READINGS IN THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY

MODULE 2
CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED PRIMARY SOURCES IN
PHILIPPINE HISTORY

ACTIVITY 7
I. Essay
1. Do you think Magellan or Juan Sebastian Del Cano should be given credit for being the first man
to circumnavigate the world? Explain your answer.
= The distinction of being the first person to circumnavigate the globe should not go to Magellan. He
successfully commanded his crew as they crossed the Atlantic, navigated a strait in southern South
America, and crossed the vast expanse of the Pacific, but he was fatally wounded in a skirmish with
locals on the Philippine island of Mactan only halfway around the journey. Due to Magellan's passing, he
was unable to complete his own world tour. Juan Sebastian Elcano, a Basque mariner who took command
of the expedition after Magellan's death in 1521 and skippered its lone surviving vessel, the "Victoria," on
its journey back to Spain, deserves the credit the most. The first individuals to complete a single trip
around the globe successfully were Elcano and his crew.

2. If you had been among the 18 survivors who returned to Seville, what one memory of the voyage
would stand out most in your mind?
= It would be the Battle of Mactan. The purpose of the voyage to find spices took a wrong turn. Because
of one Datu Lapulapu, my crewmates and captain died. The fact that I have enlisted in the fight will
undoubtedly cause trauma in my life.

II. Write a primary analysis of the first voyage around the world.
= The chronicler of the Magellan Expedition, Antonio Pigafetta, wrote the account of the First
Circumnavigation of the World. The first voyage around the world was written on board one of the 5
ships that were first to circumnavigate the world during an expedition that was led by the Portuguese
explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, and after his death, by Juan Sebastian Elcano. According to Rene
Escalante- Chairperson of National Historical Commission, Pigafetta's eyewitness account is the "most
detailed and only surviving account of this critical event in Philippine history." The First Voyage Around
the World followed the Magellan Route. It is a universal and global route because it has been developed
across all of the continents in both hemispheres of the planet and the major oceans. The first world
circumnavigation at the beginning of the 16th century followed a route known as the Magellan Route.
This route was planned and led by Ferdinand Magellan, one of the greatest explorers and navigators in
history. Magellan first depicted on maps not only a brand-new, enormous ocean (the Pacific), which was
later fully explored, but also the Strait that connected the two largest oceans on Earth, the Atlantic Ocean
and the Pacific Ocean. Since there was no other feasible route for ships to travel until the Panama Canal
was built in the 20th century, this route was used for four centuries to connect the East and the West by
sea. This route's invaluable contribution to human history can be seen not only in the journey itself, but
also in the historical context of the journey and the effects it had on the rise of various civilizations.

ACTIVITY 8
I. Essay
1. Choose one teaching of the Kartilya and describe how you could apply this on your life.
= The life that is not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable purpose is a tree without a shadow, if not a
poisonous weed.
Life is a privilege that should be valued by making it worthwhile by establishing goals and achieving
them, despite any discomfort they may cause. Personally, I find the original Katipunero ideals to be very
important. I live my life in pursuit of my greatest desires, so living my life does not entail being
comfortable. My path will occasionally be difficult and rocky. But I'm still determined to fulfill my life's
purpose. I was raised and born for a purpose. I consequently led a life filled with adventures.
2. Identify one organization at present that has a similar goal with the Katipunan.
= Human rights NGO Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAF) is dedicated to safeguarding and advancing
civil liberties and human rights in the Philippines. They support opposition to the death penalty, police
and military brutality, and political repression. FLAG is a leading NGO that brings cases against military
and police personnel, and this has resulted in some historic rulings from the courts. Because FLAG
"believes that the legal process is but one part of a larger process that should involve those who are
directly affected by a problem," they also incorporate the educational role of lawyers in their work.

II. Write a primary analysis on the KKK and the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
= The Filipino nationalist group Katipunan was established in 1892 to fight against Spanish rule. Its full
name is Kataastaasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan ("Supreme Worshipful
Association of the Sons of the People"). The membership of the group ranged from 100,000 to 400,000.
The leader of this group, which prevailed in its battle against the Spanish, was the nationalist Filipino
Emilio Aguinaldo. Most of the participants were Tagalog. The nationalist Katipunan society was founded
and led by Andres Bonifacio, a Filipino patriot who also instigated the uprising against the Spanish in
August 1896. Filipinos who were interested in ending Spanish rule established a group in 1892 that
adhered to Masonic rites and principles in order to plan terrorist assassinations and armed resistance in
the strictest of secrecy. It functioned as a stand-in for the government of the Philippines, complete with a
president and cabinet. Andrés Bonifacio took over the organization's leadership, and it immediately
became much more combative. The Spanish and those who supported them in the nation were alarmed by
the Katipunan movement. The thirteen lessons that serve as the Katipuneros' manual for moral and ethical
behavior are discussed in the Kartilya. It served as a sort of code of conduct that outlines what it means to
speak and act like a true Filipino. I think that this Kartilya ng Katipuan illuminates the way for every
Filipino to lead a meaningful life. Each lesson is distinctive in that it addresses various facets of the
learner's life. It is appropriate to have a better understanding or explanation of its contents despite the fact
that many of us may have different explanations and understandings about it.

ACTIVITY 9
A. Enumeration. Cite the situations of the Filipinos that compelled them to organize a revolution
against the Spaniards, according to the document “The Proclamation of the Philippine
Independence.”
a. The abuses of the Civil Guards and the unlawful shooting of the prisoners whom they alleged as
attempting to escape.
b. The unequal protection of the law between Filipino people an “eminent personages”
c. The avarice and greed of the clergies and Archbishops
d. The unjust deportations and rendering other decisions without proper hearing of the persons accused.

B. Identification. What are the meanings of the symbols of the Philippine flag according to the
document of Rianzares Bautista and the common interpretation?
Features (accdg. to the document) Widely-known symbols
White triangle the “katipunan” and encouraged Symbol of purity
masses to rise in revolution
through blood compact
Red to commemorate the flag of United States flag – red, blue,
United States of North America and white – to honor its
as a gratitude for its “disinterested protection” of the
disinterested protection Philippines.
Blue to commemorate the flag of United States flag – red, blue,
United States of North America and white – to honor its
 as a gratitude for its
disinterested protection
Three stars represents Luzon, Panay (not
Visayas), and Mindanao; where
the revolution started.
Sun represents the heroic did of the
sons of our country.
Sun rays the provinces that rose up
against Spanish colonization-
Manila, Cavite, Bulacan,
Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan,
Laguna and Batangas.
“disinterested protection” of the
Philippines.
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
a recurring symbol in masonic
rites.
the first 8 Tagalog provinces
that rose up against Spanish
colonial rule

C. Essay
1. Discuss the importance of the document “Proclamation of Philippine Independence” in the
history of our country.
= Because it represents our freedom, the Proclamation of Philippine Independence is significant. Our
colonization dates back almost 333 years. Additionally, it is the outcome of all of the nation's efforts.
Many people gave their lives in order to preserve our freedom. Therefore, it is crucial to observe it
annually. It took us a long time to win Philippine independence. The fact that we are prepared to fight for
freedom at any cost demonstrates our strength as Filipinos and our love for our motherland. Additionally
1. We have been free from colonizers' control for centuries. Additionally:
2. We have begun putting in place our own state government.
3. We have the freedom to express ourselves.

2. Identify and explain one political condition in the country that served as a background
information for the writing of the document “Proclamation of Philippine Independence.”
= Aguinaldo believed that the Philippines had a chance of becoming independent after the United States
declared war on Spain; however, the United States hoped that Aguinaldo would contribute his troops to
the fight against Spain. On May 19, 1898, he returned to Manila, and on June 12, 1898, he proclaimed
Philippine independence. Aguinaldo's forces remained apart from American troops once it was obvious
that the US had no interest in the liberation of the islands. Following the sessions of a constitutional
convention, Aguinaldo was elected president of the Philippine Republic on January 1, 1899. It should
come as no surprise that the United States refused to recognize Aguinaldo's authority, leading to his
declaration of war against American forces in the islands on February 4, 1899. Aguinaldo left public life
after being apprehended on March 23, 1901, and agreed to swear allegiance to the United States. On July
4, 1946, his wish for Philippine independence came true. 1964 saw his passing in Manila.

ACTIVITY 10
Write a primary analysis of the “Proclamation on Philippine Independence.”
= Aguinaldo declared the Philippines' independence at Cavite el Viejo on June 12 between four and five
in the afternoon in the presence of a sizable crowd (Kawit). The Philippine National Flag, made in Hong
Kong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo with assistance from Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza, was
formally raised for the first time, and the Philippine National March was performed in front of the general
public. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista wrote the Act of the Declaration of Independence and also read it.
One can compare a passage from the Declaration to another from the American Declaration of
Independence. Ninety-eight people signed the Philippine Declaration, including an American army officer
who was present when it was made. However, the declaration of Philippine independence was only made
official on August 1 after many towns had already been set up in accordance with the Dictatorial
Government's rules. The declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, was
the most important accomplishment of Aguinaldo's Dictatorial Government. A national holiday was
proclaimed for the day. Thousands of residents of the surrounding provinces flocked to Kawit to take part
in the historic occasion. On the balcony of General Emilio Aguinaldo's home, the ceremony was solemnly
conducted. Government civil and military representatives were present. The formal unfurling of the
Filipino flag amid the crowd's cheers was a dramatic aspect of the ceremony. The band simultaneously
played the Philippine National Anthem. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista gave a solemn reading of his own
"Act of the Declaration of Independence." 98 people signed the declaration. L.M. Johnson, a Colonel of
Artillery, was an American who signed the document.

ACTIVITY 11
The image depicts a person, specifically a politician, stuffing cash into a voter's mouth. This image gives
the impression that votes were bought. Vote buying is when a candidate or political party tries to
influence a voter's decision in an upcoming election. Vote buying can take many different forms,
including a financial exchange and an exchange for necessities like goods or services.

ACTIVITY 12
Essay
1. Describe 3 situations of the Filipinos in the American era according to the words of McCoy.
1.1 The Free Press, incensed by two recent car accidents, criticizes the proliferation of Colorums, or
illegal taxis.
1.2 Couples are not permitted to kiss and make love in theaters, according to a blow-up police officer at
the screen.
1.3 A police officer focusing on a minor matter rather than a serious one that is probably illegal.

2. Pick caricatures and discuss them in the context of present day situations.
2.1 A police officer focusing on a minor matter rather than a serious one that is probably illegal.
Nowadays, the government is focusing on minor problems rather than serious ones. Theoretically, this
tactic is employed to conceal something significant that could shock the country. They exacerbate trivial
problems and downplay the serious issue that only a select few are aware of.

2.2 Uncle Sam is portrayed as riding a chariot drawn by Filipino students in the caricature. The Filipinos
are holding items made abroad as seen in the photo. Us Filipinos in the modern era no longer exhibit
originality. Everything we observe in other nations, we mimic. Koreans and Americans are primarily
responsible for the majority of the food, fashion, and trend influences.

ACTIVITY 13
Write a context analysis on the Political Caricatures of the American Period (1900-1941) by
McCoy.
= Dr. Alfred W. McCoy is a professor of South East Asian history and the director of the Center for SE
Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has been writing about the politics and
history of the opium trade for the last 25 years. Two subjects have dominated McCoy's writings on
Southeast Asia since he received his Ph.D. in Southeast Asian history from Yale: Philippine political
history and international opium trafficking. His research continues to be primarily focused on the
Philippines.
During the American era, political cartoons in the Philippines reached their apogee. Filipino artists
documented changing mores and times as well as national attitudes toward the arrival of Americans.
While the combined 377 cartoons in his book speak for themselves, historian Alfred McCoy's in-depth
research in Philippine and American archives offers a thorough background to the cartoon as well as the
turbulent era.
One example of his work is “While the Priest Lives Alone in a Big Building.” The cartoon is depicted as
like many nationalists of his day, Vicente Sotto, the publisher of the INDEPENDENT, never missed a
chance to attack the catholic church. Another example is “New Bird of Prey.” The cartoon caption is an
allusion to the most famous libel case in the history of Philippine Journalism. The importance and value
of McCoy's cartoons are nationalism and patriotism. They also served as an eye-opener and assisted the
Filipinos in learning about their heritage. According to reports, the Philippine press has a love-hate
relationship with political cartoons because a book on Philippine cartoons was only published in 1985.
The first book to officially recognize cartoons as legitimate sources of Filipino ideas and viewpoints was
McCoy and Roces' book from 1986. Despite only covering the early American to commonwealth periods,
the book reflected on two caricature themes: anti-American sentiments and criticism of the ruling class.

ACTIVITY 14
A. Essay
1. Describe the following situations of the Philippines according to Corazon Aquino’s speech.
a. Social Situation – Poverty. Unemployment

b. Economic Situation – The Philippines has a foreign debt of $26 billion.

c. Political Situation – The Philippines is 7 months free from the martial law era that lasted for 14 years.
Democratic government. Fraudulence.

2. Describe chronologically the three times President Corazon Aquino lost her husband as seen in
her speech.
= He was detained along with thousands of others - Senators, publishers, and anyone who had spoken up
for the democracy as its end drew near. They locked him up in a tiny, nearly airless cell in a military
camp in the north. They stripped him naked and held a threat of a sudden midnight execution over his
head. Ninoy held up manfully under all of it for forty three days.
They put him on trial for subversion, murder and a host of other crimes before a military commission.
Ninoy challenged its authority and went on a fast. If he survived it, then he felt God intended him for
another fate.
Ninoy’s death.

B. Write a primary analysis of Cory Aquino’s speech in 1986.

= Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuango Aquino, the widow of the late Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., the
youngest Governor to be elected in the Philippines and the youngest member of the Philippine Senate at
the time, gave a speech before the joint session of the United States Congress in Washington, DC, on
September 18, 1986, almost seven months after she became the eleventh President of the Philippine
Republic. Cory carried on his legacy and waged a campaign against the violence experienced by the
Filipino people and their homelessness in their own country after his death, which was caused by his
opposition to the political views of the then-dictator President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Cory was inspired by
the uprising to run for president in order to oppose Marcos and carry on the causes her husband had
started, and she did so, becoming the first Filipina to take the oath of office in the highest office of the
Philippine government.
Cory Aquino's speech, which he finished with Teodoro Lopez Locsin, Jr.'s help, serves as the
main account of the Martial Law period in the Philippines. Cory recounted how the death of her husband
sparked the first People Power Revolution, with Filipinos clamoring for democracy and freedom from the
country's tyrants, as she spoke for all those who suffered under the Marcos dictatorship. The first
nonviolent revolution in Philippine history is described in the text, which also depicts the country's social
and political climate at the time. As the Filipino people rally for freedom, it carries the sorrow of the
people who fought a war against the evils of oppression. Such suffering gave rise to strength that brought
about the country's greatest triumph: the abolition of a dictatorship that made way for real liberty, the
advancement of human rights, and the defense of Filipinos' welfare. Cory rose to prominence as a symbol
of democracy, giving previously powerless people a voice.