Why Prehistoric Culture?

Why prehistoric culture? What is its relevance to our

contemporary life?

Our prehistoric past is the foundation of our present

society.It can rekindle once more the spirit of greatness in us and

imbue us with a deeper sense of moral commitment to

national unity and progress.

It is the least known and understood aspect of Philippine studies.

Even college textbooks mention it only in passing – at most only a few pages

What little is written about it is presented from a negative point of view – i.e., primitive or uncivilized way of life,

A traditionless people would have no sense of identity with their heritage nor pride in themselves

The would forever be beholden to those who gave them their history and tradition.

Of the many people who came, there were three dominant groups that decided to stay and attempted to reestablish their respective home cultures. These were: The Muslim seafarers The Catholic Spaniards The Protestant Americans

The Process of Islamization of Southern Philippines

Religion Islam

Language Arabic

Political Form Sultanate

Cultural Tastes Islamic/Middle East

Loyalties Mecca/Middle East

Source of Political Influence

Middle East

The Process of Spanish Entry and Colonization of the Islands

Religion Catholic Christianity

Language Spanish

Political Form European Feudalism

Cultural Tastes Spanish/European

Loyalties Spain

Source of Political Influence

Madrid/Vatican

The Process of American Entry and Colonization

ReligionProtestant Christianity

Language English

Political Form Liberal Democracy

Cultural Tastes “Stateside”

Loyalties Washington DC

Source of Political Influence

Washington DC

“The influence of these external cultures has obscured many of our local ways of thinking, believing, and doing things. Thus, many Filipinos cannot appreciate the achievements of the past.”

“Neither are they aware that we have a prehistoric civilization to be proud of.”

- F. Landa Jocano