“The study of history demands that evidence be as close to the events as possible, giving direct witness to the occasion or the happening. Primary sources provide these direct witness to the past and the need for evidence leads to the skills in history . . .

The primary sources presented in this book will provide the students with material by which they can apply the methods of critical assessment and evaluation and learn the historical context and conditions that produced these sources. Hopefully it will be a beneficial and enjoyable activity for the students.”

—Excerpt from the foreword of Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy,University of the Philippines Diliman

Unraveling the Past: Readings in Philippine History © 2018 provides a glimpse of Philippine history through a selection of primary sources produced by the individuals and institutions that witnessed or took part in shaping the past. This volume includes documents and materials relating to different events from vital historical periods beginning with the early Philippine society of the precolonial times, the occurrence and termination of Spanish colonization, the struggle for sovereignty under the American and Japanese occupations, the multifaceted challenges faced by postwar administrations, up to the contemporary times which cover the Martial Law years. The book also incorporates sources that tackle important issues concerning agrarian reform, economic nationalism, independent foreign policy, national minorities, and the Philippine constitutions. This creates an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the complex past by reading materials which tackle the different aspects of history related to Philippine politics, economics, culture, society, and religion.