage of our noble and
mighty ancestors.

Pre- Colonial practices

Before the Spanish came and controlled Philippines islands, the Filipinos had already their
own culture. They had their own forms of economic activities, political set up and social
composition. They were ruled by their own leaders, worship their own gods ang spoke their own
language. They even had their own fashioned and styles.
Early Filipinos had been said the they had contacts with other neighboring countries even
before the coming of the westerners. The barter system had been practiced as a form of their
economic activities aside from agriculture in which "kaingin" in the upland tillage was used as a
method of cultivation and in the lowland cultivation, the used of wooden plows and arrows
drawn by carabaos was the other means. Animal raising, fishing, weaving, pottery, making,
mining industry were some noted livelihood of the early ancestors. There was an absence of the
use of monetary currently at that time. The gift of nature offered them a good place to live with
abundant natural blessings. The owning of land is communal and sharing of food/ harvest
showed their way living.
In terms of their political set up. The “barangay" was served as their basic socio-political
unit which was independent from the other. It is headed by a Datu/Chieftain approximately had
30-100 families to govern. The Datu has the power to create a law/s then implement it in his
community. the power to judge and settle misunderstanding and conflict especially among his
members was also one of his major responsibilities. In times of war, the Datu was considered as
the head of the military. He had to make it sure the safety and security of his people. He
possessed also religious power. But nevertheless, the data do not have an absolute power because
he was expected to consult with the elders on whatever action/decisions he made that will affect
the community under his care. Moreover, the position of the Datu obtained by inheritance but he
could be replaced by someone in the community who showed superior personal qualities,
extraordinary ability, possess military skill, and wisdom.
Inter- barangay alliance was also formed to develop cooperation and avoid conflict
among other Barangays. Sandugo or kasikasi was a formalized ritualistic blood compact and
symbolized pacts if friendship. It was the accepted ritual of fraternity and alliance by the early
Filipinos. with these alliances, inter barangay disputes were settled by arbitration with a neutral
Datu serving as mediator. Legal disputes were settled amicably presided over by the Datu and
the Barangay elders serving as a injury. They followed also due process of law before making
decisions to any offenses or violation committed by anyone. The penalty given depending on the
degree of the offense. The cutting of head was given to those violators who commit heinous
crime.
Like those in other society in the early times, social stratification among Filipinos was already
existed. People were categorized into three social classes. The noblest/Datu/Maharlika occupied
the highest rank.They were very usually the political leaders, local elite and religious leaders.
They were very influential in their community. It should be noted that belonging to the higher
class before should not be equated with the modern societies where disparity of material
possessions, wealth, property, educational status and others stuffs are obvious. With only
subsistence economy and the absence of surplus of food to feed the ruling class, there could not
have been a real class distinction. Second in rank were the freemen, Tagalog called as timagua.
The Timagua were free-born person and free from being slave. They were given an option to
serve their Datu/chief. They also extend their assistance to the community if required a group
effort for the common good such planting in the field, putting up a house or going to the
common good such planting in the field, putting up a house or going to the battle. The last in
rank were the slaves. Tagalogs call it "alipin" and in Bisayan call it "olipon". slaves worked for
their masters. They became slaves by birth or they were purchased. It could be also a punishment
for a crime committed or one was a captive during war. Slaves can be a payment of dept or they
were being sold by other masters. Slaves then had limited freedom to make decisions for
themselves.
Early Ancestors do have their own god's. Religion then was polytheistic because they had
belief in the plurality of God's. The belief of the existence of supreme being was recognized.
Animism was practiced. The thought believing the spirits and the phenomena of nature was part
of their day to day living. They had different names of their deities Bathala/maykapal term used
by the tagalogs to refer their God, abba to the Bisayans, Kabunian to the Igorots. The amigos
were adored environmental spirits. Performing rituals was part of showing their beliefs system.
Rituals can be done to ask for a good harvest. It can be performed also to drive away bad spirits,
healing the sick, a marriage or a burial ceremony, a declaration of war or even a thanks giving.
Food, animals, fruits, drinks and others were used during the ceremony.
 Early Filipinos practices showed that civilization took place prior to the coming of
western people. There way of living attested their own culture influenced by the settlers coming
from different Asians l countries and settled permanently in the islands. The kind and styles of
houses they built was influenced on the physical environment like in the case of Ilongots,
Kalingas, they built their houses on the treetops to protect themselves from the enemies and wild
animals. The Badjao make their boats as their house. The Ivatans built their houses with thick
stone walls and roof made of cogon this is to protect themselves from strong wind and typhoons
that will usually pass in the area of Batanes islands. In the group of Ifugao, their houses are built
on stilts and are made of wood, bamboo and cogon for their roof. Bahay Kubo is a typical house
found in an elevated and lowland area.
A pronounced arts and products were also evident in the early times. Plates, bowl, spoon,
jar, coffins made of woods were made. They wore jewelries such earrings, nose ring, leglets,
armlets, necklaces and even eyebrow ring. The placing of these jewelries in the different parts of
their body showed the uniqueness of their identity and the richness of gold during that time.
Putting tattoo in their body both male and female was part of their bodily enhancement. In fact,
the pintados in Bisayan islands were known as the most colorful group in the country popularly
known also as the "islands of the painted people". Tattoo would also mean strength and bravery,
an identity, a rank/position in the community and a sign of Valor. noted that these early Filipinos
were also concerned of their physical hygiene. They took a bath, they had their own shampoos
and soap, perfumes and even cleaning their teeth. It is understandable that they use the gift of
nature in because of the belief that nature will provide them everything. The value of being
resourceful and their creative led them to become different from one group to the other group
although some similarities may also observe.

ACTIVITY NO. 3
Name:. Date:
Course/year:. Score:

I. Answer each item substantially.

1. Do you think tha early ancestors are skillful by nature? why? why not?
2. Cite atleast 3 practices of our early ancestors you like most. Explain the significance of
these practices in relation to present lives of the Filipinos.

II. Instruction: In the retrieval chart, write the characteristics of the following group of
first people according to the Waves of Migration Theory settled in the Philippines.
Humans Characteristics
 Negritos

Indonesians

Malays

IX. ADDITIONAL READINGS

 PHILIPPINE HISTORY 2015 EDITION by DEANNA
FEBRA GILLERA CANTAL
 PHILIPPINE HISTORY ROOTS AND DEVELOPMENT by
GRACE LAUDE CONCEPCION; CHRISTOPHER
ROTILLES VICERA
X. REFERENCES

-source:http:// www.cadastal/template.org/countrydata/pH.htm)

-http.//www.ehow.com/list_7579775_list-natural-resources-phili" list of
naturalresources in the Philippines" by: Ruth kongaika, ehow contributor

https://www.google.com/search?
q=how+many+islands+in+the+philippines&oq=how+many+islan&aqs=chrome.0
.0j69i57j0l8.11405j07&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Prepared By:
GRACIA MAE B. ANDRADE
Course Facilitator

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. God bless us