X and Y
1521- Ferdinand Magellan discovered the …………………………………………………………………………
1542- Spanish expedition commanded by ………………………………………………………………………..
……… GOMBURZA were executed by the ………………………………………………………………….......
1892 – Jose Rizal founded the civic organization …………………………………………………………………
Bagumbayan…………………..
Fort Santiago………….
……….Mactan……………………………………………….
Sikatuna………………………
……..Lapu- lapu
Magellan…..
People? Places? Dates?
Students are shaking!!! Their heads are bleeding!!!
“Katamad naman nyang Araling Panlipunan”
“Boring naman ang teacher natin sa History”
“Walang kwenta naman n’yan, puro na lang nakaraan”
These are just few lines that we can usually hear from students about History. More on complaining
than studying the subject. Unfortunately, these lines make us less patriotic. It degrading the nationalism
that Filipinos should have. But what is really happening in History subject? Is it really tedious?
Why is it boring?
Why is it hard to understand?
Why is it hard to memorize?
Why do we need to study it?
There are so many Whys (Y)? Does the past (X) can answer it?
Since grade school, history has been taught to students from the basic to more complex knowledge.
However, it’s sad to admit that we would have to agree that many of students are not a huge fan of studying
history. Maybe, most students somewhat misinterpreted that history subject is merely about dead people,
memorization of places, dates and people. Well, in fact, it is more than that.
Engaging myself in studying history leads me to a realization that it is not just important that I know
the different facts about places, people, and dates. But the way I understand, analyze, and interpret the
facts really matter most. And the more I get interested with history, the more I see the beauty on it. For
example, I learned that it was 1521 when the Philippines was discovered, but then knowing how it was
discovered makes it more interesting and beautiful.
Moreover, history also helps me to understand my own self. It tells me the story of how Philippines
where I live in came to be everything at it is today. It tells where my ancestors came from, who they were
and how did they survive. It tells me the reasons behind the color of my eyes, color of my skin, shape of
my nose and lips etc. Most importantly, it helps me to understand the way I act because history tells me the
story about the country’s influencers (colonizers) during different periods. For example, pagmamano, which
I used to do with my parents was influenced by Spaniards.
Furthermore, history made me what I am today. Basically, we are all products of history because
we all went from the past. Today, I see myself as part of our history as someone who is prepared to face
the present and brave enough to deal the future. But, it doesn’t mean that I would always emerge victorious.
I am prepared and brave enough because I already embraced history. And for me, embracing history also
means learning from the past. Past is indispensable, it is and will always be part of our present and future.
We need to embrace and learn from it because we are all in the process of becoming.
There were countless past events happened in the Philippines. Yet, there are two historical events
that have made the biggest impacts in my life: the Martial Law and the EDSA Revolution.
First, the Martial Law or Batas Militar, as stated in the 1973 Philippine Constitution that the
Commander-in-chief may declare Martial Law under the same conditions, “in case of invasion, insurrection,
or rebellion or imminent danger thereof, the public safety requires.” The President however, using this
provision may corrupt the military forces and become the hostage of ambitious Generals who may want to
exercise power through a puppet President, without corresponding responsibility. Through proclamation
1018, Martial Law has been executed on September 21, 1972. Based on studying History and watching
documentary videos, I believed that the authority during that time exceeded his limitations as the head of
the state. During Martial Law, Marcos amended the constitution for several times and I believe he used this
for his own good. Democracy has been ceased and no news opposing the Marcos administration can be
seen in the newspaper and even in the broadcast media such as radio and television. They also put into
closure those media stations that attack the wrong doings and failures of the Marcos administration. They
put into prison those people whose only objective is to say what they think is right and what they think is
best for the country. Democracy and human rights have been violated during this time, not to mention the
allegations of corruption and violation of its own constitution has been brought to the face of President
Marcos. Martial law brought back the love of country and desire to have democracy not dictatorship. Martial
law open the minds of the Filipino citizen to move, to join, to fight, and to love freedom. Human rights should
not be sacrificed just to obtain a common good. In order for us to move forward, we should set our goals
and visions with due respect to the rights of the citizens and respect to our constitutions.
Second, the EDSA Revolution. Of course, I didn’t witness the actual event because I wasn’t yet on
earth that time. Still, learning the history and interpreting it, the triumph of EDSA was that it attested the
power of the people: that when Filipinos are united with one ideology, we can be have a strong foundation
of democracy and we can have the change we want to see for our country. The essence of EDSA, the unity
of Filipinos, made me realize that it is not too late that we will and we can win as one.
Despite of the good sides of studying History, there are still challenges that we need to address on
its subject itself. First, history can be biased. So, History teachers should need to speak for the both sides
of a coin when addressing some critical issues specifically in government. Second, History subject was
perceived as boring subject, then, teachers should have a good strategy that can catch the attention of the
students. Lastly, students should realize and appreciate History subject in their selves, in the community
and in the country through instilling them the value of how it would help our country to become progressive.
And as a student, I will use my voice using social media platforms to influence the people especially
the youth about the love for History. I will post and share information that can make them feel that History
is fun and exciting and that can make them find their X (past) and finally answer their Y (why) about history.
