Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

History is a continuous process of documenting and sociologists contributing to the field of

studying past events in a chronological order. It history.
derives from the Greek word "HISTORIA," which
 History and Ethics: A historian needs to be
means to search or look into. History involves factual
aware of the ethical principles that influenced
research and provides a summary or result based on
people's conduct in the past, even though
that research, focusing on the sequence of important
1 events. It is a science that describes and examines
passing judgment may not be their role.
past events within specific groups of people.  History and Psychology: Psychological
Significance of History: insights are crucial for historians to analyze
the motives and actions of individuals and
1. Understanding Ancestral Contribution: societies.
Studying history allows us to determine and
 History and Geography: Geography plays
understand the contributions of our
a vital role in understanding certain branches
ancestors in shaping our humanity, origin,
of history, such as diplomacy or military
and inherent culture.
history, as it provides geographical context
2. Portraying Humanity and Society: History and perspective.
provides a picture of our humanity and
Distinction of Primary and Secondary Sources:
society, revealing the development,
struggles, achievements, and lessons Primary Sources:
learned throughout time.
 Materials produced by people or groups
Scholarly Views: directly involved in the event or topic being
studied.
 Jose Rizal emphasized the importance of
knowing the past to understand the destiny  Firsthand accounts or evidence written or
of a people. created during the period under
investigation.
 Many scholars consider history as the center
of social sciences, providing foundational  Can be non-written, such as artifacts,
knowledge for other disciplines. edifices, clothing, jewelry, photographs,
films, recordings, paintings, and oral
 Prof. Seeley described the interrelationship
traditions.
between history and political science,
highlighting their mutual dependency.  Examples: first-person accounts,
History and Other Disciplines: documents, artifacts, scientific data, face-to-
face mentors with specific knowledge or
 History and Economics: Economic expertise.
activities are closely related to the actions of
Secondary Sources:
individuals in society, making economic
history an essential branch of history for Secondary sources are testimonies or accounts
proper understanding. provided by individuals who were not present at the
event they describe. They interpret and comment on
 History and Statistics: Statistical data has
past events, usually based on the analysis of primary
greatly influenced historical research,
sources. These sources are typically written after the
providing a systematic approach to collecting
time period being studied and offer analysis,
and analyzing information.
commentary, and synthesis of information from
 History and Sociology: History and multiple primary sources. Secondary sources aim to
sociology share a focus on studying human provide a broader understanding, context, and
behavior within society, with prominent interpretation of historical events.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 Asia Pacific Research Center

Examples of secondary sources include:  Ateneo de Manila University, American
Historical Collection
History books: Comprehensive works that provide
an overview and analysis of specific historical  Ateneo de Manila University, Pardo de

2
periods or events, such as "History of the Filipino Tavera Room
People" by Teodoro Agoncillo.
 De La Salle University, University Archives
Academic journals: Scholarly articles written by
 Filipinas Heritage Library
historians and researchers, which present in-depth
analysis and research on specific topics within a field
of study.
Textbooks: Educational materials used in schools
that present a condensed and simplified version of
historical events and concepts.
Biographies: Books or articles that focus on the life
and achievements of an individual, often providing
historical context.
Critical analyses: Scholarly works that critically
examine specific historical events or ideas, offering
interpretations, theories, and evaluations.
Documentary films: Visual presentations that
combine primary sources, expert interviews, and
narration to present historical events and their
significance.
It is important to note that while secondary sources
are valuable in providing analysis and interpretation,
they are reliant on the accuracy and credibility of the
primary sources they reference.
Criticism:
 Historical method involves the critical
examination of sources to determine their
authenticity and reliability.
 External criticism checks the authenticity of
the primary source, examining factors like
paper, ink, handwriting, and language used.
 Internal criticism tests the reliability of the
document, questioning the author's proximity
to the event, the timing of the account,
potential biases, corroboration with other
accounts, and logical probability.
Repositories of Primary Sources in the Philippines:

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

First Mass in the Philippines belief that the first Mass was held in Mazaua
(Limasawa).
The issue surrounding the location of the first
Catholic Mass in the Philippines has been a topic of Spanish Expedition in 1543:
debate among historians and scholars. Here are the
 Additional evidence supporting the belief in
key points related to the issue:
3
Mazaua/Limasawa as the location of the first
Date: March 31, 1521 Mass comes from a Spanish expedition in
1543.
 The first documented Catholic Mass in the
Philippines was held on Easter Sunday,  Ruy López de Villalobos led this expedition,
March 31, 1521. which landed in Mindanao after 22 years.
 It was conducted by Father Pedro de  This supports the idea that the Spanish had
Valderrama, a member of Ferdinand not yet visited Butuan during the period when
Magellan's expedition. the first Mass was held.
Locations and Points: Overall, the NHCP panel's decision was based on
the evidence and arguments presented, and it
1. Mazaua:
maintained the ruling that the first Catholic Mass in
 According to the journals of Antonio the Philippines was held in Mazaua (Limasawa). The
Pigafetta, the first Mass took place in belief in Butuan as the location of the first Mass is
Mazaua. not widely supported by historical evidence.

 Mazaua is widely believed by many Landing on Philippine shores and Log of

historians and the government to be Francisco Alvo
Limasawa, off the tip of Southern Leyte.
Date: March 16, 1521
 This belief was prevalent until the 19th
 While sailing in a westerly course from
century.
Ladrones (now known as the Mariana
2. Butuan: Islands), Ferdinand Magellan's expedition
saw land towards the northwest, which they
 Until at least the 19th century, there was a
later found to be named Yunagan.
prevailing belief that the first Mass was held
in Butuan.  On the same day, they arrived at a small
island called Suluan, which is part of Samar,
 Some proponents argue that the first Mass
and anchored there.
actually took place in Masao, Butuan.
 They sailed westward from Suluan to an
National Historical Commission of the
island called Gada, where they replenished
Philippines (NHCP):
their supplies of wood and water.
 The NHCP conducted an investigation into
 Continuing their journey westward, they
the issue.
reached a large island called Seilani (now
 The NHCP panel unanimously agreed that Leyte).
the evidence and arguments presented by
 They sailed along the coast of Seilani,
the pro-Butuan advocates were not sufficient
heading southwards, and then turned
and convincing enough.
southwest until they arrived at the island of
 The NHCP panel maintained the ruling on Mazava (believed to be Mazaua or
the case by the National Historical Institute Limasawa).
(the NHCP's forerunner), which favored the

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 They sailed northwards again towards the  They landed on an uninhabited island known
island of Seilani and followed its coast as "Humunu" (Homonhon) which Pigafetta
northwest, where they saw three small referred to as the "Watering place of good
islands. signs" due to its abundance of gold.
 Continuing westward, they encountered  They stayed on Humunu for 8 days, from
4 three islets and anchored there for the night. March 17 to March 25, 1521.
 The next morning, they sailed southwest and 2. March 25, 1521:
entered a canal between two islands. One of
 The expedition left the island of Homonhon
the islands was called Sugbu (now Cebu),
and changed their route towards west-
and the other was Matan (now Mactan).
southwest, passing between the islands of
 They sailed southwest along the canal, then Cenalo, Hiunanghan, Ibusson, and Albarien.
turned westward and anchored at the town of
 They sailed westward towards Leyte,
Sugbu (Cebu), where they stayed for many
following the Leyte coast southward, passing
days.
between the island of Ibusson (port side) and
Key Points: Hinunangan Bay (starboard side).
 Ferdinand Magellan and his European crew  They then continued southward, turning
sailed from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in westward again to reach Mazaua.
search of spices.
3. March 28, 1521:
 They landed on the Philippines after their
 They reached the island of Mazaua, which
voyage from other proximate areas.
was located 25 leagues from Acquada.
 On March 28, 1521, they saw a bonfire,
 Mazaua was situated at a latitude of 9 and
which turned out to be Mazaua/Limasawa,
2/3 degrees towards the arctic pole and a
where they anchored.
longitude of 100 and 62 degrees from the line
 Francisco Alvo's log provides a detailed of demarcation.
account of their journey, including their
4. April 4, 1521:
encounters with various islands and their
eventual arrival at Cebu (Sugbu).  The expedition left Mazaua and set a course
for Cebu, guided by their King who sailed on
Overall, the log entry provides a chronological
his own boat.
account of Magellan's expedition as they navigated
through different islands in the Philippines, leading  Along the way, they passed five islands:
them to their eventual landing at Cebu. Ceylon, Bohol, Canighan, Baibai, and
Gatighan.
Diary of Antonio Pigafetta
5. April 7, 1521:
Date: March 16, 1521 - April 7, 1521
 They entered the harbor of "Zubu" (Cebu)
Person: Antonio Pigafetta after three days of negotiation from Mazaua.
Locations and Points:  The route from Mazaua took them past the
1. March 16, 1521: Camotes Islands (Poro, Pasihan, and
Ponson) before sailing southwestward
 Magellan's expedition sighted a "high land" towards Cebu.
named "Zamal" around 300 leagues
westward of the Ladrones Island. Key Points:

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian traveler and  After performing the blood compact, gifts
member of Magellan's expedition, provided a were exchanged between the two parties to
detailed account of their journey. commemorate their newfound friendship.
 They encountered various islands, including Overall, the blood compact between Magellan and
Humunu (Homonhon), Mazaua (believed to the local rulers in Mazaua symbolized the
5 be Mazaua/Limasawa), Ceylon, Bohol,
Canighan, Baibai, Gatighan, and the
establishment of friendly relations between the
Filipinos and Spaniards. It reflected the cultural
Camotes Islands. practices of the time and marked an important event
in the early interactions between the indigenous
 Their journey took them from Homonhon to
people of the Philippines and the European
Mazaua and then to Cebu, negotiating
explorers.
through different routes along the Philippine
archipelago. First Mass
 Pigafetta's account offers valuable insights Date: March 31, 1521
into the expedition's route and geographical
locations during their voyage in the Persons:
Philippines.  Ferdinand Magellan
Blood compact  Father Pedro Valderrama
Date: 1521  Rajah Colambu
Persons:  Rajah Siaiu
 Ferdinand Magellan Location: Near the shores of an island believed
to be Mazaua (Limasawa)
 Rajah Kolambu (sovereign ruler of the island,
believed to be Mazaua) Key Points:
 Rajah Siagu of Butuan  On March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday,
Ferdinand Magellan ordered a Mass to be
Location: Mazaua (Limasawa)
celebrated, officiated by Father Pedro
Key Points: Valderrama, the chaplain of the fleet.
 Upon arriving in Mazaua, Ferdinand  The First Holy Mass, held near the shores of
Magellan and his companions befriended the island (possibly Mazaua), marked the
Rajah Kolambu, the island's sovereign ruler, establishment of Roman Catholicism in the
and Rajah Siagu of Butuan. Philippines.
 It was customary in the indigenous and  Rajah Colambu and Rajah Siaiu, along with
Southeast Asian cultures at that time to seal other native inhabitants, were the first
friendships with a blood compact. natives of the archipelago to attend the
Mass.
 Magellan, having heard the Malayan term for
blood compact, casi casi, instigated the ritual  The Philippines was not yet named as such
between the Filipinos and Spaniards. until the expedition of Ruy Lopez de
Villalobos in 1543.
 This blood compact between the Filipinos
and Spaniards in Mazaua is the first recorded
instance of such an event.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Additional Points:
 Antonio Pigafetta's account of the journey
lacks mention of certain Masses, such as the
one held on Palm Sunday during their
voyage to the west and the Mass on Easter
6 Sunday upon their arrival in the Philippines.
 Pigafetta's account does mention their arrival
at an island named Zamal (Samar) on March
16, 1521, where they encountered natives
and set up tents for the sick. They stayed
there for eight days.
 Another document found regarding the
landing of Magellan's fleet in Suluan
(Homonhon) and the treaty with the natives
supports the existence of an earlier Mass.
 This evidence suggests that there may have
been Masses held at various points during
the journey, with common elements being
their occurrence on the shores and the
presence of Filipino natives.
Overall, while Pigafetta's account may not provide a
detailed record of all the Masses held, the evidence
from other sources and historical documents
supports the occurrence of earlier Masses during the
expedition's voyage, including one upon their arrival
in the Philippines. The first documented Mass on
March 31, 1521, remains significant as it marked the
beginning of Catholicism in the Philippines.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Retraction of Rizal recited Catholic prayers, and kissed the

crucifix before his execution.
Date: Late 19th century and 20th century
 Fr. Marciano Guzman argues that Rizal's
Key People:
confessions were certified by multiple
 Jose Rizal (Philippine national hero) witnesses, newspapers, and historians.
7  Fr. Manuel Garcia (archdiocesan archivist)  Four texts of Rizal's retraction have surfaced,
including publications in La Voz Española,
 Fr. Marciano Guzman (great grandnephew Diaro de Manila, La Juventud, and El
of Rizal) Imparcial.
 Fr. Balaguer (anonymous writer of the  Fr. Balaguer, who revealed himself as the
second retraction text) writer of the second retraction text,
 Fr. Pio Pi (former superior of Fr. Balaguer) mentioned receiving an "exact copy" of the
retraction written and signed by Rizal, but he
 Sr. W. Retana (biographer of Rizal) was unsure of its authenticity.
 F. Stahl (Manila pharmacist)  The "original" text of the retraction was
discovered in the archdiocesan archives in
 Don Manuel Alhama (correspondent of El
1935, but it differed significantly from the
Imparcial)
Jesuits' and the Archbishop's copies.
 Sr. Santiago Mataix (correspondent of El
 Efforts to verify the authenticity of the
Heraldo)
documents, including Rizal's own
 Rev. Thomas Gonzales Feijoo (secretary of handwriting, were inconclusive and resulted
the Chancery) in the loss of the "original" document.

Location: Philippines, Spain  The discovery of the "original" text and the
discrepancies between the various texts
Key Points: have added to the doubts surrounding Rizal's
 The authenticity of Jose Rizal's retraction retraction.
documents has been a subject of debate and Overall, the controversy surrounding Jose Rizal's
controversy. retraction documents revolves around conflicting
 The main document used to support Rizal's claims, lack of concrete evidence, and discrepancies
retraction is a statement that reads, "I retract between different versions of the text. While some
with all my heart whatever in my words, believe in the authenticity of the retraction, others
writings, publications, and conduct have question its legitimacy due to the forgery claims and
been contrary to my character as a son of the inconsistencies. The issue remains unresolved,
Catholic Church." contributing to the ongoing debate and uncertainty.

 Some claim that the document, as compared Possible Reasons for Retraction:
to the original file discovered by Fr. Manuel 1. To save his family and town from further
Garcia in 1935, is a forgery. persecution:
 Supporters of the authenticity of the Rizal may have been informed that if he
retraction documents include eyewitnesses signed the retraction, his family and town
who were present when Rizal wrote the would be spared from further persecution.
retraction, signed a Catholic prayer book, He may have seen it as a way to protect his

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

loved ones and prevent them from facing the supporting the reality of Rizal's retraction. It
same fate as him. is seen as the most significant piece of
evidence in favor of those who argue that
2. To give Josephine a legal status as his
Rizal did retract his previous statements and
wife:
beliefs.

8
Despite initial suspicions, Rizal may have 2. Testimony of the press and
come to believe that Josephine truly loved
eyewitnesses:
him. By signing the retraction, he could
provide her with a legal status as his wife in The testimonies of the press at the time of
the eyes of the church, securing her future Rizal's execution, as well as the accounts of
and ensuring her well-being. eyewitnesses and other qualified witnesses,
are cited as supporting evidence for the
3. To secure reforms from the Spanish
retraction. These witnesses include
government:
prominent figures such as the head of the
Rizal may have seen the retraction as a Jesuit order and the archbishop.
strategic move to gain concessions from the 3. Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity:
Spanish government. By publicly aligning
himself with the Catholic Church, he could It is claimed that Rizal recited and signed
have hoped to influence the authorities to "Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity," as well as
implement reforms and address the issues a prayer book, which were discovered along
he had been advocating for. with the Retraction Document. If true, this
would indicate Rizal's acceptance of Roman
4. To help the church break free from
Catholic teachings and beliefs that he had
harmful influences:
previously disclaimed.
Rizal's intention may have been to support
4. Acts of Piety during Rizal's last hours:
the Catholic Church by highlighting and
opposing the negative elements that were Witnesses allegedly testified to acts of piety
detrimental to both the church and the state performed by Rizal during his final hours.
in the Philippines. He aimed to challenge the These acts are presented as further
control of land by friars and the domination of evidence supporting the idea of his
the government, ultimately striving for retraction.
freedom of thought and conscience for
5. Roman Catholic Marriage to Josephine
individuals. His goal may have been to
Bracken:
initiate positive change within the church and
society. It is argued that Rizal's supposed retraction
was necessary for his marriage to Josephine
It is important to note that these reasons are
Bracken to be recognized as a Roman
speculative, assuming that Rizal truly wrote the
Catholic marriage. Witnesses are cited to
retraction document. The actual motivations behind
support the claim that such a marriage took
Rizal's alleged retraction remain a subject of debate
place.
and interpretation.
Major Arguments for the Retraction: These arguments form the basis for those who
support the authenticity of Rizal's retraction.
1. The Retraction Document as the chief However, it is important to note that these arguments
witness: have been subject to debate and controversy, given
the inconsistencies and differences among the
The discovery of the Retraction Document in
various documents and testimonies.
1935 is considered the primary evidence

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Cases Against the Retraction: debate and interpretation, and the authenticity of the
Retraction Document remains a topic of controversy.
1. Forgery of the Retraction Document:
Conclusion:
Critics argue that the Retraction Document is
a forgery, presenting several points against  The authenticity of Jose Rizal's retraction

9
its authenticity. One argument is based on document remains a subject of debate and
handwriting analysis, where Dr. Ricardo R. controversy.
Pascual noted variations between the
 Whether Rizal retracted or not, it does not
handwriting of the document and Rizal's
diminish his stature as a great hero and the
other writings. However, Dr. José I. Del
impact of his writings and actions.
Rosario countered this criticism by stating
that the handwriting is genuine. Another  Rizal's decision, if he indeed retracted, can
argument is based on textual criticism, be seen as a moral act of recognizing his
pointing out differences between the 1935 mistakes and seeking redemption.
version of the Retraction Document and
other versions, suggesting possible errors or  The debate surrounding the retraction does
fabrication in the creation of the document. not change the fact that Rizal's contributions
to the Filipino nation and his advocacy for
2. Inconsistencies with other acts and facts: freedom and justice are significant.
Critics argue that certain acts and facts  The retraction, if true, should be viewed in
surrounding Rizal's life do not align well with the context of Rizal's complex personality
the story of the Retraction. These include the and his evolving beliefs.
delayed public release of the Retraction
Document until 1935, the lack of efforts to  As Senator Jose Diokno stated, Rizal's
save Rizal from the death penalty after his greatness as a Filipino hero is not affected
retraction, the secrecy surrounding Rizal's by whether he died as a Catholic or an
burial, the absence of a marriage certificate apostate. His willingness to sacrifice for his
or public record of Rizal's marriage to duty and beliefs remains admirable.
Josephine Bracken, and Rizal's behavior  Ultimately, Rizal's legacy goes beyond his
during his last days at Fort Santiago, which religious beliefs, and he continues to inspire
some believe does not indicate a genuine generations of Filipinos.
conversion.
Key Lessons:
3. Inconsistency with Rizal's character:
 The controversy surrounding Rizal's
Critics argue that the retraction is out of retraction highlights the complexity of
character for Rizal. Senator Rafael Palma, a historical interpretation and the importance
prominent Mason, stated that Rizal's of critical analysis of sources.
retraction would have required a drastic
change in his character, which is hard to  It reminds us that heroes can have flaws and
believe considering his maturity and strong face internal conflicts, but their contributions
beliefs. He referred to the retraction story as to society should be evaluated in a holistic
a "pious fraud." manner.

These arguments against the retraction raise doubts  Rizal's story encourages us to reflect on the
about its authenticity and question its alignment with power of individual actions and the pursuit of
Rizal's beliefs and actions. However, it is important truth, justice, and national identity.
to note that these arguments have been subject to

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 It emphasizes the significance of courage,

conviction, and standing up for one's beliefs,
even in the face of adversity.
Quotes from Prominent Figures:

10
Senator Jose Diokno: "Surely whether Rizal
died as a Catholic or an apostate adds or
detracts nothing from his greatness as a
Filipino... Catholic or Mason, Rizal is still
Rizal - the hero who courted death 'to prove
to those who deny our patriotism that we
know how to die for our duty and our beliefs."
In summary, the retraction controversy surrounding
Jose Rizal's life and beliefs should not overshadow
his immense contributions to the Filipino nation.
Rizal's impact as a hero and his commitment to
freedom and justice remain undeniable, regardless
of the uncertainties surrounding his retraction.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Cry of Pugad Lawin  The cries of "Viva la Independencia Filipina"

and other patriotic shouts were associated
with the event.
Important Issues related to the Cry of Pugad
Significance:
Lawin:

11 Date:
The Cry of Pugad Lawin symbolizes the
Filipino people's strong desire for
 The exact date of the Cry of Pugad Lawin is independence and their readiness to fight
still a subject of debate and uncertainty. against Spanish colonial rule.

 From 1908 to 1963, it was widely believed to  It served as a rallying point and catalyst for
have occurred on August 26 in Balintawak. the Philippine Revolution, inspiring further
uprisings and resistance throughout the
 In 1963, the Philippine government declared country.
August 23 as the official date of the event in
Quezon City. It is important to note that historical accounts of the
Cry of Pugad Lawin may vary, and different sources
People/Accounts: may provide slightly different details regarding the
 Andrés Bonifacio, the leader of the date, location, and specific events.
Katipunan, played a significant role in The characterization of the event, known as the
leading the revolt. Cry of Pugad Lawin or Grito de Balintawak,
 The Katipunan members who participated in involves the following aspects:
the Cry of Pugad Lawin were key figures in 1. Symbolism of the Cry: The term "Cry" or
the early stages of the Philippine Revolution. "Grito" refers to the act of rebellion and a call
 The Civil Guards (Guardia Civil) were the to revolt against Spanish colonial rule. It
opposing force encountered by the signifies the Filipinos' strong desire for
Katipuneros during the event. independence and their readiness to fight for
their rights and freedom.
Location:
2. Comparison to Mexico's Grito de Dolores:
 The Cry of Pugad Lawin took place in The Cry of Pugad Lawin is often compared
Caloocan, which included parts of present- to Mexico's Grito de Dolores, which marked
day Quezon City. the beginning of the Mexican War of
Independence in 1810. Both events share
 The specific location within Caloocan where
similarities in terms of being significant calls
the event occurred is uncertain and subject
for rebellion and resistance against colonial
to varying accounts.
powers.
Nature of the Event:
3. Meaning of "Grito de Rebelion": The
 The Cry of Pugad Lawin marked the Spanish term "Grito de Rebelion" translates
beginning of the Philippine Revolution to "Cry of Rebellion" or "Call to Rebel." It
against the Spanish Empire. represents a decision or proclamation to rise
up against the oppressive rule and fight for
 It involved a revolt led by the Katipunan, liberation.
characterized by clashes with the Civil
Guards and the tearing up of community tax 4. Distinction between "Grito" and "Sigaw":
certificates (cédulas personales) as an act of While "Grito" refers to a call for rebellion, it
defiance against Spanish allegiance. does not necessarily imply shouting or vocal
expressions. In contrast, the Filipino term

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

"sigaw" carries a connotation of patriotic asked them to symbolize their defiance by

shouts and vocal expressions of defiance destroying their cedulas, the community tax
and determination. certificates imposed by the Spanish
authorities.
Overall, the characterization of the Cry of Pugad
Lawin as the Grito de Balintawak highlights its 8. Cry of Balintawak: In an emotional display,
12 significance as a powerful and symbolic event that
ignited the Philippine Revolution and embodied the
the people tore their cedulas into pieces,
signifying their formal declaration of
spirit of resistance against Spanish colonial rule. separation from Spanish rule. They cried out,
"Long Live the Philippine Republic!"
The account provided by Katipunan General
Guillermo Masangkay offers important details 9. Eyewitness Account: Guillermo
regarding the Cry of Balintawak: Masangkay, a Katipunero and eyewitness to
the events, provided this account of the Cry
1. Date: The Cry of Balintawak took place on
of Balintawak.
August 26, 1896.
Overall, the account reveals the crucial role played
2. Location: The meeting was held in
by Bonifacio's speech in galvanizing the people and
Balintawak, specifically at the house of
the symbolic act of tearing up the cedulas as a
Apolonio Samson, who was the cabeza
powerful expression of defiance and the beginning
(head) of the barrio of Caloocan.
of the revolt against Spanish colonial dominion.
3. Attendees: Among those present at the
According to Pio Valenzuela, a key figure in the
meeting were prominent Katipunan leaders
Philippine Revolution, the first Cry of the revolution
such as Andrés Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto,
did not take place in Balintawak as commonly
Aguedo del Rosario, Tomas Remigio, Briccio
believed, but in a locality known as Pugad Lawin.
Pantas, Teodoro Plata, Pio Valenzuela,
Here are the important details:
Enrique Pacheco, and Francisco Carreon.
Delegates from Bulacan, Cabanatuan, 1. Date: The meeting and discussion
Cavite, and Morong were also in attendance. regarding the revolution took place on
August 23, 1896.
4. Purpose of the Meeting: The meeting was
convened to discuss the timing of the 2. Location: The meeting was held at Pugad
uprising against Spanish colonial rule. Lawin, specifically at the house, storehouse,
and yard of Juan Ramos. This location is
5. Opposition to Early Revolution: Teodoro
described as the residence of Melchora
Plata, Briccio Pantas, and Pio Valenzuela
Aquino, also known as Tandang Sora.
expressed their opposition to starting the
revolution too early. 3. Attendees: Over 1,000 members of the
Katipunan were present at the meeting,
6. Bonifacio's Fiery Speech: Sensing that he
including prominent figures such as Andres
would lose the discussion, Andrés Bonifacio
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Procopio
left the session hall and addressed the
Bonifacio, Teodoro Plata, Aguedo del
people waiting outside. He highlighted the
Rosario, and Pio Valenzuela himself. Other
dangers faced by the revolutionaries, the
attendees mentioned include Briccio Pantas,
discovery of their organization, and the
Alejandro Santiago, Ramon Bernardo, and
inevitability of Spanish reprisals. Bonifacio's
Apolonio Samson.
speech rallied the people, and they shouted
"Revolt!" in unison. 4. Debate and Discussion: The meeting at
Pugad Lawin involved significant debate and
7. Destruction of Cedulas: Bonifacio called
discussion among the Katipunan members.
for a pledge of revolt from the people and

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

The main point of contention was whether c. The immediate objective was the capture
the revolution against the Spanish of Manila.
government should be initiated on August
5. Enthusiasm and Unity: After the meeting,
29, 1896.
there were tumultuous shouts of "Long live
5. Destruction of Cedulas: After the intense the Sons of the People!"
13 meeting, many of those present tore their
cedula certificates, symbolizing their
Santiago Alvarez's account provides insights into the
preparations, decisions, and spirit of unity among
defiance and shouted "Long live the
the Katipunan members leading up to the planned
Philippines!"
uprising against Spanish colonial rule.
Pio Valenzuela's account challenges the commonly
There are varying accounts and assertions
held belief that the Cry of Balintawak marked the
regarding the dates and venues associated with the
beginning of the Philippine Revolution. Instead, he
Cry of Pugad Lawin. Here are the different claims
asserts that the pivotal moment occurred at Pugad
made by different sources:
Lawin, where significant deliberations and actions
took place among the Katipunan members. 1. Lt. Olegario Diaz, an officer of the Spanish
guardia civil, stated that the Cry took place in
According to Santiago Alvarez, a participant in the
Balintawak on August 25, 1896.
events surrounding the Cry of Balintawak, the
following details emerge: 2. Historian Teodoro Kalaw, in his 1925 book,
"The Filipino Revolution," wrote that the
1. Date: The events described took place on
August 22-24, 1896. event occurred during the last week of
August 1896 at Kangkong, Balintawak.
2. Location: The initial gathering and resting
3. Santiago Alvarez, a Katipunero and son of
place was at the house of Brother Apolonio
Mariano Alvarez, the leader of the
Samson in Kangkong. Later, they moved to
Magdiwang faction in Cavite, stated in 1927
a site called Bahay Toro, which was the
that the Cry took place in Bahay Toro (now in
house, yard, and warehouse of Cabesang
Quezon City) on August 24, 1896.
Melchora.
4. Pío Valenzuela, a close associate of Andrés
3. Participants: Over 300 men assembled
Bonifacio, declared in 1948 that it happened
under the leadership of Supremo Andres
in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896.
Bonifacio. Key figures mentioned include
Emilio Jacinto, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Briccio 5. Historian Gregorio Zaide stated in his books
Pantas, Enrique Pacheco, Ramon Bernardo, in 1954 that the "Cry" happened in
Pantaleon Torres, Francisco Carreon, Balintawak on August 26, 1896.
Vicente Fernandez, and Teodoro Plata.
6. Historian Teodoro Agoncillo wrote in 1956
4. Discussions and Decisions: During the that it took place in Pugad Lawin on August
meeting held inside Cabesang Melchora's 23, 1896, based on Pío Valenzuela's
barn, the following decisions were made: statement.
a. The uprising to defend people's freedom 7. Historians Milagros Guerrero, Emmanuel
was set to start at midnight on Saturday, Encarnacion, and Ramon Villegas claim
August 29, 1896. that the event occurred in Tandang Sora's
barn in Gulod, Barrio Banlat, Caloocan (now
b. The Katipunan forces should remain on a
part of Quezon City).
state of alert, ready to strike if the enemy was
at a disadvantage. The uprising could start The conflicting accounts can be attributed in part to
earlier if a favorable opportunity arose. the multiple meanings of the terms Balintawak and

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Caloocan during that period, referring to specific

locations as well as broader areas that included
parts of modern-day Quezon City and Pasig.
Therefore, different historians and sources place the
Cry of Pugad Lawin at various locations within the
14 wider Balintawak and Caloocan areas, such as
Kangkong, Bahay Toro, Pugad Lawin, and Tandang
Sora's barn. The exact date is also disputed, with
claims ranging from August 23 to August 26, 1896.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Cavite Mutiny  The laborers at Fort San Felipe in Cavite,

who enjoyed certain privileges such as
Date: January 20, 1872 exemption from tribute and forced labor, had
those privileges revoked. This contributed to
Location: Fort San Felipe, Cavite, Philippine their dissatisfaction.
Islands (Spanish East Indies)
15 Key Figures/Accounts:  The influence of democratic and republican
ideas from books, pamphlets, and speeches
Around 200 locally recruited colonial troops and in Spain, as well as the harsh policies of the
laborers governor sent to the Philippines, further
fueled the idea of achieving independence.
Important Terms:
 Date: January 20, 1872
Cavite Mutiny (El Motín de Cavite): Refers to the
uprising of Filipino military personnel in Cavite.  Location: Fort San Felipe, Cavite
2. Account of Governor-General Izquierdo:
Filipino Nationalism: The belief in and advocacy
for the rights and aspirations of the Filipino people,  Governor-General Izquierdo believed that
seeking to assert their national identity and pursue the mutiny was planned and prepared by the
self-determination. native clergy, mestizos, and lawyers as a
protest against government injustices.
Key Points:
 The Cavite mutiny was an uprising that  The injustices included non-payment of
occurred on January 20, 1872, at Fort San provinces for tobacco crops and the
Felipe in Cavite. imposition of tribute and forced labor.

 The mutiny involved approximately 200  It is unclear if the natives aimed for a
locally recruited colonial troops and laborers monarchy or a republic, but they intended to
who hoped that their actions would spark a have a priest in a prominent government
broader national uprising. position.

 The mutiny ultimately failed, and the Spanish  José Burgos or Jacinto Zamora were
government responded by executing many identified as potential leaders by the rebels.
of the participants and cracking down on the
 Date: January 20, 1872
growing Philippine nationalist movement.
 Location: Fort San Felipe, Cavite
 Scholars view the Cavite mutiny as a
significant event in the development of 3. Account of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera:
Filipino nationalism, which later played a
crucial role in the Philippine Revolution of  Trinidad Pardo de Tavera argued that the
1896. mutiny was initially a simple uprising with no
intention of separation from Spain.

Different Accounts of the Causes of the Cavite  However, the central government's decision
Mutiny: to limit the involvement of friars in civil
government and university administration
1. Account of José Montero y Vidal: created fear among the friars.
 According to José Montero y Vidal, the  The friars used the mutiny to their advantage
mutiny was driven by the desire of the and reported it to the Spanish government as
natives to remove the Spanish government a broad conspiracy to abolish Spanish
in the Philippines. sovereignty.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 The Spanish government, without Account of the Battle in the Cavite Mutiny:
investigating the facts, believed the friars'
 Leader: Fernando La Madrid (mestizo
claims.
sergeant)
 Date: January 20, 1872
 Second in Command: Jaerel Brent Senior

16
Location: Fort San Felipe, Cavite (moreno)
4. Account of Edmund Plauchut:  Date: January 20, 1872
 Edmund Plauchut attributed the immediate  Location: Fort San Felipe, Cavite
cause of the mutiny to a peremptory order
1. Actions of the Mutineers:
from Governor-General Izquierdo.
 Fernando La Madrid and his second in
 The order required Filipino laborers in the
command, Jaerel Brent Senior, led the
engineering and artillery corps to pay
mutineers in seizing Fort San Felipe.
personal taxes and perform forced labor,
which they had previously been exempt  They killed eleven Spanish officers during
from. the takeover.
 When the laborers received their pay and  The mutineers believed that Filipino native
realized the deductions, including taxes and soldiers in Manila would join them in a
fees for exemption from forced labor, they coordinated uprising, with the firing of
mutinied. rockets from the city walls as the signal.
 The mutineers briefly took control of Fort San  However, the signal they interpreted as the
Felipe but were eventually attacked by their start of the uprising turned out to be a burst
own comrades. of fireworks celebrating the feast of Our Lady
of Loreto in Sampaloc.
 Date: January 20, 1872
2. Plan for the Uprising:
 Location: Fort San Felipe, Cavite
 The mutineers planned to set fires in Tondo
Additional Factors:
to divert the authorities' attention while the
 The presence of democratic, liberal, and artillery regiment and infantry in Manila took
republican ideas from Spanish sources control of Fort Santiago.
influenced the native population.
 Cannon shots from Fort Santiago were
 The animosity between the native clergy and meant to serve as signals for the rebels in
the Spanish friars led the former to support Cavite.
and conspire with the rebels.
 The objective was to eliminate all Spaniards,
 The Glorious Revolution in Spain during that except for the women.
period may have added to the determination
3. Discovery and Response:
of the natives to overthrow the colonial
Spanish government.  News of the mutiny reached Manila,
Note: The accounts provide different perspectives reportedly through the lover of a Spanish
sergeant who informed his superiors.
on the causes of the mutiny, emphasizing various
factors such as grievances against government  The Spanish authorities feared a large-scale
injustices, influences of democratic ideas, tensions Filipino uprising.
between native clergy and Spanish friars, and the
impact of the Glorious Revolution in Spain.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 The following day, General Felipe Ginovés  The shadowy nature of their trials and their
led a regiment to besiege Fort San Felipe, subsequent execution had a significant
and the mutineers eventually surrendered. impact on the people.
4. Aftermath: 3. Sentences and Exile:
 
17
General Ginovés ordered his troops to fire On January 27, 1872, Governor-General
upon those who surrendered, including Izquierdo approved the death sentences of
Fernando La Madrid. 41 mutineers.
 The rebels were lined up, and when Colonel  On February 6, eleven more mutineers were
Sabas asked who would not cry out, "Viva sentenced to death, but their sentences were
España," the one man who stepped forward later commuted to life imprisonment.
was shot.
 Others involved in the mutiny were exiled to
 The remaining mutineers were imprisoned. other islands of the Spanish East Indies,
such as Guam and the Mariana Islands.
Note: This account highlights the actions of
Fernando La Madrid and Jaerel Brent Senior as the  Some individuals, including Joaquin Pardo
leaders of the mutiny, the mutineers' initial success de Tavera, Antonio M. Regidor y Jurado, Pio
in capturing Fort San Felipe, the misinterpretation of Basa, and José María Basa, were sent into
the signal for the uprising, the discovery of the exile.
mutiny, the siege of the fort, and the subsequent
4. Filipino Expatriates in Europe:
surrender and harsh treatment of the rebels by
General Ginovés.  A significant group of mutineers and
Aftermath of the Cavite Mutiny: sympathizers formed a colony of Filipino
expatriates in Europe, particularly in Madrid
1. Disarmament and Exile: and Barcelona.
 Filipino soldiers were disarmed in the  In Europe, they were able to establish small
immediate aftermath of the mutiny. insurgent associations and publish materials
that supported the claims of the growing
 Some of these soldiers were later sent into
Philippine Revolution.
exile on the southern island of Mindanao.
5. Decree on Ordinations of Filipinos:
 The Spanish authorities suspected and
arrested individuals who were believed to  A decree was issued stating that there would
have directly supported the mutineers. be no further ordinations or appointments of
Filipinos as Roman Catholic parish priests.
2. Execution of Gomburza:
 This decree was a consequence of the
 The mutiny was used by the colonial
mutiny and its aftermath.
government and Spanish friars as an
opportunity to implicate three secular priests: 6. Continued Use of Filipino Troops:
Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto
 Despite the mutiny, the Spanish authorities
Zamora (collectively known as Gomburza).
continued to employ a large number of native
 Gomburza were accused of being involved in Filipino troops, carabineros, and civil guards
the mutiny and were executed by garrote in in their colonial forces until the Spanish-
Luneta (Bagumbayan) on February 17, American War of 1898.
1872.
Note: The aftermath of the Cavite Mutiny involved
the disarmament and exile of Filipino soldiers, the

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

execution of Gomburza and other mutineers, the  The friars feared losing their dominance in
establishment of a Filipino expatriate community in the country and needed something to justify
Europe, the prohibition of Filipinos as parish priests, their continued influence.
and the continued use of Filipino troops by the
 The mutiny provided an opportunity for the
Spanish colonial authorities.
friars to implicate Burgos and support their
18 Behind the Story of the Cavite Mutiny: perpetuation of power.
1. Testimony Against Father Burgos:  However, the Spanish government
introduced the Philippine Institute, an
 During the trial, the captured mutineers
educational decree that aimed to improve the
testified against Father Burgos.
standard of education in the Philippines.
 State witness Francisco Zaldua claimed that
 The decree required teaching positions in
he was told by one of the Basa brothers
sectarian schools, previously run by the
about the "government of Father Burgos"
friars, to be filled through competitive
planning to bring a fleet from the United
examinations, which was welcomed by many
States to assist a revolution, which was
Filipinos.
allegedly being financed by Ramón
Maurente with 50,000 pesos. Note: Behind the story of the Cavite Mutiny involves
testimonies against Father Burgos by captured
 The heads of the friar orders held a
mutineers, the involvement of senior friars in
conference and decided to implicate Burgos
implicating Burgos and his associates, the use of a
in a plot to get rid of him.
disguised friar to suggest the mutiny, and the friars'
 A Franciscan friar disguised as Burgos desire to maintain their power and influence. The
suggested the mutiny to the mutineers. mutiny also provided an opportunity for the friars to
justify their position, but the introduction of the
 The senior friars used a banquet or a large Philippine Institute aimed to improve education and
sum of money to convince Governor-General reduce the friars' control.
Izquierdo that Burgos was the mastermind
behind the coup. Execution of Gomburza:

 Mariano Gómez and Jacinto Zamora, close 1. Arrest and Charges:

associates of Burgos, were also included in
 On February 15, 1872, the Spanish colonial
the allegations.
authorities charged Fathers Mariano Gómez,
 Francisco Zaldua, the principal informer José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora with
against the three priests, had been promised treason, sedition, and subversion.
pardon in exchange for his testimony, but he
 They were accused of being complicit in the
was ultimately condemned along with them.
uprising of workers at the Cavite Naval Yard.
 Zaldua was the first to be executed on
 Governor-General Izquierdo believed that
February 17, 1872.
the Filipinos intended to establish their own
2. Depriving Friars of Power: government, with the three priests
nominated as leaders.
 The central government in Madrid
proclaimed its intention to deprive the friars 2. Sentencing and Execution:
of their power to intervene in civil government
 The three priests, collectively known as
matters and manage educational institutions.
Gomburza, were sentenced to death by
garrote.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

 They were executed on February 17, 1872, sentencing to death by garrote, and their execution
at Bagumbayan, Philippines, two days after two days later. The event sparked outrage among
their verdict. Filipinos and contributed to the formation of the
Propaganda Movement. Alongside the execution of
 Their execution was a result of their alleged
the three priests, mutineers were sentenced to death
involvement in the uprising and their
and others were exiled to Guam.
19 perceived threat to Spanish rule.
3. Impact and Reforms:
 The execution of Gomburza ignited strong
anger and resentment among the Filipino
population.
 It led to increased demands for reforms and
exposed the prejudicial governance of the
Spanish authorities.
 The martyrdom of the three priests played a
role in the formation of the Propaganda
Movement, which aimed to seek reforms and
raise awareness among the Spanish people
about the abuses of colonial authorities in the
Philippines.
4. Sentencing of Mutineers and Exile:
 In addition to the execution of Gomburza, the
military court sentenced 41 mutineers to
death.
 However, Governor-General Izquierdo
pardoned 28 mutineers the following day,
while the remaining mutineers had their
death sentences confirmed.
 On February 6, 1872, 11 mutineers were
sentenced to death, but their sentences were
later commuted to life imprisonment by
Izquierdo.
 Apart from the executions and imprisonment,
there were individuals who were sentenced
by the military court to be exiled to the
Marianas (now Guam), including various
priests and prominent figures like Joaquín
Pardo de Tavera, Antonio Ma. Regidor, José
Basa y Enriquez, and others.

Note: The execution of Gomburza involved their

arrest, charges of treason and sedition, their

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

The Agrarian Reform Program of the Philippines

2. Economic unrest often arises due to the
Overview: imbalance between the limited land
resources and the growing population.
1. Many agricultural countries, including the
Philippines, have long struggled with 3. The problems are exacerbated by rigid
20 addressing the challenges faced by farmers
and promoting agricultural development.
hereditary land ownership systems and
outdated land tenure practices.

2. Throughout history, from the Spanish 4. Many people in rural areas are essentially
colonial period to the early decades of the serfs in a feudal system, where a small group
republic, Filipino farmers were neglected and of landowners holds the majority of the land.
oppressed by landlords who treated them
unfairly. 5. The majority of peasants are tenants who
receive minimal shares of the crops they
3. Despite various attempts through measures cultivate, perpetually remaining in debt to
and laws implemented over the years, it was landlords due to high-interest loans.
not until the enactment of the Land Reform
Code that Filipino farmers were finally given Historical context:
their rightful rights and freed from the
bondage of land ownership. 1. Land reform has been a persistent issue
throughout history, including the present
Key points: time.

1. The Agrarian Reform Program aims to 2. The concentration of land ownership and
address the plight of farmers and promote unequal distribution of land has contributed
agricultural development in the Philippines. to socio-economic disparities.

2. The program seeks to correct historical 3. In many countries, land reform movements
injustices and provide land redistribution, have sought to address these inequalities
tenure security, and support for farmers. and provide opportunities for landless
farmers and rural communities.
3. It recognizes the need to empower farmers
by giving them ownership of the land they till 4. Various laws and policies have been enacted
and ensuring their economic, social, and to implement land reform programs, aiming
political transformation. to redistribute land, provide security of
tenure, and improve the livelihoods of
4. The Land Reform Code played a significant farmers.
role in emancipating farmers from
oppressive landlordism and granting them 5. The history of land reform reflects the
the rights and opportunities they deserved. struggle for social justice, equitable land
distribution, and the empowerment of rural
5. The Agrarian Reform Program represents a communities.
crucial step towards achieving social justice
and equitable land distribution in the country. Land Reform:

The Meaning, Nature, and History of Land 1. Land reform is a process of redistributing
Reform: land from landlords to tenant-farmers.

1. Land reform addresses the issue of 2. Its objective is to provide tenant-farmers with
inadequate land availability for a large rural the opportunity to own land and improve their
population, particularly in Asia. living conditions.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

3. It aims to abolish unfair land tenancy History of Agrarian Reform

programs and change land tenure systems.
Pre-Spanish Period:
4. Land reform focuses on the redistribution of
land rights and ownership. 1. During the pre-Spanish period in the
21 Agrarian Reform: Philippines, there were various land patterns
practiced, although historical records are
scarce.
1. Agrarian reform encompasses more than
just land rights; it involves the total 2. Tribal hunters and gatherers lived in their
development of farmers' economic, social, resource ranges without a system of land
and political aspects. ownership.

2. It includes the distribution of land to 3. Shifting cultivators considered all lands as

cultivators, ensuring security of tenure and their public domain, practicing temporary
fair rental payments (Sicat). cultivation.

3. Agrarian reform also addresses the 4. A rudimentary form of private ownership

improvement of rural institutions serving existed, but there were no formal procedures
farmers, such as providing adequate credit, or documents for recognizing ownership.
establishing cooperative marketing systems,
and promoting agricultural investments 5. With the arrival of Indo-Malayans, the Muslim
(Sicat). system of land distribution was introduced in
the southern Philippines, which differed from
4. It emphasizes the holistic transformation of the pagan system.
farmers to become productive and
responsible citizens. 6. Social classes during this period were:
a. Nobles: They had the privilege of
Relationship between Land Reform and Agrarian owning land and paid tribute to the
Reform: ruling authority.

1. Land reform is a subset or part of agrarian b. Serfs: They were allowed to cultivate
reform. specific lands but had to pay an
annual fee, usually half of their crop
2. While land reform focuses on the yield, to the datu (ruler). They
redistribution of land, agrarian reform remained tied to the land due to this
extends beyond land ownership and regular payment.
encompasses various elements for the
comprehensive development of farmers. c. Slaves: They served the datu or
nobles and were considered
3. Agrarian reform involves the reform and property, capable of being bought,
development of complementary institutional sold, or traded.
frameworks, including government agencies,
local governments, educational and social 7. By the end of the pre-Spanish period, the
welfare institutions, non-government Filipino population was divided into small,
organizations, and farmers' organizations. self-sufficient groups ruled by powerful
chieftains who, along with a few nobles,
4. Both land reform and agrarian reform aim to claimed ownership of the best agricultural
promote social justice, improve farmers' lands.
livelihoods, and achieve sustainable
agricultural development. Key points and definitions:

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

2. Spain declared all lands as part of the public

1. Land patterns: Different ways of organizing domain, allowing the Crown to distribute
and using land resources. large tracts of land, along with its resources
and inhabitants, to loyal civilian and military
2. Tribal hunters and gatherers: Indigenous servants as rewards. This system was
groups that relied on hunting and gathering known as the "Encomienda System."
22 for sustenance.
3. The Encomienda System led to the
3. Shifting cultivators: Farmers who practiced exploitation of the local inhabitants, and
temporary cultivation, moving from one plot abuses committed by the encomenderos
of land to another. (those granted the encomienda) resulted in
its abolition in the mid-17th century.
4. Private ownership: Ownership of land by
individuals or groups. 4. The encomenderos were replaced by the
"cacique class," who acquired land holdings,
5. Muslim system of land distribution: A land particularly among religious orders and a few
allocation system introduced by the Muslim private individuals. Share tenancy, or the
settlers in the southern Philippines. "kasama system," emerged, where large
landholders leased portions of their estates
6. Pagan system: The traditional belief to intermediaries, who then rented out
systems and practices of the indigenous parcels to peasants.
peoples.
5. The cacique class grew in power through
7. Social classes: Distinct groups in society intermarriage with Spaniards and gained
based on their status, privileges, and influence with Spanish officials, becoming
obligations. increasingly oppressive.

8. Nobles: The highest social class, typically 6. Occasional rebellions occurred in Central
privileged individuals who held power and Luzon during the 18th century due to the
owned land. oppressive practices of the caciques.
Causes of the rebellions included enforced
9. Serfs: People who worked on and cultivated labor, heavy head taxes, and required
specific lands but had obligations to pay church and government contributions.
tribute or fees to the ruling authority.
7. Towards the end of the Spanish period,
10. Slaves: Individuals who were considered General Emilio Aguinaldo confiscated the
property and served the datu or nobles, with lands owned by the friars and distributed
limited rights and freedom. them to landless peasants. However, the
majority of agriculturally productive lands
11. Chieftain: A leader or ruler of a small remained in the hands of caciques and friars,
community or tribe. with only a small minority legally possessed
by peasants.
12. Agricultural lands: Lands used for farming
and cultivation. Key points and definitions:

Spanish Period: 1. Encomienda System: A system introduced

by the Spanish where lands, resources, and
1. Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, a new land inhabitants were granted to loyal civilian and
ownership system was introduced in the military servants as rewards.
Philippines.

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 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

2. Exploitation: The unjust or unfair treatment opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to

and use of people or resources for personal take control of land from smallholders. Many
gain. caciques who maintained their positions
during the Spanish period were able to retain
3. Abolition: The act of officially ending or and even strengthen their positions under
getting rid of something, in this case, the American rule.
23 Encomienda System.
2. From 1903 to 1938, there was an increase in
4. Cacique class: A social class that emerged tenancy rates and a decrease in land
after the abolition of the Encomienda ownership. This decrease was attributed to
System, consisting of individuals who the concentration of farms in the hands of
acquired land holdings and gained power fewer individuals and the growth of tenancy
and influence. arrangements.

5. Share tenancy: A system where large 3. The United States recognized the irritation
landholders leased portions of their estates caused by the friar lands, which occupied
to intermediaries, who rented out parcels to some of the best lands in the country. They
peasants. negotiated the purchase of 23 Friar Estates
during the early years of the century and
6. Kasama system: Another term for share subdivided the land for sale to Filipino
tenancy, where peasants worked on leased residents. However, many Filipinos did not
parcels of land. understand why they had to buy the land
their parents and ancestors had worked on
7. Oppressive: Exercising power or authority and developed.
in a cruel or unjust manner.
4. In 1938, the church still controlled an
8. Rebellions: Acts of resistance or uprising estimated 41,782 hectares of land.
against oppressive conditions or policies.
5. The Public Land Act of 1902, which became
9. Enforced labor: Forced or compulsory work effective on July 26, 1904, offered
imposed on individuals. homestead plots of up to 16 hectares to
families who had occupied and cultivated the
10. Head tax: A tax imposed on individuals, land they resided on since August 1, 1898.
usually based on their personal status or
household. 6. While legislation favored smallholders, the
implementation of the program left much to
11. Confiscated: Taken away or seized by force be desired. Many Filipinos were ignorant of
or authority. the American policy and did not take full
advantage of the opportunities provided.
12. Friars: Members of religious orders,
particularly the Catholic friars in the 7. As the tenancy problem grew in the 1930s,
Philippines. several sporadic rebellions broke out in
areas with high rates of tenancy.
13. Peasants: Rural agricultural workers who
generally have limited land and resources. 8. The SAKDALISTA movement, initiated in
1930 by Benigno Ramos, was a movement
American Period: opposing President Quezon and the
forthcoming Commonwealth. Ramos
1. At the beginning of the American period, believed that it would strengthen the cacique
Spanish land records were destroyed or lost, system. Over a hundred Sakdalistas were
resulting in a complicated legal situation killed.
regarding land holdings. This created an

Prepared by: Ramon Villota

 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

9. Opposition to government and local policies 7. Agrarian unrest: Social and economic
was evident during the 1940 election when turmoil related to land ownership,
socialist and peasant leader Pedro Abad distribution, and rights, particularly in the
Santos almost won against the candidate of agricultural sector.
the Pampango landlords. Abad Santos
advocated for the expropriation of religious 8. Socialism: A political and economic
24 and public estates and their distribution to
tenant farmers as the solution to agrarian
ideology advocating for the collective
ownership and democratic control of the
unrest. means of production and distribution, aiming
for a more equitable society.
10. The agrarian problem persisted for a long
time, leading to the inclusion of a cardinal
principle of social justice in the 1935 Present Republic:
Constitution to ensure the well-being and
economic security of all people. Several laws 1. After gaining independence on July 4, 1946,
were enacted to protect the working class in the need for land reform became urgent. The
both industry and agriculture, giving rebel group HUKBALAHAP and other
substance and meaning to this principle. movements advocated for agrarian reform to
address the struggles of the peasants.
Key points and definitions: However, the laws enacted during this period
did not bring about significant reform.
1. Cacique class: The social class that
emerged during the Spanish period and 2. In 1946, President Manuel Roxas enacted
retained influence during the American RA No. 34 of 1946, which introduced a 70-30
period. They were wealthy landowners who crop sharing arrangement and regulated
often held positions of power and authority. share tenancy contracts to address land
tenure issues.
2. Tenancy: The arrangement where
individuals or families rent and cultivate land 3. In September 1954, President Ramon
owned by others in exchange for a portion of Magsaysay signed into law RA No. 1199,
the produce. later amended by RA No. 2263, which
allowed for the division of crops. In 1955, the
3. Homestead plots: Plots of land provided to Land Reform Act was enacted, but it faced
families under the Homestead Program, controversy as it aimed to challenge the
where they could reside and cultivate the economic and political power of large
land with the possibility of eventually gaining landholders.
ownership.
4. In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal
4. Cardinal principle of social justice: A signed into law RA No. 3844, also known as
fundamental principle included in the 1935 the Agricultural Land Reform Code.
Constitution of the Philippines, aiming to However, the program faced challenges and
ensure the well-being and economic security failed due to political pressures.
of all people.
5. On September 21, 1972, President
5. Sporadic rebellions: Occasional uprisings Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential
or revolts that occurred in response to Decree No. 2, declaring the entire
grievances or oppressive conditions. Philippines as a land reform area. On
October 21, 1972, President Marcos signed
6. Expropriation: The act of taking property, Presidential Decree No. 27, which
particularly land, from private ownership for emancipated tenant-farmers on private
public use or redistribution. agricultural lands primarily devoted to rice

Prepared by: Ramon Villota

 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

and corn, granting them ownership of the 2. Decreased productivity of small farms:
lands they were tilling. Critics claim that the subdivision of land into
smaller plots may lead to decreased
6. These actions were bold steps towards productivity at the macro level. They argue
expediting the implementation and that smaller farms may not be able to achieve
realization of agrarian reform. economies of scale and may produce less for
25 7. Under the present Constitution, the main
national consumption.
legislation governing agrarian reform is RA 3. Ineffectiveness of government programs:
No. 6657, also known as the Comprehensive There is criticism that government programs
Agrarian Reform Law of 1988. related to agrarian reform and cooperatives
have been ineffective due to poor
Key points and definitions:
implementation and lack of consultation with
1. Crop sharing: An arrangement where the farmers. The efficiency and competence of
produce of a farm is divided between the the individuals responsible for implementing
landowner and the tenant based on a these programs have been questioned.
predetermined ratio.
4. Historical failures of agrarian reform:
Critics point to the long history of agrarian
2. Share tenancy: A form of agricultural
tenancy where the tenant pays a portion of reform efforts that have not yielded the
the produce as rent to the landowner. desired results. Factors contributing to the
failure of past programs include the
3. Emancipation: The act of granting freedom continued ownership of large landholdings
or independence, in this context, referring to by elite politicians and their relatives, the lack
the granting of ownership rights to tenant- of comprehensive support measures for
farmers. farmers, issues of graft and corruption, and a
lack of unity and cooperation among farmers
4. Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law themselves.
(CARL): RA No. 6657, enacted in 1988, is
the main law governing agrarian reform in the These objections highlight the challenges and
Philippines. It outlines the mechanisms and complexities involved in implementing agrarian
policies for the redistribution of agricultural reform. They underscore the need for careful
lands to landless farmers and provides consideration of potential consequences, effective
support for their socio-economic program design, transparent governance, and the
development. active participation and empowerment of farmers in
shaping and implementing agrarian reform policies.
Resistance to the implementation of agrarian
reform in the Philippines has been observed,
particularly from the landowning class and other
stakeholders. Some of the common objections
raised are:
1. Fragmentation of farm holdings: One
objection is that land reform leads to the
subdivision of large landholdings among
tenant-farmers, resulting in smaller family-
sized plots. Critics argue that as these plots
are further subdivided among succeeding
generations, the land becomes less
economically viable.

Prepared by: Ramon Villota

 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Pertinent Laws on Agrarian Reform

1. Spanish Decree of 1880 Spanish Decree of 1894

2. Spanish Decree of 1894
3. Public Land Act of July 1, 1902 Ito ay nagtakda ng isang taon para sa
4. Act No. 4113: The Rice Share Tenancy Act pagkuha ng legal na titulo ng lupa at kapag hindi
26 of 1933
5. Act No. 4113: The Sugar Cane Tenancy
ito nakamit sa nakatakdang panahon ay maaaring
magresulta sa penalty gaya ng pagkawala ng
Contracts pagmamay-ari sa lupa.
6. Commonwealth Act No. 103
7. Commonwealth Act No. 213
8. Commonwealth Act No. 178, 461, and 608
9. Republic Act No. 34 of 1946 Public Land Act of July 1, 1902
10. Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954
11. Republic Act No. 1199: The Agricultural Naging epektibo noong July 26, 1904.
Tenancy Act of 1954
12. Republic Act No. 1400: Land Reform Act of Ito ay nag-aalok ng homestead plots o lupa
1955 na hindi hihigit sa 16 ektarya sa pamilyang
13. Republic Act No. 3844: The Agricultural Land naninirahan at nag-aalaga sa lupa na kanilang
Reform Code 1963 tinirhan simula August 1, 1898.
14. Republic Act No. 6389: Amendments to the
Agricultural Land Reform Code
15. Reform Act 6390: Agrarian Reform Special
Fund Act Act No. 4113: The Rice Share Tenancy of 1933
16. Presidential Decree No. 2
17. Presidential Decree No. 27 Ito ay nagpapatupad ng regulasyon sa
18. Proclamation No. 131 kontrata ng tenancy share sa mga palayan. Ang
19. Executive Order No. 229 batas ay nagtatag ng minimum na pamantayan na
20. Republic Act No. 6657: The Comprehensive ang ani ay dapat hatiin nang pantay. 50% para sa
Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 may-ari ng lupa at 50% para sa magsasaka o
tenant.

Spanish Decree of 1880

Act No. 4113: The Sugar Cane Tenancy
Land holders – may hawak ng lupa. Contracts
Caciques – mga may-ari ng malalaking lupa;
local leader who exercise power and control over a Regulasyon sa relasyon ng mga may-ari
community. ng lupa at mga tenant sa lupaing pang-asukal.
Peasants – magsasaka; sila ay karaniwang
nagtatrabaho sa mga lupain na pagmamay-ari ng Batas na nagbibigay ng maayos na
ibang tao tulad ng mga caciques. kasunduan sa pagitan ng may-ari at tenant ng lupa.
Dahil dito magkakaroon ng proteksyon ang mga
Ang Spanish Decree of 1880 ay naglalayong tenant sa pang-aabuso ng may-ari ng lupa.
itaguyod ang pagpapahalaga at pagbibigay ng legal
na proteksyon sa pagmamay-ari ng lupa, maging
sila man ay caciques o peasants.
Commonwealth Act No. 103
Ang decree na ito ay nag-uutos sa lahat ng
may-ari ng lupa na kumuha ng legal na titulo ng Batas na naglilikha ng Court of Industrial
kanilang lupa. Relations.

Prepared by: Ramon Villota

 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

Court of Industrial Relations - magreresolba ng Nagtatag ng National Resettlement and

mga alitan sa pagitan ng mga may-ari ng lupa at Rehabilation Administration (NARRA) upang
mga manggagawang pang-agrikultura. maresettle ang mga walang lupa at iba pang mga
walang lupa na mga magsasaka.

NARRA – layunin nito na magbigay ng mga

27 Commonwealth Act No. 213 programa at proyekto na magdudulot ng mga
oportunidad at solusyon sa suliraning pang-Agraryo
Naglalayong maipatupad ang mga sa bansa.
patakaran para sa lehitimong samahan ng mga
manggagawa.

Naglalayong magbigay ng legal ng struktura Republic Act No. 1199: The Agricultural Tenancy
at proteksyon sa mga manggagawa na nais Act of 1954
bumuo ng organisasyon at magkaisa upang
ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan at interes. Binago ng R.A. 2263.

Ito ay batas na nagtatatag ng pamantayan sa

paghahati ng ani batay sa ibat-ibang mga element
Commonwealth Act No. 178, 461, and 608 na nagkontribyut sa produksyon ng ani:

Mga batas na naglalayong magbigay ng mas 1 Land 30%

malawak na proteksyon sa mga tenant sa sector ng 2 Labor 30%
agrikultura sa ilalim ng Rice Share Tenancy of 3 Animals 5%
1933. 4 Implements 5%
5 Final Harrowing 5%
Layunin nito na mapanatili ang katarungan at 6 Transplanting 25%
kaayusan sa mga kontrata at relasyon ng mga
tenant at mga may-ari ng lupa sa larangan ng Makukuha ng tenant ang 70% ng hati ng ani
agrikultura. kung ang nakontribyut niya sa produksyon ng ani ay
item 2-6.

Republic Act No. 34 of 1946 Republic Act No. 1400: Land Reform Act of 1955

Nagtatakda ng 70 – 30 na porsiyento ng Nagtatag ng Land Tenure Administration

pagbabahagi ng ani at pagreregula ng mga share (LTA).
tenancy contracts.
Naglalayong magbawas ng malalaking
70% sa may-ari ng lupa at 30% sa tenant. Ito pagmamay-ari ng lupa, ilipat o iresettle ang mga
ay upang mapababa ang antas ng pagsasamantala tenant sa mga lugar na may saganang lupa,
at magbigay ng patas na bahagi ng kita sa tenant. maipatituluhan ang mga lupa, at magbigay ng sapat
na pasilidad sa pautang para sa mga maliliit na may-
Layunin nito na tiyakin na ang mga share ari ng lupa.
tenancy contracts ay sumusunod sa batas at
pamantayan na naglalayong maprotektahan ang
mga karapatan ng mga tenant.
Republic Act No. 3844: The Agricultural Land
Reform Code of 1963

Republic Act No. 1160 of 1954 Batas na nag-abolish o nagpawalang bisa

sa sistema ng (share tenancy o paghahati ng ani),

Prepared by: Ramon Villota

 Reviewer in Readings in Philippine History

pinalitan ito ng (agricultural leasehold system o Layunin ng batas na ito ang maisakatuparan
sistema ng pagpapaupa sa lupa). ang Agrarian Reform sa lahat ng mga lalawigan,
lungsod at munisipalidad ng Pilipinas.
Nagbigay ito sa pamahalaan na
ekspropriyahin at hatiin ang malalaking pag-aari ng
lupa.
28 Ang mga malalaking pag-aari ng lupa na
Presidential Decree No. 27

nahati ay maaaring ibenta sa sa mga walang lupa sa Ang batas na ito ay may layuning bigyang
halaga na naaayon sa gastos at installment para kalayaan ang mga magsasakang umaasa at
mas madaling mabayaran ng magsasaka. nagpakahirap sa lupang kanilang sinasaka.

Ang batas na ito ay nagbabawas ng Ipinahayag ng Pangulo na ang mga

limitasyon sa pagmamay-ari ng lupaa mula 100 magsasaka ay may karapatang maging tunay na
hectares to 75 hectares. may-ari ng lupa na kanilang sinasaka at hindi na
maging alipin pa sa lupa.

Republic Act 6389: Amendments to the

Agricultural Land Reform Code Proclamation No. 131

Batas na nagpabago at nagsaayos sa Nagpahayag at nagtatag sa

Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963, sa Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
pamamagitan ng paglikha ng Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR). Layunin ng programa na mapabuti ang
kalagayan ng mga magsasaka at ang buong sektor
DAR – ito ay ahensya ng pamahalaan na ng agrikultura sa bansa.
pangunahing tagapagpatupad ng mga programa at
proyekto sa reporma sa lupa.

Land Reform – ito ay isang proseso ng Executive Order No. 229

pagbabago at pagsasaayos ng sistema ng pag-aari
ng lupa sa isang bansa. Batas na nagtatadhana ng mekanismo para
sa implementasyon ng programa.
Agrarian Reform – ito ay isang konsepto ng
reporma sa agrikultura na layunin ang pagbabago Layunin ng kautusang ito na magbigay ng
sa sistema ng pag-aari ng lupa at pamamahagi ng mga gabay at proseso sa pagpapatupad ng
lupain sa mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. programa na nakasaad sa Proclamation No. 131 o
ang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP).

Reform Act 6390: Agrarian Reform Special Fund

Act
Republic Act No. 6657: The Comprehensive
Batas upang pondohan ang Agrarian Agrarian Reform Law of 1988
Reform Program ng pamahalaan.
Ito ay isang batas na ipinatupad upang
Presidential Decree No. 2 itaguyod ang katarungan sa lipunan at
industrialisasyon sa pamamagitan ng
Idineklara ng Pangulo ang buong Pilipinas pagpapatupad ng Comprehensive Agrarian
bilang isang lugar ng reporma sa lupa. Reform Program (CARP).

Prepared by: Ramon Villota