LET Elementary Social Sciences — Philippine HistoryFlash Cards

What were the three main social classes in pre-colonial Philippine barangays?

The three main social classes were: 1) Maginoo (nobility/ruling class), 2) Timawa (freemen/middle class), and 3) Alipin (dependents/slaves). The alipin were further divided into aliping namamahay (those who lived in their own houses) and aliping saguiguilid (household servants). This social structure shows early Filipino civilization was well-organized and stratified.

Baybayin

The indigenous writing system used in pre-colonial Philippines before the Spanish arrival. Baybayin was a syllabic script derived from ancient Brahmi script, showing early Filipino literacy and cultural sophistication. It was primarily used in Luzon and parts of Visayas. Understanding baybayin helps teachers show pupils that Filipinos had rich written culture before colonization.

Who killed Ferdinand Magellan and in what battle?

Lapu-Lapu killed Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. This battle is significant as it represents the first recorded Filipino resistance against foreign invaders. Lapu-Lapu, a datu from Mactan Island, refused Spanish demands and successfully defended his territory, making him a symbol of Filipino courage and independence.

What was the encomienda system and how did it affect Filipino communities?

The encomienda system granted Spanish colonizers rights to collect tribute from native communities in exchange for providing protection and religious instruction. This system led to exploitation, forced labor, and disruption of traditional Filipino governance. It concentrated land ownership among Spanish encomenderos while reducing native Filipinos to tributary status, establishing patterns of inequality that lasted centuries.

GomBurZa

Refers to the three Filipino priests - Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora - who were executed by garrote on February 17, 1872, on charges of sedition during the Cavite Mutiny. Their martyrdom awakened Filipino nationalism and inspired the Propaganda Movement, particularly José Rizal. They represent the injustices of Spanish colonial rule and the birth of Filipino resistance.

Compare the approaches of the Propaganda Movement and the Katipunan in fighting Spanish colonialism.

The Propaganda Movement (led by Rizal, del Pilar, López Jaena) used peaceful reforms through writings, lobbying in Spain, and education to achieve Filipino rights and representation. The Katipunan (founded by Bonifacio) advocated armed revolution to completely overthrow Spanish rule. The Propaganda Movement sought assimilation and gradual reform, while the Katipunan demanded immediate independence through revolutionary struggle.

When and where was Philippine independence first proclaimed?

Philippine independence was first proclaimed on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, by Emilio Aguinaldo. This date is now celebrated as Independence Day (moved from July 4 by President Diosdado Macapagal in 1962). The proclamation established the First Philippine Republic, though it was not recognized by Spain or the United States at the time.

What was the significance of the Malolos Congress and Constitution?

The Malolos Congress (September 1898) and Constitution (ratified 1899) established the First Philippine Republic with a democratic government structure. It created a parliamentary system, guaranteed basic rights, and separated church and state. This constitution proved Filipinos could govern themselves democratically and influenced later Philippine constitutions, serving as foundation for modern Philippine governance.

Thomasites

American teachers who arrived in the Philippines starting 1901 aboard the ship Thomas to establish public education using English as medium of instruction. About 1,000 American educators introduced modern teaching methods, built schools, and trained Filipino teachers. While they improved literacy, they also promoted American culture and values, creating long-lasting American influence on Philippine education.

What was the Tydings-McDuffie Act and what did it promise?

The Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934) granted the Philippines commonwealth status for 10 years, with full independence promised after that period. It established the Philippine Commonwealth (1935-1946) under the 1935 Constitution, with Manuel Quezon as first Commonwealth President. This act set the legal framework for eventual Philippine independence on July 4, 1946.

Describe what happened during the Bataan Death March.

After the fall of Bataan (April 9, 1942), Japanese forces forced approximately 76,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war to march about 100 kilometers to prison camps. Thousands died from starvation, disease, exhaustion, and Japanese brutality during this forced march. It represents one of the worst war crimes committed during Japanese occupation and demonstrates Filipino-American solidarity in suffering.

Who was José P. Laurel and what was controversial about his role during WWII?

José P. Laurel was a Filipino politician who became president of the Japanese-sponsored Second Philippine Republic (1943-1945). Though he collaborated with the Japanese, many historians argue he tried to protect Filipinos from worse treatment and maintained secret contact with guerrillas. His case illustrates the complex moral choices Filipinos faced during occupation.

When was Martial Law declared and by whom?

Martial Law was declared on September 21, 1972, by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. through Proclamation 1081. This suspended civil liberties, dissolved Congress, controlled media, and allowed military rule. Martial Law lasted officially until 1981 but authoritarian rule continued until the EDSA Revolution in 1986. It represents the darkest period of Philippine democracy.

What triggered the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986?

The assassination of Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr. on August 21, 1983, sparked massive protests. The fraudulent 1986 snap election where Marcos claimed victory against Corazon Aquino was the immediate trigger. Military defections led by Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos, combined with massive civilian support on EDSA, forced Marcos to flee on February 25, 1986.

1987 Constitution

The current Philippine constitution approved during Corazon Aquino's presidency, establishing the Fifth Republic. It restored democratic institutions, imposed term limits, strengthened human rights protections, and included provisions for social justice. It created a presidential system with checks and balances, independent judiciary, and bicameral legislature. This constitution guides current Philippine governance and education policies.

What is the significance of the K-12 reform implemented during the Aquino III administration?

The K-12 reform (2013) added two years of senior high school to align Philippine education with international standards. It aimed to improve education quality, develop job-ready graduates, and enhance global competitiveness. As future elementary teachers, understanding K-12 shows how education reforms connect to broader national development goals and international integration.

Name three major heroines in Philippine history and their contributions.

1) Gabriela Silang - led Ilocano revolt after her husband Diego's death, first Filipino woman to lead a revolt; 2) Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora) - provided aid to Katipunan revolutionaries, mother of the revolution; 3) Teresa Magbanua - fought in Visayan campaigns during Philippine-American War, called 'Joan of Arc of Visayas.' They show women's vital roles in Philippine independence struggles.

How should elementary teachers approach teaching about the Marcos period to Grade 4-6 pupils?

Teachers should present factual, age-appropriate information focusing on: 1) Importance of democracy and human rights; 2) How people peacefully fought for freedom through EDSA; 3) Why learning from history prevents repetition of mistakes; 4) Values of truth, justice, and civic participation. Follow DepEd curriculum guidelines while promoting critical thinking and democratic values as required by RA 7836.

What does RA 1425 (Rizal Law) require in Philippine education?

RA 1425 (1956) mandates the study of José Rizal's life, works, and writings (especially Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo) in all Philippine schools. For elementary teachers, this means introducing Rizal's ideals of patriotism, education, and peaceful reform appropriate to pupils' level. The law aims to inspire nationalism and appreciation of Filipino heritage in young learners.

Explain the historical connection between the Galleon Trade and early globalization.

The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade (1565-1815) was an early form of globalization, connecting Asia, America, and Europe through the Philippines. It brought Chinese goods to Mexico and Spanish silver to Asia, making Manila a global trading hub. This trade introduced foreign cultures, religions, and technologies to the Philippines while establishing patterns of economic dependence that influenced Philippine development for centuries.