Source-Materials-for-the-Study-of-Philippine-History-pdf

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• Copyright, 1968 by the University of Santo Tomas, printed in the Philippines.

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Summary of Early References to the Philippines

• The earliest documented references to the Philippines are from a Chinese record dating A.D. 982 and descriptions in two Chinese texts from the 13th and 14th centuries.

• Descriptions characterize Filipinos as having:

  • Simple customs and material culture.

  • Influences from Chinese and Hindu cultures.

  • Varied social organization, from savagery to literate government.

  • Developed domestic and foreign trade using barter system.

• Common food includes yams, taro, and rice, while drinks include rice-wine and busi.

• Items for barter included wax, cotton, animal hides, and pearls in exchange for more valuable goods.

The Maragtas

• Written by Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro, published in 1907.

• Mixed Hiligaynon and Kin-iraya language, recounts the history of Panay and the Bornean immigrants.

• Contains anecdotes about early inhabitants, their customs, and the arrival of Spaniards.

• Author's biography highlights his local significance and involvement during the Revolution.

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Maragtas Contents

• The Maragtas comprises:

  • A publisher's introduction and the author's foreword.

  • Six chapters detailing customs and migration stories.

  • An epilogue with concluding thoughts for the people of Panay.

• Chapter 1 details Aeta social structure and hero Marikudo.

• Chapters include romantic tales and governance issues of the ten datus.

• The final chapter lists Spanish officials from 1637-1808 and includes 18th-century dates from Miag-ao.

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Provenance of Maragtas

• The author shares anxiety about being presumed presumptuous for revealing certain historical data and manuscripts used in writing.

• He references the oral tradition and two manuscripts from elders as foundational sources for his work.

• Chronicles the challenges and authenticity issues related to these sources providing historical context and traditions that have evolved.

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Cultural Narratives

• The Maragtas includes various cultural criticisms, including references to local customs, laws, and social organization evolution under the new governance post-Spanish conquest.

• Observations from folklore hint at historical validity, while later scholars debate the authenticity of such narrative traditions.

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The Confederation of Madiaas

• Discusses possible governance structures among the datus and the authority exercised.

• Suggests the existence of a political constitution without any modern record.

• The legally significant cultural traditions are documented without clear evidence from oral histories.

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The Maragtas Code

• Details the customs outlined in the Maragtas as not formal laws but societal expectations.

• Includes severe sanctions illustrating social hierarchy and implications of works by various ethnic histories.

• There is skepticism about the authenticity and origin of such customs.

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Use of Maragtas by Historians

• The document’s historical significance grows post-World War II with increasing interest in Filipino history.

• Several translations and interpretations emerged but often conflict, showcasing historical research challenges.

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Summary of Contributions to Historiography

• José E. Marco's Influence

  • Marco presented numerous early documents purported to be ancient Philippine texts but later investigations raised questions about their authenticity.

  • The contributions of these documents to Filipino historiography are debated as they may have stirred national consciousness or formed foundational myths.

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Marco's Legacy

• Questions surrounding the authenticity of historical sources used in Filipino history texts challenge the integrity of the narratives taught in educational institutions.

• Scholarships and folklore intertwine, highlighting the complexity of cultural identity and historical heritage.