Course Overview
Course Title: Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary Grades (Philippine History and
Government)
Course Code: TSSEGHISGOV
Number of Units: 3 Units
Contact Hours: 3 Hours
Prerequisite: TSSEGCULGEO
Course Requirements: Oral presentations, reading reports, research work, quizzes, blank
map exercises, and a major exam.
Course Description: This course emphasizes the content of Philippine history and
government crucial for teaching at the elementary level. It includes appropriate teaching
strategies and assessment methods to prepare students to become effective elementary
teachers.
Course Learning Outcomes
Explain the basis and importance of studying history.
Demonstrate willingness to protect the country's territory and resources.
Promote unity among ethnic groups and regions in the Philippines.
Propose ways to address corruption in the government.
Describe the environmental conditions of the country during Spanish, American, and
Japanese rule.
Identify the significance of accomplishments under different administrations in
Philippine government.
Promote the importance of proper civic responsibility.
Course Content
Prelim and Midterm:
Orientation & Course Overview: Introduces the course, its objectives, and expectations.
The Philippines (Geographic Features): Covers the country's geographic features,
natural resources, regions, and the profile of Filipinos as a people.
Pre-Spanish Period: The First Filipinos: Explores the cultures and way of life of early
Filipinos, the arrival and spread of Islam, and the establishment of early forms of
government.
The Spanish Period: Discusses the aims of Spanish colonization, the colonial government,
changes during the Spanish period, social, economic, and cultural conditions under Spanish
rule, the struggle for freedom, the birth of Filipino nationalism, the Propaganda Movement,
the Katipunan, the Revolution of 1896, the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, the revolutionary
government, and the Philippine-American War.
The Philippines Under American & Japanese Rule: Covers the American government,
American influences, the Commonwealth government, the Philippines under Japanese
military rule, and the battle against oppressors.
Finals:
The Third Philippine Republic: Focuses on the administrations of President Magsaysay to
President Garcia, including the administration of President Macapagal and President Marcos.
The Fourth Republic (Martial Law Period): Explores the declaration of martial law and
the end of military rule.
The Struggle for Progress: Covers the 1986 Peaceful Revolution, the administrations of
President Aquino and President Ramos, the administrations of President Estrada and
President Arroyo, and the administrations of President Aquino and President Duterte.
The Philippine Government: Discusses the principles and policies of governance, the
state, the constitution, citizenship, the branches of the Philippine government, the
constitutional commission, and the local government.
Key Words
- Pre-Spanish Period
- Spanish Colonization
- American Rule
- Japanese Occupation
- Philippine Republic
- Martial Law
- Branches of Government
- Civic Responsibility
- Nationalism
- Propaganda Movement
- Katipunan
- Revolution of 1896
- Philippine-American War
- Commonwealth Government
- 1986 Peaceful Revolution
Dates and People
- 22,000 BC: The Tabon Man, the first known Filipino who lived in Palawan.
- 1521: Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in the Philippines, the first Catholic Mass in Limasawa,
and the blood compact between Magellan and Rajah Kolambu.
- 1565: The establishment of Cebu as the oldest Spanish city in the Philippines.
- 1896: The Katipunan's revolution against Spanish rule.
- 1898: The Philippine-American War.
- 1941-1945: The Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
- 1946: The Philippines gains independence from the United States.
- 1972: The declaration of martial law by President Marcos.
- 1986: The People Power Revolution that led to the ouster of President Marcos.
Pre-Spanish Period: The Dawn of Filipino Civilization
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the Philippines was home to diverse indigenous
communities with rich cultures and traditions. They had their own systems of governance,
beliefs, and social structures.h
- Key Features:
- Barangays: Small, independent communities led by datus, with their own laws and
customs.
- Animism: Belief in spirits inhabiting natural elements, influencing rituals and practices.
- Oral Traditions: Stories, songs, and epics passed down through generations, reflecting their
values and history.
- Notable Groups:
- Tagalogs: Inhabited the central Luzon region, known for their rich oral traditions and
agricultural practices.
- Visayans: Dominated the central Philippines, known for their seafaring skills and trade
networks.
- Ilocanos: Inhabited the northern Luzon region, known for their hard work and resilience.
Spanish Colonization: A Legacy of Change and Resistance
The Spanish arrived in the Philippines in 1521, marking the beginning of a long period of
colonization. Their rule brought significant changes, including the introduction of
Christianity, the development of new economic systems, and the establishment of a colonial
government.
- Key Events:
- 1521: Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, landed in the
Philippines and claimed it for the Spanish Crown.
- 1565: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador, established the first permanent
Spanish settlement in the Philippines.
- 1896: The Philippine Revolution, led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo, erupted
against Spanish rule.
- Key Figures:
- Ferdinand Magellan: The first European to reach the Philippines, his arrival marked the
beginning of Spanish colonization.
- Miguel Lopez de Legazpi: Established the first permanent Spanish settlement in the
Philippines, laying the foundation for Spanish rule.
- Jose Rizal: A national hero, he wrote novels criticizing Spanish rule, sparking Filipino
nationalism.
- Andres Bonifacio: Founder of the Katipunan, a revolutionary society that led the
Philippine Revolution.
- Emilio Aguinaldo: President of the First Philippine Republic, he led the fight for
independence from Spain.
- Key Concepts:
- Encomienda System: A system of land grants given to Spanish conquistadors, allowing
them to exploit native labor and resources.
- Catholicism: The dominant religion in the Philippines, introduced by the Spanish, had a
profound impact on Filipino culture and society.
- Filipino Nationalism: The growing sense of Filipino identity and desire for independence
from Spain.
American Rule: A New Era of Influence
The Spanish-American War in 1898 resulted in the Philippines becoming an American colony.
American rule brought about significant changes, including the introduction of American
education, legal systems, and economic policies.
- Key Events:
- 1898: The Philippines was ceded to the United States by Spain after the Spanish-American
War.
- 1899-1902: The Philippine-American War, a conflict between Filipinos fighting for
independence and the United States, resulted in American victory.
- 1935: The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established, a period of transition
towards full independence.
- Key Figures:
- William McKinley: The U.S. President who decided to annex the Philippines after the
Spanish-American War.
- Emilio Aguinaldo: Continued to fight for independence against the United States after
the Spanish-American War.
- Manuel L. Quezon: The first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, he
played a key role in the transition to independence.
- Key Concepts:
- Americanization: The process of integrating American culture, values, and institutions
into Filipino society.
- Commonwealth Government: A period of self-governance under American supervision,
preparing the Philippines for independence.
Japanese Occupation: A Time of Hardship and Resistance
During World War II, Japan occupied the Philippines, imposing a brutal regime that led to
widespread suffering and resistance.
- Key Events:
- 1941: Japan invaded the Philippines, marking the beginning of the Japanese occupation.
- 1942: The Philippines fell to Japan after the Battle of Bataan and the Death March.
- 1944-1945: The liberation of the Philippines by American and Filipino forces.
- Key Figures:
- General Douglas MacArthur: The American commander who led the Allied forces in the
liberation of the Philippines.
- Manuel L. Quezon: The President of the Commonwealth government in exile, he
continued to lead the fight for independence.
- Jose P. Laurel: The President of the Japanese-sponsored Second Philippine Republic, he
collaborated with the Japanese.
- Key Concepts:
- Collaboration and Resistance: Filipinos were divided between those who collaborated
with the Japanese and those who resisted their rule.
- The Hukbalahap: A communist-led guerrilla movement that fought against both the
Japanese and the Americans.
The Philippine Republic: A Journey Towards Democracy
After World War II, the Philippines achieved full independence from the United States. The
post-independence era saw a succession of presidents, each with their own policies and
challenges.
- Key Events:
- 1946: The Philippines gained full independence from the United States.
- 1972: President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, suspending civil liberties and
consolidating power.
- 1986: The People Power Revolution, a peaceful uprising, led to the ouster of President
Marcos and the restoration of democracy.
- Key Figures:
- Manuel Roxas: The first President of the Republic of the Philippines, he faced the
challenge of rebuilding the country after the war.
- Ferdinand Marcos: Ruled the Philippines for 20 years, declaring martial law and
suppressing dissent.
- Corazon Aquino: The first female President of the Philippines, she led the country after
the People Power Revolution.
- Key Concepts:
- Martial Law: A period of military rule, characterized by restrictions on civil liberties and
political repression.
- People Power Revolution: A non-violent uprising that led to the overthrow of President
Marcos and the restoration of democracy.
- Democracy: The system of government where power is vested in the people and
exercised through elected representatives.
Branches of Government: The Pillars of Philippine Governance
The Philippine government is structured into three branches:
- Executive Branch: Headed by the President, responsible for implementing and enforcing
laws.
- Legislative Branch: Composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives,
responsible for making laws.
- Judicial Branch: Headed by the Supreme Court, responsible for interpreting laws and
ensuring their just application.
Civic Responsibility: The Foundation of a Strong Democracy
Civic responsibility refers to the duties and obligations of citizens to participate actively in
their community and government. This includes:
- Voting: Exercising one's right to choose leaders and influence government policies.
- Paying Taxes: Contributing to the funding of public services and programs.
- Obeying Laws: Adhering to the rules and regulations that govern society.
- Volunteering: Contributing time and effort to community organizations and initiatives.
Nationalism: A Sense of Identity and Unity
Nationalism is a sense of pride, loyalty, and devotion to one's nation. It can manifest in
different ways, including:
- Patriotism: Love and support for one's country.
- National Identity: A shared sense of belonging and commonality among members of a
nation.
- National Unity: The pursuit of a cohesive and united nation.
Propaganda Movement: A Call for Reform
The Propaganda Movement was a reform movement led by Filipino intellectuals in the late
19th century. They sought to achieve reforms within the Spanish colonial system, including:
- Representation in the Spanish Cortes: Gaining a voice in the Spanish legislature.
- Equal Rights for Filipinos: Ending discrimination and granting Filipinos the same rights
as Spaniards.
- Secularization of Education: Removing the control of the Catholic Church over education.
Katipunan: A Secret Society for Revolution
The Katipunan was a secret revolutionary society founded by Andres Bonifacio in 1892. It
aimed to achieve independence from Spain through armed struggle.
- Key Figures:
- Andres Bonifacio: Founder of the Katipunan, he was a key leader in the Philippine
Revolution.
- Emilio Aguinaldo: A prominent Katipunan member, he later became President of the First
Philippine Republic.
- Key Concepts:
- Revolution: The use of force to overthrow a government and establish a new one.
- Nationalism: The Katipunan was driven by a strong sense of Filipino nationalism and
desire for independence.
Revolution of 1896: The Fight for Freedom
The Philippine Revolution, which began in 1896, was a violent uprising against Spanish rule.
It was led by the Katipunan and resulted in the establishment of the First Philippine Republic.
- Key Events:
- August 1896: The Katipunan launched the revolution, starting with attacks on Spanish
garrisons.
- December 1896: Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President of the revolutionary
government.
- June 12, 1898: The First Philippine Republic was proclaimed, marking the end of Spanish
rule.
- Key Figures:
- Andres Bonifacio: He was executed by Aguinaldo's forces after a power struggle within
the revolutionary government.
- Emilio Aguinaldo: He became the President of the First Philippine Republic, but his
government was eventually overthrown by the United States.
Philippine-American War: A Struggle for Independence
The Philippine-American War (1899-1902) was a conflict between the First Philippine
Republic and the United States. It was fought for control of the Philippines after the Spanish-
American War.
- Key Events:
- February 1899: Fighting broke out between Filipino and American forces in Manila.
- 1901: Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by American forces, effectively ending the war.
- Key Figures:
- Emilio Aguinaldo: He continued to fight for independence against the United States after
the Spanish-American War.
- General Douglas MacArthur: He was the American commander who led the campaign
against the Filipinos.
Commonwealth Government: A Transition to Independence
The Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935-1946) was a period of self-governance under
American supervision. It was designed to prepare the Philippines for full independence.
- Key Figures:
- Manuel L. Quezon: The first President of the Commonwealth government, he played a
crucial role in the transition to independence.
- Sergio Osmeña: He became President of the Commonwealth government in exile after
Quezon's death.
- Key Concepts:
- Self-Governance: The Commonwealth government allowed Filipinos to exercise greater
control over their own affairs.
- Independence: The ultimate goal of the Commonwealth government was to achieve full
independence from the United States.
1986 Peaceful Revolution: The People Power Uprising
The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, was a peaceful uprising
that led to the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. It was a pivotal moment in
Philippine history, marking the end of martial law and the restoration of democracy.
- Key Events:
- February 1986: A snap election was held, but it was widely believed to be rigged in
favor of Marcos.
- February 22-25, 1986: Millions of Filipinos took to the streets in a peaceful protest,
demanding Marcos' resignation.
- February 25, 1986: Marcos fled the country, paving the way for Corazon Aquino to
become President.
- Key Figures:
- Corazon Aquino: She became President after Marcos' ouster, leading the country
through a period of transition and rebuilding.
- Juan Ponce Enrile: A former Marcos loyalist, he defected and joined the opposition,
playing a key role in the revolution.
- General Fidel Ramos: A former Marcos military official, he also defected and helped to
protect the protesters.
The Philippines: A Land of Diverse Landscapes and Abundant Resources
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, boasts a diverse landscape with
stunning natural beauty and abundant resources. Its unique geographical features have
shaped its history, culture, and economy.
Location and Geographic Features:
- Location: The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, situated in the western Pacific
Ocean.
- Archipelago: It is an archipelago, meaning a group of islands clustered together.
- Major Islands: Luzon (largest), Visayas (central), and Mindanao (southern).
- Total Land Area: Approximately 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 square miles).
- Coastline: The Philippines has the longest coastline in Southeast Asia, spanning over
36,289 kilometers (22,542 miles).
- Terrain: The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with active volcanoes and vast plains.
- Climate: The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct
wet and dry seasons.
Natural Resources:
- Mineral Resources: Rich deposits of copper, gold, nickel, chromite, and other minerals.
- Forest Resources: Large tracts of forests, including diverse ecosystems like rainforests,
mangroves, and pine forests.
- Marine Resources: Abundant fisheries, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
- Agricultural Resources: Fertile soils suitable for growing rice, corn, fruits, vegetables,
and other crops.
Key Geographic Features:
- Mount Apo: The highest mountain in the Philippines, located in Mindanao, stands at
2,954 meters (9,692 feet).
- Mayon Volcano: A perfectly conical stratovolcano in Luzon, known for its symmetrical
shape and frequent eruptions.
- Chocolate Hills: A unique geological formation in Bohol, consisting of over 1,200 grassy
hills that turn brown during the dry season.
- Palawan: An island province renowned for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and
diverse marine life.
- Banaue Rice Terraces: Ancient rice terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Impact on Culture and Economy:
- Island Culture: The Philippines' island geography has fostered diverse cultures and
traditions, with each island having its own unique language, customs, and beliefs.
- Seafaring Tradition: The vast coastline and abundant marine resources have led to a
strong seafaring tradition, with fishing and maritime trade playing significant roles in the
economy.
- Agriculture: Fertile soil and a favorable climate have made agriculture a major
contributor to the economy.
- Tourism: The country's natural beauty, diverse culture, and historical sites attract millions
of tourists annually.
Challenges:
- Natural Disasters: The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, including typhoons,
earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
- Deforestation: Rapid deforestation has led to soil erosion, habitat loss, and climate
change.
- Pollution: Pollution from industrial activities and urban areas has affected water quality
and air quality.