2025 - 2026
MODULE & LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET (LAS) No. 1
21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World
NAME:________________________________________________________________________ DATE: ____________________
GRADE & SECTION: __________________________________________________________SCORE: ___________________
Historically speaking, Philippine literature can be divided into three most important periods: pre-colonial,
colonial, and post-colonial.
Pre-Colonial Period (Before 1521)
Key Characteristics:
Literature was mostly oral, passed down through generations.
Contrary to misconception, early Filipinos had a writing system (e.g., Baybayin); printed materials
were unavailable.
Life was simple, so literature reflected daily experiences and cultural values.
Literature served as entertainment, education, and cultural preservation.
Major Literary Forms
Chants – Used in rituals and community gatherings
Proverbs (Salawikain) – Words of wisdom teaching morals and values
Folk Songs – Early Filipinos were music lovers; researchers found over 10 types in various
Philippine languages
Folk Narratives – Stories explaining natural phenomena or teaching lessons
Riddles (Bugtong) – Popular pastime that trained logical thinking
Epics – Long narratives of heroism, bravery, magic, and adventure
Purpose of Pre-Colonial Literature
To educate the young
To explain the world around them
To preserve history and beliefs
To entertain the community
Prominent Literary Forms
II. Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)
Corrido – Long narrative poems about
Major Changes:
chivalry and Christian heroes
Focus shifted from indigenous traditions to religious
and moral themes.
Pasyon – Poetic account of Christ’s life
Spaniards introduced printing, but used mainly for
and death, often sung during Holy Week
religious teaching and indoctrination.
Literature was used to spread Catholicism and
Cenaculo – Dramatic presentation of the
promote Spanish culture.
Passion of Christ
Rise of Nationalism
Although religion dominated literature, native cultures continued to survive in remote areas.
Over time, increased literacy allowed Filipinos to recognize social injustices.
Writers began producing works about oppression, abuse, and corruption.
Dr. José Rizal led this movement through his novels:
o Noli Me Tangere
o El Filibusterismo
Both novels exposed colonial abuses and fueled the Filipino desire for freedom.
III. American Colonial Period (1898–1941)
Key Developments:
Introduction of free public education, making knowledge more accessible.
Filipinos learned to read and write in English, influencing literary style and form.
Writers initially imitated American and English models, a stage known as the apprenticeship period.
Major Literary Trends Notable Writer
Short Stories became the most popular form
All forms of literature flourished—poetry, essays, José Garcia Villa – Achieved
dramas, and novels worldwide fame and earned the title
Writers began gaining international recognition “Poet of the Century.”
IV. Japanese Period (1941–1945)
Key Characteristics:
Freedom of expression was extremely limited.
English-language writing was banned.
Filipino writers living in Japan-occupied territories were restricted from writing against the
government.
Despite limitations, this period encouraged writing in vernacular languages (e.g., Tagalog, Ilocano,
Cebuano).
Literary Impact
Boosted the appreciation and use of local languages
Strengthened cultural identity despite colonial suppression
V. Post-Colonial Period (1946–Present)
Description:
Begins after the Philippines regained independence.
Colonial influences continued to shape literature socially and culturally.
Writers focused on themes reflecting identity, nationalism, politics, culture, and human rights.
Key Historical Influence
Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos (1972–1981)
A highly controversial period that produced literature about censorship, resistance, and freedom.
Many writers used literature to express dissent and expose abuses.
VI. Common Themes Across Colonial Periods
Across Spanish, American, and Japanese rule, Filipino literature often explored:
Oppression
Religion and morality
Freedom and independence
Cultural survival and identity
Social issues and injustices
These themes shaped the development of Philippine literature and continue to influence writers today.
VII. Importance of Studying These Periods
Helps students understand how history influenced Filipino expression
Shows how literature reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Filipino people
Provides context for modern Philippine literature
Encourages appreciation of cultural identity and heritage
Show you Know: Some famous literary works in the Philippines are listed below. Identify to which type or
genre each literary work belongs.
A. Myth C. Short story E. Drama
B. Essay D. Novel F. Epic
1. "Biag ni Lam-ang" anonymous
2. "Noli me Tangere" by Jose Rizal
3. "What Is an Educated Filipino" by Francisco Benitez
4. "Footnote to Youth" by Jose Garcia Villa
5. "How the World Began" anonymous
Summing Up: Look up literary traditions that identify with each historical period below. Have a separate sheet
for this activity.
Literary traditions Historical Period
1. A. Pre-colonial
2. B. Spanish
3. C. American
4. D. Japanese
5. E. Post-war to the 1980s
6 D. Post-EDSA to present
Beyond the Lesson: What Have I learned so far? Answer the following questions.
1. Why is it important to learn about the pre-colonial literature of the Philippines?
2. How does the literature during the Spanish era differ from the literature during the pre-colonial era?
3. Which era do you think has been able to exert its influences the most? Why?