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Tagum City, Davao del Norte
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MODULE 3
Lesson 1: The Context of Reformation
Mexican independence in 1821 signaled a new period of economic and
administrative change in the Philippines, as administrators sought to compensate for the loss of
New Spain’s support. From the 1840s, policies encouraged the construction of new roads,
canals and harbours to improve the islands’ commercial potential and economic viability.
Concerned by the Mexican precedent, Spanish administrators attempted to exclude criollos
from positions of authority. New regulations excluded them from military office, prompting
Andres Novales’ mutiny in 1823. The same year, Luis Rodríguez Varela and José Ortega were
among a number of intellectuals exiled to Spain for pamphlets and novels that protested
increased discrimination. Varela’s pamphlets urged loyalty to the king, but demanded that
criollos be given the same rights as Iberian Spaniards.
Demands for reforms to education and the law became increasingly widespread
amongst both criollos and Filipinos. From 1863, a series of liberal reforms sought to emulate the
wave of liberalism then current in Spain. The rise of Spanish liberalism encouraged a belief that
similar changes were possible in the Philippines. New policies sought to improve standards in
education and to correct the Church’s progressive encroachment of state prerogatives. Despite
rising expectations, it became clear that conservative administrators and clergymen would
frustrate any sustained effort at liberal reform.
Tabacco Monopoly
The British occupation had revealed the need for better revenues to fund the Philippines’
defense. Spain’s economic interests had been largely focused on Manila, which served as an
entrepôt for luxury Asian goods. In accordance with Spain’s mercantilist policies, the goods
were sent annually by galleon from Manila to Acapulco in New Spain. In return, the Viceroyalty
of New Spain sent galleons laden with silver to Manila each year to sustain the Philippine
treasury. Following the occupation, however, local exports were steadily increased to improve
the isolated colony’s capacity for defense. Tobacco was exported successfully, along with
sugar, indigo and hemp. Accompanied by increasing numbers of Chinese merchants, this
fuelled an expanding cash economy and emergent Filipino middle class.
Agrarian Reform
When the Spaniards came to the Philippines, the concept of encomienda (Royal Land
Grants) was introduced. This system grants that Encomienderos must defend his encomienda
from external attack, maintain peace and order within, and support the missionaries. In turn, the
encomiendero acquired the right to collect tribute from the indios (native).
The system, however, degenerated into abuse of power by the encomienderos. The
tribute soon became land rents to a few powerful landlords. And the natives who once cultivated
the lands in freedom were transformed into mere share tenants.
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Mercantilism
The ‘Commercial Revolution’ which took place between 1450 and 1750 brought a
revolutionary change in the economy of Europe.
Many countries of Europe encouraged the intervention of state in commercial activities
for the increase of national wealth and power.
This gave birth to ‘Mercantilism’ which played a vital role for the economic prosperity of a
country. This Mercantilism created a milestone in the field of European Economy.
Adam Smith, the ‘Father of Economics’ had first used the word ‘Mercantilism’ in his
famous book ‘Wealth of Nations’. Mercantilism means-“Governmental regulation of economic
affairs, especially, trade and industry”. The exponents of Mercantilism opined that Commerce is
the key to progress of every country and it can be achieved at the cost of the interest of other
country. Although they put emphasis on economy, they never wanted the intervention in politics.
The Reformation Movement encouraged the merchants. The results of the Reformation
Movement carried on by Martin Luther in Germany and Henry VIII in England were far reaching.
They condemned the unnecessary intervention of Pope in Political and Economic affairs except
religion.
Martin Luther opposed the Pope so much so that he was issued ‘Bull of
excommunication’ by the Pope. However, Luther did not bend before it. In a similar vein Henry
VIII of England did not obey Pope and brought reformation in the Church of England.
All these activities encouraged the merchants to take up their business independently.
This encouraged Mercantilism.
La Ilustracion
The Enlightenment was the crossroads of European history, a crisis, in a philosopher's
view, of the European conscience. It denied the past, and was in search of the new. Reason
was the key to knowledge and the solution of human problems, no longer tradition or faith.
Useful knowledge was prized and there was a marked zeal to educate the general populace.
Democracy
The privileged and influential position of Spanish friars had become increasingly
contentious during the nineteenth century. Indigenous hostility to Spanish clergy was
longstanding, as religious orders had appropriated indigenous lands. Filipinos increasingly lived
in municipalities however, where friars’ influence on daily life was wide-ranging, and extended
from schools to public order. Moreover, friars vigorously defended their autonomy from local
bishops’ supervision. Middle class Filipinos were particularly concerned by friars’ reactionary
sentiments and attempts to deny Filipinos the education necessary for empowerment and
change. Apolinario de la Cruz had inspired the Confradia Revolt in 1841, protesting the effects
of the Spaniards’ religious control. Yet, colonial administrators generally supported the friars,
fearful that an empowered indigenous priesthood might lead further revolts. One attempt to
allocate additional parishes to Spanish friars prompted Father Pedro Peláez to galvanize local
clergy’s resistance in 1861. Despite his failure, Filipino clergy continued to play a central role in
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Tagum City, Davao del Norte
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maintaining opposition to Spaniards, and tempered the more anticlerical elements of growing
dissent.
Lesson 2: PROPAGANDA MOVEMENTS (1815-1901)
The period of liberal reforms and public debate ended in 1872, with the repression that
followed the Cavite Mutiny. Initially led by criollo officers at the Cavite naval base in January
1872, a wage dispute escalated as Filipino workers and soldiers hoped other garrisons would
join their abortive mutiny. Fearful of further rebellions, Spanish authorities instigated a
widespread repression and a number of exemplary executions. Instead of pacification, the
Spanish response unified Filipino and criollo anger at racial prejudice and social injustice. Public
opinion was enraged by the decision to execute three prominent liberal Filipino priests; José
Burgos, Mariano Gómez and Jacinto Zamora. In an effort to avoid the repression and to access
better education, increasing numbers of wealthy Filipinos sent their children to be educated in
Europe. From Europe’s major cities, men such as José Rizal instigated the literary movement
known as the Propaganda Movement, and demanded further legal and administrative reform.
The Propaganda Movement (1880-1895) exercised a formative influence on the
emerging expression of Filipino nationalism. The Movement aimed to secure Filipinos and
criollos the same rights that Spaniards possessed in the peninsular, such as representation in
parliament. Yet, the Propagandists instead fuelled the rise of a self-conscious Philippine identity.
From cities throughout Europe, they circumvented censorship and engaged in literary
publications that ranged from books to pamphlets and newspaper articles. The most famous
Propagandist, José Rizal, occupies a seminal position in Philippine nationalism. Rizal
demanded administrative and religious reforms, which would strengthen the Philippines’
relationship with Spain. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, extolled the history
and characteristics of the Philippine nation, and carefully distanced it from the corrupt habits of
Spanish friars. He also liaised with European intellectuals, such as his close friend Ferdinand
Blumentritt, and wrote numerous articles for the Propagandists’ newspaper La Solidaridad.
Spanish authorities within the Philippines considered Rizal’s works highly seditious, and he was
obliged to live in Europe and Hong Kong for much of his life. Although literacy rates amongst the
Philippine population were generally low, Rizal rapidly acquired a heroic status that was used by
others in the Katipunan to justify overt military resistance to Spanish rule. Aware of his
vulnerability after his return to the Philippines in 1892, Rizal sought to serve in the Spanish army
in Cuba. He was recalled however, and executed for fomenting insurrection in December 1896.
1896 Philippine Revolution
Philippine Revolution, (1896–98), Filipino independence struggle that, after more than
300 years of Spanish colonial rule, exposed the weakness of Spanish administration but failed
to evict Spaniards from the islands. The Spanish-American War brought Spain’s rule in
the Philippines to a close in 1898 but precipitated the Philippine-American War, a bloody war
between Filipino revolutionaries and the U.S. Army.
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Numerous quasi-religious uprisings had punctuated the long era of
Spanish sovereignty over the Philippines, but none possessed sufficient coordination to oust the
Europeans. During the 19th century, however, an educated Filipino middle class emerged and
with it a desire for Philippine independence. Opposition before 1872 was primarily confined to
the Filipino clergy, who resented the Spanish monopoly of power within the Roman Catholic
Church in the islands. In that year the abortive Cavite Mutiny, a brief uprising against the
Spanish, served as an excuse for renewed Spanish repression. The martyrdom of three Filipino
priests—José Burgos, Mariano Gómez, and Jacinto Zamora—for allegedly conspiring with the
rebels at Cavite sparked a wave of anti-Spanish sentiment.
Reform-minded Filipinos took refuge in Europe, where they carried on a literary
campaign known as the Propaganda Movement. Dr. José Rizal quickly emerged as the leading
Propagandist. His novel Noli me tángere (1886; The Social Cancer, 1912) exposed the
corruption of Manila Spanish society and stimulated the movement for independence.
By 1892 it became obvious that Spain was unwilling to reform its colonial
government. Andres Bonifacio, a self-educated warehouse clerk, organized a secret
revolutionary society, the Katipunan, in Manila. Membership grew to an estimated 100,000
by August 1896, when the Spaniards discovered its existence. Bonifacio immediately issued a
call for armed rebellion. The Spanish then arrested Rizal, who had advocated reform but
never condoned the revolution. Rizal’s public execution, on December 30, 1896, so enraged
and united Filipinos as to make permanent retention of power by Spain clearly impossible.
In March 1897 leadership of the revolution passed to a young general, Emilio Aguinaldo,
who had Bonifacio shot for alleged sedition. Aguinaldo proved incapable of militarily defeating
the Spanish troops, who were augmented by Filipino mercenaries. In the later months of 1897,
Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army was pushed into the mountains southeast of Manila.
On December 15, 1897, the pact of Biak-na-Bato was proclaimed. Though its precise
terms have been a matter of impassioned debate ever since, the pact brought a temporary end
to the Philippine Revolution. Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders accepted exile in Hong
Kong and 400,000 pesos, plus Spanish promises of substantial governmental reforms, in return
for laying down their arms. Neither side executed the terms of the pact in good faith. Aguinaldo
used the money to purchase arms in Hong Kong, and the Spanish reneged on the promised
reforms.
After the U.S. Navy commodore George Dewey annihilated the Spanish fleet in Manila
Bay on May 1, 1898, Aguinaldo immediately returned to the Philippines. He began the
revolution anew, this time against the United States, which had assumed title to the Philippines
as a result of the Spanish defeat. Aguinaldo was captured in 1901 and subsequently appealed
to Filipinos to cease fighting and accept U.S. sovereignty.
The Declaration of Independence in Kawit
The most significant achievement of Emilio Aguinaldo's Dictatorial Government was the
proclamation of the Philippine Independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12. 1898.
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Tagum City, Davao del Norte
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The day was declared a national holiday. Thousands of people from the provinces gathered in
Kawit to witness the historic event.
The ceremony was solemnly held at the balcony of General Emilio Aguinaldo's
residence The military and civil officials of the government were in attendance.
The declaration included a list of grievances against the Spanish government stretching
back to explorer Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in 1521 and confer(s) upon our famous Dictator
Don Emilio Aguinaldo all the powers necessary to enable him to discharge the duties of
Government, including the prerogatives of granting pardon and amnesty.
A dramatic feature of the ceremony was the formal unfurling of the Filipino flag amidst
the cheers of the people At the same time, the Philippine National Anthem was played by the
San Francisco de Malabon band. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista solemnly read the "Act of the
Declaration of Independence which he himself wrote with 98 persons signing the declaration.
The Philippine National Anthem
Philippine national anthem, which embodies the struggles and the glory of Filipino
people in search of freedom from foreign denomination was composed by Julian Felipe and
played by the San Francisco de Malabon Band. The Spanish lyrics were written by Jose Palma
a year later.
The Philippine Flag
The Philippine national flag had been made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo,
assisted by Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herbosa. It featured a blue band on top, a red band
below, and a white triangle on the side At the corners of the white triangle were sewn yellow
stars symbolizing the three Philippine island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. At the
center of the triangle was a sun with eight rays, representing the first provinces that rose in arms
against Spain
Filipino Heroes
1. Dr. Jose Rizal - The National Hero.
2. Andres Bonifacio - The Great Plebian and Father of the Katipunan.
3. General Gregorio del Pilar - Hero of the Battle of Tirad Pass.
4. General Emilio Aguinaldo - President of the First Philippine Republic.
5. Apolinario Mabini - Sublime Paralytic and Brains of the Revolution.
6. GOMBURZA - Martyred Priests of 1872.
7. Trece Martirez - 13 Martyrs from Cavite.
8. Emilio Jacinto - Brains of the Katipunan.
9. General Antonio Luna - Cofounder of La Independencia .
10. Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora) - Mother of Balintawak.
11. Graciano Lopez-Jaena - Greatest Filipino Orator of the Propaganda Movement.
12. Panday Pira - First Filipino Cannon-maker.
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13. Mariano Ponce - Propagandist, Historian, Diplomat And Managing Editor of La
Solidaridad.
14. Gregoria de Jesus - Lakambini of Katipunan and Wife of Andres Bonifacio.
15. Fernando Ma. Guerrero - Poet of the Revolution.
16. Felipe Agoncillo - Outstanding Diplomat of the First Philippine Republic.
17. Rafael Palma - Cofounder of La Independencia and First UP president .
18. Juan Luna - Greatest Filipino Painter.
19. Marcelo H. Del Pilar - Greatest Journalist and Moving Spirit of the Propaganda
Movement.
20. Leona Florentino - First Filipino Poetess(from Ilocos Sur).
21. Pedro Paterno - Peacemaker of the Revolution.
22. Isabelo delos Reyes - Founder of Philippine Socialism.
23. Artemio Ricarte - Revolutionary General, known as Viborra.
24. Jose Palma - Wrote the Spanish Lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem.
25. Lakandola - Chief of Tondo, Friendly to the Spaniards.
26. Rajah Soliman - The Last Rajah of Manila.
27. Leonor Rivera - Cousin and Fiancee of Jose Rizal.
28. Marcela Mari�o Agoncillo - Maker of the First Filipino Flag.
29. Galicano Apacible - One of the Founders of Katipunan.
30. Jose Ma. Panganiban - Bicolandia's Greatest Contribution to the Historic Campaign for
Reforms.
31. Diego Silang - Leader of the Ilocano Revolt.
32. Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang - Continued the Fight After her Husband's Death.
33. Lapu-Lapu - Chieftain of Mactan Who Killed Magellan. First Filipino Hero.
34. Francisco Dagohoy - Leader of the Longest Revolt in Bohol.
35. Epifanio delos Santos - A Man of Many Talents; the Former Highway 54 is Now
Named After him (EDSA).
36. Francisco Baltazar - Prince of Tagalog Poets.
37. Teresa Magbanua - First Woman Fighter in Panay. Visayan Joan of Arc.
38. Trinidad Tecson - Mother of Biak-na-Bato.
39. Agueda Esteban - Wife of Artemio Ricarte Who Carried Secret Messages About
Spanish Troops.
40. Marina Dizon - Daughter of One of the Trece Martirez.
41. General Francisco Makabulos - Leader of the Revolt in Tarlac.
42. Julian Felipe - Composer of the Philippine National Anthem.
The Malolos Republic
The first Philippine Republic was inaugurated in Malolos, Bulacan on January 21, 1899.
After being proclaimed president, Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath of office. The constitution was
read article by article and followed by a military parade. Apolinario Mabini was elected as a
prime minister. The other cabinet secretaries were: Teodoro Sandico, interior; Baldomero
Aguinaldo, war; Gen. Mariano Trias, finance & war; Apolinario Mabini, foreign affairs; Gracio
Gonzaga for welfare, Aguedo Velarde, public instruction; Maximo Paterno, public works &
communication; and Leon María Guerrero for agriculture, trade & commerce.
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A committee headed by Felipe Calderon and aided by Cayetano Arellano, the
constitution was drafted, for the first time by representatives of the Filipino people and it is the
first republican constitution in Asia. The constitution was inspired by the constitutions of Mexico,
Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Belgium and France. After some minor revisions (mainly due to
the objections of Apolinario Mabini), the final draft of the constitution was presented to
Aguinaldo. This paved the way to launching the first Philippine Republic. It established a
democratic, republication government with three branches - the Executive, Legislative and the
Judicial branches. It called for the separation of church and state. The executive powers were to
be exercise by the president of the republic with the help of his cabinet. Judicial powers were
given to the Supreme Court and other lower courts to be created by law. The Chief justice of the
Supreme Court was to be elected by the legislature with the concurrence of the President and
his Cabinet.
The Philippine Independent Church
Philippine Independent Church, Spanish Iglesia Filipina Independiente, also
called Aglipayan Church, independent church organized in 1902 after the Philippine revolution
of 1896–98 as a protest against the Spanish clergy’s control of the Roman Catholic Church.
Cofounders of the church were Isabelo de los Reyes y Florentino, author, labour leader, and
senator, who was imprisoned during the revolution for his criticism of Spanish clergy and
government officials in the Philippines, and Gregorio Aglipay y Labayán, a Philippine Roman
Catholic priest who was excommunicated in 1899 for his activities on behalf of the revolution.
Aglipay accepted de los Reyes’ request that he serve as supreme bishop of the new church in
1903, a position he held until his death in 1940.
The church continued to follow Roman Catholic forms of worship, but for many years
doctrine was strongly influenced by Unitarianism. A schism developed in 1946, and a unitarian
faction left the church. Under Isabelo de los Reyes, Jr., elected bishop in 1946, the church
adopted in 1947 a new declaration of faith and articles of religion that were Trinitarian.
The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States consecrated three bishops of the
Philippine Independent Church in 1948, and the two churches entered into a close association.
In 1961 the church was accepted into full communion with the Church of England and the Old
Catholic churches.
