Gusarem,Nia T.
1.Textual criticism is important in Philippine history because it ensures the
accuracy and reliability of historical sources by verifying authenticity, identifying
errors, and uncovering biases. Given the country’s complex colonial past, many
historical documents were written by Spanish, American, and even Japanese
authors, often reflecting their own perspectives. Through textual criticism,
historians can compare different versions of documents, assess their credibility,
and reconstruct events more accurately.
This method helps correct misinterpretations that may arise from translation
errors, political influences, or deliberate alterations over time. For instance,
conflicting accounts of significant events—such as the Cry of Balintawak/Pugad
Lawin—require careful analysis to determine which details are the most accurate.
Similarly, textual criticism ensures that primary sources like José Rizal’s writings
and the Kartilya ng Katipunan are interpreted correctly, preserving their original
intent.
B.Textual criticism in Philippine history is essential for verifying authenticity,
identifying biases, and ensuring accurate interpretations of historical texts.
Historians analyze documents to determine their originality and reliability,
preventing misinformation and historical distortion. Colonial records, for example,
often contain biases that favor foreign rulers, and textual criticism helps uncover
these inaccuracies. It also resolves conflicting accounts, such as the debate on
the location of the Cry of Balintawak/Pugad Lawin. Additionally, this method
corrects errors in copied or translated texts, ensuring that historical narratives
remain credible. Overall, textual criticism safeguards the integrity of Philippine
history by preserving accurate and well-analyzed sources.
2.A.
Antonio Pigafetta’s Chronicle of the First Voyage Around the World is a crucial
primary source documenting Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, including the first
recorded European contact with the Philippines in 1521. His detailed accounts
provide valuable insights into pre-colonial Filipino society, language, and
customs.
Pigafetta recorded significant events such as Magellan’s arrival in Homonhon, his
alliance with Rajah Humabon of Cebu, and the Battle of Mactan, where Lapu-Lapu
and his warriors resisted Spanish colonization, leading to Magellan’s death. His
chronicle also includes a glossary of Visayan words, making it an essential
resource for understanding early Philippine languages.
However, Pigafetta’s account carries biases, as it reflects a Eurocentric and
Catholic perspective, portraying Magellan as a heroic figure spreading Christianity
while depicting indigenous resistance as opposition to civilization. Despite these
limitations, his work remains one of the most reliable firsthand sources on early
Philippine history, helping historians reconstruct the events of Magellan’s
expedition and its impact on the archipelago.
2.B
The Kartilya ng Katipunan Is a foundational document of the Katipunan, written
by Emilio Jacinto, which served as a guide for members of the revolutionary
society. It outlined the moral and ethical values that Katipuneros were expected
to follow, emphasizing that the revolution was not only about fighting against
Spanish rule but also about self-discipline, equality, and patriotism.
The Kartilya teaches that all people are equal, regardless of wealth or social
status, and that a person’s worth is determined by their actions and character. It
stresses the importance of honor, dignity, and love for the country, encouraging
Filipinos to dedicate their lives to the nation’s freedom. It also promotes moral
responsibility by discouraging selfishness, greed, and oppression.
Unlike other revolutionary documents that focus on military strategies, the
Kartilya highlights the ethical foundation of the Katipunan’s cause, showing that
the movement was not only about armed struggle but also about building a just
and moral society.
2.C
The Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite,
marked the formal declaration of freedom from Spanish colonial rule. It was led
by General Emilio Aguinaldo, with Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista reading the Act of
the Declaration of Independence before Filipino revolutionary leaders and local
officials.
The proclamation symbolized the end of over 300 years of Spanish rule and was
the first declaration of independence in Asia, inspiring other colonies to seek
freedom. The Philippine national flag, sewn by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza
Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, was officially unfurled, and “Marcha
Nacional Filipina” (now the national anthem) was played.
However, the proclamation was not internationally recognized, as Spain had
already ceded the Philippines to the United States through the Treaty of Paris
(1898). This led to the Philippine-American War, as Filipinos continued their fight
for full sovereignty. Despite this, June 12 remains a national holiday, celebrated
as Independence Day, honoring the bravery of Filipinos in their struggle for
freedom.
2-D
Political caricatures during the American period (1898–1946) were used as a form
of visual satire to critique colonial rule, government corruption, and social
injustices in the Philippines. These illustrations, often published in newspapers
and magazines, served as a medium for expressing public sentiment and
resistance against American imperialism.
Filipino artists used caricatures to expose the racism, exploitation, and political
manipulation imposed by the American government. They depicted Filipinos as
victims of oppressive policies, such as the benevolent assimilation strategy and
military rule. Some caricatures also criticized Filipino politicians who collaborated
with the Americans, showing them as puppets or traitors to their own people.
These caricatures were significant because they raised awareness, shaped public
opinion, and encouraged nationalistic sentiments during a time when press
freedom was limited. They also reflected the struggle of Filipinos in defining their
identity and fighting for true independence from colonial rule
2-5Cory Aquino’s Speech Before the U.S. Congress (September 18, 1986) was a
pivotal moment that highlighted the struggles of the Filipino people under the
dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy through the
People Power Revolution. Delivered just months after she became president,
Aquino’s speech emphasized the significance of the Filipino people’s courage and
unity in overthrowing an authoritarian regime.
In her speech, Aquino described the oppression faced by Filipinos under Martial
Law, which lasted for over 14 years, marked by human rights violations, political
repression, and economic decline. She also honored her late husband, Benigno
"Ninoy" Aquino Jr., whose assassination in 1983 had galvanized the people’s
movement for democracy.
Aquino called on the United States for continued support of the new Philippine
government, urging the U.S. to stand by the Filipino people’s desire for
democracy and sovereignty. She emphasized that the Philippine revolution was a
peaceful, non-violent triumph, and framed it as a victory for democratic ideals.
Her address aimed to solidify Philippine-U.S. relations, reassuring the U.S. that
the Philippines would remain a strong ally while asserting its independence and
sovereignty.
Her speech was both a thank you to”the American people for their support during
the revolution and a call for international recognition of the Philippines’
democratic transition.
