SS 110
Readings in Philippine History
Introduction to History
Definitions of History
Traditional Definition: History
 record of the past
 record of the human past form the time
written records began to appear
 weak definitions
 view history as based merely on
written records
 interviews or local history, oral
traditions and cultural artifacts are
not considered
 “no written record, no history”
Modern Definition: History
 reconstruction of the past based on written
records, oral history, cultural artifacts and
folk traditions
 imaginative reconstruction of the past, the
study of events concerning people in the
past
History
 is the interpretative and imaginative study of
surviving records of the past, either written
or unwritten, in order to determine the
meaning and scope of human existence
(Funtecha et al., 1991)
 study of known past events (Encarta, 1997-
2000)
Importance of Studying History
Bridging the Gap between the
Past and the Present
 the present is the result of the past
 knowing the past improves the
understanding of the present
Explaining Causes of
Things and Events
 explanations of causes of things, events
and/or developments can best provide by
history
Projecting the Future
 events and developments in the future
may be envisioned using lessons of history
as bases
Interpreting Conditions of a
Given Space and Time
 information and corresponding
interpretation of different events in the
past can be best provided by history
Promoting Nationalism and Patriotism
 history is the best in promoting
nationalism and patriotism
 inspires and develops a sense of national
pride and devotion to the country
Sources of History
Written or Inscribed Sources
 birth, death and marriage certificates
 church, school, government, business,
police and hospital records
 directories, books and souvenir programs
 letters, diaries, title deeds, surveyor’s
notes, local newspapers and census
reports
 inscriptions
Graphic/Visual Materials
and Artifacts
 photographs
 heirlooms and keepsakes
 arts and crafts
 tools, weapons and utensils
 old structures and landmarks
 skeletal remains with adornments
Folklore/Oral Literature
Oral History through Interviews

History as Tool in Understanding

National Identity

History and National Identity

 can help in tracing the roots of the

Filipinos

 serves as tool in identifying commonalities

in culture and experiences of Filipinos

 points out the need for nationalism and

patriotism in nation building