Ma. Ysobela F.

Sayco

The Dilemma and Significance of Primary Sources

History, as defined in written records left behind by humans, is the study of the human past. We
can learn through history how communities, institutions, philosophies, governments, cultures, and
technology have been developed, how they have worked, and how they have changed. Developing one’s
historical knowledge means developing one’s comprehension of all these various facets of life. Therefore,
in studying our history, primary sources are critical because they are the raw materials of historical study,
the records or objects nearest to the subject of inquiry. In general, primary sources are classified as first-
hand evidence generated by witnesses or participants in past events. They are not distinguished by their
format, but rather by the data they include and their relevance to the study issue. Hence, books, diaries,
notes, journals, photos, and other immediate accounts are included. The analysis and assessment of these
documents are involved in analyzing our history. These are now incomplete fragments of history, each
reflecting a mystery that we can only further explore by discovering new pieces of shreds of evidence.
Primary sources also allow us to link students to historical events in a personal way and encourage a
greater view of history as a collection of human events.

As I go through the 9 Primary Sources, the following are my insights regarding the dilemma and
significance of primary sources. First, the Customs of the Tagalogs or Relacion de las Costumbres de Los
Tagalog is one of the highly valuable sources in that it provided Filipinos the concept of how social
structures were influenced by economic changes. However, the text was not written for local use, but
Western readers, considering the plethora of assumptions and, to a great extent, erroneous perceptions
and pretensions of the author. Like any other colonial texts written during the Spanish colonial period,
the customs of the Tagalogs were purposely made to include an exotic description of the Tagalog natives,
obviously fed by politics and propaganda and run with the eyes of the Western-outsider, which would
appeal to them. Second, as we saw the film that shows the war between the raiders and the Spaniards on
Zamboanga, which Spanish constructed a Fort Pilar that serves as their land protection for their military
presence in the south, the Raiders of the Sulu Sea covers indigenous people from the south who have very
good at waters and idealistic on how they lived and maintain their culture from the colonized world. In
the past, we had access from island to island in numerous nations, selling items, slaves, and commodities.
The meaning of it made me think of how the raiders were called pirates, considering the entire film talking
about slave raiding, and how the war between the Raiders of Sulu and the colonizers is not just about
slavery, but a dispute about religion. Third, Kautilya ng Katipunan text is one of the few recorded texts
around that time. It makes it possible for us today to glimpse the philosophies of the Katipunan and its
members. This helps us to learn more about the goal. It also promoted the participation of the people to
join the movement and to introduce a sense of nationalism to every mode of activity. This adds up to the
independence of the Philippines. It sets the basis for Filipinos' way of thought in general. Many of the
Kartilya concepts can also apply to our daily personal lives today and to those of the country at present.

On the other hand, another primary source named Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan The great narrative
of the history of the Philippines is considered important because it not only includes Emilio Aguinaldo's
memoirs but also contains historical details about our history, such as information about Filipino
ancestors. The role of Aguinaldo in history, however, is frequently the topic of much debate. A theory for
this is that he had lived so long and had been interested in politics that his previous acts were also held
against him. In the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War, much of what we know of
Aguinaldo focuses entirely on his position. During the American occupation, he was politically engaged,
even vying for the Philippine Commonwealth Presidency. He was also an influential patron of the
Philippine Revolution Veterans, from which much of his political patronage came. He appeared to have
fallen out of politics after his defeat to Quezon. Then, after the Japanese Occupation, he would resurface
again when the Japanese pulled him back for propaganda purposes. Next is The Act of the Declaration of
Philippine Independence, One of the most significant milestones in the history of the Philippines was the
declaration of independence. The country has been colonized for hundreds of years by several countries.
This day is not only a holiday but a day when the Filipinos recall the bravery and sacrifices of our
motherland's soldiers and heroes. It is worth appreciating these noble deeds as much as we admire the
endowment of sovereignty. To gain their independence, many Filipinos gave their skills and abilities and
put their lives at risk. Our rich and vibrant Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao customs and culture prove that
the Filipino character is not only bold and spirited. In many disciplines, we Filipinos are skilled and
proficient. Also, the Works of Luna and Amorsolo are significant. The greatest achievement of Juan Luna
is the historical Spolarium. It is a fascinating painting in which the sociological conditions in the Philippines
are enormously interpreted. Amorsolo, to illustrate the true value of Filipinos, created his artworks. Also,
make the world conscious of the real beauty of the Philippines. These paintings have their meaning and
intent, and they both have an immense connection with the Filipinos.

The Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era 1900-1941 is relevant also, While
often misleadingly simplistic in their artistic execution, with the use of intricate visual and verbal
symbolism, they expose complex attitudes of certain persons specifically. They are bookmarks that show
significant historical and cultural details. While the Filipino Grievances Against Governor-General Leonard
Wood has also its significance. Any Governor-General who was sent to the Philippines after Harrison
would probably have found it especially difficult to manage the Filipino leaders. Wood was of a different
mind as he was persuaded that during the Harrison Administration the Filipinos had taken an enormous
step backward. He certainly had the right government prescription for the honesty of the Philippines and
a stable administration, but his strategy was not the most effective. Antagonistic and imperial, he had no
respect for the delicate feelings of the Filipinos, for whom important matters were self-esteem, personal
dignity, and the nonsensical worship of "face". Lastly is Corazon C. Aquino’s Speech before the United
States Congress, the speech was impassioned, intensely personal, and successful. The best speech you've
ever heard, somebody called it. The passion of the moment saved the day could be claimed by others. It
will go down as one of the best discourses of the former President in the annals of our history.

Therefore, these primary sources also allow us to link students to historical events in a personal
way and encourage a greater view of history as a collection of human events. Overall, through the lens of
witnesses, these sources introduce us to distinct aspects of Philippine history. This helps one to appreciate
and comprehend our rich history by acquiring knowledge from those who were there at the time of the
case.