LESSON OBJECTIVES
Discuss the system of education implemented by the Americans and its effects to the Filipinos
Discuss the health conditions of the Filipinos during American period
Discuss the progress of transportation and communication during the American colonization and their effects to the lives of the Filipinos
SUCCESS CRITERIA
Examine the changes in society during the American Period
DISCUSSION
The Philippines was under the American rule for nearly 50 years (1898–1946). The Americans introduced a lot of changes that became a part of the Filipino. The greatest American contribution to Philippine civilization was education. They introduced the public educational system. During this time, education was no longer for the rich families only. It became a right of all people to be educated. The first school was built by the Americans a few days after the Battle of Manila Bay. This was followed by the opening of seven schools in Manila in August 1898. The Americans were the first teachers of the Filipinos in English.
The Philippine Commission Act No. 74 passed on January 1901, which provided for the establishment of a public school system in the country. The government built public schools which gave free primary and secondary education.
The soldiers were the first teachers. Later on, the Thomasites, the 600 American teachers who boarded the SS Thomas, arrived in the country and took the task of educating the Filipino youth. Children of school age were required to study. Enrollment was compulsory and to encourage parents to send their children to school, free books and school supplies were provided.
From 1903 to 1914, Filipinos who excelled in some fields of learning were sent to the United States as pensionados. When they returned to the Philippines, the pensionados either taught or occupied some positions in government offices.
Adult education was also introduced in rural areas. Moreover, institutions of higher learning were established. Worthy of mention are the Philippine Normal School, which was established in 1901, and the University of the Philippines in 1908. Truly, the Filipinos were given better opportunities to get educated. Later, an increase in the rate of Filipino literacy became noticeable.
What kind of education was introduced?
Who were the first teachers? Why?
What schools for teachers were established?
Health and Social Welfare
Health and social welfare came second to the educational system as the Americans’ most important contribution to Philippine social life. Prevention of diseases and epidemics were given attention in 1901 by the Board of Public Health. This launched the intensified campaign not only for improved public health, but also the eradication of ignorance and superstitious beliefs. Field workers were sent to the rural areas to teach modern sanitation and hygiene. Hospitals, dispensaries, and leprosaria were established to take care of the sick and infected people.
Asylums and institutions for the orphans, the mentally ill, and the youth offenders were established. Young inmates were given vocational training, which helped them in their moral and physical rehabilitation.
As a result of this development, the death rate decreased and the standard of living improved because the Filipinos developed better public health awareness and civic consciousness.
Transportation and Communication
Together with the development in industry, commerce and health, was the development in transportation and communication. To transport goods from the provinces to the cities, roads, bridges, and railways were necessary.
There was a marked increase in the mileage of roads and railways. The government acquired the Manila-Dagupan Railway Company which became the Manila Railroad Company. The government extended the railways to the North and South of Luzon. During that time, there were vast improvements in other modes of transportation, like water transportation. Ports were opened all over the country. Inter-island ships were built to transfer goods and people from the provinces to the cities.
Communication became easier and faster with the installation of telephones, telegraphs, and radios. Post offices all over the country took care of mails, telegrams, and money orders. These modern transportation and communication systems were signs of our country’s progress and development under the United States of America.
What means of transportation were introduced?
How does modern communication affect the country’s progress?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU0fyW2JMwQ
EVALUATION
Answer the following questions.
1. In what ways did the Americans influence the lives of the Filipinos?
2. Describe the type of education during the American period.
3. How did the Board of Public Health help in the campaign to improve public health?
PROJECT: TO BE SUBMITTED ON 5/20/24
ON A 1/4 SIZE ILLUSTRATION BOARD, MAKE A COLLAGE ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTION OR INFLUENCE OF THE AMERICANS TO THE PHILIPPINES.