History
Meaning and Importance of Constitution
"A vast majority of contemporary constitutions describe the basic principles of the state, the structures and processes of government, and the fundamental rights of the citizens in a higher law that cannot be unilaterally changed by an ordinary legislative act. Generally, this higher law is referred to as constitution.
The content and nature of a particular constitution, as well as how it relates to the rest of the legal and political order, varies considerably among countries. Constitution has no universal and uncontested definition." (What is a Constitution?, n.d.)
Nevertheless, any broadly accepted working definition of a constitution would likely include the following characteristics:
A constitution is a set of fundamental legal-political rules that:
1. are binding on everyone in the state, including ordinary law-making institutions;
2. are concerned with the structure and operation of the institutions of government, political principles, and citizen rights;
3. are based on widespread public legitimacy,
4. are more challenging to change than ordinary laws (e.g., a two-thirds majority vote or a referendum is needed), and 5. meets the internationally recognized criteria for a democratic system in terms of representation and human rights at the minimum.
(What is a Constitution?, n.d.) (Constitution: Why The Constitution is important, n.d.)
Direct Quote:
"Reasons why the constitution is important:
These points will help answer why the constitution is important.
1. The constitution is an embodiment: Constitution is a written instrument that serves as the embodiment of the rules of a political or social organization. These rules and regulations lay down the base of the nation so that it can run without any sort of issue or dispute, in case any problem occurs in the legal and governmental sectors or between the masses of the country and the judiciary, these provisions will help the country to get through this phase where a regular threat of a civil war breakdown which is probably the last thing any country can want to experience exists
2. The constitution forms the basic structure of any government: The constitution of any country is important because it lays down all the legal and cultural aspects under which
its people and the governmental bodies will be governed and when foreign interactions in the personal affairs by international organizations exist. The executive, the legislature, and the judiciary are the main branches of the government that the constitution has established.
The three branches of government are the sources of stability of any country; without them, the only things that will rise are terror and corruption among the masses
3. The constitution governs the power distribution: The constitution defines the powers of each branch and lets everyone related to a country know the powers that the governmental and legal bodies have. The constitution demarcates the responsibilities of each party, whether it is a governmental institution, companies of the country, or the masses of the nation. The constitution regulates the relationship between the government and the people in such a manner that no one part can miss treating the power in any way possible.
4. Apex body: A constitution is superior to all the laws of the country, which indicates that any law or provision that is circulated in the nation is passed down by the constitution itself. Every law that is enacted by the government has to be in conventionality with the constitution, thereby indicating that no individual or no legal body will be able to speak upon the constitution; otherwise, it will not maintain the strength and will fall, and so will the nation.
5. Goals of a country: The constitution lays down the national goals of any country; by nation goals, we refer to any aspiring objective that a country has. Given that every country has several points to reach, the constitution will help reach goals such as democracy, secularism, socialism, and national integration.
6. Basic rights: The constitution of a country guarantees several rights and provisions for any individual or group of people, on behalf of which they can ensure their well-being and dignity. The constitution helps the people of the country avail all basic rights that they deserve. Several examples of the most basic rights that are protected by the constitution are the right to life, right to freedom, right to property, and right to participate freely in the democratic system.
7 Power transfer at the time of national emergency: The constitution is an extremely important document for a country because it controls the transfer of power at the time of national emergencies. By national emergencies, we refer to a disaster that can wipe out several parts of the nation or damage any part of the nation in an extremely severe manner, civil war breakdown, etc.
Thus, this section answers why the constitution is important. The constitution is the spine of the nation; we should respect its existence and dignity while making sure that its rules and provisions are being followed by each citizen in the nation." (Why Is The Constitution Important?-7 Reasons!, n.d.)
Evolution of the Philippine Constitution
The Philippines has had six constitutions since the Proclamation of Independence on June 12, 1898. In 1899, the Malolos Constitution, which is the first Philippine Constitution and the first republican constitution in Asia, was drafted and adopted by the First Philippine Republic, which lasted from 1899 to 1901.
Direct Quote
"During the American Occupation, the Philippines were governed by the laws of the United States of America. Organic acts were passed by the United States Congress for the administration of the Government of the Philippine Islands. The first organic act was the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, which was provided for a Philippine Assembly that was composed of Filipino citizens. The second organic act was the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, which included the first pledge of Philippine independence. These laws served as the constitutions of the Philippines from 1902 to 1935.
In 1934, the United States Congress passed the Philippine Independence Act, which set the parameters for the creation of a constitution for the Philippines. This act mandated the Philippine Legislature to call for an election of delegates to a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the Philippines. The 1934 Constitutional Convention was finished on February 8, 1935. This constitution was submitted to the President of the United States for certification on March 25, 1935. This constitution was in accordance with the Philippine Independence Act of 1934. The 1935 Constitution was ratified by the Filipino people through a national plebiscite on May 14, 1935, and took effect on November 15, 1935, with the inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Among the provisions of the 1935 Constitution was the clause stating that it would remain the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines once independence was granted on July 4, 1946.
In 1940, the 1935 Constitution was amended by the National Assembly of the Philippines. As a result, the legislature was changed from a unicameral assembly to a bicameral congress. The amendment also changed the term limit of the President of the Philippines from six years with no re-election to four years with a possibility of being re-elected for a
second term. During World War II, the Japanese-sponsored government nullified the 1935 Constitution and appointed the Preparatory Committee on Philippine Independence to replace it. The 1943 Constitution was used by the Second Republic, with Jose P. Laurel as the President
Upon the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, the 1935 Constitution came into effect again. The constitution remained unaltered until 1947, when the Philippine Congress called for its amendment through Commonwealth Act No. 733. On March 11, 1947, the parity amendment gave equal rights to US and Filipino citizens to develop natural resources in the country and operate public utilities. The Constitution, thereafter, remained the same until the declaration of martial law on September 23, 1972.
Before President Marcos declared Martial Law, a constitutional convention was already in the process of deliberation on whether to amend or revise the 1935 Constitution." (During the American Occupation the Philippines were, n.d.)
Direct Quote:
"This convention finished its work and submitted it to President Marcos on December 1, 1972. President Marcos submitted it for ratification in early January of 1973. Foreseeing that a direct ratification of the constitution was bound to fail, Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 86 s. 1972, thereby creating citizens assemblies to ratify the newly drafted constitution by means of a viva voce vote in place of secret ballots, Marcos announced that it had been ratified and would take effect on January 17, 1973. Although the 1973 Constitution had been "ratified" in this manner, opposition against it continued. Chief Justice Roberto V. Concepcion in his dissenting opinion in the case of Javellana v. Executive Secretary exposed the fraud that happened during the citizen's assembly ratification of the 1973 Constitution on January 10-15, 1973. However, the final decision on this case was that the ratification of the 1973 Constitution was valid and in effect." (The Government of the Philippines, n.d.)
When democracy was restored in 1986, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3, suspending certain provisions of the 1973 Constitution and promulgating in its stead a transitory constitution. A month later, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 9, s. 1986, which created a constitutional commission tasked with writing a new charter to replace the 1973 Constitution. The commission finished its work at 12:28 am, on October 16, 1986. The National Plebiscite was held on February 2, 1987, ratifying the new constitution. On February 11, 1987, under Proclamation No. 58, President Aquino announced the official canvassing of the results and the ratification of the draft constitution. The 1987 Constitution finally came into full effect on the same day, with the President, other civilian officials and members of the Armed Forces swearing allegiance to the new charter. This constitution is considered the "Freedom Constitution" because it embodies and safeguards liberty rights and safeguards what is due in all aspects
Issues and Challenges
Issues:
• Economic development - how to ensure that economic growth also benefits the poor classes?
• Minority rights - how to ensure multi-ethnicity and pluralism for religious and ethnic minorities?
• Power deconcentration - how to reduce the considerable power of the political and economic elites and give actual power to the people?
• Better governance - how to increase the effectiveness of the government in meeting the nation's aspirations?
• Spreading growth-how to have even regional development?
Challenges:
• Corruption
• Poor law enforcement and an ineffective justice system
• Lack of transparency and accountability in public office
• Polarization between the few who are wealthy and the many who are poor
• Weak actual protection of the human rights of vulnerable groups (i.e., women, children, minorities, journalists, and political activists)
• Involvement of the military in political questions
• The Muslim insurgency in southern Mindanao
WEEK 16
On March 27, 2014, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed an agreement to terminate an armed war that began in 1969 and resulted in
more than 120,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced persons. Since the end of the armed war in Nepal in 2006, the Comprehensive Deal on the Bangsamoro
has been the most important peace agreement signed around the world (COL 002 READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY, n.d.).
Every peace accord is tailored to a specific situation and conflict. However, because it is the most recent peace process, the Mindanao process has become a crucial reference point for other peace processes (COL 002 READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY, n.d.).
Out of the 59-armed conflicts that have ended in the last 30 years, 44 concluded with peace agreements (Fisas, 2015: 16). Parallel to this has been the growth of social, scholarly, and institutional capacities to evaluate these processes and strengthen peace-building measures (Human Security Report Project, 2012). However, no peace process has ever gone off without a hitch. Hence, all peace processes learn from previous experiences while innovating in their practices and contributing overall to the international experience of building peace. South Sudan, Aceh (Indonesia), and Northern Ireland all absorbed lessons from the Mindanao peace process. Other nations with internal problems, including as Myanmar, Thailand, and Turkey, are currently studying the Mindanao peace accord with keen interest (COL 002 READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY, n.d.).
Context
The Philippines is an archipelago comprising approximately 7,000 islands (COL 002 READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY, n.d.). Among these islands, the largest one is Luzon (where the capital, Manila, is situated), and the second largest is Mindanao. Together with Timor-Leste, the Philippines is the only Asian country with a majority Christian population. A population of around 100 million people lives in a 300,000 km2 region. The presidential system of government is in place, and executive power is limited to a single six-year term (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d.).
King Philip II of Spain, in whose service Magellan was sailing across the world when he arrived at the archipelago in 1521, is responsible for the country's name. After three centuries as a Spanish colony, the Philippines were handed over the United States in 1898. The fact that Spain never actually acquired possession of Mindanao has far-reaching Implications. Three centuries before Magellan, Islam had arrived, and the Spanish discovered a well-organized system of rule, primarily through the sultanates of Maguindanao and Sulu (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d.).
In 1946, the Philippines were the first Asian country to gain independence without an armed struggle (1 year before india) When a nonviolent people's movement defeated Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship in 1986, the Philippines became a pioneer in overthrowing a tyrannical system through peaceful means. In 2001, a second people's power revolution overthrew Joseph Estrada's government, which had been accused of corruption (Mindanao Peace Process, n.d.). However, progress has been gradual during the last nearly three decades of democracy Politics continues to be a family battle in which a few families maintain power from generation to generation. Relatives of overthrown presidents are still involved in politics (Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.j
Several metrics suggest progress in poverty reduction, literacy, and employment, but neighboring nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are well ahead of the Philippines in these areas (UNDP, 2015). The New People's Army, a Maoist-inspired insurgency that has been active since 1968, feeds its ideology on the continuance of societal injustices (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d).
In addition to the armed conflict in Mindanao and the communist insurgency, the Philippines also suffered from Islamist terrorist attacks linked to transnational networks in recent years.
Peace Agreements
The talks began in 1997 with an agreement on a general cease-fire. The parties outlined a negotiation agenda in the Tripoli Agreement (2001) that included three primary elements security (which had already been agreed upon in 2001), humanitarian response, rehabilitation and development (agreed in 2002), and ancestral territories (2008) (Peace Process in Mindanao, nid.).
The parties eventually adopted the Framework Agreement in October 2012, laying out a path for the transition. The parties completed the annexes on transitional mechanisms (February 2013), revenue generation and wealth sharing (July 2013), power-sharing (December 2013), and normalization (January 2014) during the next 15 months (January 2014) Finally, the Comprehensive Agreement was signed in the Presidential Palace in March 2014 (Peace Process in Mindanao ndj
The agreement's major axis is the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new self-governing state that will replace the existing Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao after a transition overseen by the MILF. The accord envisions a reform process in the future autonomous area that will see a parliamentary system replace the presidential administration that controls the rest of the country (Mindanao Peace Process, n.d.) The goal of this pact is to encourage the formation of thematic political parties
The government understands that insurgency must be a part of the solution and assume the corresponding responsibilities. As a result, the insurgency's evolution into a political movement should include participation in municipal and regional elections
In terms of approval, the peace accord must be translated into a statute that governs the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which governs the Statute of Autonomy. A plebiscite will be held in the conflict-affected districts after parliamentary authorization. Because the municipalities bordering the current autonomous community will have the opportunity to join the new entity, this plebiscite will also help to define the autonomous region's territorial extent (Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.).
Constitutional reform is a divisive topic. The MILF maintains that reform is required to consolidate the accords. The government, on the other hand, has been hesitant to start a lengthy procedure that could open a "Pandora's box." However, concerns regarding the constitution's many agreements imply that such a reform process may be considered in the future. Beyond the accord with the MILF, the Mindanao peace process may help to spark a national debate regarding the country's territorial arrangement, since key forces in other areas urge comprehensive constitutional reform along federal lines (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d.).
Here are the main points of the agreement, as reported by Agence France-Presse:" (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.)
The "Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro" is what it's called. At the time of Spanish invasion and colonization, the Bangsamoro were considered natives or original residents of the southern Philippines, Bangsamoro people are acknowledged as their descendants and spouses (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
Bangsa is a local word that means nation. Moro is derived from the Spanish colonial term "Moors," which was used to refer to Muslims (Key points on Philippine Muslim peace pact, rebels..., n.d.).
AUTONOMY: The MILF abandons its claims to a separate state in Mindanao's southern area in favor of parliamentary autonomy in the Bangsamoro autonomous region. By 2016,
this will be established. The Bangsamoro will take the place of another Muslim autonomous area, the MNLF, which the government claims failed in the 1990s (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.)
DISARMAMENT: The MILF will "gradually decommission its forces and place the weapons "beyond use," with a local police unit taking over law enforcement tasks from the Philippine police and military (Key points on Philippine Muslim peace pact, rebelsn.d.j
POWERS: On defense, foreign policy, money, and citizenship, the Philippine government will retain exclusive authority (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
TAXES/REVENUES: The autonomous administration will get 75% of all local taxes and levies, 75% of metallic resource revenues, and control over fishing regions up to 12 nautical miles from the coast (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
ISLAMIC LAW: The region will be governed by a secular administration rather than an Islamic state. Only Muslims will be subject to Sharia law, and it will only apply to civil cases, not criminal acts. Basic rights to life, travel, privacy, and freedom of religion and speech are guaranteed to all residents (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
Privacy Policy
TERRITORY: To span five provinces in the south, as well as two cities, six towns, and 39 villages, accounting for nearly 10% of the Philippines' total land area (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
ENABLING LAW: By the end of the year, Aquino will seek parliament to enact a "Bangsamoro Basic Law" for the autonomous region (Philippines signs historic peace pact with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
PLEBISCITE: In a plebiscite to be held in 2015, people living in territories to be included in the autonomous region will need to ratify the law (Philippines signs historic peace pact
with Muslim rebel, n.d.).
TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY: After the plebiscite approves and ratifies the basic law, the territory will be governed by a 15-member "Bangsamoro Transition Authority" until a regional parliament is elected. The members of the transitional authority are appointed by Aquino, although the MILF will have a majority and the chairmanship (Key points on Philippine Muslim peace pact, rebels, n.d.).
ELECTIONS: In May 2016, a regional parliament with 50 representatives will be elected in conjunction with national elections (Key points on Philippine Muslim peace pact, rebels n.d.).
Implementation Challenges
Despite the positive developments, the implementation of the peace agreement is facing multiple obstacles (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d.).
The first constraint is time. The government was able to link the transitional period to the conclusion of the presidential term in May 2016 during the Framework Agreement negotiations in 2012 (Mindanao Peace Process, n.d.). However, the negotiating teams are unable to adhere to the agreed-upon negotiation and implementation schedule. As a result, the parties will need to agree on a longer implementation period (Philippine Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.)
The delay is shared responsibility. On the one hand, the insurgency lacks enough qualified and trustworthy people to shoulder all of the transitional obligations. The government negotiating team, on the other hand, is dealing with a lack of buy-in for the agreement and its implementation by other parts of the bureaucracy (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d.
At the same time, Congress has been postponing the passage of the peace agreements into law, despite the fact that the judiciary must still determine if they are constitutional (Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.). These state institutions will most likely raise issues that may further block the implementation of the agreements that have been signed.
In the Philippines, prejudice against Muslims, a heritage from the colonial period, still runs deep.
With less than a year until the country's presidential and legislative elections (May 2016), "a number of important politicians and media outlets are shifting to populist language to agitate public sentiment against the peace process," according to the report. (Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.)
Even among political actors with good intentions, a lack of knowledge about the Muslim population's social, political, and cultural reality, particularly the insurgency, results in faulty diagnoses and wrong responses. "Previous governments have linked the Moro problem to poverty and economic marginalization, ignoring the importance of identity and esteem parity. The insurgency has been unable to establish a political discourse that can be understood and supported by the entire population. The peace negotiators only demolished some of these erroneous imaginaries after painstaking discourse, but the Christian and Muslim parts of society still fear each other." (Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.)
The rise of armed groups is the most serious security issue (Peace Process in Mindanao, n.d.). One explanation is that in the Philippines, possessing guns is legal as long as a person is at least 21 years old and passes a background check before being awarded a Possession License. Meanwhile, successive governments have failed in their attempts to disband paramilitary groups run by local politicians. Other armed groups also proliferate. These armed groups can be classified into three categories: a MILF breakaway group that is skeptical about the government's political commitment (e.g., the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters), extremist cells that are linked to international extremist violence (e.g., Abu Sayyaf and Jemaa Islamiyah), and ordinary criminal organizations.
Other challenges are inherent in any process of transitioning from a state of conflict to one of peace (Peace Process In Mindanao, n.d.). In addition to political will, the government needs to prove its capacity to transform words into deeds, which has been historically proven to be a challenge. In parallel, the insurgency requires a radical paradigm shift from a semi-clandestine military structure to a social and political movement, a terrain with limited experience and at a disadvantage compared with established political actors.
Several arrangements that will most likely figure in the discussions on political systems include any or a mix of the following:
Several arrangements that will most likely figure in the discussions on political systems include any or a mix of the following:
1 A structure separation from the existing political system for the development of MILF communities, integration of MILF troops into the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine National Police; and strengthening institutions for "personal autonomy," such as Islamic education and Sharia law.
2. Areas constituted as special zones, such as Swiss cantons, where Muslims can exercise a high degree of self-determination.
3. A new and expanded autonomous region with additional powers.
4. A Muslim state under the federal system of government.
5. An independent state where Muslims are the majority.
Conclusion
The following components of the peace process must be strengthened:
Both sides must build a national consensus on the roadmap agreed upon during the negotiations by conducting additional consultations on the issues discussed in the negotiations. The government must reach out to the leaders of the Christian majority, particularly members of Congress and local officials. The MILF must reach out to the MNLF and traditional Muslim leaders. Christian and Muslim religious leaders must take the lead in rallying their people to support the peace process. The Bishop-Ulama Forum, a conference of Christian and Muslim
religious leaders in the Philippines, must be actively involved in harnessing this support.
The government and MILF must provide strong and effective mechanisms for the implementation of the peace pact. A neutral third party must be present to oversee faithful compliance of Manila and the MILF with the terms of the agreement directly.
Funding for implementation must be identified and allocated in a way that insulates it from partisan and personal interests of any group or party.
week 17
LOCAL HISTORY
Local history is the study of history in a local context, with an emphasis on events that shaped a local community, such as persons or specific locales in a village or town. Movements, battles, births, and deaths could all be examples of these events (3 Reasons Why Local History Matters, n.d.).
No matter how different you are, you have a shared history in the city where you live. Below are the three reasons why local history is important for our community (3 Reasons Why Local History Matters, n.d.).
Shared Experiences are Depicted in Local History
As we learn more about notable people or sites in our city from years past, we discover that those citizens raised children, worked hard to make a living, relocated to a new country, or had an entrepreneurial spirit that they used to start a business. We can often visit conserved historic landmarks within a city as we learn about these shared experiences. These well-preserved sites can be used to get first-hand accounts from persons who lived in the neighborhood decades or centuries ago (3 Reasons Why Local History Matters, n.d.).
The Human Condition Can Be Learned through Local History
Records of families and people who settled in the city centuries ago can be found in local history museums. Personal letters, papers, and images of people, businesses, and events that affected the city’s history are also included in these records. These archives provide us with detailed information on how people lived decades or centuries ago. Museum exhibits show these records and help visitors cultivate empathy, which is a deep understanding of the circumstances and concepts surrounding an event or life at a certain time (3 Reasons Why Local History Matters, n.d.).
Local History Museums Are Centers for Learning
Local history comes alive in museums and historical societies. When a guest can read, visit a historic place, look at an artifact, appreciate images or study real documents, we create learned connections. Museums provide extra information not present in classrooms, as well as object-based learning that gives touchable looks into the past beyond what a single textbook can provide (3 Reasons Why Local History Matters, n.d.).
Importance of Local History in Philippine History
Many Filipino laymen lack interest or understanding of Philippine history. An inadequate historical background and a general propensity on the side of the people to be less mindful of the value of the past to their present life, may have caused this phenomenon (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.). Such ignorance or apathy may have also resulted from the dearth of materials, especially on local history, which is close to the hearts and minds of the people.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of local history in comprehending and writing our national history. The realization that Philippine history is unrepresentative and limited is the motivating force behind the need to establish local history. The history of the Filipino people is mostly the history of Central Luzon, particularly that of the Tagalogs. Important events and developments, including personalities, are addressed only briefly at best and completely neglected at worst, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao. In this regard, the result is a misrepresentation of Philippine history by failing to fully account for the inherent differences in historical and cultural experiences of various ethnic groups in various geographical areas throughout the country (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.).
Historians, both Filipino and foreign, are not altogether to be blamed for the kind of Philippine histories they have come up with. The issue stems from Philippine historiography, which was bound by the severe constraints of Western criteria or norms (e.g., historical writing has to be based on written sources). As the phrase goes, “without a document, there is no history.” Primary resources were the only ones regarded reliable even when using written sources. As a result, the work of national historians are severely limited by the lack of written resources produced by Filipinos in their communities. As a result, any information they have absorbed into Philippine history has come from colonial sources, which are seen as prejudiced.” (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.) Hence, national historians have been handicapped by this adherence to a generally accepted historical approach, which offers limited information and undertakes for a people whose view of their history and struggles is perhaps primarily found in their oral literature.
The nation is made up of its parts, which include regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities, and the history of the nation must be the sum of its parts’ histories. There is no town or province that exists without the nation, and vice versa. Just as an auto technician can only understand the overall machine if he knows the specific pieces, national history can only be understood in the context of local history. Interest in studying and comprehending Philippine history is largely dependent on one’s appreciation of the history of his or her hometown (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.).
Because it reflects people’s identity, experiences, and goals, local history is expected to be closest to their hearts and minds. It is the interpretive recreation of their community’s history, “encompassing its political, social, economic, and cultural life, as well as the evolution of the geographical unit’s institutions and the accomplishments and failures of its people (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.). Thus, to understand and appreciate Philippine history, one should first know the history of his locality and its contributions to regional development and overall nation-building (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.).
Therefore, the solution to the inadequacy of national history is in its revision and enrichment. This is a responsibility not of the national historian but the local people. Providing a proper and adequate account of the historical experience of its people is the fundamental obligation of every locality. This technique will enrich national history while also correcting the misconception that Philippine history is primarily the history of Manila and its environs. Local history, rather than encouraging regionalism, can help individuals better understand and appreciate their entire national experience and heritage as Filipinos (The importance of local history in Philippine history, n.d.).
LOCAL HISTORICAL SITES
The Philippines is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Listed below are a number of historic shrines and monuments from around the archipelago that serve as reminders of the country’s rich culture and history.
Rizal Park
Rizal Park is located in the middle of Manila, the Philippines’ capital, and overlooks Manila Bay (ART IN THE PHILIPPINES., n.d.).
Some of the most pivotal moments in Philippine history have occurred at Luneta. Because of his martyrdom, Dr. Jose Rizal became a hero of the Philippine Revolution after his execution on December 30, 1896. As a memorial to him, Luneta Park was formally renamed Rizal Park. Among the most notable events in Luneta Park were the declaration of Philippine independence from American dominance on June 4, 1946, and the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 (ART IN THE PHILIPPINES., n.d.). The Rizal Monument also serves as the origin or Kilometer Zero to all other cities in the Philippines. The Rizal Monument that is situated in this park is the national monument of the country. Swiss artist Richard Kissling designed this bronze and granite monument to the Philippines’ national hero, which was unveiled in 1913. It is one of the Philippines’ most well-known landmarks. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, was born on June 19, 1861 and died on December 30, 1896, and this monument was created in his honor.
Lapulapu Shrine
Mactan Shrine houses this bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu. Lapu-Lapu was a Mactan Island native ruler who opposed Magellan’s attempts to enslave his people, convert them to Christianity, and subject them to the Spanish throne. Magellan was killed in the subsequent combat between the Spaniards and Lapu-Lapu and his soldiers on April 27, 1521. The shrine was built on the site where the fight is said to have taken place (ART IN THE PHILIPPINES., n.d.).
Magellan Shrine
The Magellan shrine is a massive memorial tower dedicated to Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese adventurer. Magellan is thought to have been killed here in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. The monument stands 30 meters tall on Punta Engao, Cebu’s Mactan Island.
Blood Compact Site
Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol, is home to the famous Blood Compact Site. The Blood Compact, which took place on March 16, 1565, between Sikatuna, a local chieftain, and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, a Spanish explorer and colononizer, is regarded one of the most significant events in Philippine history. The Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact is the first treaty of friendship between people of different races, religions, cultures, and civilizations. It was a friendship contract based on equality and mutual respect (ART IN THE PHILIPPINES., n.d.).
Sultan Kudarat Monument
This statue serves as a reminder that despite conducting 11 voyages to Mindanao, the Spaniards were never able to capture the entire island. Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat Del, the seventh Sultan of Maguindanao, is commemorated by this monument. He managed to keep the Spaniards out of his sultanate in Mindanao. He was a direct descendant of Sharif Kabungsuan, a 14th-century Muslim missionary (ART IN THE PHILIPPINES., n.d.).
Bonifacio Monument
The Monumento Circle, which houses the Bonifacio Monument, the famous monument of Andres Bonifacio, is Caloocan’s most well-known landmark. The word Monumento comes from the Spanish word monument (Monumento Station, n.d.). Bonifacio is the founder of the KKK, a revolutionary group that began the fight for Philippine independence from the Spanish colonialism of the archipelago, which lasted more than 300 years.
Pinaglabanan Shrine
Pinaglabanan Shrine is in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines, near North Domingo Cor. Pinaglabanan Street. A figure of a woman carrying a bolo or machete, supported by two children, stands in front of the shrine. This shrine recalls the first Filipino raid on a warehouse in the area by the Spanish in 1896. The statue appears on the town seal as well.
McArthur Landing Site
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The McArthur Landing Site in Palo, Leyte was built to memorialize General Douglas MacArthur’s famous parting words, “I shall return,” as he said before leaving the country after the Japanese Imperial Ary defeated it during World War II. On October 20, 1944, this historic event occurred (Majestic Country, n.d.). The invasion of the Allies on the shores of Leyte was a watershed moment in the Pacific War’s history “as well as the human struggle for freedom. The landing on Leyte is a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ long history of friendship with the United States." (MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, n.d.)
NATIONAL LIVING TREASURE
The National Living Treasures Award honors the country’s best traditional artists. The award was created through Republic Act No. 7355, with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as its implementer.
The Abel Iloko is the iconic hand-woven cotton textile of the Ilocano. Highly regarded for premier quality and durability, it was used for sails of galleon ships. The finest ones were found comparable to the best linen products of Europe. The Abel Iloko is used for blankets, bed covers, draperies, and contemporary fashion.
The tabungaw or gourd casque is a traditional headgear made of a gourd. These sturdy and waterproof hats are lined with excellently crafted outer nito weave, which is a work of art in itself. Meanwhile, the inside of the hat is made of two levels of nito weave that are also uniquely designed to make the hat fit snugly and comfortably on the head.
The art of producing silver or gold jewelry and crafts in the Philippines flourished with the growth of Catholicism in the country. The rush of church construction also came with the demand for liturgical vessels and objects. Crafts are done painstakingly by hand, from drawing and carving the design on wood to hammering and polishing the metal to bring out the piece's details.
Mat weaving is passed down through the matrilineal line in the Sama culture because men do not participate in the craft (GAMABA: Haja Amina Appi, n.d.). Each colorful mat takes up three months to make, from harvesting and stripping the thorny pandanus leaves to drying, dyeing, and executing the geometric patterns. The resulting products are a marvel of color harmony, precise visualization, and design execution.
The pis syabit is a traditional cloth tapestry worn as a head covering by the Tausug of Jolo. It is multicolored, measuring 100cm×100cm, and used as a headdress symbolizing the wearer's elevated position in society. At present, the pis syabit is used even by women in its traditional function, as a shawl or as a neckerchief. Some even use it as a table cover and wall ornament.
The music of these instruments of Yakan is the soundtrack to various significant events of the community. The kwintangan is used for courtship and celebrations; the kwintangan kayu for serenading the palay for it to yield more fruit; the gabbang for announcements and an ensemble or peregeya; and a combination of kwintangan, agung, gabbang, kwintangan kayu, gandang, tagutuk, and tuntungan for weddings, graduations, or baptisms.
The sugidanon is a long narrative that is composed of 10 epics and sung in an exalted style. The story centers on the heroic exploits of a semi-divine warrior character who embodies the principal ideals of the Panay-Bukidnon heritage. Considering the length of the epic and the language used, which is no longer spoken, the art of epic chanting is nearly lost if not for the work of people such Federico Caballero.
Every occasion has a Kalinga dance with a series of graceful movements performed to the beat of the gangsa. It features a kaleidoscope of colors due to the elaborate dress and adornments worn by the dancers and musicians. This dance can be performed during festive occasions, such as a wedding ceremony, or in unhappy times, such as an illness or untimely death of a member. All Kalinga dances reflect one underlying theme: oneness.
The T'nalak is made from fine abaca fibers. Its production is a tedious process from the stripping of the fibers to "bed-tying," which defines the design. The fabric tells a story using patterns, such as buling langit (clouds) and kabangi (butterfly) and listens to the T'bolis' distant past. The T'nalak is an art form rich in ritual and steeped in meaning, thereby creating a unique beauty that we can all take pride in.
The inabal is made from stripped fibers of the abaca plant; the textile processing is done mainly by women. Wrap tie-dye designs are standard in the Mindanao culture. The abaca textile is traditionally used as a blanket, wrap-around skirt, trousers, or sling bag. At present, the inabal is redesigned and reprocessed into high-fashion bags and clothing, office accessories, and tapestries.
Of all the Mangyan's oral traditions, the ambahan remained in existence because it is etched in bamboo tubes using an ancient Southeast Asian pre-colonial script called Surat Mangyan. The Ambahan is a poetic literary form composed of seven-syllable lines. It is sung, and its message ranges from courtship to saying goodbye to a friend.
The kulilal and bagit traditions in Palawan reflect humans' intensely poetic and subtle harmony with each other and nature. The kulilal expresses passionate love with the accompaniment of the kusyapi of a two-stringed lute played by a man and p'agang or bamboo zither that a woman plays. Meanwhile, the bagit is strictly instrumental music played on a kusyapi, depicting natural elements, such as the resting of leaves or the chirping of birds.
The kutyapi exists in a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes and is known by names such as kotapi (Subanon), fegereng (Tiruray), faglong (B'laan), hegelong (T'boli), and kuglong or kudlong (Manobo). It is technically the hardest to master among Filipino traditional instruments. The kutyapi only has two strings, but it can be rich, melodic, and rhythmic sound, captivating in its intimate, meditative, and almost mystical charm.