LESSON NO.

Title Understanding History as an Academic Discipline Philosophy, Methodology, and Source Evaluation
Ricky L. Vargas Jr. Social Science Instructor

2: Introduction

Importance of Studying History

Understanding the past is vital for Filipinos to make informed decisions about their
nation's future, especially in the context of complex historical events such as colonialism
and independence.

History plays a pivotal role in shaping the unique identity and culture of the Philippines, with rich
traditions and a diverse cultural heritage.

By the end of this lesson, you will:

 Understand history as an academic discipline, particularly its relevance to the

Philippines and its diverse regions.

 Learn about its philosophy and methodology within the Philippine context,
acknowledging the multifaceted nature of Philippine history.

 Know how to evaluate historical sources specific to Philippine history, taking into
account the multiplicity of perspectives.

 Discuss the role of historians in preserving and promoting Philippine heritage

and national identity.

What is History?

Definition of History

 In the Philippines, history is the systematic study of the nation's past through written
records, oral traditions, artifacts, and other sources, reflecting the rich tapestry of
Filipino heritage.

Branches of History

 Philippine history encompasses various branches, including political, social, cultural,

economic, and regional history, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of the nation's
past.

Philosophy of History

Causation and Contingency

 In Philippine history, causation highlights how significant events like the Philippine
Revolution were influenced by various factors, including colonialism, the quest for self-
determination, and the collective actions of Filipinos.
  Contingency underscores the role of individuals and chance events in shaping the
nation's history, with particular emphasis on key Filipino figures who played critical roles
in the country's history.

Methodology of History

1. Historical Research and Evidence

 Historical research is a complex process reliant on evidence for understanding the past.

 Primary sources, like handwritten letters, diaries, and official documents, are invaluable
for insights into the past.

 These sources offer perspectives on thoughts, actions, and experiences of individuals

during the studied time period.

2. Primary Sources in Philippine History

 Handwritten Letters: Personal insights and connections (e.g., Bonifacio-Aguinaldo

letters).

 Diaries: Daily experiences and thoughts (e.g., Jose Rizal's diaries).

 Official Documents: Formal historical records (e.g., the Malolos Constitution).

Interpretation and Historiography

 Historiography explores how history is interpreted and written.

 Philippine historiography is diverse, reflecting various perspectives.

 Teodoro Agoncillo emphasized mass influence, while Ambeth Ocampo focused on

personal narratives.

Diversity of Perspectives

 Philippine history shaped by cultural, regional, and socio-political factors.

 Historians like Agoncillo and Ocampo offer distinct viewpoints.

Regional and Cultural Variations

 Philippine history is a tapestry of regional and cultural experiences.

 The Katipunan's interpretation varies across regions due to local chapters and leaders.

Examples from Historical Narratives

 The Katipunan: Regional and cultural variations impact interpretations.

 The Philippine Revolution: Different historians emphasize varying aspects.

Identifying Credible Primary Sources

Introduction to Primary Sources:

 Primary sources in Philippine history include firsthand accounts such as oral histories,
church manuscripts, and indigenous oral traditions.

Criteria for Credibility and Authenticity:

 Evaluate sources based on provenance, bias, corroboration, and historical context. Be

mindful of potential biases in historical accounts.

Tips for Finding Primary Sources Online:

 Access digitized archives, university websites, and regional cultural repositories to

explore diverse primary sources related to Philippine history.

The Role of the Historian

1. Preserving Accurate History: Historians in the Philippines preserve and retell the nation's history
accurately through extensive research and documentation.

2. Inclusivity & Marginalized Perspectives: They prioritize marginalized perspectives and regional
histories, ensuring a comprehensive view of the nation's past.

3. Cultural Heritage Promotion: Historians play a role in preserving and promoting the Philippines'
cultural heritage.

4. Public Engagement & Education: They engage with the public to provide access to historical
information and encourage critical thinking.

5. Objectivity & Context: Filipino historians balance objectivity with empathy, understanding the
context of colonization, resistance, and nation-building.

6. Notable Historians: Highlight key historians like Agoncillo, Constantino, McCoy, Guerrero, and
Salazar and their contributions to Philippine history.

Data Gathering Techniques

Oral History Interviews with Elders:

 Advantages: Preservation of local knowledge, community engagement, cultural insights.

 Limitations: Subjectivity, memory fading, interpretation challenges.

Archaeological Excavations of Ancient Settlements:

 Advantages: Physical evidence, chronological insights, contextual understanding.

 Limitations: Costly and time-intensive, fragmented evidence, ethical considerations.

Collection of Regional Folklore:

  Advantages: Cultural insights, preservation of intangible culture, community
involvement.

 Limitations: Oral transmission, interpretation challenges, selective representation.

Case Study: The Callao Man Discovery:

 Example of archaeological excavation in the Philippines.

 67,000-year-old hominin metatarsal bone found in Cagayan Valley.

 Highlights the value of archaeological techniques in uncovering early Philippine history

and human origins.

Assessing Existing Historical Narratives

Critical Analysis of Philippine Historical Narratives

 Filipino historians critically examine historical accounts related to colonization and

independence, acknowledging the complexities of regional experiences.

 They identify biases and gaps in these narratives, often influenced by colonial perspectives.

 These historians work to amplify marginalized voices from various regions and underrepresented
groups.

 Decolonization of the narrative is a key focus, aiming to provide a more accurate, inclusive, and
balanced portrayal of Philippine history.

Value of Historical Evidence

Importance of Critical Evaluation in Philippine History

1. Political Sensitivity: Critical evaluation is crucial in the Philippines due to politically charged
historical narratives. It helps avoid manipulation and fosters a more accurate understanding of
history.

2. Regional Nuances: Appreciating regional differences is vital for a unified national identity. Critical
evaluation acknowledges the contributions of all regions.

3. Historical Accuracy: Ensures accurate and reliable historical accounts, preventing the
perpetuation of myths and misunderstandings.

4. Conflicting Interpretations: Different regions may interpret historical events differently, leading
to varying perspectives on key events.

5. Dynamic Scholarship: Philippine history evolves with new evidence. Archaeological discoveries,
oral history, declassified documents, and global perspectives enrich and challenge existing
narratives.
Lesson No. 2

Exploring Philippine History through Primary Sources

Ricky L. Vargas Jr., LPT

Social Science Instructor

Learning Objectives

1. Primary Documents: Familiarize with primary documents from Philippine history.

2. Source Analysis: Analyze sources' context, content, and influence on Filipino history.

3. Native Beliefs: Introduce native Filipino beliefs as observed by Spanish colonizers.

4. Critical Skills: Develop critical and analytical skills through primary source analysis.

5. Katipunan Background: Discuss the historical context of the Katipunan.

6. Author Perspective: Analyze author perspectives in historical documents.

7. Independence: Explain how the Philippines gained independence from Spanish rule.

8. Comparative Analysis: Compare Philippine independence across historical periods.

Introduction

"Familiarizing oneself with the primary documents from different historical periods of the
Philippines is crucial for understanding the country's rich history and how it evolved over time."

Primary sources are crucial for understanding history as they provide direct access to authentic
information from the past, offering unfiltered perspectives and diverse materials such as letters, diaries,
and official documents. They enable historians to analyze historical events within their cultural and social
context, challenge existing narratives, and verify information through cross-referencing. These sources
also emphasize the agency of individuals and communities in shaping history, making them essential for
both research and education.

Primary Documents in Philippine History

 "To achieve a comprehensive understanding of these historical periods, it's essential to analyze
the context, content, and perspective of various primary sources and how they influenced the
Filipino people's history."

 Primary sources are crucial in historical research because they provide authentic, unfiltered
insights into the past, helping historians understand the context, motivations, and perspectives
of historical events and individuals. Their diversity, ability to challenge established narratives,
and capacity to engage students make primary sources indispensable for both scholars and
educators in exploring and teaching history.
 Example of Primary source “Kartilya ng Katipunan by Emilio Jacinto”
Emilio Jacinto's "Kartilya ng Katipunan" emphasizes the importance
 of a life dedicated to a noble cause, where selfless actions hold
merit, and true piety involves helping others and adhering to right
reason. It promotes the equality of all individuals regardless of skin
color, valor over self-interest, the value of one's word, and the
significance of time. The document also advocates for championing
the oppressed, respecting women, and practicing the Golden Rule.
It celebrates individuals with good character, regardless of their
background, and calls for unity and happiness in a free nation as a
tribute to the sacrifices made for its attainment.

Analyzing Primary Sources

 Context: "For each primary source, analyze its context by considering the time period,
the author's background, and the circumstances under which it was created."

 Content: "Examine the content of the source to understand the events, perspectives,
and ideas it presents."

 Perspective: "Assess the perspective of the source, whether it's from a colonial
perspective, indigenous viewpoint, or a combination of both."

Native Filipino Beliefs and Practices

Native Filipino Beliefs and Practices

 Animism, polytheism, and the worship of spirits in natural elements.

 Anito worship, involving ancestral spirits for guidance and protection.

 Diverse rituals and ceremonies for various life events.

 Spiritual leaders like shamans and babaylans who conducted rituals.

 Deep respect for ancestors with rituals for veneration.

 Influence of superstitions on daily life and decision-making.

Spanish Observations

 Spanish colonizers documented Filipino practices through their Catholic lens.

 Introduced Christianity and sought to convert indigenous populations.

 This influence significantly impacted Filipino culture and spirituality.

Importance of Comparing Indigenous Perspectives

 Understanding native beliefs within their cultural context.

 Insights into worldviews, values, and customs.

 Resilience and adaptation of indigenous cultures over time.

  Highlighting the importance of preserving and respecting traditions.

The Historical Background of the Katipunan

Introduction to Katipunan: Secret revolutionary society in the Philippines, founded in 1892,

played a vital role in the country's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Socio-Political Context (19th Century Philippines):

1. Spanish Colonial Rule: Over 300 years of Spanish colonization.

2. Racial Hierarchy: Discrimination based on race; Spaniards held power.

3. Economic Exploitation: Resources extracted through forced labor and tribute.

4. Enlightenment Ideas: Spread of liberty, equality, and fraternity ideas.

5. Secularization Controversy: Dispute over control of clergy.

6. Global Movements: Inspiration from French Revolution and Latin American

Independence.

7. Emergence of Filipino Nationalism: Rising sense of Filipino identity and desire for self-
determination.

Katipunan's Role: Katipunan aimed to overthrow Spanish colonial rule and establish Philippine
independence, marking the start of the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

Author's Perspective in Writing Documents

Importance: Recognizing the author's background and bias is crucial for understanding historical
documents.

Influence on Interpretation: Authors' unique perspectives shape how they interpret and present
historical events.

Selective Use of Evidence: Authors emphasize evidence that aligns with their bias while
downplaying contradictory information.

Language and Rhetoric: Authors use language and framing to convey their perspective and
evoke specific reader responses.

Historical Omissions: Authors may omit or distort facts that don't fit their narrative.

Cultural and Social Context: Authors' cultural and social backgrounds can affect their portrayal
of different cultures and societies.

Political and Ideological Views: Authors' political and ideological views can lead to one-sided
historical narratives.
Achieving Independence from Spanish Rule

Primary Sources:

 Kartilya ng Katipunan: Ideological guide of the Katipunan.

 Decalogue of the Katipunan: Moral principles for revolutionaries.

 La Solidaridad: Newspaper advocating reforms.

 Novels by Jose Rizal: Inspired nationalist sentiments.

Key Figures:

 Jose Rizal: Writer and reform advocate.

 Andres Bonifacio: Founder of Katipunan.

 Emilio Aguinaldo: Declared Philippine independence.

Key Events:

 Cry of Pugad Lawin: Symbolic defiance against Spanish rule.

 Treaty of Paris (1898): Spain ceded the Philippines to the U.S.

 Philippine-American War: Resistance against American rule.

Comparing Philippine Independence Across Eras

Quote continuation: "Developing critical and analytical skills is essential throughout this process,
as it will enable you to interpret primary sources accurately and gain a deeper understanding of
Philippine history. Additionally, exploring multiple perspectives and sources is crucial to form a
comprehensive view of the past."

Spanish Colonial Era (1565-1898): Centuries of Spanish rule led to the Philippine Revolution of
1896-1898, culminating in the declaration of independence in 1898.

American Colonial Era (1898-1946): After the Spanish-American War, the Philippines came
under U.S. control. This period saw significant reforms and the promise of eventual
independence by 1946.

Japanese Occupation (1942-1945): WWII brought Japanese occupation, marked by brutality but
also strengthening Filipino resolve for independence.

Post-Independence Era (1946-Present): The Philippines became independent in 1946, with

democracy facing challenges, including the Marcos regime. Recent years have seen efforts to
address political and economic issues.
Conclusion

Key Takeaways:

1. Primary sources are essential for understanding Philippine history.

2. They offer authentic insights, diverse perspectives, and unfiltered information.

3. Emilio Jacinto's "Kartilya ng Katipunan" exemplifies Katipunan values.

4. Analyzing primary sources involves context, content, and perspective.

5. Understanding native Filipino beliefs and practices is vital.

6. The Katipunan played a pivotal role in the quest for independence.

7. Recognizing author bias is crucial for interpreting historical documents.

8. Achieving independence required groundwork, key figures, and historic events.

9. Philippine independence evolved through Spanish, American, and Japanese eras.

10. Developing critical skills is essential for a comprehensive view of history.

Importance of Primary Sources:

 Develop critical and analytical skills.

 Gain a deeper understanding of Philippine history.

 Explore multiple perspectives and sources for a comprehensive view.

1. c) The importance of studying history in the Philippines

2. b) It highlights the role of individuals and chance events.
3. c) Government reports
4. c) How history is interpreted and written
5. b) By considering their bias and historical context
6. d) They engage with the public and encourage critical thinking.
7. c) Collection of regional folklore
8. b) To prevent the perpetuation of myths
9. a) To amplify marginalized voices
10. c) Through new evidence and global perspectives
11. b) To challenge established narratives
12. d) They offer unfiltered insights into the past.
13. c) Novels
14. c) By selectively using evidence that aligns with their bias
15. c) Spanish colonization, racial hierarchy, and economic exploitation were prevalent.
16. c) Andres Bonifacio, to overthrow Spanish colonial rule and gain independence
17. a) It allows for a more objective analysis of the documents.
18. c) The Cry of Pugad Lawin
19. c) Spanish Colonial Era
20. c) To gain a comprehensive view of the past
21. True
22. True
23. True
24. False
25. True
26. True
27. False
28. False
29. False
30. True
31. True
32. True
33. True
34. False
35. True

T
True
TRUE
true

F
False
FALSE
false