The Making of Filipino Kasaysayan: THINKING HISTORICALLY

history

Everything that happened in the past; an account of the past.

change

• Acts as a stimulus for us to think historically and explore new directions.

• Provides branches of development, while we produce the outcomes.

• Can be gradual (almost unnoticeable) or drastic (sudden and transformative).

continuity

• We owe it to our roots.

• Provides stability and a sense of historical progression.

multiple causation

• No single event has just one cause—every event has multiple causes.

• History must explore various contributing factors rather than looking for one definite cause.

• There is no absolute answer to historical questions.

significance

• The importance or value of an event is relative rather than fixed.

• There is no absolute right or wrong interpretation.

• Objectivity is a myth—humans are naturally subjective, and this influences our conclusions.

• We assess significance based on a particular reference point or perspective.

source and evidences

• These are the cornerstones of historical understanding—we must have a basis for our claims.

• ___ are the original materials; however, they require interpretation within historical studies.

• A source alone is not enough—it must be transformed into ____ to support historical arguments.

framework

• Serves as a guide in historical interpretation.

• There is no universal ___ —we must clearly define the one we use.

context

Essential for meaning-making in history—understanding an event requires placing it within its proper time, place, and cultural setting.

political, economic, socio-cultural

3 basic framework

past events

basic unit of study

anachronism

• Happens when we apply modern values, beliefs, or standards to judge the past.

• Example: Calling ancient leaders "bad" for not following democracy, even though democracy didn’t exist then.
  🔹 It distorts history by ignoring the context of the time.

Historiography

The writing of history.

methods and perspectives

2 types of historiography

Traditional (Western-Centric) Historiography

Focuses on written records as the only valid historical source.

No document, no history

A positivist approach emphasizing the importance of written records.

Kasaysayan

A Filipino-centered approach to history that recognizes various sources beyond documents.

Pantayong Pananaw

• perspective

• A perspective that views history from the viewpoint of Filipinos for Filipinos. Internal Discourse (Maka-Pilipino, Bakas)

bagong kasaysayan

• method

• explore much sources as possible

• moves away from traditional, document-based history (positivist history).

pangkaming pananaw

An internal perspective, but the intended audience is outsiders.

kasaysayang bayan

• direction

• struggles, experiences, and perspectives of ordinary Filipinos rather than just elites or colonial rulers.

triapartite view of philippine history

This refers to a three-part division of Philippine history based on a nationalist perspective:

1. Katutubong Panahon (Pre-Colonial) – A time of independent Filipino communities.

2. Panahon ng Pananakop (Colonial Period) – A period of foreign domination and resistance.

3. Panahon ng Paglaya (Period of Liberation) – The struggle for independence and nation-building.

Salaysay

A term meaning narrative or account in Filipino.

Pananaw/Perspektiba

The lens through which history is interpreted.

Primary Sources

• sources coming from the actual period

• materials from actors/participants or witnesses

• by people or groups directly involved in the event or topic being studied

Secondary Sources

• Works that interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources.

• the “testimony of anyone who is not an eyewitness—that is of one who was not present at the event of which he tells” s

• studies digesting, interpreting or using primary sources

• provide a map and relevant information on the primary sources

Source Criticism

The method of evaluating the authenticity and reliability of historical sources.

External Criticism

Tests the authenticity of sources.

Internal Criticism

Tests the historical reliability of sources.

context and content analysis

2 types of historical method: source analysis

context analysis

focuses on understanding the background and setting of a historical source. Examines the who, when, where, and why of a source.

• Time & Place – When and where was it created?

• Situation – What were the social norms at the time?

• Historical Context – What was happening in society?

• Author’s Role & Intent – Was the author involved? What was their purpose?

• Authority & Relevance – Does the author have credibility?

content analysis

• looks at the actual message and claims in the source. Analyzes the claims, arguments, and biases of a source.

• Main Idea – What is the key argument?

• Evidence – Are claims backed by facts?

• Corroboration – Do other sources agree?

• Perspective & Bias – Is the author neutral or influenced by personal views?

Chronological Thinking

Understanding the order of events and cause-effect relationships.

historical comprehension

Grasping the meaning of historical texts, sources, and events.

historical analysis & interpretation

Evaluating perspectives, biases, and significance of events.

historical research capabilities

Using sources to investigate and draw conclusions.

historical issues

Identifying debates, conflicts, and differing viewpoints in history.

single understanding

There is no ___ _____ of truth in history.

history

_____ is composed of competing, sometimes conflicting arguments and viewpoints and is always changing.

eyewitnesses

Primary sources provide a glimpse of particular historical period from the lens of _____

kasaysayan

n deviates from the traditional/positivist history by putting emphasis on sense-making from a pro-Filipino perspective.

rizal’s inspiration

Why study RIPH?

• Deeper Understanding of the past

• Strengthening Filipino Identity

• Guiding the Future

historical thinking skills

Essential for critical analysis, especially in Society 5.0 (technology-driven era).