Study of Philippine History and Society: Comprehensive Notes
The Significance of Studying History and Philippine Society
Deepening Identity: Studying history allows individuals to discover and understand the contributions of ancestors, which form the foundation of personality, culture, and the inherited heritage of the nation.
Civic Excellence: It teaches individuals to be active and responsible citizens capable of forming appropriate proposals or solutions to community issues and affairs.
Analysis and Prevention of Mistakes: By understanding past events, people learn to analyze current society to avoid repeating the mistakes and weaknesses of the past.
Decision-Making for the Future: Historical knowledge provides the necessary context used as a basis for creating policies and decisions that affect future generations.
General Introduction: The study of Philippine History and Society is essential for promoting civic excellence, deepening cultural identity, and shaping responsible citizens. It serves as a guide linking the past, present, and future of the country.
Definition and Etymology of History
Translation: The Filipino word "kasaysayan" is the translation of the English word "history."
Greek Roots: The word "history" originated from the Greek word "historia," which means inquiry or investigation.
Academic Definition: History is a branch of knowledge that studies events that occurred in the lives of people, nations, and the world during past times.
Group Activity: "kaSAYSAYan" - Historical Periods and Their Impacts
The class is divided into five groups, each focusing on a specific period of Philippine history to analyze the effects of specific events ( minutes assigned):
Group 1: Sinaunang Bayan (Ancient Society)
Cause 1: Trade between ancient Filipinos and neighboring Asian countries.
Cause 2: System of social stratification.
Cause 3: The spread of Islam in the archipelago.
Group 2: Bayan sa Ilalim ng Espanya (Philippines under Spain)
Cause 1: Implementation of economic policies by the Spaniards.
Cause 2: Failure of the Reformists.
Cause 3: Declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.
Group 3: Bayan sa Ilalim ng Amerika (Philippines under America)
Cause 1: Philippine-American War.
Cause 2: Expansion of education in the Philippines.
Cause 3: Establishment of the Commonwealth Government.
Group 4: Bayan sa Ilalim ng Hapon (Philippines under Japan)
Cause 1: Fall of Bataan and Corregidor.
Cause 2: Establishment of the Puppet Republic.
Cause 3: Philippine involvement in World War II.
Group 5: Kontemporanyong Panahon (Contemporary Period)
Cause 1: Implementation of Martial Law by President Ferdinand Marcos.
Cause 2: EDSA Revolution of .
Cause 3: The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines regarding the West Philippine Sea () territory dispute against China.
Historical Consciousness (Kamalayan Pangkasaysayan)
Historical consciousness is more than just knowing facts; it is an active process of thinking and interpreting. It involves an individual understanding and recognizing significant past events, their effects on the present, and their implications for the future.
Markers of Historical Consciousness:
Symbols: Objects like flags and statues that describe important events and ideas in a community's history.
Traditions: Customs passed down from the past that provide identity and understanding of community history.
Stories: Legends and narratives that give life to past experiences and link them to the present.
Significance in Three Timeframes:
Past: Emphasizes traditions and culture that form group identity.
Present: Acts as a basis for decisions and perspectives, promoting unity and understanding between generations.
Future: Vital in forming policies and decisions affecting future generations.
Role in Culture and Identity: It provides context for current social and political issues. Lessons from the past contribute to modern perspectives in society.
Relationship Between Geography and Culture
Definition of Geography: Derived from the Greek "geo" (world) and "graphia" (description), meaning "description of the world." It is the study of a place's characteristics and how they affect human lifestyle.
Definition of Culture: The entirety of a group's way of life, including language, beliefs, traditions, food, clothing, art, religion, and inherited customs.
The Link: Location affects livelihood. For example, coastal areas lead to fishing, valleys to farming, and mountains to hunting. Climate and natural resources shape food, clothing, shelter, and beliefs.
The Dual Concepts of "Ilawod" and "Ilaya"
Ilawod (Downstream/Coastal):
Meaning: Indigenous word for "below" or "low place."
Location: Riverbanks, seaside, or plains.
Livelihood: Fishing (primary), lowland farming (rice, corn, vegetables, coconut, sugarcane), salt-making, production of dried fish (tuyo) and fish paste (bagoong), active trading and bartering, and craftsmanship (boat making, weaving "hablon" or "sinamay").
Ilaya (Upstream/Mountain):
Meaning: High part of the land, such as mountains or hills, far from the sea/river.
Purpose: Many Ilaya communities (Ifugao, Kalinga, Mangyan, Lumad, Aeta) formed in mountains to avoid foreign colonizers and preserve culture.
Livelihood: Kaingin farming (slash-and-burn for rice, sweet potato, corn, taro), hunting and gathering (wild animals, honey, medicinal plants), handicraft/wood carving, livestock raising (goats, chickens, pigs), and trading forest goods (mats, fruit, charcoal) at the Ilawod for salt, sugar, and clothes.
Diverse Ethnic Groups in the Philippines
Igorot: Meaning "people of the mountain" (from Spanish "i-" and "golot"). Found in Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra. Known for resisting Spanish conquest and building the Banaue Rice Terraces ( Wonder of the World). They maintain a tribal organization led by respected elders, believe in "anito" (ancestor spirits), and perform rituals like the "tayaw" (thanksgiving dance).
Badjao: Known as "sea gypsies" or "Bajau" (Malay for people of the sea). Traditionally nomadic, living in boat-houses called "lepa-lepa." A unique ritual involves throwing a newborn baby into the sea to be retrieved by elders. They are expert divers ("taong dagat") primarily engaged in pearl diving and fishing. They practice "Akalummuh," a traditional code regarding courtship that prohibits touching a woman before marriage.
Moro: Ethno-religious group primarily in the Bangsamoro region (Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan). Includes subgroups like Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Tausug, Yakan, and Sangil. The Bangsamoro Organic Law () was approved in and implemented in to create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ().
Ivatan: Located in Batanes (Itbayat, Batan, Sabtang). Known for stone houses resilient to typhoons and the "Vakul" (head/back covering for women) and "Soot" (for men) made from "vuyavuy" palm fibers. They practice "Kalusan" (work songs) and "leji" (lyrical poems).
Waray: Fourth largest ethnic group, found in Eastern Visayas (Samar/Leyte). Known for the "Curacha" dance and "tikug" mat weaving in Basey, Samar. Their name means "none."
Panay Binukot: A tradition of the Panay Bukidnon where select women are secluded in a separate room from a young age. They are prepared as keepers of culture, learning epics and chanting. They are highly protected, not allowed to walk on the ground or be exposed to sunlight, serving as "living books" of tribal history.
Core Elements of Philippine Culture
Language and Literature: Includes diverse dialects like Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon. Literature encompasses poems, short stories, novels, legends, and epics like "Biag ni Lam-ang."
Customs and Traditions:
Customs: Pagmamano (respect for elders), using "po" and "opo," Bayanihan (community spirit), and family-centricity.
Traditions: Fiestas, Simbang Gabi, Harana (serenading), traditional weddings, and wakes (paglalamay).
Food: Staple foods include Adobo, Sinigang, Lechon, and Kare-kare. Merienda items include Bibingka, Puto, and Halo-halo.
Faith: Influenced by Indian, Spanish, and American periods; mostly Catholic, with significant Muslim and Protestant populations. Religious celebrations like Semana Santa and Flores de Mayo are central.
Arts and Music:
Visual: Works of Juan Luna (), Fernando Amorsolo, and Carlos "Botong" Francisco.
Performing: Theater like Sarswela and Bodabil (e.g., "Walang Sugat" by Severino Reyes).
Music: Kundiman (romantic songs), Harana, and Folk songs (e.g., "Bahay Kubo," "Leron-Leron Sinta").
Traditional Clothing: Barong Tagalog, Baro’t Saya, Terno, Balintawak, Malong, and Bahag.
Verbatim Folklore: "Ang Maya" by Maria Carpena
Lyrics describing the Maya bird: "Ang ibong sa parang kapag lumilipad madalas ang galaw ng kanilang pakpak at kung mapagod na ay dadapo agad sa sanga ng kahoy ay palipat-lipat! sa sanga nang kahoy ay palipat-lipat sa umaga ang awitan ay mainam na pakinggan sa gabi dumadapo di mahuli at maliksi… Pag nagulat ay lilipad Papagakpak mga pakpak at huhuning 'kirikiring, kirikiring!' Pag napagod pag napagod hahalinghing ng Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ahhhhh! Ah, ah, ah, ah, mga pakpak! Kiring! Kiring! Napagod, napagod mga pakpak!"
Questions & Discussion
Processing and Assessment Questions (Summarized for Detail Retention):
Geography: Why is hunting the primary livelihood in Ilaya? (.)
Groups: Who are the "Sea Gypsies"? (.)
Governance: What document proves early trade capacity between barangay leaders? (.)
Tradition: What is the purpose of the "Binukot"? (.)
Contemporary Issues: What are the challenges facing ethnic groups? (.)
Classroom Project Rubrics
Jingle Making Criteria:
Content & Relevance: points (Effectiveness and clarity of message).
Melody & Rhythm: points (Catchiness and rhythm).
Creativity: points (Originality, props, choreography).
Performance: points (Energy, teamwork, confidence).
Total: points