Readings in Philippine History – Sources of History:

Lesson 1 Reviewer 1. Primary Sources

2. Secondary Sources
History - refers to the study and 3. Tertiary Sources
interpretation by a historian of the data and
other sources of the past human activity, Primary source - a testimony of an
people, societies, and civilizations leading to individual who was a participant in or a
the present day. direct witness to the event that is being
described.
3 Important concepts in defining
History: 5 Main Categories of Primary Sources:
1. Based on past events
2. Interpreted by someone usually by 1. Written Sources
historian - They are written or printed materials that
3. History relies on data and documents have been produced in one form or another
which historians call Historical sources. sometime in the past.
(Ex: Travelogue, Newspapers, Archival
History's subject matter: materials, and Memoir)
• It is a social science
• The subject matter of history is the 2. Numerical Records
life of people and humanity. - Includes any type of numerical data in
printed or handwritten form.
- Etymologically, the word history came from (Ex: Printed Numerical Graph)
the Greek word Historia which means
inquiry. 3. Oral Statements
- Includes any form of a statement made
Historian - an expert or student of history, orally by an eyewitness.
especially that of a particular period, (Ex: Video recordings audio recordings, or
geographical region, or social phenomenon. transcribed)

- Some authors define history as the study 4. Relics

of historical perspective. - Any objects whose physical or
characteristics visual can provide
Historiography is the study of how history information about the past.
was written, by whom, and why it was (Ex: Artifacts, Ruins, and Fossils)
recorded as such.
5. Images
- It is concerned with how historians have - It includes photographs, posters, paintings,
presented history. drawing cartoons, and maps.

Historical Methodology: Secondary sources

- Another way for a historian to be - Interprets and analyzes primary sources.
objective.
Tertiary sources
• It is the core protocol historians use - Provides third-hand information by
for handling sources. reporting ideas and details from secondary
sources.
• An agreed ground rule for
(Ex: Wikipedia, Bibliography, and Almanac)
researching and writing academic
research or professional history.
Lesson 2 Reviewer Another way to test Authenticity:
Historical sources 1. Semantics – the linguistic study of
meaning.
What is Historical Criticism?
• Known as the historical-critical 2. Hermeneutics – theory, and
method. methodology of interpretation.
• Historical criticism is a branch of
criticism that investigates the Internal Criticism
origin of a text or source in order - Looks for deeper or more intense
to understand the word behind study of sources.
the text.
Test of Credibility:
Goals of Historical Criticism: 1. Identification of the author.
1. The primary goal of historical criticism is 2. Determine the approximate date.
to discover the text’s primitive or original 3. Ability to tell the truth.
historical context and its literal sense. 4. The willingness to tell the truth.
5. Look for corroboration.
2. The secondary goal seeks to establish a
reconstruction of the historical situation of
Lesson 3 Reviewer Part 1
the author and recipients of the text.
Content and Context Analysis
2 Types of Historical Criticism:
A. Background of the Author/Creator
1. External criticism (investigates the • The researcher must provide a brief
documents form) biographical sketch of the author or
creator of the primary source.
2. Internal criticism (investigates the • Special Attention must be given to
content of the documents). the first four steps of the test of
credibility.
External Criticism
❖ Looks for the obvious sign of forgery B. Background of the Document/Primary
or misrepresentation. Source
❖ Tests the authenticity of the sources. • Basic Background of the Source.
• Locate where the primary source
Test of Authenticity: can be found.
1. Determine the date of the document • Check the provenance or origin of
to see whether it is Anachronistic. the said document.
2. Determine the author's handwriting,
• Determine the intended audience
signature, or seal. • Look for the purpose or motive of the
source.
3. Looking for the anachronistic style.
C. Content Analysis of the Important
4. Look for the anachronistic reference Historical Information Found in the
to events. Document
• Look for corroboration between the
5. Look for the provenance or custody research you gather from the
of the document. internet and the primary source that
your instructor has given to you.
 • Look for Bias. • Drawing lesson from Lorenzo
• Analyze the Historical Perspective or Guererro.
Point of View a creator describes the
event. 1878 - Exposicion National de Ballas
• Analyze the historical context of the Artes his artistic talent was established.
document.
Achievements and Recognition:
D. Contribution and Relevance of the • Luna became engrossed in painting
Document in Understanding the Grand and produced a collection of
Narrative of Philippine History paintings that he exhibited during
• Look for the cause and several expositions from 1881.
consequences of the primary
sources. • He won a gold medal from Madrid
• Look for the turning point that was Exposition for his Spoliarium after
caused by the event. his death in 1904.

E. Relevance of the documents to the • The Parisian Life won the silver
present time. medal at St. Louis (USA) Exposition.
- Look for the historical significance or
what modern people consider to be 1883 - Blood Compact to fulfill his
important from the past. pensionado obligation from the
Ayuntamiento (Manila Council).
A. Novelty- when something is new or has
never been seen before. • He also developed a friendship with
B. Applicability- when it is similar to the the king of Spain so that the Spanish
present. Senate commissioned the painting
C. Memory- how it has been remembered La Batalla de Lepanto.
over time.
D. Effect- how people have been affected. • During this period, he became part
of the propaganda movement and
Lesson 3 Reviewer Part 2 befriended several members of the
organization like Jose Rizal and
The Parisian Life - Content and Context Trinidad Pardo de Tavera.
Analysis - Primary source: Image
Family Background:
A. Background of the Author- Juan Luna • Married Maria de la Paz Pardo de
(1857-1899) Tavera.
• Born on October 24, 1857 in • One son Andres and a daughter
Badoc Ilocos Norte Maria de la Paz who died when she
• Third among seven children was three-year-old.
• The parents: Joaquin Luna and
Laureana Novicio. After the death of his daughter, the couple
had marriage difficulties. It culminated in the
Educational Background: killing of his wife, and mother-in-law and the
• Bachelor of Arts in Ateneo de wounding of Felix, one of his brothers-in-
Municipal law.
• Marine Transportation (sailor)
from Escuela Nautica de Manila.
September 16, 1896 Superimposition of the Philippine map's
- He and his brother Antonio was mirror image of the lady highlights the
arrested by Spanish authorities for following:
being involved with the KKK. - The contour of Northern Luzon
follows the same contour of the lady's
- He was pardoned by the Spanish bodice: the distance between
court on May 27, 1897, and he Infanta.
traveled back to Spain in July.
- Quezon and San Antonio, Zambales
1899 - he was appointed by the Malolos is exact to the small waistline of the
Republic as a member of the Paris lady
delegation which was working for the
diplomatic recognition of the - All islands of Visayas and Mindanao
Republic. are evenly spread out within the pink
gown of the lady
• He traveled back to the Philippines
upon hearing of the death of his - The island of Palawan has exactly
brother, Antonio. the same incline and shape as the
• He traveled to Hongkong but died arm of the lady
there aged 42 on December 7, 1899,
from a heart attack. - The mountain range that separates
Surigao from Agusan and Davao 18
What is the motive of the painter? exact to the dark told to the lady 8
- If we look at the historical context, gown from north to south
the year 1892 was the year when
Rizal went back to the Philippines to - The site of the birth of 1898
establish La Liga Filipino because Philippine Independence.
he was disappointed with the
Propaganda movement.
- Kawit Cavite is exact on the lady's
womb, the site of a woman's birthing:
- Juan Luna also experiences the site of the declaration of the 1899
personal difficulties at that time with Constitution, Malolos.
his insulated wife, Paz. Soon after
the La Liga foundation, Rizal was
- Bulacan is exact on the navel of the
arrested and deported to Dapitan.
lady.
- Thereafter Juan Luna must be
- Constitution is the bloodline of the
affected by what happened to his
nation and the umbilical cord is the
best disappointment with his wife so
infant's bloodline to his mother and
the subject matter of this
Cebu covers the knee of the lady.
masterpiece must have been the
result.
- Cebu is the site of the first
Christianization in the country.
C. Content Analysis of the Important
Historical Information Found in the
Painting Simply the interpretation contends the lady
One interpretation claims the lady is the is our motherland.
mirror image of the Philippine
archipelago. - The motherland is awkward poised,
disturbed with a blank stare, unsure
 whether to stand up or remain compliance with the new normal can
seated. be the consequence.

- Worth this contention, it integrates E. Relevance of the Document to the

cohesively other elements in the Present time
painting. - The significance of this work of art is
that it is one of the products of the
- The three heroes are discussing the genius of Juan Luna. He was one of
disturbed state of the motherland in the first international celebrities that
1892. highlight Filipino talent.

- July 3, 1892 - La Liga Filipina was The year 1892 is one of the turning
formed points in our history.
- July 7, 1892 - The Katipunan was • The failure of the propaganda
formed when Jose Rizal was movement and the establishment of
banished to exile in Dapitan the Katipunan is very important in
our history.
- The year 1892 was the eve of the
Philippine Revolution. • Many the propagandists like Juan
Luna and Rizal contributed their
The newspaper L'Echo De Paris is folded talents to advance Filipino
behind the lady, the newspaper signifies the aspirations.
Cry of Bastille or the French Revolution.
• In doing so many of them suffered
Inspiration of the Philippine Revolution. The personal tragedies. As to the
French aspirations of Liberty, Fraternity, and katipuneros, many of them died in
Equality were identical to the longings of the their quest for freedom.
Filipinos. Thus, the French revolution, the
echo of Paris, figures clearly behind the Today 2021 is another turning point in
disturbed state of the Philippine motherland our history, the Covid 19 pandemic
in 1892. caused death and an economic
downturn never seen in our history.
D. Contribution and Relevance of the - If the Katipunero and propagandists
Document in Understanding the Grand gave their lives for our freedom, we
Narrative of Philippines History can contribute by cooperating with
the guidelines of government
• Juan Luna was able to convey a
agencies.
multitude of messages in a very
limited space on an otherwise simple
subject. The painting causes controversies when it
was purchased by GSIS in 2002. Many
members of GSIS accused Winston Garcia
• Although his character was not a (then President of GSIS) of corruption.
hero, he has many character flaws.
But then he used his great talent to
- Now 2020, another government own
advance the Filipino cause. This
and controlled corporation is in the
painting and other visual arts can be
midst of scandal.
used as primary sources to motivate
our students to do the move for our
nation. The message of this painting - Philhealth President Ricardo
can be a cause while simple Morales was forced to resign
 because of the so-called Mafia • He accompanied Magellan together
inside the agency. with Juan Sebastian Elcano in the
most famous expedition.
• The painting is not the most
recognizable of Juan Luna’s many Educational Background:
paintings. But by spreading its He is an Italian researcher and explorer.
massage, the painting could
encourage us to be patriotic and He studied the following:
nationalistic. • Astronomy
• Geography
• And maybe the message of this • Cartography
painting can also influence students
to understand history better and love Other Information about Antonio
it as well. Pigafetta:

Lesson 4 Reviewer Pigafetta was one of the 18 soldiers who

completed the entire journey out of the
Antonio Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around about 235 men that set out three years
the World (1519-1522) earlier, arriving in Spain in 1522 under
Juan Sebastián Elcano's command.
A. Background of the Author - Antonio
Pigafetta Other works of Antonio Pigafetta:
• Francisco Antonio Pigafetta or Antonio Pigafetta wrote at least two books,
Antonio Lombardo both of which have survived:
• Born between the 1480s and 1490s
• Relazione del primo Viaggio
• Native Vicenza Republic of Venice
intorno al mondo (1524-1525);
in Italy
• Parents: Giovani Pigafetta and • Regole sull'arte del navigare
Angela Zoga (1524-1525).
• The eldest child among his siblings
of 2 B. Background of the Document
• He had an aunt named Elisabetta A travelogue was written on board one of
who married Valerio Chierecati the five ships that were first to
• Died in 1531 circumnavigate around the world.

Before the Expedition: • The five ships are called Armada

• He served on board the Galleys of De Molucca. (The Spanish navy)
the Knights of Rhodes at the
beginning of the 16th Century. • It had five ships and 265 crew
members.
• In 1519, he accompanied
Monsignor Chiericati.
• The libretto (little book) consists of
203 pages.
• He participated in Ferdinand
Magellan's voyage to the Spice
Islands, which was sponsored by
Emperor Charles V.
The expedition started on August 10, 1519, 5. The Santiago - the ship was lost
and ended in Spain on September 6, 1522. while searching for the strait.

At the end of the voyage, Pigafetta was on

SHIPS CREW CAPTAIN board the last ship among the five, the
MEMBER Victoria, which made it back to Spain.

Trinidad 55 Ferdinand Pigafetta kept a detailed journal, the

Magellan original of which is lost; this caused the
situation where what language used to write
Victoria 43 Luis de the libretto to be unknown.
Mendoza
Between 1522 and 1525, survives in four
Concepcion 45 Gaspar de manuscript versions:
Quesada 1. One in Italian
2. Two French versions at the
San 60 Juan de Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, and
Antonio Cartageña an Italian version at the Biblioteca
Ambrosiana in Milan.
Santiago 32 Juan
Rodriguez 3. Third French version usually
Serrano referred to as the Nancy Manuscript,
is now at Yale University.
In 1522, Victoria was the only one to
return to Spain, making it the first ship is 4. The version used is a translation of
known to successfully circumnavigate the Italian and is from The Lorenzo Da
globe. Ponte Italian Library.
The Concepción was one of the most
- His libretto, The First Voyage
significant Spanish wrecks of all time,
Around the World, was originally
serving the Spanish with a loss of over 100
for the Spaniards as
tons of silver and gold treasure.
documentation of the expedition
led by Ferdinand Magellan, but it
What happened to the five ships?
also serves as an important piece of
1. The Trinidad - was attacked by a
literature in studying Philippine
Portuguese ship and left
History.
shipwrecked.
What is the Motive of the Author?
2. The Victoria - the only one to return
• Antonio Pigafetta’s primary reason
to Spain, making it the first ship
for writing the document is to
known to successfully
discover and learn more about the
circumnavigate the globe.
world.
3. The Concepcion - already leaking
before the first attempt at the • He desired to record details and
voyage. Hobbling along in poor account information about their
repair. journey or expedition.

4. The San Antonio - the ship turned C. Content Analysis of the Important
and fled across the Atlantic Ocean Information Found in the Document
back to Spain.
Look for Corroboration: proves that there were already
• The document given was detailed civilizations and political systems,
but biased as it does not narrate the even before they came to the
full story, only details of what the archipelago.
foreigners have given.
TIMELINE OF THE IMPORTANT DATES:
• The book we found which contains
the complete narrative of Antonio International Date Line
Pigafetta’s work was sourced from One day added to the original dates that
The Lorenzo Da Ponte Italian Antonio Pigafetta wrote in his book for the
Library, generally edited by Luigi better perspective of us Filipinos.
Ballerini and Massimo Ciavolella.
(Antonio Pigafetta’s Date Line Perspective)
Look for Bias: November 28, 1520- Before the fleet’s
• The version of the document given expedition to the Philippines
by our professor contains a strongly • Magellan begins his trans-pacific
positive bias because the voyage with only three ships. During
document is short on information the expedition, Magellan and his
about the voyage, or most parts that crew are lost in the Pacific for more
are relevant to Philippine history than three months.
were missing.
• The crew members suffered a
• It only entails the good contributions sickness called scurvy nineteen of
of the Spaniards to the islanders, the his men died and 30 of them
ancestral Filipinos. become very ill.

The Lorenzo Da Ponte Italian Library March 16, 1521- The Arrival in Zamal
contains neutrality but is still biased as (Samar)
the story was told from the author's • The fleet sights the mountains of
perspective. Samar in the Philippines and
anchors at the island of Suluan.
• The entries written within were
biased in a way that only Pigafetta's • Near the island of thieves, called
words can be considered true as Ladrones Islands (currently
there are no other historical known as Mariana Islands - where
documents that counter the inhabitants of the island stole from
information it contains. the voyagers).

Analysis of Content and Context: March 17, 1521

• The primary source itself is not an • They land on an uninhabited
essay but a narrative depiction of the island, the island named Humunu
events that occurred during the story (Homonhon).
of Antonio Pigafetta’s journey with
Magellan and his crew. • Magellan and his crew called it
“Aquada da li buoni Segnialli” or
• It contains vivid descriptions of the “The Watering Place of Good
pre-colonized Filipinos’ lives and Signs”.
cultures, such as their food, rich
natural resources, appearance, • They named the island and the
livelihood, and religion. It only nearby islands the Archipelago of
 St. Lazarus as they were Ferdinand Magellan’s crew arrived at the
discovered on the Sunday of St. island south of Leyte, named Mazaua
Lazarus. (Limasawa).

March 18, 1521- Exchange of goods • A small boat with 8 men inside
between Ferdinand Magellan's fleet and approached the ship of the captain
inhabitants of Zuluam and Enrique, the slave and
interpreter spoke with these people.
Antonio’s fleet was stationed on an island Afterward, they saw two long boats
when 9 men on boats approached them. (balanghai/y) full of people. Their
Magellan welcomed them with food, drinks, king, Rajah Colambu, ordered them
and gifts. In return, the natives gave them to go to the captain's ship. The
(umai) rice, cocoa, and other food supplies. captain entertained them and gave
them gifts. The king offered to give
• Pigafetta detailed in amazement and Magellan a bar of gold and a chest
fascination the palm tree which of ginger, but Magellan declined.
bears fruits called cocho and wine,
which March 29, 1521- The Blood Compact
between Ferdinand Magellan and Rajah
• Among the 9 men, five remained in Colambu
the presence of Antonio Pigafetta, 2 • Ferdinand Magellan sent his slave
were stationed at the boat, and the interpreter, Traprobana (Enrique),
principal one came to greet to talk with the king to ask for money
Magellan joyfully. Told the Spaniards and provisions. Also, to clear that
that the islanders stay at Zuluan they have come to the island
while the Spaniards currently reside seeking friendship and not starting a
at Humunu. war.

March 22, 1521 • The king, Raja Colambu, came with

• The men mentioned on march 18, his men and embraced the captain.
1521, came back with two boats Cassi-Cassi, Blood compact, was
laden with cochi, sweet oranges, a done between Raja Colambu and
vessel of palm trees, and a cock as Ferdinand Magellan.
they promised.
• The captain also showed off his
• Pigafetta named these men a fleet’s armor, helmets, and
Caphre. Moreso, Magellan and his cuirasses.
men stayed on Humunu Island for
eight days. He also mentioned the March 30, 1521- The Arrival of Rajah
lord of these people named Siani
Schione. • Rajah Siani, the other king from
another island and the brother of
March 25, 1521 Rajah Colambu came accompanied
• Their fleet went between the west by three men and gave several
and southwest and passed amidst things.
four small islands which are Cenalo,
Hiunanghar, Ibusson, and Abarien. • He gave mines of gold, as big as
walnut or an egg which they use in
March 28, 1521 - The island South of making vessels and some parts in
Leyte, named Mazaua their house.
March 31, 1521- The First Mass in the place. Magellan gave it to her but
Philippines instead burn their native idols.
• Both kings attended the first mass.
After the mass, Magellan explained • The Santo Nino de Cebu, also
that the cross was a sign of his known as the “Child Jesus”, oldest
emperor and that he was ordered to artifact in the Philippines.
plant it in the places he would reach.
Once other Spaniards saw this April 26, 1521- The Two Chief of Mactan,
cross, they would know that they Datu Zula, and Lapu-Lapu
had been on this island and that • Datu Zula, Chief of Mactan, sent to
would not cause them trouble. The Magellan one of his sons with two
King concurred and allowed the goats as a present.
cross to be planted.
• Zula, who had promised his service
• Rajah Colambu and Rajah Siani to the King of Spain, was opposed
(Rajah Siagu). by another Chief, Lapu-Lapu.

April 06, 1521 • Lapu-Lapu declared that Mactan

• After the seven-day stay of would never submit to the Spanish
Magellan’s crew at Limasawa, the King.
fleet departed the island heading
toward Cebu. Zula requested the captain to send him only
one boatload of men to fight against the
April 07, 1521- The fleet’s Arrival at Cebu other chief but the captain-general sent
• There were, following negotiations, three boatloads.
merchandise is exchanged for
provisions, and good relations are The captain did not wish to fight them but
established with the King of Cebu sent a message to the native islanders to
named Raja Humabon the effect that if they would obey the king of
Spain, recognize the Christian king as their
April 14, 1521- The First Baptization in sovereign, and pay us our tribute, he would
the Philippines be our friend.
• The Sultan Humabon is baptized
(and renamed Don Carlos) by the April 27, 1521- The Battle of Mactan
flagship’s chaplain with all pomp and • Rajah Lapu-Lapu and his warriors
circumstance, Father Pedro on Mactan are attacked by Magellan
Valderamma the only priest on the and 60 of his men in three longboats
expedition. Rajah Colambu is also wearing their corselets and helmets.
baptized and named Don Juan after
the Infante. • When a poisoned arrow strikes
Magellan in the legs and is knocked
• 800 souls were baptized. off his helmet twice, they are forced
back to the ships.
• Pigafetta showed the queen an • An Indian hurled a bamboo spear in
image of Mary, the child Jesus and the captain’s face, and the latter
the cross. immediately killed him.

• Hara Humamay (Juana) asked for • 8 of Magellan’s men were killed, and
the child Jesus to be kept in her 4 Indians were killed by mortars.
 • In Lapu-Lapu only 15 men were Enrique
killed. • Traprobana
• Enrique of Malacca, as the first
April 29, 1521- Lapu-Lapu's proposition man to circle the globe. He's also
to Raja Humabon and Enrique’s sign of known as "Henry the Black,"
escape “Henrique”, and “Henry of
• Lapu-Lapu convinces Humabon to Malacca” who was acquired by
kill Magellan’s remaining members Magellan as a slave at Malacca.
by giving him the option of choosing
to kill the foreigners himself or perish • He is a native of the Malay
with them. Archipelago, he was from Sumatra
(Indonesia).
• Enrique headwinds Humabon into
letting him escape from the The Pacific Ocean
expedition. • The small fleet entered an unfamiliar
ocean in Nov. 1520. He called this
May 01, 1521 body of water pacific, due to the
• Massacre of Europeans on the calmness of the water at the time
island of Cebu (30) including Duarte (‘pacific’ means peaceful).
Barbosa, the newly elected Captain-
general of Trinidad. Heads toward The shape of the World
Bohol • The expedition proved that the Earth
is not flat, and one can go to the
May 2, 1521 - Juan Carvalho - Trinidad East by sailing West.
and Gonzalo Gomez de Espinosa
Victoria Reason for Expedition
• Off Bohol, Juan Carvalho becomes • The original reason for Magellan’s
the new captain of Trinidad and expedition was to find a western
Gonzalo Gomez de Espinosa for route to the Moluccas, the land
Victoria. Burning of Concepcion so called ‘spice island’, and open a
that it could not be used against the trading route for Spain.
fleet.
• Finding a trade route was an order
June 21, 1521 - Departure from given by the King of Spain to
Dyguasam, Palawan Magellan and his crew.
• They left that island on June 21,
1521, and were guided to Brunei, • Other objectives such as the
Borneo by Moro pilots, who could conversion of local tribes
navigate the shallow seas. encountered on the expedition to
Christianity was a personal goal set
July 9, 1521- by the captain himself.
• Arrived on the northeastern coast of
Brunei Ends the travel through the D. Contribution and Relevance of the
Philippines on the 115th day Document in Understanding the Grand
Narrative of Philippine History
ADDED INFORMATION ABOUT THE
VOYAGE WITH LITTLE OF RELEVANCE • Elaborated on the lifestyle back then
TO THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY and described what the local
islanders wore, what they ate, how
 they communicated, and how they Lapu-Lapu was a major character
lived. in Philippine History.

• Contains the first vocabulary of Contributed greatly to the existing body

Visayan words ever penned by of knowledge about the ways of our
Europeans. ancestral Filipinos.
• Since Magellan’s fleet had first
• Considered the best source today of arrived in Samal, modern-day Samar
the customs and usages of the which is part of the Visayan region,
Filipinos in the early 16th century due Antonio was able to record the
to the daily notes. Pigafetta took usage of early Visayan Instruments
details about the expedition that he together with the use of various
wrote about. Visayan vocabulary that they had
encountered in the archipelago.
• Pigafetta’s journal is the only known
document about Lapu-Lapu’s life. • August 10, 1519 – the starting point
of the expedition around the world of
Christianity to the Philippines which Magellan.
most Filipinos believe up to the present
day. • The book served as evidence that
• Along with the introduction of a new the world is round and flat.
religion was culture. The spiritual
aspect of a society could be • This book aids the researchers and
considered a major factor in how a students of today in understanding
community became what it is today. the context of Magellan in the
Christianity didn’t only offer a new expedition and how the Europe
system of belief, but it also created a Philippines conflict was commended.
set of ethics to be practiced which
mostly comes from the Scriptures. • Magellan first discover the Pacific
Ocean.
Gives identity to the ways of the people
who inhabited the country during the • Magellan proved that there was a
pre-colonial times. way to the east by sailing west.
• The exploration done of the lands by
the foreigners proves that our • Growing up, we understood this
country is rich with natural issue simply as the start of the
resources. The document reflects Spanish era and Magellan being the
that way long before, we possessed Philippines villain without taking into
agricultural resources which debate the context and different
foreigners vie for. Apart from reasons of the expedition.
resources, it also gives us
a depiction of how beautiful the - 3’G: God, Gold, and Glory
country was long before it was
colonized. The expedition that was held from 1519-
1522:
• Pigafetta’s journal is the only known
document about Lapu-Lapu’s life. No Open many doors from Spain together with
known records, apart from Antonio’s many different countries around the world
journal entries, exist that could serve due to the different discoveries from the
as a primary source to prove that expedition.
This led the world to be a more globalized locally and globally, determining the
society because of how other countries location of a place and its
were revealed to European countries. surrounding regions and culture.
Furthermore, in geography, we can
Businesses rose because of the discoveries identify if a place is inhabitable or
that made up the different products. not.
Collaborations were also made that
benefited the different sides. The battle of Mactan is one of the
controversial wars where Lapu-Lapu
Helped us in knowing how the early refused Ferdinand Magellan's
Filipinos lived by the account of a primary proposed order.
source who witnessed it firsthand.
• Due to that battle, Lapu-Lapu
We discover what religion Filipinos used to became our first national hero
have and they became Christian. against the Spanish conquest.
This event sent us a message to
We also find out how the first Filipinos have the courage to protect and fight
fought and delayed the Spanish occupation for what is ours.
by about 40 years. • Today, the year 2022, is another
turning point in our history since
Will help us to understand how the Filipinos there is the issue of a territorial
of the past lived and how they coped when dispute between the Philippines and
Magellan and his men came to the China in Scarborough Shoal, where
Philippines. the Permanent Court of Arbitration
favored the Philippines, but China
E. Relevance of the document to the still invalidated this result. This issue
present time. about territorial claims doesn't have
• The significance of this written work a strong foundation due to conflicts
made by Antonio Pigafetta is that it and historical evidence. No one will
is one of the instruments that paved give up this land easily due to its
the way to clearly understand what natural sources. If Lapu-Lapu and
happened in Philippine history his men risked their lives to defend
during Ferdinand Magellan’s our territory way back then, we, in
expedition. today’s generation, might as well
cooperate and give even a small or
• This work informs us how the world large contribution to protect our
learned and discovered the beloved island.
Philippines.
• This travelogue document also It shows that Christianity brought by
serves as one piece of evidence that the Spaniards has a huge impact or
the Earth is a sphere and not a flat contribution to our society.
surface based on Antonio Pigafetta's
expedition, which was accompanied • Based on the Philippine Statistics
by Ferdinand Magellan. Authority, 81.04 percent are Roman
Catholic and the other parts which
Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage made a constitute the whole belong to
major contribution to geography. different religions.

• This caused the world map to be • The travelogue described the

rewritten. At present, geography is lifestyle, cultural practices, and
so important that we study places religious beliefs of Filipinos based on
 what they observed in the 16th • December 4, 1903 - Died at the age
century. of 72 due to a fall from a horse-
drawn vehicle.
One of the characters in Antonio
Pigafetta's travelog who contributed to Educational Background:
Magellan's voyage is Enrique.
• He attended preparatory school at
• He was the interpreter throughout Biñan
the expedition. The role of an • Took law degree at University of
interpreter is to bridge the Santo Tomas
communication gap between two or • Practiced the profession in Manila
more parties who do not speak the • One of the officers of La Liga
same language. Overall, an Filipina and wrote articles for La
interpreter plays the role of enabling Independencia
communication between two or more • Arrested and jailed at the outbreak
individuals who don't speak the of the Revolution
same language. • Adviser of Emilio Aguinaldo and
was appointed Auditor-General de
The First Voyage Around the World Guerra.
helps us to understand the context of the
Magellan expedition when we know the May 24, 1898 - Aguinaldo proclaimed a
whole story and goal. dictatorial government per Bautista's advice
and penned the most important document in
• This is a written work by Antonio our history; "Act of Proclamation of
Pigafetta that showcases the Philippine Independence".
importance of writing. Writing can be
a huge help in preserving history. June 12, 1898 - Read the declaration
Nowadays, one of the most well- during the independence proclamation by
known sites on the internet where General Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite.
we can share anything we want, - Became the second President of
even our experiences, is called a the Malolos Congress.
blog.
July 14, 1899 - after the Filipino-American
Lesson 5 Reviewer
war, he was appointed judge of the Court of
Act of Proclamation of Philippine First Instance of Pangasinan.
Independence
Proclamation of the Philippine
A. Background of the Author Independence:
• Full name: Ambrosio Rianzares June 12, 1898 - Philippine independence
Bautista y Altamira also known as
was proclaimed in the province of Cavite,
“Don Bosyong” and it signaled the end of the 333 years of
• Born on December 7, 1830, in Spanish colonization.
Biñan Laguna
• A distant relative of the Rizal Family The declaration was a short 2,000-word
• War counselor and special delegate document, which summarized the reason
• Was popular among peasants as behind the revolution against Spain, the war
“Don Bosyong” and laborers for independence, and the future of the new
• Parents: Gregorio Enriquez republic under Emilion Aguinaldo.
Bautista and Silvestra Altamira
How did it start? saw the Philippines as a prize for
- The revolution started when Filipinos defeating the Spaniards.
had enough of violent Spanish rule.
• After suffering from the Spanish
- For the Katipuneros, the revolution government and friar’s mistreatment
serves as a start to claim back the and the sacrifices and loss of brave
freedom of the Filipino people that countrymen like Dr. Jose Rizal and
was taken by the first governor. the three Filipino priests known as
GomBurZa, the revolutionaries
- General Emilio Aguinaldo - The sought to reclaim their country for
leadership of the revolution was their people.
given to him in 1897 after Andres
Bonifacio was allegedly accused of B. Background of the Document
sedition. • “Acta de la proclamación de la
independencia del pueblo
What happened? Filipino” - The Act of Proclamation
December 15, 1897 - The Philippine of Independence of the Filipino
revolutionary army and the Spanish People.
government made a truce known as the
“Pact of Biak-na-Bato”. This document is considered a primary
source since the author, Ambrosio
• The Pact of Biak-na-Bato” was a Rianzares Bautista, also known as Don
failed truce between the Bosyong and a distant relative of the Rizal
revolutionary army and the Spanish Family at Cavite el Viejo or Kawit, Cavite,
government. the Philippines in the present, the War
Counsellor and Special Delegate of the
• While in Hong Kong, the leaders of country during the Philippine Independence
the revolutionary army alongside Day declaration, was a participant in the
General Emilio Aguinaldo used the event.
money they received from the • Originally written in Spanish from
Spanish government to buy new May to June 1898.
weapons while the Spanish
government did not commit to • It was read to and for the Filipino
making the necessary reforms. people on July 12, 1898, in Cavite-
Viejo/Cavite el Viejo (Present-day
And then… Kawit, Cavite).
• General Emilio Aguinaldo returned
to the Philippines with the help of the • It also has 21 pages and was
U.S Navy led by commodore George signed by 98 individuals, including
Dewey. the author, Bautista, and a Colonel
of Artillery of the United States
• They defeated the Spanish fleet in Army, Mr. L.M. Johnson.
the Battle of Manila Bay that took
place on May 1, 1898. • Despite his signature, the
declaration was never
• Although successful in defeating the acknowledged by the United States
Spaniards, General Emilio Aguinaldo or Spain, who eventually
and the rest of the Philippine surrendered the Philippines to the
revolutionary army faces a new United States in the Treaty of Paris
enemy, the United States as they
 that ended the Spanish-American for vengeance of the Spanish people
War in 1898. to those who oppose their
Machiavellian ends; suspected
• Translated into English by Sulpicio persons arrested by the Chiefs of
Guevara which consists of 1,693 Detachments; The 3 Martyr Filipino
words (signatories not included). catholic priests (GomBurZa):
1. Doc. Don Jose Burgos
• The original document is currently 2. Don Mariano Gomez
kept and can be found in the 3. Don Jacinto Zamora
National Library of the
Philippines. Since the Filipinos are tired of being slaved
by the Spanish colonizers, they initiated a
• June 12, 1898 - the proclamation of revolution, led by Emilio Aguinaldo.
Philippine independence was read
from the balcony of Aguinaldo’s When they thought they had already gained
mansion in Kawit, Cavite. independence, they wrote a document,
particularly Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista,
• August 6, 1956 - Aguinaldo signed which is “Acta de la proclamación de la
its printed copy and it was published Independencia del pueblo Filipino'' or Act
years later. of Proclamation of Independence of the
Filipino People, wherein its purpose is to
• Sometime in the 1980s or 1990s - proclaim and declare that the Philippine
the declaration was stolen from the islands gained their independence from the
National Library of the Philippines by Spanish colonization, and also state the
the researcher of the National right of the Philippines to be free and
Historical Institute Rolando Bayhon. independent; that they ceased to have
allegiance to the crown of Spain; that the
After a publicized appeal for the return of political ties between them are should be
the stolen documents and mediation by completely severed or annulled; and that
historian and University of the Philippines they must have the full power to make war
professor Milagros Guerrero, 8,000 and peace, enter into alliances, conclude
documents, including the Declaration, were commercial treaties, and do all other acts
returned to the National Library in 1994. and things just like other Independent states
has right to do.
The Declaration is still there today, unlike - The Declaration of Philippine
the US Declaration of Independence, which Independence gives evidence of our
is not on exhibit. country's independence from
colonization.
The purpose of the document is to record
the important details of our history in order - This declaration document can
to preserve it until the future. illustrate that our country and
ourselves were free from the
During the Spanish-American war, the colonizers, meaning that we have
Philippines was under the control of the right to live freely and with
Spain. justice.
• There are numerous deaths, abuses
- Furthermore, it gathers and
of the civil guards, and unjust killings
expresses every incident that
or execution of several important
happened during the colonists'
people: including Rizal; others who
invasion.
were sacrificed to satisfy the thirst
 - It conveys a message that the Regards to the content of the
Philippines can be run as an Proclamation:
independent country. • The June 12 proclamation was
modified later by another
- The Philippine national flag and its proclamation done at Malolos
symbols were also stated and Bulacan, upon the insistence of
explained. Apolinario Mabini, chief adviser for
General Aguinaldo, who objected to
C. Content Analysis of the Important the original proclamation because it
Historical Information Found in placed the Philippines under the
the Document protection of the United States.
The Act of Proclamation of Independence of (Dumindin 2015).
Filipino People stated the difficulties that
countrymen were facing which pushed them Recognition:
on their revolutionary sentiment. • Emilio Aguinaldo’s declaration of
• These are the abuses from the Philippine independence was
friars, discrimination, and recognized by neither Spain nor the
inequality all throughout the United States.
occupation of Spaniards in the
Philippines. • It was only in 1964, when President
Diosdado P. Macapagal signed the
• The author gave emphasis on the Republic Act 4166, designating
unjust Rizal’s execution along with June 12 as Philippine
the Cavite mutiny and the infamous Independence Day that the country
death of three martyr priests, began to celebrate Independence
GomBurZa. Consequently, the Day on June 12, it used to be
movement rapidly spread through celebrated on July 4. (Guillermo
different towns and provinces of 2015).
Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas,
Bulacan, Laguna, and Morong Why was the date moved?
according to the document. 1950- the 1960s - it was deemed by
lawmakers at that time to recognize June 12
• August 1896 - it made the as the Independence Day instead of July 4
Philippines and the Filipinos unite for to give recognition to the Filipinos who
the independence and sovereignty stood up against the Spanish rule.
that they hoped for from the colonial
rule of Spain. Despite the passing of this law, each
group of historians is divided as to when
• Thousands of people came from all should Philippine Independence Day be
over the country to witness the celebrated:
historic event in Kawit, Cavite. To - Some argue that it should still be
witness the said event, the military, celebrated on July 4 to align with
representatives from various towns, the international records and
and other civil officials were receive “proper” recognition.
present.
- Some are even proposing that
Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy proclamation tells August 1869 is the more
us about the victorious revolutionary appropriate date to be remembered
movement and the struggle of our as this is when the cedulas were
countrymen to achieve our independence. torn in the Cry of Pugad Lawin.
 - Former President Ferdinand Marcos Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas,
issued Proclamation 2364 on July Laguna, and Nueva Ecija.
4, 1984, which states that July 4 will
be known as the Filipino-American • The colors red, white, and blue:
friendship day to commemorate the are the commemoration of the flag of
efforts of the United States in the U.S and as a sign of gratitude
helping to liberate the Philippines to them.
from Japan during World War 2.
The original flag symbolized a human
• Spanish Colonization (1521-1989) being with eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Execution of GomBurZa
The flag design was decided by Gen.
Emilio Aguinaldo and was stitched in
Philippine flag 1898-1901
Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo,
The Philippine flag is also mentioned in
the wife of the first Filipino diplomat (Don
the document.
Felipe Agoncillo).
- The flag is the country's most valued
symbol, it is the country's symbol
And with the help of her daughter Lorenza,
of freedom.
and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad
(niece of Dr. Jose Rizal and wife of General
- It represents devotion and love for
Salvador Natividad), made the flag in 535
the country and reflects the Filipino
Morrison, Hong Kong.
people's objectives, hopes, and
desires in the search for
independence. - Site of the historic proclamation of
the Philippine Independence on
- It represents the togetherness of June 12, 1898
the Filipino people.
- Declared a national shrine in June
1964
THE CONCEPT AND MAIN FEATURE OF
THE FLAG:
- Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista y
The concept was to reflect the ideas and
Altamira waved the Philippine flag
aspirations of the Filipino people.
at the window.
• The white triangle: The 3Ks of the
Katipunan, Kataas-taasan, - Here, he declared the independence
Kagalang-galangan, Katipunan ng of the Filipinos and the birth of the
Bayan (KATIPUNAN). “Philippine Republic” under the
• The sun: the steps out of our protection of the mighty and humane
countrymen to progress and North American Union.
civilization.
The Philippine National Anthem is a
• The three stars: Archipelago- product of revolution, a response to the
Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay (Active need of the revolutionary times that gave
in the Visayas at that time). birth to it. And this need arose in 1898.

• The 8 rays represented the first 8 - June 5, 1898 - he met Julian Felipe
provinces that courageously defied and asked him to compose a
and revolted against the Spaniards – national hymn.
Manila, Cavite, Bulacan,
- Originally called “Marcha Filipina June 12, 1898 - The national anthem was
Magdalo”, and performed without heard publicly for the first time, when,
lyrics with a tempo of 2/4 later standing on the balcony of his Kawit
known as “Marcha Nacional mansion, Aguinaldo proclaimed Asia's first
Filipina”. independent republic before a cheering
throng.
- After years, the lyrics were adopted
by Jose Palma’s poem Filipinas, In 1956, a new version penned by the
which was in Spanish (but the time Surian ng Wikang Pambansa (Institute of
signature was changed to 4/4 National Language) was adopted.
because the song was too fast to • These are the official Filipino lyrics
sing). sung all over the country today and
given wider propagation through
- During Magsaysay Administration, radio, television, and cinema.
then Education Secretary
Gregorio Hernandez commissioned • After the historical event, the
the revision of the lyrics to Tagalog. documented speech also
established a republic that would be
- In Julian Felipe’s memoir, it was led under the first dictatorship of
said that the National Anthem was Emilio Aguinaldo.
based on three musical pieces,
namely, Six days after the proclamation of
1. The Marcha Real Independence, Aguinaldo issued a
2. The Grand March from proclamation formalizing the creation of a
Giuseppe Verde’s Aida dictatorial government to assess the needs
3. La Marseillaise. of the country.

• The second National Anthem was Upon the advice of Apolinario Mabini,
written, and the first was “Marangal Aguinaldo issued a subsequent
na Dalit ng Katagalugan”, proclamation abolishing it and establishing a
commissioned by Andres revolutionary government.
Bonifacio, and composed by
musician Julio Nakpil in 1897. September 15, 1898 - the Revolutionary
Congress was summoned to Malolos
• Together with the Philippine flag, Bulacan to draft the constitution. The
they were presented during the representatives of all provinces were
proclamation of independence on present and they were all commended by
June 12, 1898, in Cavite el Viejo Aguinaldo himself.
(Kawit, Cavite). This event first happened to approve the
Proclamation of Independence again.
• Played by band of San Francisco On November 29, 1898, the Malolos
de Malabon. Congress authorized the drafting of the
constitution but it was returned by Aguinaldo
• The Anthem was finally sung in for improvisations but was denied.
Filipino on May 26, 1956, minor
revisions were made in the 1960s It was then formally given to the Malolos
and it is the revision that we sing Congress on January 20, 1899, and it was
today. put into effect by President Emilio Aguinaldo
on January 29, 1899. Malolos Constitution
is the first constitution that was adopted by
the first Philippine republic and lasted from stated in Republic Act No. 4166 which was
1899 to 1901. approved on August 4, 1964, in order to
commemorate the declaration of
Aside from that, Republic Act No. 4166 independence of Emilio Aguinaldo on the
was approved. It is an act of changing the same date in 1898 from Spanish
date of Philippine Independence Day from colonization.
July 4 to June 12.
Moreover, it was also stated in the
According to Section 1 of the Revised document that July 4 will be considered
Administrative Code, “The twelfth day Philippine Republic Day. In 1984, a new
of June is hereby declared as the Philippine proclamation, Proclamation No. 2364, was
Independence Day, and all the citizens of signed by Ferdinand Marcos in the City of
the Philippines are enjoined to observe such Manila. It declares July 4, 1984, the Filipino-
day with rites befitting Independence Day”. American friendship day, as a regular
working and school day.
In the meantime, on July 12, the Filipinos
declared independence and proclaimed a The author concludes that based on the
provisional republic with Aguinaldo as Proclamation of Philippine Independence
president. Within days, on the other side of document, even historical records can have
the Pacific, the American anti-imperialist gaps in providing important information and
had begun to shape. details.

This organization, which opposed American - It cannot be denied that a political

involvement in the Philippines, grew into a bias occurred within the context and
mass movement that drew support from content of the document because
across the political spectrum. Ambrosio Bautista mentioned only
once the Katipunan who played a
The Treaty of Paris (1898), signed by vital role in achieving our
representatives of Spain and the United Independence that was supposed to
States in December, transferred Philippine be just and fair for the individuals
sovereignty from Spain to the United States. and events that contributed to the
The United States, meanwhile, rejected success of the Revolution, most
Filipino claims of independence. notably in the Proclamation of
Independence, which implies that
They had possession of the Philippine the Filipinos have already achieved
Islands for approximately 48 years from the independence and sovereignty
1898 to 1946 due to winning the Spanish- for which they struggled and fought
American war. for how many years.
Meanwhile, on July 4, 1946, the
Philippines finally gained back its - Since Andres Bonifacio and Emilio
independence from the colonization of Aguinaldo had some political issues,
America and was recognized as an and the author, Ambrosio, was on
independent, sovereign country by the the side of Aguinaldo, there’s a
United States. tendency that the document is
subjective for they are not in favor of
That day was then considered an important Bonifacio, the founder of Katipunan.
national holiday in the Philippines. But then,
the Philippine Independence Day - The document is very important to
celebration was moved by Diosdado our historical record; therefore,
Macapagal from July 4 to June 12, as selectiveness and bias of
 information should not be practiced from the colonists and it tells us that
in this field; instead, ensuring the we have the right to live without any
credibility of content must be hindrance, without restriction and we
prioritized. also have equality. It moreover
educates us to be independent and
- The document containing the fight for our country in order to
records of historical movements and exercise our rights, our right to live
events provides us with just the right with freedom, peace of mind, and
amount of jolt to our patriotism and unity.
loyalty to the motherland.
E. Relevance of the Documents to the
- This implies that before indulging in Present Time
one's own truth and facts, one Philippine Independence Day has been the
should check the sources for main reason why Filipinos are free, it shows
credibility and content. how our ancestors and the Filipino people
fought in order to have the sovereignty
D. Contribution and Relevance of the and independence that they had long been
Document in Understanding the Grand yearning for.
Narrative of Philippine history
• Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, also The year 1898 has been a great turning
known as “Don Bosyong” was the point in our history.
first advisor of Emilio Aguinaldo, • Filipinos have the unity of being one
despite that fact, he is not well against the colonizers of our country
recognized. and defying the laws and orders that
they made which suppressed our
• He created, wrote, presented, and true identity as a Filipino people.
read the Act of Declaration of
Independence to put an end to the • With this defiance, many died and
abusive colonist. sacrificed their lives, others used
their talent and mind to show their
• This document serves as evidence disobedience against the Spanish
of being independent of our colonizers (with the help of the
country from the colonists. American military), while many used
their physical strength in a battle and
• This document by Don Bosyong won with their hearts one goal,
played a big role and gave great freedom.
help to the lives of Filipinos and their
country. Because of this, we For the past years, Filipinos have lived in a
achieve the freedom we longed democratic country where everyone has
for. the right to do whatever they want.

• It also serves as an eye opener to They are free to exercise and express their
every generation as it thoughts and opinions about the things that
commemorates and appreciates all matter to them. After the corrupt and
the sacrifices of our forefathers and oppressive government of Ferdinand
heroes who made their move Marcos, we had the people's power
towards freedom in our country. revolution, ousting Marcos in the seat of
power was a great achievement for all
• This archive proved to us that our Filipinos up until this day.
country and its people were freed
It was the greatest victory in Philippine • She met Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino,
History. A woman who showed bravery in Jr. while studying law at Far Eastern
fighting against the injustice system of the University.
dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. • They married on October 11, 1954.
• The most prominent figure of the
The mother of democracy (Cory Aquino) 1986 People Power Revolution
led the revolution, the battle for freedom. which ended the 21-year rule of
• Filipinos won this battle against the Ferdinand Marcos.
regime of Marcos and it was a • Presidential Term: February 25,
victory that gave Filipinos hope to 1986 - June 30, 1992
get back the nation’s democracy and • Died on August 1, 2009, at Makati
freedom. Medical Center

• The relevance of this document in Educational Background:

the present time is people are now • She attended Saint Scholastic’s
free to give criticism of the College, a Roman Catholic private
government’s failures. Filipinos get school, and became topped most of
to have freedom of speech. her classes even graduating
valedictorian of her elementary
• With these, we know that having the class.
courage to speak for ourselves will • Cory attended high school at
make our future and present free of Ravenhill Academy in
perils and give us hope that what Philadelphia and then attended the
happened before will never happen Notre Dame Convent School in
again. The sovereignty we have New York.
claimed before up until now, makes • When she graduated in 1949, she
us remember how strong and brave began her undergraduate
our race is. education at the College of Mount
St. Vincent in New York City.
Lesson 6 Reviewer • In addition to speaking English,
Speech before the Joint Session of the Tagalog, and Kapampangan,
United State Congress (1986): Speech of Aquino majored in French
Corazon graduating in 1953.
• Upon returning to the Philippines,
A. Background of the Author- Maria she enrolled in law school at the
Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino Far Eastern University in Manila
“Cory” (1933 – 2009) (FEU). It was at FEU that Cory met
• Born: January 25, 1933 in Paniqui once more Ninoy.
• Parents: Jose Cojuangco Sr. and
Demetria Sumulong Mr. Teodoro Locsin Jr.
• Sixth among eight children Is a Filipino politician, diplomat, lawyer,
• Came from a wealthy family of and former journalist who served as
Tarlac congressman for the 1st District of Makati
• First Female President of the from 2001 to 2010 and later served as
Philippines and the 11 President
th Philippine Ambassador to the United
of the Republic of the Philippines Nations from 2017 to 2018.
Maria Corazon Sumulong • Born: 15 November 1948 (age 70
Cojuangco - Aquino also known as years), Manila
“Cory” • Education: Ateneo de Manila
University
• Parents: Teddy Boy Locsin
 • Party: PDP-Laban dictatorship, and reviving a devastated
• He was the secretary and economy.
speechwriter of Cory Aquino's
speech. When former President Corazon Aquino
spoke before a joint session of the United
B. Background of the Document States Congress in September of 1986, the
September 18, 1986 - months after the dust was only beginning to settle.
EDSA revolution (Feb 25, 1986).
3 years after the assassination of Senator It was her first visit to America since the
Benigno Aquino (1983). dictator Ferdinand Marcos had been
deposed in February of the same year, and
The dust had barely settled when former the Philippines was reckoning with
President Corazon Aquino addressed a joint everything his administration had inflicted.
session of the United States Congress.
Since the overthrow of dictator Ferdinand That included $26 billion in total foreign
Marcos in February of the same year. debt and a communist insurgency that
grew, throughout the Marcos era, from 500
The speech was delivered in Washington, armed guerillas to 16,000. We were just at
D.C where the Senate of the US join the the start of a long road to recovery.
speech of Cory Aquino, this speech is
considered an Oral statement because it is Aquino lodged an appeal for help.
a public speech. Addressing the House, she delivered a
• The speech of former president Cory historic speech that managed to sway in our
Aquino during the US congress favor the vote for an emergency $200-
contains 1,172 words and million aid appropriation.
consists of 15 paragraphs.
In the moving speechwriter ambassador to
• It took at least 30 minutes of time, the United Nations, Teddy Locsin, Jr.,
the speech writer was Teddy Aquino defended her reconciliatory speech
Locsin Jr., and the time wrote penned by her (and our current stand on the
assumed between April to sensitive issue in the U.S., given that this
September. was 1986-and asked for financial aid
towards rebuilding the Philippine economy.
The time it was delivered was on
September 18, 1986, months after the Debt-$200-million
EDSA revolution (Feb 25, 1986). According "We fought for honor, and, if only for honor,
to the website Official Gazette, the speech we shall pay," she said, agreeing to pay the
of Corazon Aquino at the Joint session of debt that was stolen by Marcos. "And yet,
the congress was titled During the Joint should we have to wring the payments from
Session and not before since it happened the sweat of our men's faces and sink all the
on September 18, 1986. wealth piled up by the bondsman's two
hundred fifty years of unrequited toil?"
The speech of our former president, Cory
Aquino was made because former The speech was impassioned, deeply
President Corazon Aquino wants to personal, and effective; interrupted 11 times
combine the spirit of reconciliation with by applause and bookended with standing
measures to establish a new government in ovations.
firm control as she begins the tasks of • House Speaker Tip O'Neill called it
uniting a divided Filipino people, rebuilding the "finest speech I've ever heard
the institutions destroyed by a discredited in my 34 years in Congress."
 • Senate Majority Leader Robert movement known as “People
Dole told her, "Cory, you hit a Power”.
home run."
Many in the audience of Cabinet members,
• And House Minority Whip Trent diplomats, senators, and congressmen
Lott said, "Let's just say the honored Aquino's signature color by
emotion of the moment saved the displaying the color themselves.
day."
The chamber was sprinkled with yellow
It would go down in the annals of our history shirts, blouses, ties, handkerchiefs, and
as one of the former President's finest some of the 200 yellow roses flown in
speeches. from Texas by House Majority Leader
James C. Wright Jr. (D-Tex.).
"For myself and our children, Ninoy was a
loving husband and father. His loss, three Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole (R-
times in our lives was always a deep and Kan.), escorting Aquino up the House aisle
painful one. Fourteen years ago this month, to the tumultuous applause, told her, "You
was the first time we lost him. A president- hit a home run." Without a pause between
turned-dictator and traitor to his oath handshakes, according to a Dole aide,
suspended the constitution and shut down Aquino replied, "I hope the bases were
the Congress that was much like the one loaded."
before which I'm honored to speak.”
Her stunningly successful U.S. visit will not
“He detained my husband along with diminish the problems Aquino must face
thousands of others-Senators, publishers, when she returns this week to Manila.
and anyone who had spoken up from the
democracy as its end drew near. But for But it certainly added a luster of political
Ninoy, a long and cruel ordeal was sophistication to her image as an honest,
reserved. The dictator already knew that principled leader. And that should buy her
Ninoy was not a body merely to be much-needed time - and the increased
imprisoned but a spirit he must break.” loyalty of the Philippine people - in the
difficult months ahead.
For even as the dictatorship demolished
one-by-one; the institutions of democracy, Apparently, the intended audience for the
the press, the congress, the independence speech of former President Corazon Aquino
of a judiciary, the protection of the Bill of is the people of the Philippines. She wants
Rights, Ninoy kept their spirit alive in to exemplify the tragedy or bad events that
himself." happened in the Philippines during the
• She became a widow at the age of declaration of martial law, especially the
50 assassination of Senator
Benigno Aquino.
• She became the first female
president of the Philippines and Also, America is one of the intended
restored democracy to the country, audiences in her speech, because she
promulgated a new constitution, and called on America to help the Philippines
served until 1999. preserve freedom.

• She became the center of Anti- In her statement to the US Congress on

Marcos politics in the Philippines a September 18, 1986, former president
Corazon Aquino gave many reasons.
The speech has components of Anti-Marcos Corazon reportedly loses the election, but
propaganda, appeals for sympathy from the his supporters and the people of the
audience, a request for US assistance in Philippines challenged the result by
repairing the alleged damage done by her charging widespread voting fraud this led to
predecessor, and appeals to the American the people's power revolution and ousted
audience. Marcos, and Corazon became the president
this happened February 25, 1986.
Regarding her request for assistance from
the US, she spoke about the huge And in September 1986 when Corazon
international debt and how she was visited America as she gave a speech
pleading with foreign creditors, particularly before the joint session of the United State
the IMF and World Bank, for mercy. Congress.

She then pleaded with Americans to aid the 'Today, I say, join us, America, as we build
Philippines and acknowledge the start of a a new home for democracy, another haven
new era. for the oppressed, so it may stand as a
shining testament of our two nations'
It was all due to the total external debt of the commitment to freedom,' she
Philippines during 1965 wherein it sums up said as she ended her speech.
to $0.8 billion. Meanwhile, in 1985, the last
year of Marcos in position, the external debt She is pleading with the audience for
of the country rises to $26.25 billion. sympathy and for help from the US in
reconstructing her country, the Philippines.
Therefore, the debt of the Philippines adds
up to $25.45 billion in just two decades. C. Content Analysis of the Important
(The $0.8 billion from before Marcos was Historical Information Found in
elected is subtracted). the Document

President Corazon Aquino's speech September 21, 1972 - Former President

encouraged the House of Representatives Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law
to grant the Philippines 200 million dollars of in the Philippines by signing Proclamation
appropriation aid was his speech to a joint No.1081.
session of Congress. - This decision helped Marcos to
Where he promised to fight for the control the whole country with his
Philippines government and to end the military. Thus, this results in the
bloody communist revolution. She appealed oppression of the rights of every
to both the United State government and Filipino citizen.
private inventors to construct a new home
for democracy in the Philippines. She left - Marcos’ dictatorship demolished the
with a $200 million dollar honorarium in institutions of democracy, the press,
economic aid for her nation despite the congress, the independence of
Congressional budget restraints imposed by the judiciary, and even the protection
the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings net. of the Bill of Rights.

September 21, 1972 - Former President - Reporters who criticize Marcos and
Marcos declared martial law in 1972, his administration will be taken to
Ninoy was jailed by Marcos for eight years, Camp Crame without any charges
and in February 1986 Corazon run as the being filed against them.
opposition's presidential candidate with
Salvador Laurel as her running mate for
vice president.
Benigno Aquino Jr. was a prominent During the 1970s, the guerrillas
Philippine journalist and politician. established fronts throughout the country,
- He was the senator of the 7th and the party exploited local socioeconomic
Congress and became the most and political issues to build a base of
powerful political opposition support.
leader of the current president at
that time President Ferdinand During the 1980s they expanded their
Marcos. activities to include urban violence, strikes,
and assassinations to foment revolutionary
- During the abolition of Congress and unrest while portraying themselves as
the declaration of martial law in nationalists and creating structures to
1972, he was one of the politicians insinuate themselves into national politics.
who experienced the unjustness of
the government toward human The organization was strongest in the
rights. 1980s, as the repressive government of
Ferdinand Marcos fell and was replaced by
the Cory Aquino administration.
September 22, 1972 - Marcos became a
dictator and a traitor to his oath, where The insurgency had become a social
he imprisoned Ninoy Aquino along with movement, with an array of above-ground
Senators, publishers, and anyone who had groups intertwined with an underground
spoken up for democracy as its end drew guerrilla army.
near.
Corazon Aquino’s family had settled in
They were arrested at the Manila Hilton Boston, the USA where they would later find
Hotel in Ermita, Manila, led by Col. Romeo out that on August 21, 1983, her spouse
Gatan by the elements of Philippine Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated
Constabulary-Metropolitan Command or soon after leaving the United States
PC-METROCOM. The first time that they without his family when returning to the
lost him. Philippines.

This happened after President Ferdinand E. He was killed on a staircase leading to the
Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, tarmac of Manila International Airport
placing the Philippines under Martial where the airport is now named Ninoy
Law. Aquino International Airport which was
It was announced on television on renamed by the congress in his honor on
September 23, 1972, that marked the December 10, 1987.
beginning of 14 years of one-man rule that
would effectively last until Marcos was She believed that his death was the
exiled from our country. Philippines’ resurrection, and courage and
faith began to exhibit in the two million
The Communist Party of the Philippines people who put their passivity and constant
(CPP) and it is New People’s Army (NPA) fear aside and escorted Benigno Aquino Jr.
launched their armed struggle against the to his grave.
Philippine government in 1968.
“The task had fallen on my shoulders,”
The party grew to its present strength of she said, “To continue offering the
some 30,00 members during the later years democratic alternative to our people.”
of Marcos's administration by capitalizing on
his unpopularity and emphasizing traditional The responsibilities are now passed on to
protected revolutionary warfare. Cory Aquino, in taking care and fighting for
the longing for the freedom of the Filipinos Corazon Aquino had called for boycotts
and the country. against the said legislature for being biased
as it is controlled and owned by individuals
She took it for the sake of freedom and that were closely allied with Ferdinand
doesn’t have the means to do so by herself. Marcos.
Democracy must be defended by arms
when it is attacked by arms and by truth February 22, 1986 - disgruntled and
when it is attacked by lies, said Archibald reformist military officers had announced
Macleish was quoted by Cory Aquino in defection from the Marcos government in
her speech on September 18, 1986, yet he the belief that Corazon Aquino was the real
failed to say how it shall be won. winner.

She held fast to Ninoy’s conviction that it - Millions of people gathered to give
must be by the ways of democracy. On support. Upon learning of the
November 3, 1985, Ferdinand Marcos defection that occurred.
announced in an interview that snaps
elections would be held within three months February 25, 1986 - Corazon Aquino was
which surprised the nation. announced as the president of the
Philippines.
The election was then scheduled to be held
on February 7, 1986. A petition was then The People Power Revolution - a series of
held for Corazon Aquino to run for popular demonstrations in the Philippines
president, which was organized by Joaquin that began in 1983 and culminated in 1986
Roces, a former newspaper publisher. with the overthrow of President Ferdinand
Marcos.
The petition gathered 1.2 million signatures
in favor of Corazon Aquino running against - It is also a special non-working
the dictatorship on December 1, 1985, and holiday in the Philippines observed
Corazon Aquino declared her candidacy on the 25th of February every year.
soon after on December 3, 1985.
This bloodless revolution is a source of
During the snap election, everything was pride for all Filipinos and is seen as a
marred with massive electoral fraud, template for similar non-violent uprisings
violence, intimidation, coercion, and around the world.
disenfranchisement.
The ultimate result:
People were so aware of the faradization • Mrs. Corazon Aquino as President
that was occurring, and they were so • Mr. Salvador Laurel as Vice-
committed to the ways of democracy during President of the Philippines
the election that they were ready to sacrifice
everything to avoid any sort of rigging of the Said the co-chairman of the United States
votes. observer team in his report to the President,
who was the witness to an extraordinary
February 15, 1986 - a legislature that was manifestation of democracy on the part of
heavily dominated by Marcos’ ruling party the Filipino people.
and allies declared Ferdinand Marcos as
the president. However, the National 1986 Snap Election - which is among the
Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections had landmark events that led up to the People
shown data that proved Corazon Aquino Power Revolution.
had won against Ferdinand Marcos.
 • It was said to be the downfall of the administration had left such as the billion
presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, debts of the country that became the roots
and the accession of Corazon C. of most economic deficiency, the
Aquino as the president. complication in governance that needs an
immediate response such as changing the
D. Contribution and Relevance of the dictatorial government structure of the
Document in Understanding the former administration, and other economic
Grand Narrative of Philippine problems that excessively hard to solve,
History was being faced by her in the belief of it is
Corazon Aquino's speech commemorated her duty to serve people and continue the
the struggle of Filipinos to regain their faith legacy of her deceased husband.
and confidence to free themselves from the
oppressive regime of Ferdinand - Cory Aquino focused on fixing the
Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, a dictator and constitution and disseminating
the 10th President of the Philippines. democracy throughout the whole
country more than focusing on the
• She emphasized the undeniable obvious decline in the economy.
heroic efforts of her deceased
husband to stand against the - Though she had tried restoring our
abusive and unjust, which awakened economy through the
their sleeping heart and led them to implementation of the
fight for what they deserved and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
have the strength to resist the fear Law of 1988 or redistribution of
that has been implanted in their agricultural resources and other
heads. benefits for farmers, landowners,
fishermen, and others.
• The cause is the Filipinos
sacrificed to light our sleeping She also advanced gender equality,
revolutionary heart and bravery to particularly for women, through
bring back democracy along with supporting women's campaign
the people's voice and reminded movements and inclusion in the 1987
them of the power that they hold Constitution through several executive
when unified for a certain cause. orders to support women, she also gave
importance to the science and technology
The consequence of this is we have sector by founding STMP or Science and
become liberated people living in a Technology Master Plan that became the
democratic country today. foundation of DOST or the Department of
• It is relevant to understand what Science and Technology.
the speaker wanted to convey
because this will help us to attain Cory Aquino advanced to make our
awareness of what happened country democratic again despite the
during that rough time in the flaws of her administration.
past, what are the sacrifices and • it is indeed invaluable to have this
efforts to the offering, and how liberty we are sharing together now
we are able to enjoy this freedom in the present time due to all the
and democracy. sacrifices and hard work she offered
our country along with the people
After the joint session of the United States living in that time.
Congress which Cory Aquino attended, the
fight against the problems that the former
 E. Relevance of the Documents to things we don’t deserve as Filipinos and as
the Present Time people.

The dictatorship of Marcoses is A lot of Filipinos also think that the speech
something that happened for the first Corazon made in the US was a
time in our Philippine history. congratulatory speech for winning the
- Corazon Aquino, our first female presidency and for getting democracy back
President, was one of those who but more likely, this document is still being
experienced and witnessed how used by a lot of news reporters and such
Marcoses led the country. Together because it consists of information’s
with Ninoy Aquino, they fought comparable to what we’re experiencing
against Marcoses, to bring back our now, just like with the recent election.
country into a democracy. It’s still being used as a primary source in
research and news even in the media
The speech of Cory Aquino will always especially when Marcos’ Administration is
be remembered as one of the eye- being talked about.
openers to all Filipinos, about how
Marcos’ administration crumpled the Nowadays, we are being surrounded by
basic rights of every Filipino citizen. fake news that is rapidly spreading
continually to distort history.
• October 17, 2021 - former Vice
President Leni Robredo delivered Therefore, such documents play a
her speech for her Presidential bid significant role because of the truth they
for election 2022. With these, carry from history.
millions of Filipinos became hopeful,
they believed in the credibility and The main purpose of these speech is to
ability of Atty. Robredo for making share and preserve the true events that
the Philippines a better country. happened in history in the minds of us
Filipinos, the imprisonment of the Philippine
• Atty. Leni Robredo is known as one congress, injustices, torture and killing of
of the political personalities who innocent people, and how kill democracy,
bravely exposed and fought against and deny Filipinos peace and freedom.
Marcoses, which is mostly like what
President Corazon Aquino did. Both
female leaders experienced a trashy
election and were victims of fake
news, but the recent election just
made everyone recall the effects of
the Marcoses spreading inaccurate
news information about the issues of
the country and about their
opponents.

It also affected us in a way that we wouldn’t

trust anyone with the same mindset as the
Marcoses.

It’s also a good thing that this kind of

information is still being brought up because
it would mold us to be more mindful of the