Week 1 - Prehistory and Artifacts

History
●​ The study of the past as recorded in written documents. Events that occurred before
written records are known as prehistory. Scholars who study and write about history are
called historians.
●​ It's important because it teaches us about the past. And by learning about the past you
come to understand the present so that you may make educated decisions about the
future.
Prehistory
●​ Focuses on understanding history through fossils and artifacts before the invention of
writing. These materials are used to study the early stages of human civilization and
provide insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and technologies of prehistoric humans.

Why Study History

●​ Help us understand people and societies
●​ Help us understand chang and how the society we live in came to be
●​ Gives importance of history in our own lives
●​ Contributes to moral understanding
●​ Provides identity
●​ Essential for good citizenship

Week 2 - Classification and Criticism of Historical Sources, Repository & Different Kind of
Primary Sources

Classification of Historical Sources

●​ Historical sources are divided into primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are
firsthand records of historical events (e.g., letters, diaries, photographs), while secondary
sources interpret and analyze primary sources.

Primary Sources
●​ Are original records created during specific historical periods by individuals who
participated in or witnessed events. They offer a firsthand account and provide a variety
of perspectives on historical events, people, or places. These sources come in different
formats, such as:
○​ Audio: Oral histories, memoirs, interviews, music.
○​ Images: Photographs, videos, films, fine art.
○​ Objects: Clothing, tools, pottery, gravestones, weapons, memorabilia.
○​ Statistics: Census data, population statistics, weather records.
○​ Text: Letters, diaries, legal documents, treaties, maps, advertisements, recipes,
and sermons.
■​ These sources are vital for researchers as they serve as the primary
evidence for analyzing and understanding the past.
Secondary Sources
●​ Documents or materials created by individuals who reference primary sources to
provide information about an event. Unlike primary sources, which are first hand
accounts, secondary sources include texts, images, and objects that interpret or analyze
those firsthand experiences. Textbooks are a common example of secondary sources.

External and Internal Criticism

●​ External criticism verifies the authenticity of the source (e.g., verifying dates, authorship)
●​ Internal criticism assesses the reliability of the information (e.g., identifying biases or
misinterpretations).

Repositories of Primary Sources

●​ Libraries, museums, and national archives are key repositories where primary historical
sources can be found.

Examples of Primary Sources

●​ These include audio recordings, photographs, artifacts, documents, statistics, and
personal letters. Students are guided to distinguish between primary, secondary, and
tertiary sources through practical exercises.

Week 3 - Content and Context Analysis, Historical Sources

Content
●​ Content refers to the information in a historical source, while context explains the
background and method by which this information is conveyed. Students are guided
through content analysis to understand primary sources better.
●​ Complete information a topic contains, while context is the background or method by
which that information is shared. Content analysis is a research method used to study
primary sources, such as documents and communication artifacts, including texts,
images, audio, and video. Understanding the historical context is essential for accurately
interpreting primary sources. Contextual analysis examines factors like the time, place,
author's background, and intent. Primary sources offer varied perspectives on historical
events.

Antonio Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around the World

●​ Pigafetta's journal is one of the earliest written accounts of pre colonial Philippines. He
accompanied Magellan on the first circumnavigation of the globe (1519-1522). His
account is seen as an important primary source for historians studying this era.

●​ Born: Vicenza, Italy ●​ Known for: Chronicling Magellan's

●​ Died: 1531, Vicenza, Italy circumnavigation
●​ Nationality: Italian, Venetian
 ○​ Antonio Pigafetta was a Venetian scholar and explorer known for chronicling
Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe from 1519 to 1522. Born in
Vicenza, Italy, he provided crucial insights into this unprecedented journey, which
saw only one of five ships return and a small number of the original 240 men
survive. His chronicle is one of the most cited sources for studying the pre
colonial Philippines, offering a credible account of a previously undocumented
era.
○​ When the Spaniards, led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, arrived in the Philippines
in the 16th century, they encountered independent, well-organized villages known
as barangays, which derived their name from "balangay," a type of traditional
boat. These barangays typically consisted of 30 to 100 households and operated
autonomously.
○​ The arrival of the Spaniards also led to conflicts with local raiders from the
Balangingi-Samal, Ilanun, and Sultanate of Sulu, who were skilled sailors and
warriors. This conflict represented a clash of ideologies: the desire for freedom
from colonization versus the expansion of territory. The film emphasizes the
sacrifices made by these raiders and their significant role in resisting
colonization, advocating for recognition of their bravery and skills, despite being
labeled as pirates.

Pigafetta
●​ Antonio Pigafetta is regarded as the best source of information on Magellan's voyage
around the world from 1519 to 1522, a remarkable achievement in exploration. Out of
five ships, only one returned, and a small number of the original 240 crew members
survived. This voyage significantly enhanced global interactions.
●​ Pigafetta's chronicle is one of the most frequently cited documents by historians studying
the pre colonial Philippines, as it represents one of the earliest written accounts of that
era, providing credible insights into a previously unrecorded period. The discovery of the
English translation of his journal, Magellan's Voyage, adds excitement to the research,
as it offers a firsthand perspective of the voyage from 1519 to 1521.

The Untouched Barangays

●​ Before Spanish colonization, barangays were independent, well-organized communities
led by local chiefs. These villages had complex social and political structures that were
later reshaped by colonization.

Raiders of the Sulu Sea

●​ The documentary about the Balangingi-Samal, Ilanun, and Sultanate of Sulu portrays
their fight against Spanish colonizers. These "pirates" were expert sailors and warriors
fighting for freedom against Spanish expansion. The film emphasizes their role in
resisting colonization.
Customs of the Tagalogs
●​ Fr. Juan de Plasencia's work provides insight into the precolonial society of the
Tagalogs, including their social hierarchy, religious practices, and agricultural methods.
This is one of the earliest written accounts of Filipino society before significant Spanish
influence.
○​ Juan de Plasencia was born in the early 16th century as Juan Portocarrerp in
Plasencia in the region of Extremadura, Spain
○​ He was a Spanish friar of the Franciscan Order. He was among the first group of
Franciscan missionaries who arrived on the island on July 02,1578
○​ He was one of the the seven children of Pedro Portocarrero
○​ A captain of a spanish schooner
●​ Fr. Juan de Plasencia was a Franciscan missionary from Extremadura who arrived in the
Philippines on July 2, 1578, during the Siglo de Oro. He worked alongside Fray Diego de
Oropesa in Southern Tagalog and helped establish towns in Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, and
Bulacan. He authored Relación de las Costumbres de los Tagalogs, detailing the
region's political, social, economic, and cultural practices, and published the Doctrina
Christiana en Lengua Espanola y Tagala, the first printed book in the Philippines. He
was honored with the title of Venerable and died in Liliw, Laguna, in 1590.

Miguel de Loarca
●​ arrived in 1576 and became an encomendero in Panay, documenting the way of life in
Western Visayas in his work Relación de las Islas Filipinas (1582). Antonio de Morga
came in 1595 as Asesor and Teniente General and wrote Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas,
which provides insights into the Philippines' state in the late 1600s.

Other notable missionaries include:

●​ Fr. Pedro Chirino S.J. (Relación de las Islas Filipinas, 1604)
●​ Fr. Juan Delgado S.J. (Historia General, 1751)
●​ Fr. Francisco Colin S.J. (Labor Evangelica, 1663)
●​ Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina S.J. (Historia natural del sitio, fertilidad y calidad de las Islas
e Indios de Bisayas, 1668)
●​ Fr. Joaquin Martinez de Zuniga O.S.A. (Historia)

Barangays
●​ were tribal units led by chiefs (datus) and typically consisted of 30-100 houses, with all
members considered equal in status. The social hierarchy included:

Maharlica
●​ Free individuals, exempt from taxes, who could accompany others in war.

Aliping Namamahay
●​ Property owners who served masters, inheriting their status.

Aliping sa Guiguilid
 ●​ Slaves who could be sold.

**Property** was communal, with mountain ridges owned collectively by the barangay, and
harvests could be sown by any individual.

**Religion** lacked formal temples, with worship occurring in chiefs' houses during festivals
(pandot). The **nagaanitos** worshipped the barangay's deities, including **Bathala**, the
creator, and celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars, with **Tala** as the morning star.

Fr. Juan de Plasencia struggled to understand indigenous cultures, labeling them as evil. His
contributions include documenting Philippine customs before Spanish and Christian influences,
detailing social classes, political structures, and the legal system, as well as outlining the roles
of datus, maharlika, and alipin.

Week 4 - Examination of the Author’s Central Argument and Point Of View

Emilio Jacinto - “Kartilya ng Katipunan"

●​ Central Argument
○​ The "Kartilya ng Katipunan" is a guidebook outlining the moral values and
principles expected of Katipunan members. It emphasizes moral integrity,
equality, and responsibility.
○​ Its aim is to ensure that Katipuneros live virtuously, not just fight for
independence, but also embody the values that would build a better society.

●​ Point of View
○​ Jacinto writes from the perspective of a philosopher-revolutionary, believing that
personal and national liberation are intertwined.
○​ He advocates for the moral upliftment of individuals to strengthen the Filipino
people's capacity to achieve true freedom.

Emilio Aguinaldo - "Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan"

●​ Central Argument:
○​ Mga “Gunita ng Himagsikan" is Aguinaldo's defense of his leadership during the
revolution. He argues that his decisions, including the execution of Andres
Bonifacio, were necessary to achieve the goal of national unity and
independence.
○​ Aguinaldo emphasizes pragmatism and the need to set aside personal
differences for the greater good of the revolution.

●​ Point of View
○​ Aguinaldo’s narrative reflects a leader’s perspective, often defensive, as he
seeks to justify his controversial actions.
 ○​ His tone is both nationalistic and pragmatic, presenting himself as a leader who
had to make difficult decisions to ensure the success of the revolution.

Philippine Declaration of Independence (June 12, 1898)

●​ Central Argument
○​ The Declaration of Independence asserts the Philippines' right to self-rule and
sovereignty after centuries of Spanish oppression. It justifies the revolution by
outlining Spain's abuses and proclaims the Filipino people's freedom from
colonial rule.
○​ The declaration is a formal legal document meant to establish the legitimacy of
Filipino independence.

●​ Point of View
○​ The document reflects a nationalist and revolutionary perspective, emphasizing
the right of the Filipino people to determine their own future.
○​ It is assertive and celebratory, signaling the birth of a new, independent nation,
while also recognizing the potential challenges from foreign powers in achieving
full sovereignty.

Week 5 - Propaganda in Art and Political Caricature

Propaganda in Art
●​ The life and work of Juan Luna, a key figure in Filipino art, are explored. Luna's art was
not just artistic but political, contributing to Filipino identity during the colonial era.
Students are asked to reflect on the ongoing impact of Luna's contributions today.

Filipino Grievances Against Gov. Gen. Leonard Wood

●​ Filipino politicians filed 21 complaints against Governor-General Leonard Wood during
the American period. The grievances centered on his authoritarian rule, arbitrary
decisions, and undermining Filipino autonomy. This highlights ongoing tensions between
American colonial leaders and Filipino politicians who sought self-governance.

Political Caricature of the American and Japanese Era

●​ Political cartoons were an essential medium for expressing national sentiments during
the American colonial period (1900–1941). The cartoons satirized American governance,
critiqued economic inequality, and explored social issues, like sexual liberation and
dynastic politics.
●​ Japanese Wartime Visual Propaganda: During the Japanese occupation, propaganda
comics replaced American cartoons. The Japanese aimed to control media outlets to
propagate their militaristic ideals. Comic strips like "The Kalibapi Family" and "Now I've
Seen Everything" were part of this effort, focusing on loyalty to Japan, militaristic values,
and anti-American sentiment.
Key Concepts
●​ Commonwealth, Filipinization, Homesteading, and KALIBAPI (a fascist Filipino political
party under Japanese occupation) are defined and discussed in relation to Filipino
identity during both American and Japanese occupation periods.

Week 6 - The Philippine under Martial Law & Corazon Aquino’s Speech before U.S Congress

The Philippines Under Martial Law (1972–1986)

●​ Background
○​ On September 23, 1972, Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law via Presidential
Proclamation No. 1081, although it was backdated to September 21. Marcos
claimed it was to counter the "communist threat" posed by the Communist Party
of the Philippines (CPP) and the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM).
○​ This led to a 14-year period of dictatorship, where human rights abuses were
rampant. 3,257 extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, and 70,000
incarcerations occurred, based on data from Amnesty International and other
organizations.
○​ Marcos’ regime was also marred by corruption, as martial law allowed the
concealment of unexplained wealth, which was later deemed by courts to be of
criminal origin.

●​ Key Historical Figures

○​ Opposition leaders like Lorenzo Tañada, José W. Diokno, and Jovito Salonga
criticized Marcos for exaggerating these threats to justify his extension of power
beyond the two terms allowed by the 1935 constitution.

●​ Human Rights Violations

○​ The regime targeted political opponents, activists, journalists, and religious
workers. Marcos continued to hold power until he was ousted by the EDSA
Revolution in February 1986.

●​ Differentiation of Perspectives
○​ There is a contrast between Marcos' 10th State of the Nation Speech, which
defended the need for martial law, and Pete Lacaba's “Lying Down in Air”, which
reflects on the human rights abuses and censorship during that time. Lacaba, a
journalist and former political prisoner, exposes the harsh realities of Martial Law.

Corazon Aquino’s Speech Before the U.S. Congress

●​ Corazon Aquino assumed office in 1986, after the ousting of Marcos, and was known for
restoring democracy in the Philippines.
●​ In her speech before the U.S. Congress in 1986, Aquino emphasized the struggles and
sacrifices of the Filipino people during the Marcos regime, highlighting the triumph
people power and the peaceful EDSA Revolution.
 ●​ Aquino’s Contributions
○​ She declared a revolutionary government, abolished the Marcos-controlled
legislature, and initiated the drafting of a new constitution that was ratified in
1987.
○​ Aquino’s presidency saw the reimplementation of local elections in 1988 and the
first presidential election in 1992.

●​ Historical Significance
○​ Aquino’s presidency is seen as a return to democratic governance after years of
dictatorship, and her speech at the U.S. Congress underscored the importance of
freedom and human rights.

Pete Lacaba’s Role

●​ Background
○​ Pete Lacaba, born in 1945, was a journalist, poet, and political prisoner during
the Martial Law years. Known for his work with the Philippines Free Press,
Lacaba was a vocal critic of the Marcos dictatorship and was detained from 1974
to 1976.
○​ He later became a celebrated author and screenwriter, using his writing to
document the abuses and oppression of the martial law period.

●​ Lacaba’s Reflection
○​ In his work, "Lying Down in Air," Lacaba reflects on the tortures and censorship
experienced under martial law, offering a stark contrast to the official government
narratives of the Marcos regime.