CHAPTER 4

SOCIAL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND

CULTURAL ISSUES IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

This chapter analyzes the different social, political, economic, and cultural issues that the Philippines
encountered in the course of obtaining its independence and developing self-governance. These issues are
products of the demands made by Filipinos throughout history which were given attention by each
administration with hopes of achieving progress and maintaining order. Such issues include the Agrarian
Reform Policy and its role in Philippine development, the Constitutions of the Philippines and their implications
to development, and the tax system and the Philippine development experience.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Effectively communicate, using various techniques and genres, historical analysis of a particular event
or issue that could help others understand the chosen topics.
2. Propose recommendations or solutions to present day problems based on their understanding of root-
causes and their anticipation of future scenarios.
3. Display the ability to work in a team and contribute to a group endeavour.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1. Salient Features of the Philippine Constitutions

a. Definitions and Purposes of Constitution
b. Evolution of the Philippine Constitution
c. Salient Features
2. Salient Features of Agrarian Reform
a. History of land reform program in the Philippines
b. Salient features of each agrarian system
c. Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
3. Salient Features of Taxation Policies
a. Nature and Importance of Taxation
b. Changes in tax laws of the Philippines
c. Issues in the Philippine Tax System

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Agrarian reform – covers the restructuring of tenure and the pre- and post-production support services
structures in the agricultural sector
Amendment – in government and law, an addition or alteration made to a constitution, stature, or legislative
bill or resolution.
Bicameral System – is a reference to a government with two legislative houses or chambers.
Constitution – refers to the fundamental law of a country.
Executive Branch – carries out and enforce law
Judiciary Branch – evaluates law. It holds the power to settle controversies involving rights that are legally
demandable and enforceable.
Land reform – refers to the remedies to improve the relation between the tiller and the owner of the land or
employee and employer in a farm.
Legislative Branch –is authorized to make laws, alter, and repeal them though the power vested in the
Philippine Congress.
Plebiscite – the direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public questions such as a
change in the constitution.
Preamble – an introduction or prologue of a constitution.
Ratification – of a constitution describes the formal ending of a process of setting a constitution into force by a
constituent power.
Suffrage – right to vote in political elections
Taxation – a means by which the government finance their expenditure by imposing charges on citizens and
corporate entities
The Cabinet – cabinet members serve as advisors to the President.
Unicameral System – is a government with one legislative house or chamber.
 CHAPTER 4 - LESSON 1:
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTIONS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to:

a. Analyze the context, content, and perspective of different kinds of primary sources;
b. Propose recommendations/solutions to present-day problems based on their understanding of root
causes and their anticipation of future scenarios;
c. Manifest interest in local history and concern in promoting.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. What is a Constitution?
a. Definitions of Constitution
b. Purposes of a Constitution
2. Evolution of the Philippine Constitution
3. Salient Features
a. The 1899 Malolos Constitution (1899-1901)
b. The 1935 Constitution (1935-1943, 1945-1973)
c. The 1973 Constitution (1973-1986)
d. The 1987 Constitution (1987-Present)

A Constitution is the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the
powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it. It is a written instrument
embodying the rules of a political or social organization. (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

The Philippines has had a total of six constitutions since the Proclamation of Independence on June
12, [Link] the 1899 Malolos Constitution up to the1987 Philippine Constitution.

This module covers the evolution of the Philippine Constitution and Salient features of four
constitutions: 1899 Malolos Constitution, 1935 Constitution, 1973 Constitution and the 1987 Constitution.

WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION

A. Definition

A constitution is the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the
powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it. It is a written instrument
embodying the rules of a political or social organization. (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

A constitution is the fundamental and entrenched rules governing the conduct of an organization or
nation state, and establishing its concept, character, and structure. It is usually a short document, general in
nature and embodying the aspirations and values of its writers and subjects. (Business Dictionary, n. d.)

A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state

or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what entity is. When these
principles are written down into a single document or set of legal documents, these documents may be said to
embody a written constitution. (Constitution, “ 2018)

If these set of fundamental principles or established precedents are written down in a single
comprehensive document, it is said to embody a codified constitution. The oldest written national constitution is
that of the United States (1787)

Some constitutions, such as the constitution of the United Kingdom are uncodified, but written in
numerous fundamental Acts of legislature, court cases or treaties.

The constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world,
containing 444 articles in 22 parts, 12 schedules and 118 amendments, with 146, 385 words in its English-
language version. On the other hand, the Constitution of Monaco is the shortest written constitution, containing
10 chapters with 97 articles, and a total of 3,814 words.
B. Functions of a Constitution

1. Establishment of the basic framework of government.

The constitution identifies and regulates the specific powers and functions of the executive,
legislative, and judicial branches of the government. There is a need to regulate the government’s
exercise of its sovereign powers to preclude it from becoming despotic, oppressive, and tyrannical.

2. Regulation of the rights and freedom enjoyed by the individual for the common good.
This is a very important function served by a constitution. If people’s exercise of their liberties
is not regulated, there shall be chaos, anarchy and public disorder.

3. Protection of the people from government abuses.

Our constitution, for instance, protects the people from possible abuses by the government
through the following means:
 By ensuring that each branch of government exercise only the powers conferred to it by the
constitution;
 By prohibiting the government from exercising powers infringing the declaration of principles and
state policies; and
 By specifying the basic rights of the people, which the government has to respect and safeguard.

EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

The Philippines has had a total of six constitutions since the Proclamation of Independence on June
12, 1898. In 1899, the Malolos Constitution, the first Philippine Constitution—the first republican constitution in
Asia—was drafted and adopted by the First Philippine Republic, which lasted from 1899 to 1901.

During the American Occupation, the Philippines was governed by the laws of the United States of
America. Organic Acts were passed by the United States Congress for the administration of the Government of
the Philippine Islands. The first was the Philippine Organic Act of 1902, which provided for a Philippine
Assembly composed of Filipino citizens. The second was the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, which included
the first pledge of Philippine independence. These laws served as constitutions of the Philippines from 1902 to
1935.

In 1934, the United States Congress passed the Philippine Independence Act, which set the
parameters for the creation of a constitution for the Philippines. The Act mandated the Philippine Legislature to
call for an election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention to draft a Constitution for the Philippines. The
1934 Constitutional Convention finished its work on February 8, 1935. The Constitution was submitted to the
President of the United States for certification on March 25, 1935. It was in accordance with the Philippine
Independence Act of 1934. The 1935 Constitution was ratified by the Filipino people through a national
plebiscite, on May 14, 1935 and came into full force and effect on November 15, 1935 with the inauguration of
the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Among its provisions was that it would remain the constitution of the
Republic of the Philippines once independence was granted on July 4, 1946.

In 1940, the 1935 Constitution was amended by the National Assembly of the Philippines. The
legislature was changed from a unicameral assembly to a bicameral congress. The amendment also changed
the term limit of the President of the Philippines from six years with no re-election to four years with a
possibility of being re-elected for a second term.

During World War II the Japanese-sponsored government nullified the 1935 Constitution and
appointed Preparatory Committee on Philippine Independence to replace it. The 1943 Constitution was used
by the Second Republic with Jose P. Laurel as President.

Upon the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, the 1935 Constitution came back into effect. The
Constitution remained unaltered until 1947 when the Philippine Congress called for its amendment through
Commonwealth Act No. 733. On March 11, 1947 the Parity amendment gave United States citizens equal
rights with Filipino citizens to develop natural resources in the country and operate public utilities. The
Constitution, thereafter, remained the same until the declaration of martial law on September 23, 1972.

Before President Marcos declared Martial Law, a Constitutional Convention was already in the process
of deliberating on amending or revising the 1935 Constitution. They finished their work and submitted it to
President Marcos on December 1, 1972. President Marcos submitted it for ratification in early January of 1973.
Foreseeing that a direct ratification of the constitution was bound to fail, Marcos issued Presidential Decree
No. 86, s. 1972, creating citizens assemblies to ratify the newly drafted constitution by means of a Viva Voce
vote in place of secret ballots. Marcos announced that it had been ratified and in full force and effect on
January 17, 1973. Although the 1973 Constitution had been “ratified” in this manner, opposition against it
continued. Chief Justice Roberto V. Concepcion in his dissenting opinion in the case of Javellana v. Executive
Secretary, exposed the fraud that happened during the citizen’s assembly ratification of the 1973 Constitution
on January, 10 – 15, 1973. However, the final decision of this case was that the ratification of the 1973
Constitution was valid and was in force.
 When democracy was restored in 1986, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3,
suspending certain provisions of the 1973 Constitution and promulgating in its stead a transitory constitution. A
month later, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 9, s. 1986, which created a Constitutional Commission
tasked with writing a new charter to replace the 1973 Constitution. The commission finished its work at 12:28
a.m. of October 16, 1986. National Plebiscite was held on February 2, 1987, ratifying the new constitution. On
February 11, 1987, by virtue of Proclamation No. 58, President Aquino announced the official canvassing of
results and the ratification of the draft constitution. The 1987 Constitution finally came into full force and effect
that same day with the President, other civilian officials, and members of the Armed Forces swearing
allegiance to the new charter.

Commemoration of Constitution Day

For every constitutional change the Philippines has experienced, a corresponding proclamation was
issued in order to celebrate the date that each charter was put into full force and effect—with the exception the
1943 Constitution.

President Emilio Aguinaldo issued the first proclamation that celebrated the effectiveness of a
constitution in 1899 on January 23, 1899. In the Proclamation, President Aguinaldo ordered the release of
Spanish prisoners under the custody of the Philippine revolutionary forces, to mark the inauguration of the First
Philippine Republic. No subsequent proclamations were issued because of the outbreak of the Philippine-
American War and the fall of the First Philippine Republic in 1901.

When the United States Congress authorized the creation of a constitution for the Philippines in
accordance with the Tydings-Mcduffie Act of 1934, a Constitutional Convention was established to draft a
charter for the Philippines and it finished its work on February 8, 1935. On the inauguration of the
Commonwealth of the Philippines on November 15, 1935, the new charter came into full force and effect. A
year later, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Proclamation No. 36, s. 1936, declaring the 8th of February of
every year as Constitution Day to commemorate the completion of the 1934 Constitutional Convention’s task.
This commemoration was observed throughout the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Third Republic,
up until the declaration of martial law on September 23, 1972. (President Ferdinand E. Marcos reiterated
President Quezon’s original proclamation by issuing Proclamation No. 10, s. 1966.)

In 1973, after the declaration of martial law, the 1935 Constitution was replaced by a new charter, the
1973 Constitution. In commemoration, President Marcos, repealed President Quezon’s Proclamation No. 36,
s. 1936, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1219, s. 1973, which moved Constitution Day from February 8 to
January 17 of every year. This proclamation commemorated the day when President Marcos certified that the
new Constitution had been ratified. Constitution day was commemorated until the end of President Marcos
term but was overshadowed by the Proclamation making September 21st of every year “Thanksgiving day”, the
date indicated on Presidential Proclamation No. 1081, s. 1972: Martial law, however, was actually declared two
days later when President Marcos announced it through nationwide television.

When democracy was restored in 1986, the 1973 Constitution was replaced by first the freedom
constitution, also known as Proclamation No. 3, s. 1986, then our current constitution, the 1987 Constitution.
This constitution came into full force and effect on February 11, 1987, after President Corazon C. Aquino
issued Proclamation No. 58, s. 1987. The proclamation issued by President Aquino included the results of the
plebiscite held on February 2, 1987.

After the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 211 s, 1988,
which moved the commemoration of Constitution Day from January 17 to February 2 of every year—a
proclamation still in effect to this day.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PHILLIPINE CONSTITUTION

THE 1899 MALOLOS CONSTITUTION (1899-1901)

 The Committee to draft the Constitution was constituted and headed by Felipe G. Calderon and other
members who belong to the Filipino intelligentia who possessed intellectual and moral integrity.

 Three Constitutonal Draft:1. Mabini Constitutional Plan (Constitutional Program of the Philippine
Republic) ; 2. Paterno Constitutional Plan (based on a Spanish Constitution of 1868); 3. Calderon Plan
(based on the Constitutions of Belgium, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and France).

 After a thorough examination of the different Constitutional Plan, the Committee chose the Calderon
Plan as the bet subject to amendments and submitted it to the Malolos Congress for approval.

 On January 20, 1899 at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, the Malolos Congress proclaimed,
enacted and ratified “Constitucionpolitica” (Political Constitution). This document was written in Spanish.
  The Malolos Constitution embodied the Filipino aspirations of a government that was truly popular,
representative and responsible with three distinctive branches – the executive, the legislative and the
judicial.

 The Malolos Constitution had a unicameral legislature. It is unique in the sense that the legislature is
superior to either the executive or the judicial branch.

The Malolos Constitution was the first republican constitution in Asia:

a. It declared that sovereignty resides exclusively in the people.
b. It stated basic civil rights
c. It separated the church and state
d. It called for the creation of an Assembly of Representatives to act as the legislative body.
e. It called for a parliamentary republic as the form of government. The president was elected for a term
of four years by a majority of the Assembly.

THE 1935 CONSTITUTION (1935-1943, 1945-1973)

The 1935 Constitution was written in 1934, approved and adopted by the Commonwealth of the Philippines
(1935-1946) and later used by the Third Republic (1946-1972). It was written with an eye to meeting the
approval of the United States Government as well, so as to ensure that the U.S. would live up to its promise to
grant the Philippines independence and not have a premise to hold onto its possession on the grounds that it
was too politically immature and hence unready for full, real independence.

Manuel A. Roxas was the first president of the 3rd Philippine Republic.

The original 1935 Constitution provided for unicameral National Assembly and the President was elected to a
six-year term without re-election. It was amended in 1940 to have a bicameral Congress composed of a
Senate and House of Representatives, as well the creation of an independent electoral commission. The
Constitution now granted the President a four-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms in office.

THE 1973 CONSTITUTION (1973-1986)

Marcos established the 4th Republic during the era of martial law in the country on June 30, 1981. It operated
on the basis of the Constitution of 1973, which transformed the presidential into a parliamentary system of
government.

A Constitutional Convention was held in 1971 to write the 1935 Constitution. The Convention was stained and
with manifest bribery and corruption. Possibly the most controversial issue was removing the presidential term
limit so that Ferdinand E. Marcos could seek election for a third term, which may felt was the true reason for
which the convention was called. In any case, the 1935 Constitution was suspended in 1972 with Marcos’
proclamation of martial law, the rampant corruption of the constitutional process providing him with one of his
major premises for doing so.

The 1973 Constitution, promulgated after Marcos’ declaration of martial law, was supposed to introduce a
parliamentary-style government. Legislative power was vested in a unicameral National Assembly whose
members were elected for six-year terms. The President was ideally elected as the symbolic and purely
ceremonial head of the state chosen amongst the Members of the National Assembly for a six-year term and
could be re-elected to an unlimited number of terms. Upon election, the President was not allowed to be a
member of a political party or hold any other office.

Executive power was meant to be exercised by the Prime Minister who was also elected from amongst the
sitting Assemblymen. The Prime Minister was to be the head of government and Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces. This constitution was subsequently amended four times.

From 16-17 October 1976, a majority of barangay voters (also called “Citizen Assemblies”) approved that
martial law should be continued and ratified the amendments to the Constitution proposed by President
Marcos.

The 1976 amendments were:

a. an Interim BatasangPambansa (IBP) substituting for the Interim National Assembly;
b. the President would also become the Prime Minister and he would continue to exercise legislative
powers until such time as martial law was lifted.

The Sixth Amendment authorized the President to legislate on his own on an “emergency” basis:

Whenever in the judgment of the President there exists a grave emergency or a threat or imminence thereof,
or whenever the Interim BatasangPambansa or the regular National Assembly fails or is unable to act
adequately on any matter for any reason that in his judgment requires immediate action, he may, in order to
meet the exigency, issue the necessary decrees, orders, or letters of instructions, which shall form part of the
law of the land.

The 1973 Constitution was further amended in 1980 and 1981. In the 1980 amendment, the retirement age of
the members of the judiciary was extended to 70 years. In the 1981 amendments, the false parliamentary
system was formally modified into a French-style semi-presidential system:
a. executive power was restored to the President;
b. direct election of the President was restored;
c. an Executive Committee composed of the Prime Minister and not more than 14 members was created
to “assist the President in the exercise of his powers and functions and in the performance of his
duties as he may prescribe;” and the Prime Minister was a mere head of the Cabinet.

Further, the amendments instituted electoral reforms and provided that a natural born citizen of the Philippines
who has lost his citizenship may be a transferee of private land for use by him as his residence.

The last amendments in 1984 abolished the Executive Committee and restored the position of Vice-President
(which did not exist in the original, unamended 1973 Constitution).

While the 1973 Constitution ideally provided for a true parliamentary system, in practice, Marcos had made
use of subterfuge and manipulation in order to keep executive powers for himself, rather than devolving these
to the Assembly and the cabinet headed by the Prime Minister. The end result was that the final form of the
1973 Constitution – after all amendments and subtle manipulations – was merely the abolition of the Senate
and a series of cosmetic rewordings. The old American-derived terminology was replace by names more
associated with parliamentary government: for example, the House of Representatives become known as the
“BatasangPambansa” (National Assembly), Departments become “Ministries”, and their cabinet secretaries
become known as “cabinet ministers,” with the President’s Assistant – Executive Secretary – now being styled
the “Prime Minister”. Marcos’ purported parliamentary system in practice functioned as an authoritarian
presidential system, with all real power concentrated in the hands of the President but with the premise that
such was now constitutional.

THE 1987 CONSTITUTION (1987-PRESENT)

The Constitutional Commission was composed of fifty members appointed by Pres. Corazon Aquino form
varied backgrounds including several former members of the House of Representatives, former justices of the
Supreme Court, a Roman Catholic bishop, and political activists against the Marcos regime. The Commission
elected Cecilia Muñoz-Palma, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, as its president. Several
issues were of particular contention during the Commission’s sessions, including the form of government to
adopt, the abolition of the death penalty, the retention of the U.S. bases in Clark and Subic, and the integration
of economic policies into the constitution. Lino Brocka, a film director and political activist who was member of
the Commission, walked out before the constitution’s completion, and two other delegates dissented from the
final draft. The Commission finished the final draft on October 12, 1986 and presented it to Aquino on October
15. The constitution was ratified by a nationwide plebiscite on February 8, 1987.

a. Structure and Contents

The Constitution contains a preamble and eighteen self-contained articles with a section numbering that resets
for every article.

Preamble
The preamble introduces the constitution and the source of sovereignty, the people. It follows the pattern in
past constitutions, including an appeal to God.

Article I – National Territory

The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced
therein, and all other territories over which the Philippine has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its
terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves,
and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago,
regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.

Article II – Declaration of Principles and State Policies

Article II lays out the basic social and political creed of the Philippines, particularly the implementation
of the constitution and sets forth the objectives of the government.

Article III – Bill of Rights

Article III enumerates specific protections against the abuse of state power, most of which similar to
the provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
Similar to U.S. jurisprudence and other common law jurisdictions, the scope and limitations of these rights
have largely been determined by the Supreme Court through case law.

Article IV – Citizenship
Article IV defines the citizenship of Filipinos. It enumerates two kinds of citizens: natural-born citizens
and naturalized citizens. Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens form birth without having to perform
any act to acquire or perfect Philippine citizenship. The Philippines follows a jus sanguinis system where
citizenship is mainly acquired through a blood relationship with Filipino citizens.

Natural-born citizenship forms an important part of the political system as only natural-born Filipinos
are eligible to hold high offices, including all elective offices beginning with a representative in the House of
Representatives up to the President.

Article V – Suffrage
Article V mandates various age and residence qualifications to vote and a system of secret ballots and
absentee voting. It also mandates a procedure for overseas and disabled and illiterate Filipinos to vote.

Article VI – Legislative Department

Article VI provides for a bicameral legislature called the Congress composed of the Senate and the
House of Representatives. It vest upon Congress, among others, the power of investigation and inquiry inquiry
in aid of legislation, the power to declare the existence of a state of war, the power of the purse, the power of
taxation, and the power of eminent domain.

Article VII – Executive Department

Article VII provides for a presidential form of government where the executive power is vested on the
President. It provides for the qualification, terms of office, election, and power and functions of the President. It
also provides for a Vice President and for the presidential line of succession.

Article VIII – Judicial Department

Article VIII vest the judicial power upon the Supreme Court and other lower courts as may be
established by law (by Congress). While the power to appoint justices and judges still reside with the
President, the President may only appoint nominees preselected by the Judicial and Bar Council, a body
composed of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Secretary of Justice, the Chairs of the Senate and
House Committees on Justice, and representatives from the legal profession.
The supreme court shall be composed of a Chief Justice and Fourteen Associate Justices.

Article IX – Constitutional Commissions

Article IX establishes three constitutional commissions: the Civil Service Commission, the Commission
on Elections, and the Commission on Audit.

Article X – Local Government

Article X pursues for local autonomy and mandates Congress to enact a law for the local government,
now currently the Local Government Code.

Article XI – Accountability of Public Officers

Article XI establishes the Office of the Ombudsman which is responsible for investigating and
prosecuting government officials. It also vests upon the Congress the power to impeach the President, the
Vice President, members of the Supreme Court, and the Ombudsman.

Article XII – National Economy and Patrimony

Article XIII – Social Justice and Human Rights
Article XIV- Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports
Article XV – The Family
Article XVI – General Provisions
Article XVII – Amendments or Revisions
Article XVII – Transitory Provisions

Find a copy of the original document at this site:

[Link]
1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-iii/
 CHAPTER 4 – LESSON 2:
AGRARIAN REFORM

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Trace the history of the land reform program in the Philippines

2. Discuss the salient features of each agrarian system
3. Evaluate the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program

The Philippine economy is largely agricultural and industrial. Agriculture has been existing even
during the precolonial times considering that rice is an Asian staple food along with other crops. The
agricultural economy, however, has brought about economic and social problems concerning the
agrarian structure as well as land tenancy with the farmers – the ones who are actually cultivating
the fields – as the losers in this system.

AMERICAN COLONIZATION PERIOD

During the American colonization of the Philippines, the colonial government tried to solve
the agrarian problem by purchasing the so-called “friar lands” from religious corporations and selling
them to the tenants. However, much of the land ended up with new landlords who were mostly
Filipinos.

The agrarian problem worsened during the American period. Many tenants soon began to
resort to armed means to “get back” their land. Some of them claimed that the lands they were tilling
were owned by their ancestors before these lands were claimed by landlords with “land titles.” The
Tayug Uprising in Pangasinan in 1931 as well as the Sakdalista Uprising in 1935 prompted the
government to address the agrarian problem. As part of his program for the Commonwealth
Government, President Quezon espoused “social justice” in an attempt to stop the agrarian unrest in
Central Luzon and alleviate the poverty of the farmers. This program was in line with the provision of
Article II, Section 5 of the 1935 Constitution which states that “The promotion of social justice to
ensure the well-being and economic security of all people should be the concern of the State.”

COMMONWEALTH ERA

Quezon enacted some land reform laws during the Commonwealth period. The
Commonwealth Act No. 178 on November13, 1936 amending the Rice Tenancy Act No. 4045 of
1933 provided for certain controls in the landlord-tenant relationships with regard to ricelands. He
also created the National Rice and Corn Corporation (NARIC) in 1936 to control the prices of rice
and corn which benefitted the farmers and consumers. The Rural Program Administration, an office
created in 1939, was mandated to facilitate the sale or lease of the haciendas to the tenants.

Many of the social justice programs of the Commonwealth Government, however, were not
enforced. Legislation of these planned programs was thwarted by many of the landowning legislators
in the Commonwealth National Assembly who would be affected it they would pass these laws.

THIRD TO FIFTH PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

Agrarian problems still remained even after Philippine independence was declared in 1946.
What made it worse was that the agrarian unrest became part of a full-blown revolt against the
government. The movement was spearheaded by former members of the peasant guerilla army,
Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) who later changed their name to Hukbong
Mapagpalaya ng Bayan (People’s Liberation Army). The succeeding administrations tried to address
these agrarian problems while, at the same time, attempted to suppress the insurgency.

During the Roxas Administration (1946-1948), President Manuel Roxas enacted Republic Act
No. 34 which established 70-30 sharing arrangements between landlord and tenants and regulated
share-tenancy contracts. There was also Republic Act. No. 55 which provided security to tenants
from arbitrary ejectment from the land they are cultivating.

On October 30, 1950, President Elpidio Quirino (1948 – 1953) issued Executive Order No.
355 which replaced the National Land Settlement Administration, a government agency, with the
Land Settlement Development Corporation (LASEDECO). LASEDECO took over the two agrarian
offices: the Agricultural Machinery Equipment Corporation and the Rice and Corn Production
Administration.

It was during the Magsaysay Administration (1953-1957) that an attempt on land reform was
made. In 1954, President Ramon Magsaysay signed Republic Act No. 1199 or the Agricultural
Tenancy Act of 1954 which governed the tenant-landowner relationship by organizing the share-
tenancy and leasehold system. It also created the Court of Agrarian Relations. Two other laws,
Republic Act No. 821 (Creation of Agricultural Credit Cooperative Financing Administration) were
also signed to help tenant farmers. R.A. 1400 created the Land Tenure Administration (LTA) to
handle the acquisition and distribution of large tenanted rice and corn lands over 200 hectares for
individuals and 600 hectares for corporations. R.A. 821, on the other hand, created an agricultural
bank that provided small farmers and share tenants with low-interest loans.

The Macapagal Administration (1961-1965) continued the efforts to advance agrarian reform.
On August 8, 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal signed Republic Act No. 3844 or Agricultural
Land Reform Code which heavily favored tenant farmers. Its provisions included the abolition of
share tenancy and provided for the leasing of agrarian lands to farmers. It also set a retention limit of
75 hectares for landowners; invested rights of preemption and redemption for tenant farmers; put in
place an administrative machinery for implementation; institutionalized a judicial system for agrarian
cases; and incorporated extension, marketing, and supervised credit system of services for farmer
beneficiaries.

This law was hailed as one that would emancipate Filipino farmers from the bondage of
tenancy. It became the precursor of the agrarian reform programs of the succeeding administration.

Following the imposition of martial law in 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared the
entire country a land reform area through Presidential Decree No. 2 issued on September 26, 1972.
It was almost a year before Marcos signed Republic Act No. 6389 or the Code of Agrarian Reform
which created the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The DAR began efforts to implement land
reform in the Philippines with the full support of the government. This independent body was formed
to replace the existing Land Authority. The Department of Agrarian Reform was renamed the
ministry of Agrarian Reform in 1978 when the government adopted the parliamentary system.

In October 1972 President Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 27 which provided for tenanted
lands devoted to rice and corn to pass ownership to the tenants, and lowered the ceiling for
landholding to seven hectares. The law stipulated that share tenants who worked on a landholding of
over seven hectares could purchase the land they tilled while share tenants on land less than seven
hectares would become leaseholders. Marcos’ agrarian reform program also included credit support,
infrastructure, and legal assistance for farmers.

The 1987 Constitution which was ratified during the Corazon Aquino Administration (1986-
1992) included the provisions creating an agrarian reform law (Article XIII, Section 4) and promoting
rural development and agrarian reform law (Article II, Section 21). In 1988, President Aquino signed
Republic Act No. 6657, popularly known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law or CARL.
The CARL was enacted to offer a lawful basis for the implementation of the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program or CARP. It took effect on June 15, 1988.

A dilemma during the Ramos Administration (1992-1998) was to revive public trust in the
agrarian reform program. The program was deemed a failure during the Aquino administration
because former President Aquino was a member of Cojuangco Family which owned one of the
largest haciendas in Luzon – the Hacienda Luisita. The hacienda which was mainly devoted to
sugarcane production was notably exempted from agrarian reform which was concentrated mostly
on rice and corn lands.

Thus, President Fidel Ramos made the program one of the priorities of his administration. He
enacted laws that strengthened the implementation of CARP (Republic Act No. 7905). He limited the
land conversion scheme by making certain types of agricultural land as non-negotiable for
conversion or highly-restricted to be converted. He also signed Republic Act No. 8532 (Agrarian
Reform Fund Bill) which provided an additional 50 billion Pesos for CARP and extended its
implementation for another 10 years.

Though he had a short term of office, President Joseph Estrada (1998-2000) enacted
Executive Order No. 151 that consolidated small farm operations into medium- or large-scale
enterprises to qualify for long-term capital. He also ordered the DAR to plan joint projects between
private investors and the agrarian sector under his Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo or
MAGKASAKA program.

The Department of Agrarian Reform was re-named twice during the administration of
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2000-2010). It was named the Department of Land Reform
(Executive Order No. 364, September 27, 2004) and got back to using DAR again (Executive Order
No. 456, August 23, 2005).Executive Order No. 364 was enacted to widen the function of the
Department of Land Reform vis-à-vis land reform programs in the Philippines. Also, the order added
jurisdiction over the Philippine Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP) and the recognition of the
ownership of ancestral lands.

However, less than a year later, President Arroyo signed Executive Order 456 which
instructed the Department of Land Reform to revert to its original name, Department of Agrarian
Reform. This order considered all important factors for agrarian reform to promote beneficial
activities for the agricultural sector. It stated that “Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law goes beyond
just land reform but includes the totality of all factors and support services designed to lift the
economic status of the beneficiaries.”

On August 7, 2009, President Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9700 extending the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program for another five years beginning July 2000. That same
law allots 150 billion pesos for the acquisition and distribution of 1.6 million hectares of land for 1.2
million beneficiaries and the provision of support services for farmers.

Agrarian reform seems to have not fared well under the administration of President Benigno
Aquino III. A report by a non-governmental organization (NGO), the Focus on the Global South, in
2013 – halfway through the PNoy Administration-showed a dismal performance by the Department
of Agrarian Reform in land redistribution in spite of the promise by the government to complete it by
June 2014. The priorities of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which were concentrated on the
agribusiness sector made the DAR the sole department that provided farmers support for their
agricultural production. The farmers also competed with foreign agricultural products which entered
the local market through the economic liberalization program of the government.

Reference: Torres (2018). Batis: Sources in Philippine History.C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City.p
204 -210
 CHAPTER 4 - LESSON 3:
THE TAX SYSTEM AND THE PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

This section explains the nature of taxation and its basis. It also presents the old and new tax
tables as provided by the newly signed law of the state termed as the TRAIN Law or Tax Reform for
Acceleration and Inclusion Law.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this section, the students are expected to:

1. Identify the nature and importance of taxation to the state;
2. Determine the effects of the recent changes in the tax laws of the Philippines; and
3. Identify the significance of the issues in the Philippine tax system

Even prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines and the establishment of formal
communities, taxation has been considered among the primary purposes of leadership and
governance. The datu or the local chieftain imposed tributes to his subordinates in return for
protection to be accorded by his men. Aside from this, all harvest will be distributed to the people.
During the Spanish colonial period, the system of collecting taxes became more institutionalized
because the natives were regarded as conquered people and were required to pay tributes in order
to enrich the royal exchequer and the officers who accomplished the conquest. Authority to collect
taxes was vested on the cabeza. Tax rates were fixed or based on percentages to ensure that a
certain portion would go to the Spanish crown. This gave the cabeza power to charge more than
what was needed. It was only in 1867 that a codified law on taxation was published. During that time,
taxes were categorized under six headings: (1) direct taxes, which included personal taxes and
income tax; (2) indirect tax or the custom duties; (3) monopolies that included the stamp tax, sale of
quicksilver, salt, playing cards, gun powder, liquors, tobacco, and opium; (4) lotteries; (5) public
domain; and (6) miscellaneous (Plehn, 1901).

At present, Philippine tax laws are based on the National Internal Revenue Code, as revised
with the passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1997 and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion
(TRAIN) Law in 2017. The power of taxation is defined as the state’s inherent power to impose and
collect revenue for the purpose of supporting the government and its recognized objectives. Taxation
is seen as the lifeblood of the government, without which no government can succeed.

According to De Leon (2009), taxes are categorized under six classes.

1. As to the subject matter:
a. Poll, personal or capitation tax – one imposed on residents
b. Property tax – imposed on property
c. Excise tax – imposed on a privilege or right

2. As to the purpose:
a. Revenue – to raise money for the government
b. Regulatory – to regulate an act or practice

3. As to the scope:
a. Local/Municipal – based on a certain locality
b. National – national in nature

4. As to the determination of the amount of tax to be paid:

a. Ad valorem tax – based on value of the object taxed determined by the appraiser
b. Specific tax – based on weight and measurement

5. As to who bears the burden:

a. Direct tax – imposed to a person directly involved
b. Indirect tax – forms part of the purchase price of the commodity and passed on to
consumers

6. As to the graduation or rate:

a. Proportional tax – based on a fixed percentage
b. Progressive tax – based on certain tax bases
c. Regressive – the tax rate decreases as the base increases
 At present, it is clear that, the TRAIN Law brought about significant changes in Philippine
taxation. These changes include the reclassification of personal income tax rates, estate tax, donor’s
tax, value added tax, documentary stamp, and the excise tax on automobiles, petroleum products,
sweetened beverages, cosmetic procedures, coal, mining, and tobacco. The reduction in personal
income tax was seen as financial empowerment for the public because it signified an increase in the
net earnings and purchasing power. However, the increase in taxes on petroleum products and
sweetened beverages was blamed for the drastic spike of inflation in the country, which was
recorded at 6.4% in August 2018. This inflation rate is the highest in nine years.

As of the third quarter of 2018, Congress is attempting to pass the Tax Reform for attracting
Better and High-quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) Bill before the year ends. The bill seeks to
gradually reduce corporate income tax from 30 percent to 20 percent by 2029 while removing
previously provided financial incentives and perks to corporations. The tax cuts are expected to
prompt corporations to hire more workers to increase production for better economic performance.
However, the bill is being criticized in the context that it would have a negative impact on foreign
direct investments in economic zones leading to job losses, lower production, and capital flight or
pull-out of investors. Some critics were eager to point out that the proposed tax reforms would favor
big corporations as they are set to enjoy the tax cuts. As such, some people see the TRABAHO Bill
as an anti-poor and a pro-elite bill.

The passing of the TRABAHO Bill is perceived with hesitation by many because of how the
TRAIN law seems to have resulted in increased prices of commodities. The new set of proposed tax
reforms is not yet fully understood by the public which is why many are still opposing it.

Reference: Asuncion N. and Cruz GR. (2019). Readings in Philippine History. C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon
City. p.232-235

CHAPTER 4 - SYNTHESIS
A constitution is a body is a body of rules or precedents governing the affairs of a state. Agrarian
Reform covers the restructuring of tenure and pre-and post-production support services structures in the
agricultural sector. Taxation means laying a tax through which the government generates income to defray its
expenses. These three therefore, plays a vital role in the social, political and cultural life of the Filipino people.
Without these, the state would definitely be chaotic. This is because these provide the basic definitions of the
rights of the people and the mechanism for the effective operation of the government for the promotion of
general welfare and common good. In as much as knowledge for the fundamental principles of the constitution,
agrarian reform, and taxation are essential in understanding and appreciating the role played by the
government in fulfilling its mandates to the people.

REFERENCES

Asuncion N. and Cruz GR. (2019). Readings in Philippine History. C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City.

Galicia, R.D. & Palencia, M.M.(2019). Readings in Philippine History, Second Edition. Azes Publishing
Corporation.

Garcia, C. D. (2010). Philippine History and Government for College Students. Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.

Torres (2018). Batis: Sources in Philippine History.C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City.

Zulueta, F.M. &Nebres, A.M. (2003). Philippine History and Government Throught the Years. National
Bookstore.

[Link]

[Link]
1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-iii/
[Link]
 CHAPTER 5: DOING LOCAL AND ORAL HISTORY

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

How much do you know about the history of your own province?
This chapter will show you how this small island became what it is today. Lesson 1 History of
Catanduanes will help you understand the changes that happened in the [Link] chapter will also
include historical places that has been part of the province culture which can be seen in Lesson2. The lessons
that are inside this module was designed for you to learn more the deep history of the province.

LEARNING OUTCOME:

1. Manifest interest in local history and show concern in promoting and preserving the country’s
historical and cultural heritage.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1. History of Catanduanes.
• The Founding of Catanduanes
• Catanduanes Museum

2. Historical Shrine of The Holy Cross in Batalay or Batong Paloway in San Andres.

CHAPTER 5 - LESSON 1:
HISTORY OF CATANDUANES
A narrative handed down from one generation to another acknowledged that the first inhabitant of the
island that settled during the early part of 13th century came from Borneo, Malay and China that are mostly
navigators and traders.
Some of them were the descendants of the 10 Bornean Datus who came to Panay and Southern
Luzon. Due to inclement weather, their boats were blown and drifted to the shores.
They found the place with plenty of birds, wild pigs and other animals. They discovered that the soil
was fertile for crops. The rivers and seas were abundant of shrimps, eels, crabs and fish and eventually settled
permanently.
Some families from other places came eventually to settle peacefully. As the new and old settlers
exchanged stories on how they came to the island, it was learned from Borneans, Malays and Chinese that
they were “tandong” meaning they were blown by strong winds and dashed to the shores. Settlers from
Ambos Camarines and the Visayas said they were “dagsa” meaning they were drifted ashore after losing their
tract of their destination.
Settlers toyed calling the island either “Catandungan” a coined Malayan word or “dagsaan” a Bicol
and Visayan word. They finally agreed naming the island Catandungan and later changed to Catanduanes.

THE FOUNDING OF CATANDUANES

Spanish Era

Juan de Salcedo

Son of Spanish grandes, Pedro de Salcedo and Teresa Legaspi . Born in Mexico in 1549. Responsible
for the conquest and pacification of many regions of the country, including Pangasinan, the Ilocos provinces
and Cagayan in the north, Mindoro, Batangas, Laguna, and Tayabas, Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines
and Catanduanes in Bicol Region.
 July 1573 – Salcedo left Manila with 120 soldiers and began the pacification of warlike Bicolanos in
Albay and Camarines. From Camarines, Salcedo proceeded to the island of Catanduanes and
subdued its pirate-inhabitants.

Governor Guido de Lavezares, in his written report to King Philip II in 1574 describes the people of
Catanduanes: “The natives of the island were famous sea-pirates, who did much injury whenever
they wanted. “

Christianization

16TH Century – actual Christianization of Catanduanes started. Franciscan missionaries from the
mainland Bicol arrived in Caramoran where first parish church in Catanduanes was founded.

Second parish church was constructed in Pandan year 1650, after crossing the mountains in
Supang. Built parish church of Viga in 1681, and 1683 in Panganiban (Payo).

Virac Parish Church – founded in year 1771 - seat of diocese in Catanduanes

Spaniards in Catanduanes did not pre-occupy themselves with the disturbing events in the mainland.
But when they received a note from Legazpi, sent by Albay authorities that owing the success of the
insurrection movement, they were advise to abandon the island. They left the island on September 18, 1898,
via MB Josefa with the soldiers of the civil guard, the money and arms belonging to the Spanish government
and proceeded to Legaspi. Before leaving Catanduanes, Don Emilio Apeztaguia, Command of the island was
transferred to Senor Leon Reyes “capitan municipal de Virac”

American Period.

Katipuneros, not eager to relinquish their hard-earned freedom, refused to recognized the sovereignty
of the American government, and went to the mountain.

Commander Ulba – Parish Priest of Virac who met the American officers and made
allegiance to their commander.

Don Leon Reyes – “Capitan del Municipio de Virac”

- Led insurrectos who went to the mountains to come down and rallied
against Americans.

It was during American military government was replaced by the civil government, that Catanduanes
was placed as a sub-province of Camarines Sur with Don Felipe Usero of Viga as the first lieutenant governor.
It was during his term that Catanduanes was later annexed to Albay.

Japanese Period

The Japanese invaded the island in the morning of December 1941, the natives of Catanduanes
evacuated to the mountains.

In the early part of 1945, the Japanese garrison in Bato was cleared by the guerillas which was
followed by the liberation of the province.

The liberation of Catanduanes culminated on February 8, 1945. The battle started at 4:00 o’clock in
the morning at Calatagan (the present site of Catanduanes State University).

The fight intensified in the evening when the guerillas surrounded and burned the garrison, thereby
killing the Japanese and some guerilla prisoners. The battle marked the liberation of the province.

Two months after the liberation, Mayor Thomas A. Same of the Philippine Civil Affairs Unit (PCAU)
administration came to Catanduanes and designated municipal officials.
 In October 24, 1946, through the passage of House Bill No. 301 approved on September 26, 1946 as
Commonwealth Act No. 687 author by Congressman Francisco A. Perfecto, Catanduanes was separated from
Albay.

Remegio Sosito, the Lieutenant Governor of Catanduanes before the war was appointed the first
provincial governor of the newly-created province.

CATANDUANES MUSEUM

Museum – an institution that takes care and conserves a collection of artifacts and other objects of
artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. These artifacts or objects are made available for public
viewing through permanent or temporary exhibits.

Catanduanes Museum (Museo de Catanduanes) is the island’s principal museum, built up by the
Provincial Tourism Office of Catanduanes which caters the province’s historical, cultural and social legacy. It is
situated at the 2nd floor of Old Capitol Building in Barangay Sta. Elena, Virac, Catanduanes, and was
inaugurated on October 24, 2011.

Photos of vital occasions in the province, local form and dresses, religious materials, old
Catandunganon family articles, and various types of memorabilia from the province’s bright past can be
spotted here. It also served as a boulevard for locals to showcase their abilities and craftmanship which
manifest the best attractions of Catanduanes that also helps the tourism business of the island.
 CHAPTER 5 - LESSON 2:
HISTORICAL SHRINE IN BATALAY OR BATONG PALUWAY IN SAN ANDRES
HISTORICAL SHRINE IN BATALAY

The story of the Holy Cross of Batalay goes back to the later part of
the 15th century when [Link] met his violent death in the hands of the
natives of Batalay, Bato, Catanduanes.

After being ordained as a priest, he dedicated his life to preaching,

hearing cofession and teaching in the Augustinian Monestery of Naro and
Duenas where he was the professor of the famous historianFr. Geronimo
Roman. O.S.A in 1558, Fr. Herrera volunteered to join the mission to Mexico.

Image of Fr. Diego de Herrera

They left Mexico on November 1564 and arrived in Cebu on April 27, 1565, where the first church in
the Philippine Achipelago was founded.

On January, 157, he sailed from Acapulco with nine Augustinians. His companions as listed by Fr.
Gaspar de San Augustin in his book entitled: “Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas”, Volume 1, page 334, were
Lesmas de Santiago, Francisco De Arevalo, Francisco Martinezde Vieda, and Juan de Espanola.

This was the last trip of Fr. Herrera. He died with his companions as the consequence of shipwreck.
The circumstances of his death were based on various testimonies:
1. “The boat shipwreck (25-26) April in the coast of Catanduanes and all the Augustinians perished”.
Icasio Rodriguez, O.S.A Historia de la Providencia Augustinian de la Santicimo Numbre de Jesus
Filipinas, Vol.1 Manila,1963, p.143
2. “When they were already in the sea of the Philippines, near the coast of Catanduanes, the boat
suffered shipwreck and our religious priests were able to reach the shore, but all of them died at the
hands of the natives, sometimes on April 1576”. Gregorio de Santiago Vela, O.S.A., Ensayo de Una
Bibliotica Ibero America de la Orden San Augustin, Vol III, Madrid, 1917, pp 570-571.
3. “Fr. Herrera returnvery happy to the Philippines with the mission of nine Augustinians when near
Catanduanes, the boat suffered shipwreck and all the survivors were speared by the natives of the
island”. – Elvira [Link], O.S.A Catalogo Bio-Bibiliografico, Manila, 1901, page 4.
4. “After the shiwreck, Fr. Diegode Herrera was able to reach the shore and spoke to the natives in the
Visayan Dialect but they paid no attention and killed him”. –Gaspar de San Augustin,
Conquistas,Madrid,1698, pages 33-336.
5. “When the passengers of the galleon trade Espiritu Santo set sail on November 18,1575 from
Acapulco to Manila, amidst cheers and cannon booms,little did the think that they would never reach
their destination. But in the midnight of April 24,1576, the galleon struckthe reef of Nagngangang
Buaya, Catanduanes and was shipwreck.

Among the survivors with Fr. Herrera were Lesmas de Santiago, Francisco Villa, Francisco Martinez
(natives of Visayas), Gregorio Galvez and several other members of the crew, including some military
personnel.

In Batalay, native “balangay” located in southern tip of the town Bato, Catanduanes is the place where
they have been stranded. They were given shelter and provisions by the ruling datu.

As time goes time, while they are at the area, the friars started to preach the gospel and introduce new
methods of agriculture and better ways of living. The people in the “balangay” are called “indios” has accepted
their preachings, those things that are pleasant for their well-being except the new religion which they
considered a sudden changes of their ancestral faith.

One rainy night, the indios swooped down to Batalay, killing the Spaniards except Galvez who buried
the dead and placed a wooden cross on the grave of Fr. Herrera.

A crystalline spring appear at the foot of the cross which the native
regarded as a miracle. Rumors spread the water on the spring can cure all
kinds of illness.

The cross of the unknown measurement was planted in a nearby

place. The following day, it was uprooted. Again, it was planted following the
directions towards the place where the cross was lying. It was consistently
repeated until they find the cross not to fall again.

Batalay Shrine in Bato Catanduanes

 In digging beneath the ground where the cross was planted, a human skeleton was founded in a
standing position, true to that words which have been handed down from generation to generation that Fr.
Herrera was made to dig well after he courted the ire of the ruling Datu, where he was covered by earth when
it was deep for him to come out. There and then, they planted the cross presently encase with hard wood now
on the altar of Batalay Chapel.

On the fourth centennial celebration of Fr. Diego de Herrera on April 1973, Most Rev. Teotimo C.
Pacis, C.M., Bishop of Legaspi decreed and declared the Holy Cross of Batalay as a Diocesan Shrine of the
Holy Cross, with the right to hold Liturgical Celebration on the last Friday of April every year.

The fourth centennial has become a double celebration because of two historical events, the erection
of the Chapel of Batalay as the Diocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross and the installation of a Historical Mark at
the Batalay Chapel by the Historical Commision.

BATONG PALUWAY IN SAN ANDRES

Long before the arrival of the Spaniards, this place has no name of its own. This was simly called
“ilaya” by the natives. Few people reside in this place since it was stony and not good for farming. The place is
only good for pasturing animals like carabaos. This was also known to be a sitio of Comagaycay.

The sources shows that as early as 16th century, it was walked along by the Spaniards. The people
kept on wondering in the place and its wilderness. They tried asking people with the use of their language but
the people didn’t respond because they cannot understand one another. The foreigners kept asking their
questions and inquiries with their language, but they can’t get any good answer, because the natives answers
them in their native language, they were misunderstood.

While the Spaniards are on their way, they observed that what they could see on every place, there
were stones, trees and plants of the same kind. The foreigners ask while holding the stone, what the natives
called that object and the natives answered it correctly in their local way calling it “bato” and another thing they
asked for what was the name of the common plant of the place. Natives called it “palway”. So then the
foreigners combined two words and called the place “Bata Paluay”

As time goes by, people from the town came in and out of this place. They heard of what the
foreigners name of the place, and they cannot be able to speak properly the words “Bato Paluay” they added
“ng” to Bato and called the place “Batong Paluay”

During the early part of the 19th century, the present barrio of Batong Paluay, Tabaguangan, Colapnit
and Caitihan wasin habited by only few families who were owners of most of the land. When the Second World
War broke out, people in the town goes in the near barrios. During the war they occupy the vacant lots of the
place and settled there as their permanent homes. As years went by, children of the nearby inhabitant got
married and also made their home in the place. Few years after the Second World War, the Municipal Council
of Calolbon approved resolution sponsored by Emiliano Surban, the councilor in –charge of the place, making
it a barrio and naming it officially Batong Paluay.

The population growth was rapid so the barrio leaders worked hard so that a school will be opened in
the barrio. This was realize in the year 1953.

The barrio of Batong Paluay is well known throughout the town and
neighboring town since 1906. The said year, the miraculous image of our Lady of
Sorrows was found. Every Friday, from dawn to dusk, people from different walks
of life came into the barrio to pray to the image of Blessed mother of Sorrow.

The people of the barrio are mostly farmers. They were industrious,
peaceful, cooperative and corteous.

Image of Our Lady of Sorrows

SYNTHESIS

Navigators and traders from Borneo Malay and China are believed to be the first inhabitant in the
island. Some of them were the descendants of the 10 Bornean Datus who came to Panay and Southern
Luzon. Due to inclement weather, their boats were blown and drifted to the shores. Settlers that were blown by
strong winds and dashed to the shores were called “tandong”, while “dagsa” are settlers that were drifted
ashore after losing their tract of their destination.

Through the passage of House Bill no. 301 approved on September 26,1946 as Commonwealth Act
No. 687 authored by Representative Francisco Perfecto, Catanduanes became a separate and independent
island.

Catanduanes Museum (Museo de Catanduanes) is the island’s principal museum that caters the
province’s historical, cultural and social legacy. It alsoserved as anavenue for locals to showcase their abilities
and craftmanship which manifest the best attractions of Catanduanes that also helps the tourism business of
the island.

Holy Cross of Batalay is decreed and declared as a Diocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross, and is located
in Batalay, Bato, Catanduanes, a place where Fr. Diego de Herrera and other Spaniards face their death in the
hand of the natives. In San Andres, BatongPaloway is well known because of Our Lady of Sorrow. People
from different places came into the barrio to pray to the image of Blessed mother of Sorrow.

Oral and Local history is expectedly closest to the people’s heart and consciousness because it
reflects their own identity, experiences and aspirations. It is interpretative recreation of the past of their locality,
embracing its political, social, economic, and cultural life. This includes the development of the institutions in
the geographical unit and the successes and failures of its people. Thus, in order to understand and,
consequently, appreciate Philippine history, one should first know the history of his own locality and its
contributions to regional development and over-all nation-building.

References:
Solmerano ET M., Palencia M M., Galicia R DM. (2018). Readings in Philippine History (p.300) Fastbooks
Educational Supply Inc. 1239 Instruccion St., Brgy. 514, Zone 51, Sampaloc, 1008 Manila Philippines
Vargas B. C. (1991). The History of Catanduanes (Volume I: Since the 13th Century). Catanduanes
Ecoprogress Corporation. 140 A. Bonifacio St., Bgy. Tanong Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines
[Link]
[Link]