Module I

Basic Concepts and Information

Module I - Basic Concepts and Information

This module provides basic concepts and information in the study of Readings in
Philippine history. This includes meaning and relevance of history; sources of history and
its types; external and internal criticism; and different kinds of primary sources.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, you should have

• Learned how to identify the credible and authentic primary sources

• Made an assessment on the provenance of authentic sources.

• Differentiated between the primary and the secondary sources

• Understood the events and its historical facts contained in the primary account
 Pre-Assessment

I. Multiple Choice. Choose the best answer and write the letter of your answer on
the space provided before each number.

b 1. Which of the following is the study of man and his achievements from the
beginning of written records to the present time?
• Anthropology c. Sociology
• History d. Paleontology

a 2. Which of the following is the originators of information and data in the

study of history?
• Sources c. People
• Documents d. Events

b 3. Which of the following is considered as the lifeblood of history?

• Batis c. Sources
• Primary Sources d. Secondary Sources

d 4. Which of the following has these examples like text books, account of
person who does not really witness the events, and the like?
• Batis c. Sources
• Primary Sources d. Secondary Sources

c 5. Which of the following is the establishment of authenticity to ensure that the

documents are not mere forgeries or inventions?
• Internal Criticism c. External Criticism
• Accuracy d. Scientific Analysis
II. Essay: In not more than 10 sentences, discuss as fully as you can the difference
between the primary and secondary sources.
If we really look closely, the primary sources are like the Original Gangsters of history, straight from
the source. These are firsthand accounts or records created by people who were actually there when the
events went down. They give us a direct look into what happened and how people experienced it.

On the other hand, secondary sources are like the cool cats who analyze and interpret those primary
sources. They're works created by folks who weren't directly involved but use the primary sources to give their
take on what went down. Secondary sources can be books, articles, documentaries, or even scholarly papers.

Primary sources offer a raw and unfiltered perspective, giving us a closer connection to the past. They
provide firsthand evidence and allow us to hear the voices of those who lived through historical events.
Secondary sources, on the other hand, provide analysis, context, and different interpretations of the primary
sources. They help us make sense of the information and provide a broader understanding of historical events.
 Core Content
Meaning and Relevance of History

History can be defined in several ways. It could be defined as a documented

records of man and his society. As a field of study, it is a study of man and his
achievements from the beginning of written records to the present time (Gray, 1956 in De
Viana, 2015). History can be defined as everything that has happened or occurred from
the beginning of the time to the last instance. As a record, it is a documented history of
man and his society.

According to De Viana (2015) in Biong and Grey (2017), history as a record of

events shows the evolution of man and his society and from the age of barbarism to what
he is today.

Sources of History

In the study of Philippine history, sources are called batis which also means
stream or a spring. A batis therefore is the spring of historical information. The usual
batis are documents especially archival documents.

There are some sources which are not written such as relics, fossils, remains, and
memorabilia. Some sources are alive such as living eyewitnesses. When the researcher
uses them in his research, they are always known as respondents or informants.

Types of Sources. There are two types of sources in the study of history.

Primary sources are considered as the lifeblood of history. They directly talks
about the subject matter. They accounts of people who are direct participants or
eyewitness to an event are primary sources. Examples of primary sources are minutes of
meeting, diaries and journals, autobiographies, and the like.

Secondary sources are documents or works made by individuals who are not
directly involved to the events or made by people who obtained the information from
somebody else or from primary sources. Examples of secondary sources are textbooks,
encyclopedia entries, newspapers accounts of a meeting, and the like.

External and Internal Criticism

All sources of historical data must be subjected to rigorous scientific analysis to

determine both their authenticity and their accuracy. Furthermore, historical data are
subjected to rigorous scientific analysis through external and internal criticism (Gottchalk,
1969 in Biong and Grey, 2017).

External criticism is the establishment of authenticity. Its purpose is to ensure that

the documents are not mere forgeries or inventions.
 Internal criticism, on the other hand, is the establishment of accuracy. Its purpose
is to evaluate the accuracy and the worth of the data. In determining the accuracy of the
data, four factors are to be considered, namely: (a) author’s knowledge

and competence, (b) time delay, (c) motives and biases of the author, and (d) consistency
of the data (Biong and Grey, 2017).

Kinds of Primary Sources

• Human fossils 8. Magazines 15. Memoirs
• Artifacts 9. Legislative Journals 16. Personal Account
• Royal Decrees & Laws 10. Court Records 17. Newspaper
• Official Reports 11. Court Records 18. Blogs
• Chronicles 12. Speeches 19. Documentary Films
• Friar accounts 13. Personal Letters 20. Recorded Interviews
• Maps 14. On line databases

**********

Tasks
Instruction: Read the historical accounts on Tejeros Convention, and be able to
identify the differences between the primary source from the secondary source.

The discovery of the Katipunan due to the misunderstanding of the two

Katipuneros, Apolonio de la Cruz and Teodoro Patino, made Andres Bonifacio to call for
the Assembly of all the leaders. He arrived in Balintawak and immediately change the
Code of the Katipunan, thinking he might save the society. With a significant number of
Katipuneros, he left Balintawak and proceeded to Pugadlawin. They assembled in the
yard of Juan Ramos. In there, he asked the Katipuneros if they are willing to fight to the
bitter end and the men assured him. With that assurance from the loyal Katipuneros,
Andres Bonifacio ordered to take out their cedulas and tear them off together with the
shouting “ Long Live the Philippines.” This was the event known as the “First Cry of the
Philippine Revolution.”
 Source: https://philippinefolklifemuseum.org

The First Cry of the Philippine Revolution was the onset of the Spanish-Filipino
Revolution as known as the Philippine Revolution of 1896 in which the first skirmishes
was in Pasong Tamo.

With the discovery of the Katipunan, resulted to the opposing stand of the two
Katipunan factions, namely: the Magdalo and the Magdiwang. The Magdalo faction stand
firm in the changing of the Katipunan since it was already discovered by the Spaniards.
On the other hand, the Magdiwang group stand firm that the Katipunan should remain
despite the Spaniard had discovered it.

The Revolution had started. There was a need to unite and focus to the common
enemy, the Spaniards.

To unite the conflicting factions of the Katipunan and to solve the issue at hand,
their leaders, Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo agreed to hold the Tejeros
Convention. The venue of this convention is given below:
Source: https://cavite.gov.ph Tejeros Convention Site

Tejeros Convention is the event in the history whose purpose is to unite the two
conflicting factions of the Katipunan, by electing the new set of officers who will be
recognized by both factions. The meeting started with Jacinto Lumbreras as the presiding
officer. During the meeting, heated arguments were exchanged by the conflicting factions
whether the Katipunan be changed or remained. Due to this, the presiding officer called
for an hour recess to cool off the heads of those Katipuneros. After the recess, Andres
Bonifacio took over as Presiding Officer.

Now, you are task to compare the primary source and the secondary source of the
above-mentioned event, Tejeros Convention. One account was written by Santiago
• Alvarez, a Katipunan general and was present during the Meeting as the primary
source. The other account was written by Teodoro A. Agoncillo, a well-known historian, as
the secondary source.

For this historical event, the following references are provided where you can read
the primary and secondary accounts of Tejeros Convention:

*Alvarez, Santiago, (1992). The Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a

General. Loyola Heights, Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press.

*Biong, Ryan D. and Evelyn J. Grey (2017). Readings in Philippine History. Iloilo
City: Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.
 *Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2002). The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio
and the Katipunan. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press

After reading the accounts on Tejeros Convention one by Santiago Alvarez

“Memoirs of General” the primary source and the other one is by Teodoro Agoncillo’s
“Revolts of the Masses” the secondary source, be ready to do this activity.

Compare the accounts from both primary source and the secondary source. By
doing this activity, you may know the difference of the primary sources from the
secondary sources.

Primary vs. Secondary Sources Tejeros Convention (1897)

Primary Source: Santiago Secondary Source:
Alvarez “Memoirs of A Teodoro Agoncillo’s
General” “Revolt of the Masses”
Author’s background A native of Imus, Cavite, He was born on November 9,
Santiago was the only child of 1912 and died January 14,
revolutionary general Mariano 1985. He was one of the pre-
Alvarez (1818–1924) and eminent Filipino historians of
Nicolasa Virata the 20th century.
When was the account The account was written on The account was written in
written? March 25, 1897 at the same 1947 as an entry in a National
time as the event occurred. Bonifacio Biography but it was
published in 1956.
Mention of Date (s) March 25, 1897 > assembly at • Early part of November, the
Tejeros convened March 27, Capital was moved to San
1897, the night after the Francisco de Malabon •
rumored meeting of Magdalo December 1896, Bonifacio
acceded to the request in the
leaders, eye witness revealed
third invitation
that a meeting was indeed had • January 2, 1897, Bonifacio
taken place at parish house in wrote from San Francisco de
Tanza. Malabon to his uncle in law Mario
Alvarez
• April 1897, Spaniards captured
the town
• March 22, 1897, Aguinaldo's
birthday.
Mention of Place • Tejeros Covention Site where • Talisay, Batangas > under the
the assembly wasconvened. Magdalo government. •
• Parish house in Tanza > where Nasugbo, Tuwi, and Look,
therumored meeting of Batangas > under the Magdiwang
government • San Francisco de
Magdalo leaderstake place.
Malabon > where the capital was
moved before Naik
• Noveleta > whre the capital of
Magdiwang was moved
• Kawit > Mgdalo's capital before
it fall
 • House of Juan Castañedain Imus
> where Bonifacio was brought by
the rebel leaders
• Estate house of Tejeros > a
Magdiwang teritory
Key personalities Secretary Jacinto Lumbreras • Supremo Andres Bonifacio- •
( he was assigned to the invitations Emilio Aguinaldo
of the meeting) • Daniel Tirona- Breakt the
meeting rules and insulted the
Magdiwang leaders: Supreme elected Jose del Rosario • Pres.
Andres Bonifacio Baldomero Aguinaldo- leader of
( Father of the Katipunan and the Magdalo
revolution), Messrs.
Sequencing of events 1) The Tejeros Convention was the 1) The Tejeros Convention was
meeting held on March 22, 1897 the meeting held on March 22,
between the Magdiwang and 1897 between the Magdiwang
Magdalo factions of the Katipunan and @Magdalo factions of the
at San Francisco de Malabon, katipunan at the San Francisco de
Cavite. Malabon 2)
2) Misunderstanding arise between Misunderstanding arise between
Andres Bonifacio and Daniel Andres Bonifacio and Daniel
Tirono. Torino.
3) Those elected in Tejeros 3) Those elected in Tejeros
convention knelt before the Conventon knelt before the
crucifix. crucifix.
4)mMagdalo troops guard the 4) Magdalo troops guard the
oath-taking ceremonies inside the path- taking ceremonies inside
parish in Tanza. the paris
5) Katipunan in Cavite divide into 2
factions: Magdalo and Magdiwang
6) Bonifacio invited by Magdiwang
to visit Cavite.
7) Misunderstanding exist between
2 rebel groups.
8) Convention assembly in Imus.
9) Election happened 10)
Bonifacio sent a letter to Mariano
Alvarez his uncle in law and Emilo
Jacinto.
Differences between 2 • The text from this source is short • It was more complex than the
accounts thanthe secondary source. primary source because it tell
• The author is one of the member what are the things happen
intejeros convention and I think is before, during and after the
bias because he only give his own assembly.
perspectionabout his experience • Also, the author made a lot of
and the groupwhere he accomplishment where he never
belonged.Yet, the author isthe been bias upon writing because
eyewitness he doesn’t belong in any group in
in the context. •Secondary source
is more reliable.
 **********

Independent Activity

Instruction: In this time of COVID 19 pandemic, many information are spreading in

mass media, both in print and broadcast media, about the corona virus. Basing from
the lesson cited above, you are asked to do the following:
• Give at least 2 examples of primary sources and the corresponding
secondary sources derived from them.
• Identify the differences of facts or information in the primary source
with its corresponding secondary source.

1. Primary Source: A statement from a government health official about the

transmission of COVID-19.
Secondary Source: An article in a newspaper summarizing the official's statement
and providing additional context on the spread of the virus.

Differences: The primary source would provide direct information from the health
official, while the secondary source would include analysis, explanations, and
potentially other expert opinions to help readers understand the implications of
the official's statement.

2. Primary Source: A research study published in a scientific journal about the

effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Secondary Source: A news report discussing the findings of the research study
and providing insights into the potential impact of the vaccine.

Differences: The primary source would present the study's methodology, data, and
conclusions, while the secondary source would interpret and summarize the
study's findings for a broader audience, including possible implications and
limitations.
Your output for this activity will be submitted together with your output in your Task.
The submission will depend on your Professor’s instruction.

Post- Assessment
I. Multiple Choice. Choose the best answer and write the letter of your answer on
the space before each number.

b 1. The study of man and his achievements from the beginning of written
records to the present time is
• Anthropology c. Sociology
• History d. Paleontology

a 2. This refers to the originators of information and data in the study of history
• Sources c. People
• Documents d. Events

b 3. One of the types of historical sources considered as the lifeblood of history

• Batis c. Sources
• Primary Sources d. Secondary Sources

d 4. Historical sources such as text books, account of person who does not really
witness the events, and the like
• Batis c. Sources
• Primary Sources d. Secondary Sources

c 5. This refers to the establishment of authenticity to ensure that the

documents are not mere forgeries or inventions?
• Internal Criticism c. External Criticism
• Accuracy d. Scientific Analysis

II. Essay: In not more than 10 sentences, discuss how the primary sources
differs from the secondary sources.
 Primary sources are original documents from the time period being studied, like diaries or
photographs. Secondary sources are interpretations or analyses of primary sources, created
by scholars. Primary sources provide direct evidence, while secondary sources offer
analysis and commentary. .

References

Alvarez, Santiago, (1992). The Katipunan and the Revolution:

Memoirs of a General. Loyola Heights, Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila
University Press

Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2002). The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of

Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Quezon City: University of the
Philippines Press

Biong, R. D., Erebaren, G.C and Evelyn J. Grey (2017). Readings in Philippine
History. Iloilo City: Malones Printing Press & Publishing House.

De Viana, Augusto V. (2013). Stories Rarely Told. New Day Publishers, Quezon City,
Philippines .

Gottschalk, Louis. (1969). Understanding History: A Primer of Historical

Method. New York: Alfred A. Knopf

Grey, Evelyn J., From a Normal School to a Comprehensive University. Unpublished

Dissertation. West Visayas State University. Iloilo City, Philippines.