Readings in Philippine History
Historians set aside prior knowledge when
analyzing newly retrieved evidence to avoid BIAS.
Meaning of History
Historians have to verify sources, date them,
locate their place of origin and identify their
The English word history is derived from the Greek word
intended functions
“istoia” meaning learning
The historian is many times removed from events
According to Aristotle, history is the systematic account of under investigation
a set of natural phenomena whether or not chronological They rely on surviving records
ordering was a factor in an account, and this is considered
History is, therefore, a reconstruction.
as natural history. As time passed, the equivalent Latin
word “scientia”, which is science in English later was used To study objectively (intention of acquiring detached and
more to designate non-chronological systematic accounts truthful knowledge independent of one’s personal
of phenomena. reactions) a thing must first be an object and must have
an independent resistance outside the human mind).
Presently, the word “history” means the “past of mankind”.
Most of history is based on the human mind since most
History is the study of past events, particularly in human
of history is based upon recollection (written or spoken
affairs.
history).
History in German is “Geschichte”, meaning, “that which
In reconstruction, only a part of what was observed is
has happened”. This means that the word implies that
remembered, only a part of what was remembered is
history teaches and we may learn from the lessons of
recorded, only a part of what was recorded survives, and
history.
only a part of what survived comes to the historian’s
With the definition of history, it brings man to a attention.
recognition that history cannot be reconstructed, that the
past of mankind, much of it, is beyond recall. And that
even the best of our memories cannot re-create our past.
The reconstruction of the total past of mankind is the total
goal of historians which, however, is unattainable.
Historians will never really know everything that
happened in the past. Only a part of what is credible has been grasped, only a
The problem that every historian confronts is that the part of what has been grasped can be expounded and
narrated by the historian.
evidence they rely on is likely to be fragmented,
incomplete and even contradictory. The result is, each Historical Sources
historian’s conclusions are influenced by the evidence
they have selected from what is available and from how Objects from the past or testimony concerning the past
they interpreted it. which historians use to create their own depiction of the
past.
And from whatever a historian only has will be the only
thing that he can use to connect him to the past. 1. According to Form
Written Sources - Published materials (books, journals
etc.) and manuscripts (handwritten and unprinted like
Historical Method and Historical Sources archival materials and memoirs)
Historical Method Non written Sources - Oral history, artifacts, fossils, etc.
The process of critically examining and analyzing the Source - provide information to the topic.
records and survivals of the past.
,Readings in Philippine History
2. According to Origin Internal Criticism
Primary Sources - deals with the problem of credibility. [author]
Testimony of an eyewitness. They must have been - Tests of credibility are:
produced by a contemporary of what has been
Determine the Character of the Author, his
narrated.
reliability, and his ability and willingness to tell the
It is a document or physical object written or created
truth
during the time under study.
Determine the Corroboration, historical facts
These sources were present during an experience or
rest upon the testimony of two or more reliable
time period and offer an inside view of a particular
witnesses
event.
Kinds Of Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Interpret and analyze primary sources. They are one Records of social and cultural observations
or more steps removed from the event. Chronicles
Made after the time of the event. Examples are Human Fossils (remains of ancient man imbedded
printed textbooks. [e.g. historians] in the earth such as bones, hair, skin etc.)
Artifacts ( cultural evidences of man in the past
Visual Primary Sources such as tools and implements)
Records of Detective Investigations
visual document, predominantly images not word.
Royal Decrees and Laws
o Photographs
Official Reports
o Films
Maps
o Painting
Memoirs or Autobiographies
o Cartoons
Personal accounts: record of interviews
o Posters
Newspapers and Magazines: reports of
Historical Criticisms, Kinds of Primary Sources and correspondents
Repositories of Primary Sources Legislative journals
Court Records
Historical Criticism
Repositories Of Primary Sources
- Settles matters on the form and content of a source
National Archives of the Philippines [ retrieved
External Criticism documents]
National Library of the Philippines
- Deals with the problem of authenticity [document]
National Historical Commission of the Philippines
- To spot hoaxes, fakes, forgeries and fabrications [to preserve heritage,culture, traditions, and
customs of ancestry]
- Tests of Authenticity are:
National Museum of the Philippines [legislative
Determine the date if it is Anachronistic: a blg before]
material, skill, or culture does not exist at that
Other Repositories of Primary Sources are the libraries of
time
various universities in the Philippines such as the
Determine the author in the uniqueness of his
University of the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila Rizal
handwriting or signature
Library and Museum, the American Historical Collection in
Determine the provenance or custody:
ADMU, and the University of Sto. Tomas Central Library
genuineness
and Museum.
Determine the Semantics, and meaning of a text
or word
Determine the Hermeneutics, the ambiguitie
, Readings in Philippine History
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE into existence. The new law strengthened the
PHILIPPINES (NHCP), formerly known as the National government’s recordkeeping systems and administration
Historical Institute (RA 10086), forms part of the programs for archival materials.
government’s culture and development agenda. It is
Today, in implementing its mandate, the Archives utilizes
tasked to promote Philippine history and cultural heritage
a two pronged approach where effective records
through research and dissemination, management and
management goes hand-in-hand with the development
conservation of historical sites, and heraldry works. The
of a sense of pride in one’s heritage. To achieve its goals,
NHCP was established in 1972 as part of the
the Archives interacts with other government agencies
reorganization of government after President Ferdinand
and the private sector to set up projects which will
Marcos' declaration of martial law, but the roots of the
illustrate how heritage resources can be used for
institute can be traced back to 1933, when the American
enhancing community life. Archival materials can be
colonial Insular Government first established the
utilized for tourism information, creative product design
Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee
and heritage education modules that revitalize the youth’s
(PHRMC).
sense of identity and membership in a dynamic,
Its mission is "the promotion of Philippine history and multifaceted nation.(nationalarchives.gov.ph)
cultural heritage through research, dissemination,
In 1922, the UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-
conservation, sites management and heraldry works." As
DILIMAN LIBRARY was founded by the Board of
such, it "aims to inculcate awareness and appreciation of
Regents. The library collections of the University Library
the noble deeds and ideals of our heroes and other
have been developed in aid of teaching, research and
illustrious Filipinos, to instill pride in the Filipino people
extension work in the disciplines designated to Diliman.
and to rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of
Topping the list of choice collections in UP Diliman are the
history." (senate.gov.ph)
Filipiniana Collections, which come in print, non-print and
The task of guaranteeing that documents and records are digital forms. Today, the UPD Library has its own digital
preserved and accessible to the public lies with the version, also known as the Saliktroniko. Both are open to
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES. Its main visitors under a few terms and conditions.
responsibility is to preserve the primary sources of (https://mainlib.upd.edu.ph/)
information on Philippine history, the basic components
The UNIVESITY OF SANTO TOMAS MIGUEL BENVIDES
of cultural heritage and collective memory. These
LIBRARY can be known as the oldest University library in
documentary sources are the embodiment of community
the country. Its first first seeds were planted when in the
identities as well as testaments to shared national
early 17th century "the founder," Fr. Miguel de Benavides
experiences.
and other benefactors such as Fr. Diego Soria and
The National Archives of the Philippines is the home of Hernando de Los Rios Coronel, donated their private
about 60 million documents from the centuries of Spanish collections for a future college. Through the history of the
rule in the Philippines, the American and Japanese University other Dominicans contributed books
occupations, as well as the years of the Republic. It is also indispensable in the education for the priesthood and
the final repository for the voluminous notarized other sciences.
documents of the country. The Treaty of Paris (December
On October 1989, the UST Central Library Building was
10, 1898) established the Office of Archives (formerly
inaugurated. The University Library has completed its
Spanish Division of Archives) under the Americans.
transformation from a manually operated Library to a fully
The Treaty urged the turn-over of documents from Spain automated one, and is presently engaged in the
and the Philippines. Philippine Commission Act No. 273 development of a virtual Library.
(October 21, 1901) established the Bureau of Archives
Each section/branch of the library houses a rich collection
under the Department of Public Instructions (now
of print and non-print materials which varies according to
Department of Education) On May 21, 2007, by means of
courses offered by the university. To facilitate better
RA 9470 – the first archival legislation after more than a
learning, it provides adequate and essential facilities such
century – the National Archives of the Philippines came
as conference hall, exhibit area, discussion rooms,
Historians set aside prior knowledge when
analyzing newly retrieved evidence to avoid BIAS.
Meaning of History
Historians have to verify sources, date them,
locate their place of origin and identify their
The English word history is derived from the Greek word
intended functions
“istoia” meaning learning
The historian is many times removed from events
According to Aristotle, history is the systematic account of under investigation
a set of natural phenomena whether or not chronological They rely on surviving records
ordering was a factor in an account, and this is considered
History is, therefore, a reconstruction.
as natural history. As time passed, the equivalent Latin
word “scientia”, which is science in English later was used To study objectively (intention of acquiring detached and
more to designate non-chronological systematic accounts truthful knowledge independent of one’s personal
of phenomena. reactions) a thing must first be an object and must have
an independent resistance outside the human mind).
Presently, the word “history” means the “past of mankind”.
Most of history is based on the human mind since most
History is the study of past events, particularly in human
of history is based upon recollection (written or spoken
affairs.
history).
History in German is “Geschichte”, meaning, “that which
In reconstruction, only a part of what was observed is
has happened”. This means that the word implies that
remembered, only a part of what was remembered is
history teaches and we may learn from the lessons of
recorded, only a part of what was recorded survives, and
history.
only a part of what survived comes to the historian’s
With the definition of history, it brings man to a attention.
recognition that history cannot be reconstructed, that the
past of mankind, much of it, is beyond recall. And that
even the best of our memories cannot re-create our past.
The reconstruction of the total past of mankind is the total
goal of historians which, however, is unattainable.
Historians will never really know everything that
happened in the past. Only a part of what is credible has been grasped, only a
The problem that every historian confronts is that the part of what has been grasped can be expounded and
narrated by the historian.
evidence they rely on is likely to be fragmented,
incomplete and even contradictory. The result is, each Historical Sources
historian’s conclusions are influenced by the evidence
they have selected from what is available and from how Objects from the past or testimony concerning the past
they interpreted it. which historians use to create their own depiction of the
past.
And from whatever a historian only has will be the only
thing that he can use to connect him to the past. 1. According to Form
Written Sources - Published materials (books, journals
etc.) and manuscripts (handwritten and unprinted like
Historical Method and Historical Sources archival materials and memoirs)
Historical Method Non written Sources - Oral history, artifacts, fossils, etc.
The process of critically examining and analyzing the Source - provide information to the topic.
records and survivals of the past.
,Readings in Philippine History
2. According to Origin Internal Criticism
Primary Sources - deals with the problem of credibility. [author]
Testimony of an eyewitness. They must have been - Tests of credibility are:
produced by a contemporary of what has been
Determine the Character of the Author, his
narrated.
reliability, and his ability and willingness to tell the
It is a document or physical object written or created
truth
during the time under study.
Determine the Corroboration, historical facts
These sources were present during an experience or
rest upon the testimony of two or more reliable
time period and offer an inside view of a particular
witnesses
event.
Kinds Of Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Interpret and analyze primary sources. They are one Records of social and cultural observations
or more steps removed from the event. Chronicles
Made after the time of the event. Examples are Human Fossils (remains of ancient man imbedded
printed textbooks. [e.g. historians] in the earth such as bones, hair, skin etc.)
Artifacts ( cultural evidences of man in the past
Visual Primary Sources such as tools and implements)
Records of Detective Investigations
visual document, predominantly images not word.
Royal Decrees and Laws
o Photographs
Official Reports
o Films
Maps
o Painting
Memoirs or Autobiographies
o Cartoons
Personal accounts: record of interviews
o Posters
Newspapers and Magazines: reports of
Historical Criticisms, Kinds of Primary Sources and correspondents
Repositories of Primary Sources Legislative journals
Court Records
Historical Criticism
Repositories Of Primary Sources
- Settles matters on the form and content of a source
National Archives of the Philippines [ retrieved
External Criticism documents]
National Library of the Philippines
- Deals with the problem of authenticity [document]
National Historical Commission of the Philippines
- To spot hoaxes, fakes, forgeries and fabrications [to preserve heritage,culture, traditions, and
customs of ancestry]
- Tests of Authenticity are:
National Museum of the Philippines [legislative
Determine the date if it is Anachronistic: a blg before]
material, skill, or culture does not exist at that
Other Repositories of Primary Sources are the libraries of
time
various universities in the Philippines such as the
Determine the author in the uniqueness of his
University of the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila Rizal
handwriting or signature
Library and Museum, the American Historical Collection in
Determine the provenance or custody:
ADMU, and the University of Sto. Tomas Central Library
genuineness
and Museum.
Determine the Semantics, and meaning of a text
or word
Determine the Hermeneutics, the ambiguitie
, Readings in Philippine History
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE into existence. The new law strengthened the
PHILIPPINES (NHCP), formerly known as the National government’s recordkeeping systems and administration
Historical Institute (RA 10086), forms part of the programs for archival materials.
government’s culture and development agenda. It is
Today, in implementing its mandate, the Archives utilizes
tasked to promote Philippine history and cultural heritage
a two pronged approach where effective records
through research and dissemination, management and
management goes hand-in-hand with the development
conservation of historical sites, and heraldry works. The
of a sense of pride in one’s heritage. To achieve its goals,
NHCP was established in 1972 as part of the
the Archives interacts with other government agencies
reorganization of government after President Ferdinand
and the private sector to set up projects which will
Marcos' declaration of martial law, but the roots of the
illustrate how heritage resources can be used for
institute can be traced back to 1933, when the American
enhancing community life. Archival materials can be
colonial Insular Government first established the
utilized for tourism information, creative product design
Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee
and heritage education modules that revitalize the youth’s
(PHRMC).
sense of identity and membership in a dynamic,
Its mission is "the promotion of Philippine history and multifaceted nation.(nationalarchives.gov.ph)
cultural heritage through research, dissemination,
In 1922, the UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-
conservation, sites management and heraldry works." As
DILIMAN LIBRARY was founded by the Board of
such, it "aims to inculcate awareness and appreciation of
Regents. The library collections of the University Library
the noble deeds and ideals of our heroes and other
have been developed in aid of teaching, research and
illustrious Filipinos, to instill pride in the Filipino people
extension work in the disciplines designated to Diliman.
and to rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of
Topping the list of choice collections in UP Diliman are the
history." (senate.gov.ph)
Filipiniana Collections, which come in print, non-print and
The task of guaranteeing that documents and records are digital forms. Today, the UPD Library has its own digital
preserved and accessible to the public lies with the version, also known as the Saliktroniko. Both are open to
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES. Its main visitors under a few terms and conditions.
responsibility is to preserve the primary sources of (https://mainlib.upd.edu.ph/)
information on Philippine history, the basic components
The UNIVESITY OF SANTO TOMAS MIGUEL BENVIDES
of cultural heritage and collective memory. These
LIBRARY can be known as the oldest University library in
documentary sources are the embodiment of community
the country. Its first first seeds were planted when in the
identities as well as testaments to shared national
early 17th century "the founder," Fr. Miguel de Benavides
experiences.
and other benefactors such as Fr. Diego Soria and
The National Archives of the Philippines is the home of Hernando de Los Rios Coronel, donated their private
about 60 million documents from the centuries of Spanish collections for a future college. Through the history of the
rule in the Philippines, the American and Japanese University other Dominicans contributed books
occupations, as well as the years of the Republic. It is also indispensable in the education for the priesthood and
the final repository for the voluminous notarized other sciences.
documents of the country. The Treaty of Paris (December
On October 1989, the UST Central Library Building was
10, 1898) established the Office of Archives (formerly
inaugurated. The University Library has completed its
Spanish Division of Archives) under the Americans.
transformation from a manually operated Library to a fully
The Treaty urged the turn-over of documents from Spain automated one, and is presently engaged in the
and the Philippines. Philippine Commission Act No. 273 development of a virtual Library.
(October 21, 1901) established the Bureau of Archives
Each section/branch of the library houses a rich collection
under the Department of Public Instructions (now
of print and non-print materials which varies according to
Department of Education) On May 21, 2007, by means of
courses offered by the university. To facilitate better
RA 9470 – the first archival legislation after more than a
learning, it provides adequate and essential facilities such
century – the National Archives of the Philippines came
as conference hall, exhibit area, discussion rooms,
