LESSON 2
CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED
PRIMARY SOURCES IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
TOPICS
1. Antonio Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around the World
2. Emilio Jacinto’s “Kartilya ng Katipunan,”
3. 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence
4. Alfred McCoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era
(1900-1941)
5. Corazon Aquino’s speech before the U.S. Congress.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. analyze the context, content, and perspective of different kinds of primary sources;
2. determine the contribution of different kinds of primary sources in understanding Philippine
history; and
3. develop critical and analytical skills with exposure to primary sources.
TOPIC 1: ANTONIO PIGAFETTA’S FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE
WORLD
The chronicle of Pigafetta was one of the most cited documents by historians who wished to study
the precolonial Philippines. Indeed, his work is of great importance in the study and writing of Philippine
history.
As a student, you should recognize certain biases accompanying the author and his identity,
loyalties, and the circumstances that he was in; and how it affected the text that he produced. In the case of
Pigafetta, you should understand some attributes that influenced his narrative, his selection of details to be
included in the text, his characterization of the people and of the species that he encountered, and his interpretation
and retelling of the events.
Analysis of Topic 1: Antonio Pigafetta’s First Voyage around the World
About the Author
Antonio Pigafetta was born in Vicenza around 1490
and died in the same city in 1534, who is also known
by the name of Antonio Lombardo or Francisco
Antonio Pigafetta.
He is an Italian nobleman who convoyed the
Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan on his navigation
around the world.
Importance of the Document
It is essential in the
study of precolonial
Philippines since it The document also
provided references on exposes on how It also reveals a
Magellan’s arrival in Europeans regarded clearer description on
the Philippines, his the environment, the character of the
encounter with the people, as well as our precolonial Philippines.
natives, until his death culture during their
and his fleet’s stay in the islands.
departure.
Content and Contextual Analysis
Indeed, Pigafetta’s document is really of great significance in the study of Philippine history since
this is the earliest, detailed, and purest documentation of our precolonial society. However, upon reading
the document, one should realize that there are some biases along with the author. Here are some factors
and the effects on Pigafetta’s way of writing:
Factors Effects
Thus, his loyalty and purpose was to the
Pigafetta was a chronicler,
commissioned by the King of King of Spain and the domination of the
Spain to travel with Magellan Catholic Church.
and document their voyage
which intends to expand the
Spanish empire.
Thus, he was able to give details on
He was a scholar of cartography geography and climate of the places they
and geography. had reached.
He came from a 16th century Thus, he repeatedly mentioned the
European perspective. abundance of spices like ginger, and
gold since the 16th century European
economy was mercantilist meaning
wealth of kingdoms was based on their
accumulation of precious metals like gold
and silver. Also, obsession with spices
reveals that they were scarce in Europe
and were seen as valuable goods.
He came from a rich family in Thus, Pigafetta directly or indirectly
Italy. regarded the indigenous of our native
Filipinos as inferior to Christianity and the
Europeans. Also, he would always
remark on the nakedness of the natives
and how he was fascinated by their
exotic culture. And lastly, he remarkably
emphasized the natives’ amazement and
illiteracy to European artilleries,
merchandise and goods.
Analysis of Topic 2: The KKK and the ‘Kartilya ng Katipunan’
The KKK is arguably the most important organization formed in the Philippine history. It envisioned
a (1) unified Filipino nation that would revolt against the Spaniards for (2) total independence of the country
from Spain. One of the most important Katipunan documents was the Kartilya ng Katipunan. The original
title of the document was “Manga Aral Nang Katipunan ng mga A.N.B” or Lessons of the Organization of
the Sons of Country. The document was written by Emilio Jacinto in the 1896. Jacinto was only 18 years old when
he joined the movement and was a law student at UST. Jacinto became the secretary of the organization and took
charge of the short-lived printing press of the Katipunan.
On April 15, 1897, Bonifacio appointed Jacinto as a commander of the Katipunan in Northern
Luzon. Jacinto was 22 years old then. He died of Malaria at a young age of 24 in the town of Magdalena,
Laguna. This can be treated as the Katipunan’s code of conduct. It contains fourteen rules that instruct the way a
Katipunan should behave. Generally, the rules stated in the Kartilya can be classified into two: (1) rules that will make
the member an upright individual and (2) rules that will guide the way he treats his fellow men.
14 RULES IN KARTILYA:
I. The life that is not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a
poisonous weed.
II. To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is not virtue.
III. III. It is rational to be charitable and love one’s fellow creature, and to adjust one’s conduct, acts
and words to what is in itself reasonable.
IV. IV. Whether our skin be black or white, we are all born equal; superiority in knowledge, wealth and
beauty are to be understood, but not superiority in nature.
V. V. The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain; the scoundrel, gain to honor.
VI. VI. To the honorable man, his word is sacred.
VII. VII. Do not waste thy time; wealth can be recovered but not time lost.
VIII. VIII. Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the law or in the field.
IX. IX. The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in keeping secrets.
X. X. On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and the children, and if the guide leads to
the precipice, those whom he guides will also go there.
XI. XI. Thou must not look upon woman as a mere plaything, but as a faithful companion who will
share with thee the penalties of life; her (physical) weakness will increase thy interest in her and
she will remind thee of the mother who bore thee and reared thee.
XII. XII. What thou does not desire done unto thy wife, children, brothers and sisters, that do not do
unto the wife, children, brothers and sisters of thy neighbor.
XIII. XIII. Man is not worth more because he is a king, because his nose is aquiline, and his color white,
not because he is a priest, a servant of God, nor because of the high prerogative that he enjoys
upon Earth, but he is worth most who is a man of proven and real value, who does good, keeps his
words, to worthy and honest; he who does not oppress nor consent to being oppressed, he who
loves and cherishes his fatherland, though he be born in the wilderness an know no tongue but his
own.
XIV. XIV. When these rules of conduct shall be known to all, the longest for sun of Liberty shall rise
brilliant over this most unhappy portion of the globe and its rays shall diffuse everlasting joy among
the confederated brethren of the same rays, the lives of those who have gone before, the fatigues
and the well-paid sufferings will remain. If he who desires to enter has informed himself of all this
and believes he will be able to perform what will be his duties, he may fill out the application for
admission.
About the Author
The Kartilya ng Katipunan was written by
Emilio Hainto in 1896 who was only 18 years
old when he joined the Katipunan and a law
student at the Universidad de Santo Tomas.
Even Bonifacio had written a Decalogue, he
still appreciated Jacinto’s intellect and his
Kartilya. Thus, Bonifacio ordered the latter to
be distributed among the Katipuneros.
Jacinto then became the secretary of the
organization and took charge also of the
printing press of the Katipunan.
When he was 22, he was appointed as a
commander of the KKK in Northern Luzon on
April 15, 1897. But, Jacinto died at the age of
24 due to malaria at the town of Magdalena,
Laguna.
Importance of the Document
The Kartilya ng Katipunan guided the The document provided a wider
organization as a collective aspiring for perspective on the real aspirations of
a single goal and can be treated as the the Katipuneros and on how the
Katpunan’s code of conduct. Katipunan strived to exist during those
years.
Content and Contextual Analysis
The KKK is arguably the most
important organization formed
during the Spanish colonial
regime.
It united the Filipino It envisioned a total
nation that would separation of the
WHY?
revolt against the Philippines from
Spaniards. Spain.
The Kartilya ng Katipunanis considered as one of the most important documenst of hhe
organization and irs original title was “Manga [sic] Katipunan ng mga A.N.B.” ior “Lessons of the
Organization of the Sons of the Country.” It has fourteen rules that instruct the way a Katipunan should
behave.
First group: The Second group:
rules that will The rules that will
Generally, such rules can be guide the way he
make the classified into two
member an treats his fellow
upright individual men.
The Kartilya ng Katipunan was a document written for an organization whose purpose is to overthrow
colonial regime. Thus, it is noticeable that the rules included in the Kartilya are the Katipuneros’ reaction to
their situation during those times. Here are some examples:
RULES INDICATION
4th and 13th Rules Inherent equality between and
among men regardless of their
race and life status.
12th, 13th, and 14th Rules Equality, Freedom, and Liberty
Chivalrous Actions
9th, 10th, 11th Rules Victorian values – honor and
respect for women
5th, 6th, and 7th Rules Rules for self-development
As of today, some rules in the Karilya might be criticized for its provisions. But still, we need to consider the
condition of the Philippines at those times. After all, the document revealed a more understanding of the
Katipunan and the organization’s ideals.
Analysis of Topic 3: Reading the ‘Proclamation of the Philippine Independence’
The country commemorates the anniversary of the Philippine Independence proclaimed on June 12, 1898,
in the province of Cavite. The declaration was a short 2,000-word document, which summarized the reason
behind the revolution against Spain. The proclamation commenced with a characterization of the conditions in the
Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The document mentioned abuses and inequalities in the colony.
It specifically cited the abuse by the Civil Guards and the unlawful shooting of prisoners whom they alleged
as attempting to escape. It also condemns the unequal protection of the law between the Filipino people
and the “eminent personages”. It also mentioned the avarice and greed of the clergy like the friars and the
Archbishop himself. It also condemns what they as the unjust deportation and rendering of other decision without
proper hearing, expected of any civilized nation.
Another detail in the proclamation that is worth looking is the explanation on the Philippine flag that was
first waved during that day. While it can always be argued that symbolic meaning can always change and
be reinterpreted, the original symbolic meaning of something presents us several historical truths.
• The document reflects the general revolutionary sentiment of that period.
• However, no mention was made about the more serious problem that affected the masses more
profoundly.
• It also give us the impression on how the victorious revolutionary government of Aguinaldo
historicized the struggle for independence.
• However the Katipunan was only mentioned once toward the end of the document.
The point is, even official records and documents like the proclamation of independence, while truthful most
of the time, still exude the politics and biases of whoever is in power. It is the task of the historian, thus, to
analyze the content of these documents in relation to the dominant politics and the contexts of people and
institutions surrounding it.
• The way of historical narration found in the document also reflects the politics of the victors.
• The point is, even official records and documents like the proclamation of independence, while
truthful most of the time, still exude the politics and biases of whoever is in power.
About the Author
He was a lawyer and also known as Don
Bosyong. In 1898, Bautista became the first adviser
to President Emilio Aguinaldo and subsequently
wrote the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
Contrary to common belief, it was Bautista, and
not Aguinaldo, who waved the Philippine flag before
the jubilant crowd on June 12, 1898.
Importance of the Document
The document tells us the kind of It shows sentiments of the government
government that Aguinaldo created and and the Filipinos during that period.
the coming of the US in the following
years.
Content and Contextual Analysis
The declaration of the Philippine Independence on June 12 1898 in the province of Cavite was a
2,000-word document that sums up the reason behind the revolution of 1896 and the rise of the new
republic under Emilio Aguinaldo. Since it signaled the end of 333 years of Spanish colonization, this event
is considered as one of the most important event in our history. Thus, it is being commemorated every year
and known as the Philippine Independence Day
The document highlighted about the following:
Characterization of the conditions in the Philippines during the colonization of the Spaniards
The reasons behind the revolution against Spain which includes the abuse of the Civil Guards,
unlawful shooting of prisoners, unequal protection of the law, unjust deportation without proper
hearing, and the greed of the clergy like the friars and the Archbishop.
It also provided a brief overview of the Spanish occupation since Magellans arrived in the Visayas
until the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
The document also narrated about the spread of revolutionary movement to several towns and
provinces.
The execution of Rizal, the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 and the execution of the GOMBURZA were also
mentioned in the document.
It also stated about the established republic that would be led by Aguinaldo and highlighted the
explanation on the Philippine flag that was first waved on that day.
Given that the above-mentioned things were highlighted during the proclamation, there were
however things that were not included and they were as follows:
The more serious problem known as the land and agrarian crisis which might affected the Filipinos
more profoundly.
Possible causes: Those struggle might be unfamiliar to the middle class revolutionary leaders or
were intentionally left out because they were also landholders.
There was also no mention about Bonifacio and his co-founders. Even the Katipunan was also
mentioned once in the document.
Possible cause: The enmity between Aguinaldo’s Magdalo and Bonifacio’s Magdiwangin the
Katipunan.
Analysis of Topic 4: Alfred McCoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900-
1941)
Political cartoons and caricature are a rather recent art form, which veered away from the classical art by
exaggerating human features and poking fun at its subjects. Cartoon became an effective tool of
publicizing opinions through heavy use of symbolism, which is different from a verbose written editorial and
opinion pieces.
Alfred McCoy, together with Alfred Roces, compiled political cartoons published in newspaper dailies and
periodicals in his book Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900 – 1941).
• The first example was published in The Independent on May 20, 1916.
• The cartoon shows a politician from Tondo, named Dr. Santos, passing his crown to
his brother-in-law, Dr. Barcelona. A Filipino guy was trying to stop giving Barcelona the
crown because it is not his to begin with.
• The second cartoon was also published by The Independent on June 16, 1917.
• This was drawn by Fernando Amorsolo and was aimed as a commentary to the
workings of Manila Police at that period.
• We see a Filipino child who stole a skinny chicken because he had nothing to eat. The
police officer was relentlessly pursuing the said child. A man wearing a salakot, was
grabbing the officer, telling him to leave the small-time pickpockets and thieves and to
turn at the great thieves instead.
• The third cartoon was a commentary on the unprecedented cases of colorum
automobiles in the city streets. The Philippine Free Press published this commentary
when fatal accidents involving colorum vehicles and taxis occurred too often already.
• The fourth cartoon depicts a cinema. A blown-up police officer was at the screen
saying that couples are not allowed to neck and make love in the theater. Two
youngsters looked horrified while an older couple seemed amused.
• The next cartoon was published by The Independent on November 27. 1915. here, we
see the caricature of Uncle Sam riding a chariot pulled by Filipinos wearing school
uniforms.
• The last cartoon was published by Lipang Kalabaw on August 24, 1907.
• We can see Uncle Sam rationing porridge to the politicians and members of the
Progresista Party (sometimes known as the Federalista Party) while members of the
Nacionalista Party look on and wait for their turn.
• The selected cartoons illustrate not only the opinion of certain media outfits about the Philippine
society during the American period but also paint a broad image of society and politics under the
United States.
• Patronage also became influential and powerful, not only between clients and patrons but also
between the newly formed political parties composed of the elite and the United States.
• The transition from a Catholic-centered, Spanish-Filipino society to an imperial American-
assimilated one, and its complications, were also depicted in the cartoons.
• Young people, as early as that period, disturbed the conservative Filipino mindset by engaging in
daring sexual activities in public spaces like cinemas.
• The cartoons also illustrated the conditions of poor Filipinos in the Philippines now governed by the
United States.
• The other cartoon depicts how Americans controlled Filipinos through seemingly harmless
American objects.
Analysis of Topic 5: Corazon Aquino’s Speech before the U.S. Congress
Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino function as the symbol of the restoration of democracy and the
overthrow of the Marcos Dictatorship in 1986. Her image as the mourning, widowed housewife who had
always been in the shadow of her husband and relatives and had no experience in politics was juxtaposed
against Marcos’s statesmanship, eloquence, charisma, and cunning political skills.
On 18 September 1986, seven months since Cory became President, she went to the United
States and spoke before the joint session of the U.S. Congress. Cory was welcomed with long applause as
she took the podium and addressed the United States about her presidency and challenges faced by the
new republic. She began her speech with the story of her leaving the United States three years prior as a
newly widowed wife of Ninoy Aquino.
She then told Ninoy’s charater, conviction, and resolve in opposing the authoritarianism of Marcos.
Cory continued that when Ninoy survived that first detention, he was then charged of
subversion, murder, and other crimes. He was tried by a military court, whose legitimacy Ninoy adamantly
questioned. To solidify his protest, Ninoy decided to do a hunger strike and fasted for 40 days.
Cory talked about her miraculous victory through the people’s struggle and continued talking about
her earliest initiatives as the president of a restored democracy.
Cory’s peace agenda involves political initiatives and re-integration program to persuade
insurgents to leave the countryside and return to the mainstream society to participate in the restoration of
the democracy.
Cory then turned to the controversial topic of the Philippines foreign debt amounting to $26 billion
at the time of her speech.
Cory Proceeded in enumerating the challenges of the Filipino people as they tried building
the new democracy.
Cory ended her speech by thanking America for serving as home to her family for what
she referred to as the “three happiest years of our lives together.”
• The speech talks of her family background, especially her relationship with her late husband, Ninoy
Aquino.
• The ideology or the principles of the new democratic government can also be seen in the same
speech.
To fully access each document of the given topics under this lesson, kindly check the
references and/or the links below:
Antonio Pigafetta’s First Voyage around the World:
Candelaria, J., & Alporha, V. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Manila, Philippines: REX Book
Store. (Pages 14-20)
https://books.google.com.ph/books?vid=ISBN9780802093707&redir_esc=y
Emilio Jacinto’s “Kartilya ng Katipunan,”
Candelaria, J., & Alporha, V. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Manila, Philippines: REX Book
Store. (Pages 22-24)
http://www.philippinemasonry.org/kartilya-ng-katipunan.html
1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence
Candelaria, J., & Alporha, V. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Manila, Philippines: REX Book
Store. (Pages 26-29)
https://filipino.biz.ph/history/declaration.html
Alfred McCoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900-
1941)
Candelaria, J., & Alporha, V. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Manila, Philippines: REX Book
Store. (Pages 31-34)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315678206_Selected_sections_and_cartoons_from_
'Philippine_Cartoons_Political_Caricature_of_the_American_Era_1900-
1941'_edited_by_Alfred_W_McCoy_and_Alfredo_R_Roces_1985
Corazon Aquino’s Speech before the U.S. Congress
Candelaria, J., & Alporha, V. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Manila, Philippines: REX Book
Store. (Pages 36-41)
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/09/18/speech-of-president-corazon-aquino-during-
the-joint-session-of-the-u-s-congress-september-18-1986/
Task
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________
Course, Year & Section: ___________________ Score: __________
INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the blanks with the correct and best answer. Choose your answers on the box
below.
Emilio Jacinto Ambrosio Rianzares-Bautista Fernando Amorsolo
Andres Bonifacio Buencamino Ladrones Islands
Lapu-Lapu 24 9th rule
Duarte Barbosa First Voyage Around the World Ferdinand Magellan
First Travel Around the World Alfred McCoy June 12, 1898
Zula Treatment for fellowmen Victorian rule
Zamal Island 4th & 6th rule Antonio Pigafetta
27 Caricature September 18, 1986
Corazon Aquino 10th rule 4th and 13th rule
Ferdinand Marcos April 15, 1897 14th rule
Marcelo H. del Pilar September 18, 1986 40
Diego Silang 45 5th rule
Emilio Aguinaldo William H. Taft Mazaua
To be an upright individual July 4, 1986 Macario Sakay
To become a good Filipino citizen 26
Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan Uncle Sam
_______________ 1. He was an Italian nobleman who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan on his
circumnavigation around the world.
_______________ 2.The complete name of Pigafetta’s book which was published after he returned to Italy.
_______________ 3. Other name given by Pigafetta to the “Islands of the Thieves”
_______________ 4. He was a principal man from the island of Matan who went and asked Magellan for a
boat full of men to fight Silapulapu.
_______________ 5. He was elected as the new captain of Magellan’s fleet after the latter’s death.
_______________ 6.The complete meaning of KKK.
_______________ 7. He was an Ilocano who considered himself as El Rey de Ilocos or King of Ilocos
during the Spanish colonization.
_______________ 8. He was the author of Kartilya ng Katipunan.
_______________ 9 – 10. The two rules in the KartilyangKatipunan which invocates inherent quality
between and among men regardless of race, occupation, or status.
_______________ 10.
_______________ 11. The rule in the document which specifically stated that men should be the guide of
women and children and that he should set a good example.
_______________ 12. Emilio Jacinto appointed by Bonifacio as a commander of the Katipunan in Northern
Luzon on _______________.
_______________ 13 – 14. Two classifications of the rules in Kartilya ng Katipunan.
_______________ 14.
_______________ 15. In what age did Emilio Jacinto died because of malaria?
_______________ 16. When did the proclamation of Philippine Independence took place in the province of
Cavite?
_______________ 17. He was the author of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence.
_______________ 18. This is known as a recent art form of exaggerating human features and poking fun
at its subjects.
_______________ 19. Together with Alfredo Roces, he compiled political cartoons published I newspaper
dailies and periodicals in the American Period.
_______________ 20.He drawn a caricature which aimed as a commentary to the workings of Manila
Police during the American Era.
_______________ 21. He was brought to the Manila pier riding a chariot pulled by students of Liceo de
Manila which was depicted on one of the cartoons discussed.
_______________ 22. She functioned as the symbol of the restoration of democracy and the overthrow of
Marcos Dictatorship on 1986.
_______________ 23. When did Cory Aquino delivered her speech before the United States Congress?
_______________ 24. How many billion dollars were mentioned by Cory Aquino during her speech which
was known as the Philippine Foreign debt?
_______________ 25. How many days did former senator Ninoy Aquino did the hunger strike and fasted to
solidify his protest against the dictatorial government?
INSTRUCTIONS: True or False. Write true if the statement is correct. Otherwise, write false in the
space provided.
_________1. Andres Bonifacio penned the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
_________2. The forces of Magellan were not successful in defeating and conquering Lapulapu.
_________ 3. The enmity between Aguinaldo and Bonifacio did not affect how Aguinaldo credited Bonifacio
to the beginnings of the Philippine Revolution during the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
_________4. Magellan and his fleet received a warm welcome from all of the chieftains and local leaders in
the Philippine Islands.
________ 5. The Kartilya never stated any rule regarding respect and honor for women.
________ 6. The Kartilya contained 14 rules which served as the code of conduct of the Katipuneros.
________ 7. Don Ambrosio Rianzares-Bautista was the author of the Proclamation of Philippine
Independence.
________ 8. The Proclamation of Philippine Independence is a 4,000-word document which summarizes
the reasons behind revolution against Spain.
________ 9. No mention during the Proclamation were made about the more serious problem that affected
the Filipinos before which is known as the Land and Agrarian Crisis.
________ 10. The speech of Cory Aquino was ended by an appreciation message to the United States of
America for serving as home to her family.
Assessment
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________
Course, Year & Section: ___________________ Score: __________
INSTRUCTIONS: Based on your own understanding, create a Content and Contextual Analysis on a
particular primary source discussed on this lesson. Your analysis must include: a) discussion on the
importance of the text, b) the document’s impact to you as a student, and c) contribution of the document to
understanding Philippine history.
