READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY Restricting historical evidence as exclusively previous lesson, history started growing as an

Lesson 1: Definition and Subject Matter written is also discrimination against other social established academic discipline since the
History classes who were not recorded in paper. nineteenth century. This growth was
- Study of the past. Often dread as a subject for accompanied by the professionalization of the
its notoriety in requiring them to memorize ❑ Did they exist? discipline and with more people taking up the
dates, places, names and events from distant - This loophole was recognized by historians study of history as a full-time career.
eras. who started using other kinds of historical
sources, which may not be in written form but A historian is someone who continuously
History were just as valid. pursues historical knowledge. History, as the
– was derived from the Greek word Historia study of the past based on existing pieces of
which means “Knowledge acquired through History thus became more inclusive and started historical evidence, is a dynamic and continually
inquiry and investigation”. collaborating with other disciplines as its evolving discipline. Thus, historians are
auxiliary disciplines. expected to keep up with changes and
Historia ➢ With the aid of archeologists, historians, developments in historical knowledge in light of
- became known as the account of documents linguists, even scientists like biologists and new evidence. What then is the difference
and historical evidence. That meaning stuck until biochemists, etc. between a historian and a student of history? On
the early parts of the Twentieth century. the one hand, the student of history gains
Lesson 2: History and Historian historical knowledge based on what history
➢ History was also focused on writing about Who Qualifies as a Historian? teachers and history books say. On the other
wars, revolutions and other important hand, the historian produces historical
For most people, history is something that is
breakthroughs. knowledge through the continuous and constant
taught and studied in schools; thus, teachers are
pursuit of historical knowledge by answering
commonly regarded as "experts" of history. It
This term was then adapted to classical Latin questions about the past through gathering and
may come as a surprise that some people
where it acquired a new definition. interpreting historical evidence. While students
actually take history as a full-time and serious
➢ Historia became known as the account of the and enthusiasts of history revel in amazement
profession. The historian is an obscure and
past of a person or of a group of people through about our fascinating past, the historian is
strange image for those who did not have the
written documents and historical evidences. occupied with asking relevant historical
chance to have a closer study of history.
questions and answering them through rigorous
Nevertheless, all of the historical knowledge that
It is thus important to ask: What counts as historical perspective and method to fulfill the
we study and utilize at present are products of
history? uses of history discussed in Lesson 1.
meticulous research done by historians who
Mantra: “ No document, no history” dedicated their intellect and skills in writing
Tasks of Historians
history.
But as history progressed and opened up to the We acquire historical knowledge through
possibility of valid historical sources, which were historical sources. Some would say that it is
But what makes someone a historian?
not limited to written documents. ❑ Government impossible to come up with a complete and
Can-someone who has a fascination about the
records, chroniclers’ account, or personal letters exact historical truth because we only have
past and has done their share of reading some
❑ History by word of mouth access to representations of the past through
historical texts be considered as one? Can
sources that survived through time. Historical
anyone who has experienced historical
sources cannot speak for themselves. Historians
education and has done some historical thinking
are needed to examine and interpret them
become a historian? As mentioned in the
through the skills they acquired in training for present that demand historical explanation. the past through historical sources and
historical research and methodology. It is the Traditionally, historians are interested in political evidence.
historian's task to convert historical sources to history because they perceive that political
historical knowledge. events like war, revolutions, and regimes are the Besides seeking historical facts and evidence, it
only part of the past that has implications in the is also the historian's job to interpret these facts.
This task is not easy. After all, the past is a vast present. However, when certain conditions led to "Facts cannot speak for themselves." It is the
subject to study. History accumulates every day. the rise of the call for gender equality or historian's job to give meaning to these facts and
More than the difficulty of interpreting historical economic equality, history started giving birth to organize them into a timeline, establish causes,
sources, it is also the historian's task to subdisciplines like women's history and social and write history. Meanwhile, the historian is not
determine what is historical. The historical fact is history. a blank paper who mechanically interprets and
different from a fact from the past. A fact from analyzes present historical facts. Similar to how
the past is anything that happened in the past. This discussion leads us to an assertion that historians' contexts lead them to certain interests
Say, for example, it is a fact of the past that you historians and the historical knowledge that they and make them ask particular questions, their
had a newborn niece the other day, or that you produce have significantly influenced their interpretation of the historical fact is also
spent your last week reading a book, or that you respective contexts. The historian's interests and affected by their backgrounds and
used to take a school bus going to your life's work are inevitably influenced by various circumstances. Their subjectivity will inevitably
elementary school. But not everything that factors such as nationality, political ideology, influence the process of their historical research
happened in the past, whether or not it is true, religion, educational background, and overall and their reading. If subjectivities always play a
counts as a historical fact. This notion leads us experiences. These reasons make us role in the way historians produce history, can
to the question: what then counts as a historical understand why most historians specializing in history still be considered an academic and
fact? British historian Edward Hallett Carr states women's history are women, and local histories scientific inquiry?
that a historical fact is something that is are written by historians who were born and
determined by the historian. For example, a raised in those particular localities. Historical research requires rigor. Even though
diary of a schoolgirl who lived during the historians cannot ascertain absolute objectivity,
American period in the Philippines is just The Objectivity of the Historian the study of history remains scientific because of
something kept in an old drawer cabinet until If historians are the ones who determine which the rigor of research and methodology that
historians get their hands on it a hundred years parts of the past are to include in historical historians employ. Historical methodology
later and decide to use it to write a history of knowledge, and their respective contexts consists of certain techniques and rules that
student life in the Philippines under the U.S. influence historians' ways of selecting facts and historians follow to properly collect and select
colonial education system. interpreting evidence, is it then possible to come sources and historical evidence. Certain rules
up with absolute historical truth? Is history an apply in cases of conflicting accounts in different
The historian decides what part of the past objective discipline? If it is not, is it still sources and on how to properly treat eyewitness
makes it to the canon of history. But this leads worthwhile to study history? These questions accounts and oral sources as valid historical
us to even more complicated questions like, how have haunted historians for many generations. evidence.
does a historian determine what part of the past Indeed, an exact and accurate account of the
can be included in the historical narrative? More past is impossible for the straightforward reason In doing so, the historians' claims and
importantly, where do we source historical that we cannot go back to the past. We cannot arguments, while may be influenced by their
questions that push historians to pursue access the past directly as our subject matter. inclinations, can still be validated by using
historical facts? More often than not, historical Historians only get to access a representation of reliable evidence and by employing a rigorous
questions are brought about by issues at and meticulous historical methodology. For
example, if a historian chooses to use an oral Lesson Summary being studied, and not on the age of the sources
account as primary data in studying the ethnic - Historians produce historical knowledge nor the readers' perceived importance to the
history of the Ifugaos in the Cordilleras during through rigorous historical research that involves topic at hand.
the American Occupation, it is necessary to finding and interpreting historical sources and
validate the informant's claims by comparing and evidence. Criticism
corroborating them with written sources. - Historians are inevitably influenced by context - It is crucial for primary sources that could have
Therefore, while bias is inevitable, historians can and circumstances. Their context may inform the been subjected to different levels of deterioration
balance this by relying on legitimate historical way that they conduct historical research. because of old age or even to forgery
evidence that backs up their claim. In this sense, - Despite the inherent subjectivity of the - Validating historical sources is essential
historians need not let their bias blind their historian, historical knowledge can still be because the use of unverified, falsified, and
judgment. Bias is only acceptable if they paid scientific by adhering to rigorous historical untruthful sources and evidence can lead to
attention to precision and rigor as a researcher. methodology and through collaboration with equally false conclusions.
peers in the discipline. - Without thorough criticisms of historical
Moreover, because history is a professional evidence, historical deceptions and lies will be
academic discipline, historians are always Lesson 3: Distinction of Primary and highly probable.
subjected to scrutiny by their peers. Indeed, a
Secondary Source
historical claim made by one historian would not External Criticism
Classification of Historical Source
be recognized as part of historical knowledge - It is the practice of verifying evidence's
Primary Sources
unless other historians accepted it. This practice authenticity by examining its physical
- Those sources produced simultaneously as the
is similar to how studies done by scientists are characteristics, consistency with the historical
event, period, or subject being studied
only deemed legitimate if it has undergone character of the time when it was supposedly
- It can give fresh insights to students.
evaluation by their peers. Academic disciplines produced, and the historical source's materials.
- It can also allow them to develop their
have their ways of ensuring that the integrity of Example:
interpretation of sources instead of depending
their field is maintained. - One of the most infamous cases of deception
on the interpretation of these primary sources
in Philippine history is the hoax Code of
done by authors of secondary sources.
Historians, therefore, are central to the creation Kalantiaw.
of historical knowledge. They ask questions that - The document was donated to the National
Secondary Sources
lead them to the pursuit of historical research. Library and was regarded as an important
- Produced by an author who relied on primary
They collect and select the facts and evidence pre-colonial document until 1968. American
sources to write the material
that are significant for historical research. They historian William Henry Scott debunked the
- Products of historical research that other
interpret facts through meticulous investigation code's authenticity due to anachronism and lack
historians use for additional information or as
and weave them into a coherent narrative. of evidence to prove that the code existed in the
background to their study
Ultimately, historians make history. Edward pre-colonial Philippine society.
- These are relevant because they enrich our
Hallett Carr is correct in saying that "[History] is
historical knowledge.
a continuous process of interaction between the Internal Criticism
historian and his facts, an unending dialogue - It is the examination of the content of a
Both primary and secondary sources are useful
between the present and the past." particular document.
in writing and learning history.
- In the process of internal criticism, the historian
ought to read the document meticulously and
The classification of sources between these two
categories depends on the historical subject
understand the meaning that the document historians as related texts to their research. The way our history has been defined, viewed,
wanted to convey. These sources are products of historians' work and written transformed from one period to
- It entails looking at the content of the source using primary sources another.
and examining the circumstance of its - Historians should employ internal and external
production. criticism to debunk false historical claims such PHILIPPINE HISTORIOGRAPHY FROM THE
- It looks at the evidence's truthfulness by as the Code of Kalantiaw and Marcos' fake war ANCIENT PERIOD UNTIL CONTEMPORARY
looking at the author of the source and their medals. TIMES
background, the document's context, the agenda 1. Kasaysayan in Ancient Philippine Society
behind its production, the knowledge which Lesson 4: Philippine Historiography -​ Indigenous concept of the Filipino term
informed it, and its intended purpose. Historiography for History.
Example: - “the history of history.” -​ Derived from the root word "saysay",
- Ferdinand Marcos' declaration that he was a which means "sense of significance".
decorated World War II soldier who led a Historiography As Philosophical -​ These can be viewed as
guerrilla unit called "Ang Mga Maharlika. - In here, we think about thinking, and this UNHISTORICAL, as most stories were
- This claim was disproved when historians exercise of "thinking about thinking" can be fantastical.
counter checked with the war records of the broadly defined as PHILOSOPHIZING. -​ They are not ACTUAL records of the
United States - In historiography, we specifically engage in history.
- As early as 1945, Marcos already claimed that thinking about historical thinking, i.e., how
he received prestigious awards from the United historians think and how and why they write Characteristics of Kasaysayan:
States government to recognize his heroism in what they write. -​ Most stories are related to the
Bataan during the Second World War. These community's experiences, legends, and
medals were the Distinguished Service Cross Historiography As Scientific beliefs.
that is the second-highest military decoration for - Scholars who engage in this topic proceed with -​ They reflect their certain communal
any member of the U.S. Army; the Silver Star, writing the history of history through systemic values, spiritualities, beliefs, and
which is the third-highest decoration; and the inventory and empirical analyses of historical worldviews.
Order of the Purple Heart, given to any member works. -​ Most epics and songs were included in
of the U.S. Armed Forces wounded in battle. their rituals as their way of
Historiography communicating with deities.
LESSON SUMMARY Initially, historiographers delved into this specific
- Primary and secondary sources serve different subfield of inquiry because they wanted to point 2. Spanish Historiography in the Philippines
functions, and both are important for historians out earlier historians' mistakes in the hope that -​ The notion of kasaysayan was disrupted
and students of history. the present and future historians would improve at the dawn of Spanish colonization.
- Primary sources are important representations their methods and perspectives. -​ Kasaysayan was also suppressed and
of the past that are analyzed and interpreted by replaced by new colonial systems and
historians. For a source to be classified as But later, historiography turned into a more knowledge.
primary, it should be produced in the same serious subdiscipline of history because -​ Missionary friars, European observers,
period as the subject or by eyewitnesses historians started recognizing that there are scholars, and chroniclers extensively
present in the period being studied. several parts to explore. wrote about the native population. They
- Secondary sources are historical texts read by wrote about the indigenous customs,
students to gain historical knowledge and by traditions, social organization, belief
 systems, etc. All of these were 3. The History of the Illustrados and the -​ History turned into a professional
distributed and systematically kept and Katipunan academic discipline in the Philippines.
recorded. ILLUSTRADOS' (Enlightened One) VIEW
-​ The Spanish historia replaced the • TRIPARTITE VIEW How was the American perspective
narrative of our civilization. Period of Prosperity demonstrated in the historical writings of that
Consequently, the central role was Pre-colonial era is viewed as prosperous era of time?
shifted from the community to the freedom, equality and dignity, comparable to The Philippine revolutionaries viewed the 1898
colonizers. Europe's civilization during the same period. Philippine Republic as an insurrection, asserting
-​ Historia was a narrative of the foreign the US's legitimacy and refusing to recognize
colonizers regarding their observation, Period of Darkness the independent republic declared by the
life, and experiences in the islands. This period is marked by oppression, unjust revolutionaries, arguing that wars involve two
-​ It served as articulation and justification taxation, and discrimination. sovereign nations.
of their policies, decisions, and overall -​ Similar to the Spanish historia,
attitude toward the natives. Period of Enlightenment American history in the Philippines was
-​ The language in which these narratives The future envisioned by the illustrados once written for foreigners, justifying U.S.
were written was Spanish, and the Spain gave the Filipino people equality and occupation by depicting native
audience that the texts were intended freedom. populations as savages. This history
for were their fellow Spaniards and persisted post-independence, with
Europeans. KATIPUNAN'S (KKK) VIEW University of the Philippines historians
-​ As history was developed into an -Like the Ilustrados, the Katipuneros viewed pioneering a shift in perspective in the
academic field in Europe, Spanish Philippine history in three periods but believed 1960s and 1970s.
chroniclers, scholars, and historians true enlightenment required armed revolution. A
writing about the Philippines also key difference was their language choice: 5. Philippine Nationalist Historiography
became guided with positivist writing Ilustrados wrote in Spanish to appeal to - emerged from a desire to understand and
and studying history. They depended sympathetic Spaniards, while the Katipunan promote a Filipino identity, emphasizing
their writings on empirical and used Filipino to rally local support. However, indigenous history and decolonization efforts,
documentary evidence. after Spain’s defeat and Philippine often contrasting with the colonial narratives of
-​ The perspective that prevailed among independence, the country fell under American the Spanish and American periods.
colonizers regarding our history as an rule.
archipelago is what we call the bipartite Prominent Figures:
view. 4. American Historiography in the 1. Teodoro Agoncillo
-​ This view divided the archipelago's Philippines - A prominent figure in nationalist historiography,
history into two general periods: -​ The American colonial government used known for his works like "The Revolt of the
darkness and light. This view would be education as a tool for benevolent Masses" and "History of the Filipino People".
challenged by the following generation assimilation. - Elitis Illustrado Class.
of natives and mestizos, who would -​ The education is limited.
reclaim the archipelago's history. -​ Public education became a medium to 2. Renato Constantino
instill american values to the Filipinos. - Historian from UP and was the front-runner of
-​ The language shift from Spanish to progressive and Marxist history.
English.
- Known for his critical analysis of Philippine - Translates to “from-us-for-us” perspective KKK or Katipunan. A Philippine revolutionary
history and his emphasis on the struggles of the - Challenges traditional, Western-centric views society founded by anti-Spanish colonialism
Filipino people. of Philippines history Filipinos whose primary goal was independence
- From the 16th century onward, Filipino - Focuses on the experiences and perspectives from Spain.
resistance to Spanish colonization manifested in of ordinary Filipinos
various forms, from pre-colonial leaders - Seeks to decolonize and indigenize the writing In looking back to our colonial past, we are
conspiring to evict the Spaniards to native of Philippine history. always fed with two general impressions: first,
spiritual leaders rebelling against the reduccion that the colonizers' endeavor to subjugate the
and seeking to restore their traditions, with Bagong Kasaysayan Filipinos and to impose the Spanish Catholic
historians like Agoncillo placing the people at the - A new approach to Philippine historiography faith had been smooth sailing until the
center of Philippine history through a nationalist - Emerged in the 1970s as a response to resistance by the ilustrados and the Katipuneros
lens. traditional, colonialist views of Philippine history in the last years of the Spanish period; and
- Seeks to reconstruct Philippine history from a second that all of the historical figures that made
3. Reynaldo Ileto Filipino perspective it to the pantheon of our heroes were totally and
- A proponent of pro-Filipino, anti-colonial, and - Emphasizes the role of ordinary people, rather incorruptibly noble. This lesson aims to present
nationalist perspectives, advocated for a "history than just elites, in shaping Philippine history. a more nuanced perspective on these two
from below" approach. - Challenges dominant narratives and promotes assumptions. By looking at the primary sources
- Arguing that understanding the masses' a more nuanced understanding of the Philippine pertinent to the events identified in this lesson,
consciousness and aspirations required past. we aim to give fresh insights regarding the
examining sources reflecting their experiences, history of our resistance and revolt against the
like the Pasyon, which he saw as a source of Lesson 5: Revolt and Revolution Spanish colonizers.
revolutionary inspiration. Key Concept
Revolt The revolts of Diego Silang of llocos and
Significance: - An attempt to end to the authority of a person Apolinario De la Cruz (more popularly known,
- Philippine nationalist historiography has played or to take violent action against authority, or to and hereafter would be referred to, as Hermano
a crucial role in shaping national identity and refuse to be controlled or ruled. Pule) of Tayabas are just two of the many revolts
promoting a sense of Filipino pride. that contain characteristics that are unique from
- It has contributed to a deeper understanding of British Occupation of Manila the more renowned Propaganda Movement and
Philippine history and culture, challenging - An episode when the British occupied the KKK. In this lesson, we will look closely at
colonial narratives and promoting a more Spanish Colonial capital of Manila and the both events. We will also revisit the KKK and the
inclusive and nuanced perspective. nearby principal port of Cavite between 1762 Philippine Revolution by going a two revolts by
- It continues to be relevant in contemporary and 1764. having keener reading of primary sources that
debates about national identity, decolonization, were important in back to relevant documents
and social justice. Millenarian Movement and accounts
- An indigenous social or political group or
6. Pantayong Pananaw and Bagong movement inspired by the teachings of Diego Silang's Letter to the British
Kasaysayan Christianity toward the defeat of enemies and Diego Silang was born in the province of
Pantayong Pananaw the transformation of society. Pangasinan Hewas orphaned at young age and
- Emerged as a Filipino historiographical lived with the parish priest of Vigan. Working as
approach in the 1970s a messenger, he frequently traveled to Manila
while receiving considerable education under forced labor, and freed the people from their obedience, your Lordship has been pleased to
the friars. He married a young widow from an obligation to serve the principales. Silang also allow them their freedom to enlarge their trade
affluent background, Gabriela. One of the most imposed a fine of 100 pesos from each priest. and commerce, for their own benefit to caress
significant contexts of Silang's revolt unknown to When Bishop Bernardo Ustariz resisted Silang them and prevent their being hurt by the
many students was the brief British Occupation and declared himself the head of ilocos, Silang Spaniards nor by your own Troops..
of Manila in 1972. This often neglected brief had him and all other religious people
period of Britain's capture of Manila from Spain imprisoned. Constantino surmised that Silang ..I have thought proper from this moment to
was a critical juncture in1 the history of the could have turned into a "real leader of the dedicate myself to the service of God and his
colony as it exposed Spain's weakness and people struggling against all oppressors,' Majesty King George IlI whom Iacknowledge for
vulnerability not just to its fellow European especially when he started moving against his my King and Master, for which purpose I have
powers, but also to the natives. It was fellow principales. Unfortunately, upon receiving under my Command my Countrymen in this
humiliating how easily the British invaded the an ultimatum from the Spaniards, Silang turned Province of Ilocos, where I was born, who have
capital of the colony. Witnessing the invasion, to the British for protection. This act is an agreed to my opinion and acknowledgment, and
Silang felt that the locanos needed to protect unknown aspect of the Silang revolt, From the all unanimously come into it without the least
themselves from the British because Spain first phase of his revolt, where he intended to shrew of uneasiness or concern upon Account
could not defend them. The climate of anxiety protect the spanish Crown and the Church from of the Confidence they repose in your Lordship's
brought by the news of the fall of Manila made it the British invaders, he proclaimed allegiance to freeing them from poll taxes and other laborious
quite easy for Silang to rally people behind him. the British and sought their protection This works, all they beg is that your Lordship will
Silang insisted that since the British captured the allegiance is best demonstrated in the letter that condescend to let them maintain their Parish
power of the Spaniards, the people should stop Silang wrote to the British governor of Manila, Priests and live as Christians and Catholics..
paying their taxes, and instead focus their Dawsonne Drake. Silang flattered the British and
resources on defending themselves from the offered his allegiance. He wrote: Diego Silang, categorically proclaimed his
British who would take their Catholic faith away allegiance to the British Crown, praised how the
from them. It should be clear, however, that Honorable Sir: British seized and governed Manila, and started
Silang was not an advocate of independence With the greatest pleasure and satisfaction negotiating for his people. Silang claimed that all
from Spain, at this point, Historian Renato imaginable have I received the news of your of llocos consented to realigning themselves to
Constantino saw the first phase of Silang's revolt having conquered that Capital by Force of Arms the British. He was hoisting himself as an
as reformist. However, when Spanish authorities and with so much ease which has undoubtedly influential leader in the province, whose opinion
refused to give in to his particular demands such been an effect of your good conduct and the the people trust and heed. He furthered his
as the replacement of the current alcalde mayor permission of the Almighty. I have been informed persuasion by offering Governor Drake to fight
Antonio Zabala to Tomas Millan, the old that notwithstanding the fatal misfortune of that the Augustinian friars for them and by
guardian of Gabriela, the abolition of personal City, your Lordship is endowed with so many enumerating the gifts that he had sent to them.
services, and the expulsion of all Spaniards and great qualifications and compassion, has He continues:
Spanish mestizos in his province, Silang started behaved in the most generous manner to the
to take bolder actions poor Indians who were within and out of the ..if our Lordship pleases I will seize them and
Town paying them punctually for their labour secure them here and have them ready
For Instance, he expelled the alcalde and all of without requiring any other acknowledgement whenever your Lordship pleases to demand
the Spaniards from Vigan. When his fellow than they should obey and be loyal, as they them... As proof of my fidelity, submission and
principales refused to support his anti-Spanish should to his Majesty George III, King of Great sincere affection, though unworthy, I take the
endeavors, he ordered the abolition of tributes, Britain (whom God preserve), and for such liberty to send your Lordship the following
present: 12 loaves of sugar, 12 baskets of of going after the clergy and the principalia, Hermano Pule's Cofradia de San Jose
calamy, 200 cakes or balls of chocolate. I also Silang did not have a vision that exceeded his through its Hymns
acquaint your Lordship that this province is agenda for Vigan and Ilocos. By the nineteenth century, most of Luzon and
provided with the following effects: paddy wheat, the Visayas had been well co- opted to the
cattle, good coco wine, sugar, onions, garlic, Nevertheless, a more considerate view of Spanish colonial society. Catholicism was
fowl, horses, cotton, a kind of liquor called Silang's context may give us fürther already accepted far and wide, and various
Bassia, kind of wine from the grape and other understanding of his decision to turn to the expressions of this faith have appeared
useful effects. AS I am informed, your Lordship British. First, the idea of a nation was still throughout the archipelago. Some of these
is highly incensed against the Augustinian Friars nonexistent in 1762. Silang's imagination was expressions contained characteristics that
upon account of the obstacle they put to your limited to his immediate locality. Second, blended Catholic teachings with indigenous
progress. If your Lordship pleases, I will seize Silang's demands, since the beginning of his practices and values. Such blending is referred
them and secure them here and have them revolt, were practical and were not anchored on to as folk Catholicism, which is manifested when
ready whenever your Lordship pleases to some ideals. He wanted to abolish tributes native indios appropriate Spanish Catholic
demand them. Many were the wrongs we have because it was burdensome not just to the teachings to their experiences. In certain
received from them and they have pursued us common masses, but also to his fellow expressions of revolutionary fervor, Catholic
as if we were wild boars. principales. He wanted to replace the alcalde spirituality manifested itself with rebels donning
mayor with someone he had a personal pieces of anting anting containing Catholic
Diego Silang ended the letter with the relationship with and demanded the abolition of images, symbols, a.td incantations, with rituals
salutation: "Your Lordship's most faithful tributes and forced labor. His revolt was done in Catholic fashion, and with revolutionary
subject” anchored on practical matters and not on some teachings inspired by Christian messages.
ideals, and this is not something that is
Analysis of Diego Silang's Letter automatically wrong. We have to bear in mind Pule, became a lay preacher, demonstrating an
Diego Silang's letter revealed several insights that Silang was a man of his own time and uncanny ability to move his audience's heart
about the famed revolt in Ilocos in the 18th circumstance who was acting according to his with ease. In 1832, at the age of 18, Pule
century. The most critical of which was Silang’s pressing needs and concerns. organized 19 of his fellow Tayabasin living in
fervent submission to the British after Spanish Manila in a confraternity called Hermandad de la
authorities gave him an ultimatum. providing us Reading a primary document related to Silang Archi- Cofradia del Glorioso Señor San José y
with a fundamentally different understanding of and his revolt gives us a nuanced view and de la Virgen del Rosario.
the Silang submission to the British after understanding of its history. We understood that
Spanish authorities gave him an ultimatum. This the revolts that took place during the Spanish Analysis of Cofradia de San Jose's Dalit sa
submission provides us with a fundamentally period were not always anti-colonial, although Caluwalhatian
different understanding of the Silang revolt. these were reactions to the abuse the rebels The dalit was distributed as prayer pamphlets
While it is true that Silang advocated against experienced. It means that they rebelled against among members of the Cofradia and is often
tributes and forced labor and was critical of the the abuses but have not thought of a future associated with the year 1839-1840-the period
clergy, his convictions did not possess an without colonial powers. Nevertheless, the Diego when the organization witnessed an exponential
anti-colonial character. In the process of going Silang Revolt, one of the most prominent revolts increase in membership. As a whole, the poem
against the Spanish colonizers and their in the history of Spanish colonization, remains was a characterization of a condition of
policies, he was willing to make himself and his an important historical event. perfection for the faithful once they ascend into
province subject to another colonial power. It heaven. It, thus, placed, in the words of lieto
showed that despite his apparent radicalization "this condition of perfection as an image of
possibilities of being, a horizon irt view of which and devotion demonstrated by the followers of independence and the future of the new republic
the members of the Cofradia could direct their Hermano Pule when they were fighting back the under Emilio Aguinaldo. This often-overlooked
daily activities. Thus, inspired with the attacks being of government troops were detail reveals much about the historically
knowledge of this condition of perfection as inspired by their vision of redemption in heaven. accurate meaning behind the most widely known
described in the dalit that is well known among Suffering was perceived as temporary, and a national symbol in the Philippines
the members of the confraternity, they lived condition where everyone is living in a life of
according to the teachings of Hermano Pule with splendor, equality, and divine harmony awaits In the town of Cavite Viejo, in this province of
utmost faith and devotion. the faithful in heaven. Cavite, on the twelfth day of June eighteen
hundred and ninety-eight, before me. Don
As described in the dalit, heaven would be a Selected Primary Sources on the Philippine Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Auditor of War
place where everyone willive in perfect unity. For Revolution: The Kartilya ng Katipunan, and Special Commissioner appointed to
example, the 28th stanza describes a state Emilio Aguinaldo's Mga Gunita ng proclaim and solemnize this act by the
where "there willbe no mockery though one be Himagsikan, and the Declaration of Dictatorial Government of these Philippine
naked on his back, if he has no sin or evildoing, Philippine Independence Island, for the purposes and by virtue of the
there is no shame." One can also look at this as This erstwhile secret organization led the circular addressed by the Eminent Dictator of
a description of heaven as a place where revolution through Andres Bonifacio in its early the same Don Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy.
equality thrives. The 15th stanza, for instance, stages. Later, internal conflict in the movement
describes heaven as a place where social escalated to the tragic execution of Bonifacio in While it can always be argued that symbolic
positions on earth are erased. Thus, it reads May 1897 and the leadership takeover by Emilio meaning can always change and be
"high-born or low, rich or poor, all will look alike, Aguinaldo. reinterpreted, the original symbolic meaning of
this is God's vow." Such equality and unity are something presents us several historical truths
further fortified with the eradication of things that The Kataastaasan, Kagalang-galang na that can explain the subsequent events, which
threaten human relationships like envy, anger, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), or unfolded after the declaration of independence
arrogance, and selfishness. The 18th stanza Katipunan, is arguably the most crucial on the 12th day of June 1898. A re-examination
says, "there is no envy, or even arrogance, they organization formed in Philippine history of the document on the declaration of
are all holy, they all love one another." independence can reveal some
While anti-colonial movements, efforts, and often-overlooked historical truths about this
These promises in heaven can explain the organizations had already been formed important event in Philippine history.
passion and excitement that the Spaniards centuries before the foundation of the
witnessed among the members of Cofradia de Katipunan, it was only this organization that For example, the abuses mentioned explicitly in
San Jose. They were promised with such a state envisioned a united Filipino nation that would the proclamation, such as friar abuse, racial
of perfection and an intimate relationship with revolt against the Spaniards for the total discrimination, and inequality before the law,
the divine. The 39th and the 40th stanzas talk independence of the country from Spain. None reflect the most compelling sentiments
about the divine and holy intimacy that those before the Katipunan envisioned a unified represented by the revolutionary leadership.
who ascended into heaven will enjoy: "their Filipino nation revolting against the colonizers. Such aspects and realities of the revolutionary
companions will be the brilliant angels, with struggle were unfamiliar to middle-class
whom there will be dialogue and plain talk. The declaration was a short 2,000-word revolutionary leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo,
Martyrs will be acquaintances, virgins will be document written by Ambrosio Rianzares Ambrosio Rianzares-Bautista, and Felipe
friends, confessors will be loved, all of them Bautista which summarized the reason behind Buencamino
resplendent." Thus, the enthusiasm, passion, the revolution against Spain, the war for
The proclamation also gives us the impression
that the victorious revolutionary government of
Aguinaldo historicized the struggle for
independence. There were mentions of past
events that were seen as significant turning
points of the movement against Spain.

However, the Katipunan, as the pioneer of the

revolutionary movement, was only mentioned
once toward the end of the document. It can be
argued, thus, that the historical narration found
in the document also reflects the politics of the
victors. The enmity between Aguinaldo's
Magdalo and Bonifacio's Magdiwang in the
Katipunan is no secret in the pages of our
history

The point is, official records and documents

such as the proclamation of independence,
while truthful most of the time, still exude the
politics and biases of whoever is in power, which
manifested in the selectiveness of information
that can be found in these records. We should,
Therefore, always examine the circumstance
behind the production context of primary
sources such as official government records.