Student Chamber of Social Science and Philosophy

Student Chamber of Social Science and Philosophy Official Page of the Sociedad de Estudiantes con Interés y Pasión en los Estudios Sociales

On March 6, 1909, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) founded by American botanist and a pioneering Thoma...
06/03/2026

On March 6, 1909, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) founded by American botanist and a pioneering Thomasite Edwin B. Copeland, was officially established.

The Board of Regents of the American University of the Philippines established the College of Agriculture in Los Baños, Laguna, setting up an institution dedicated to research and education in agriculture and related disciplines.

UPLB has played an influential role in Asian agriculture and biotechnology due to its pioneering efforts in plant breeding and bioengineering focusing on the development of high-yielding and pest-resistant crops.

It is a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award (regarded as Asia's Nobel Prize) as well as other awards from other Asian countries in recognition of its research works.

At present, the UPLB offers programs in the natural sciences, engineering, formal sciences, social sciences and liberal arts through its nine colleges and two schools.

Reference:
The Kahimyang Project. “University of the Philippines Los Baños,” March 5, 2012. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/979/today-in-philippine-history-march-6-1909-the-university-of-the-philippines-los-ba-os-was-officially-established.

On March 3, 1917, Januaria Constantino Keller better known by her stage name Carmen Rosales, was born in Pangasinan. She...
03/03/2026

On March 3, 1917, Januaria Constantino Keller better known by her stage name Carmen Rosales, was born in Pangasinan. She was a noted Filipina actress and World War II guerilla fighter. Her screen name was adopted from her hometown of barrio Carmen in the town of Rosales in Pangasinan province.

The half-Swede and half-Filipina actress tried her luck in radio singing in the 1930s leading to a long, fruitful career in the entertainment industry which spanned the decades immediately before, during, and after World War II.

She was already married to Ramon Navales, her first husband, also a radio personality when Carmen had her first deal to appear in a movie. That film was the 1938 "Mahiwagang Binibini: Ang Kiri" produced by Diwata Pictures.

In 1939, in the movie "Takipsilim" a production of Sampaguita Pictures, her legendary love team with Rogelio dela Rosa was born. The pair made 12 movies together.

Things changed for Carmen when World War II broke out. Her husband, Ramon, was killed by the Japanese forces early in the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines. Carmen as a result, decided to join the underground guerrilla movement and actually participated in armed encounters with the enemies.

In a 1992 issue of the Sunday Inquirer magazine, Carmen's eldest son Rene, retold the story of her mother's heroic war exploits:

"My mother's underground work took her to Santa Rosa, Laguna, where she was involved in the killing of a Makapili (Japanese collaborator). She later fled to Silang, Cavite to evade capture by the Japanese. My mother was a sharpshooter who toted a .45 and sometimes wore a moustache in order to disguise herself ..."

Carmen was the most bankable star of Sampaguita Pictures.

In 1949, she became the highest-paid movie star when LVN Pictures offered her the unprecedented sum of P45,000 to team up again with Rogelio dela Rosa in Kampanang Ginto, followed by Camelia, then Sipag at Yaman with Jose Padilla, Jr. and Batalyon Trece with Jaime dela Rosa. Among her unforgettable roles included the spurned lover of Rogelio dela Rosa in Maalaala Mo Kaya (1954) and a club-singer in Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig.

Her experience during the war reportedly became one of the inspirations behind the 1946 movie "Guerilyera" where she starred as a female guerrilla fighter. Three years later, she also bagged a starring role in "Batalyong XIII", another WWII-inspired movie, also the first Filipino film in full color.

Carmen received her first FAMAS Award in 1954 for her role in Inspirasyon opposite Van de Leon. She was similarly awarded in 1960 for playing a strict matron in Estela Mondragon.

She was remarried to Jose "Peping" Puyat from the wealthy Puyat Clan.

Her last public appearance was in Inday Badiday's Eye to Eye.

Carmen retired in the mid-1960s, leaving behind a legacy unparalleled by any actress from her generation.

She died in 1991 of kidney failure at the age of 74.

Source:
Retrieved on 28 February 2026 from https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2720/today-in-philippine-history-march-3-1917-carmen-rosales-a-noted-actress-and-world-war-ii-guerilla-fighter-was-born-in-pangasinan

Dr. Gelia Tagumpay Castillo, a name synonymous with rural sociology and participatory development in the Philippines was...
02/03/2026

Dr. Gelia Tagumpay Castillo, a name synonymous with rural sociology and participatory development in the Philippines was born Gelia Tagumpay on March 3, 1928, in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Dr. Castillo's journey in academia and research is a testament to her dedication to understanding and improving the lives of Filipino farmers and rural communities.

Dr. Castillo's academic career began with a focus on psychology and sociology, graduating magna cm laude with AB degree from the University of the Philippines in 1953. Her quest for knowledge led her to Pennsylvania State University, where she obtained a Master of Science in Rural Sociology in 1958, followed by a doctorate from Cornell University in 1960.

Her educational pursuits equipped her with the tools to explore the intricacies of rural life and the challenges faced by those who toil the land.

As a pioneer in her field, Dr. Castillo's work on Filipino farmers' technological adaptation, rural problems, and rural-urban inequalities predated the global discourse on these critical issues. Her seminal publications, such as "All in a Grain of Rice" and "Beyond Manila", provided profound insights into the Filipino farmer's response to new technology and the pressing needs of rural areas in relation to countryside development.

Dr. Castillo's belief that "science must serve a human purpose" guided her research, which was not only academically rigorous but also deeply concerned with practical applications that could enhance human development and reduce societal inequalities. This philosophy led to her recognition as a National Academician in 1983 and was awarded the esteemed title of National Scientist in 1999, which is the most prestigious accolade a Filipino scientist can receive.

Dr. Castillo was a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). She joined the university in 1953, teaching students in sociology and psychology within the Department of Agricultural Education in the College of Agriculture until 1957. She advanced to the position of assistant professor in 1960, was promoted to associate professor in 1966, and achieved the rank of full professor in 1972. From 1988 until her retirement in 1993, she held the prestigious title of university professor. In recognition of her contributions, she was granted the title of professor emeritus in the same year she retired. This title is a special distinction given to retired professors who have made significant contributions to their field and to the university during their tenure.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Castillo held various influential positions, including Head of the Social Research Division at the UPLB, and Chair of the UP Los Baños Social Science Commission. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing the Department of Sociology in the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy at UP Diliman.

Her engagements outside the university were equally impactful, with memberships in the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, the Research Advisory Group of the Philippines Business for Social Progress, and the Executive Committee of the Philippine Human Development Network. Dr. Castillo's consulting work with the International Rice Research Institute further extended her influence on agricultural research and policy. Castillo also served on the governing board of the International Development Research Centre of Canada for 11 years, from 1979 to 1990. Within the CGIAR or Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers, she became the first woman Chair of a Board of Trustees at CIP (International Potato Centre, Peru) in 1983. She received an honorary doctorate degree from the Wageningen University in the Netherlands in 1983.

Dr. Gelia T. Castillo passed away on August 5, 2017. She succumbed to acute respiratory failure.

She was married to Leopoldo S. Castillo, an animal nutritionist. Together, they had three children: Evello, Gertrudes, and Nina.

Reference:
The Kahimyang Project. “Gelia Tagumpay Castillo: A Beacon of Rural Sociology,” May 4, 2024. https://kahimyang.com/articles/2910/dr-gelia-tagumpay-castillo-a-beacon-of-rural-sociology-was-born-on-march-3-1928-in-pagsanjan-laguna.

On March 2, 1847, Cayetano L. Arellano, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines under American C...
01/03/2026

On March 2, 1847, Cayetano L. Arellano, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines under American Civil Government, was born in Orion, Bataan.

Nobody could have predicted that this errand boy of friars would someday be chief justice of the Supreme Court. At age two he lost his mother and at age five left by his father under the care of Dominican priest.

In subsequent years, he was under the care of a parish priest of Binondo, Manila who supervised his schooling and who found him bright and industrious.

At age 15, Arellano finished his Bachelor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Theology in 1867 at the University of Santo Tomas, and then continued studying and finished law in 1876.

He was noted as a brilliant lawyer which was why government officials and other lawyers went to him for advice. He became a member of the ayuntamiento, a council of a municipality. He also served as a member of the consultative assembly during the final days of Spanish Regime.

During American occupation, Arellano, who believed in a strong colonial government, helped the Americans organize the local governments, accompanying William H. Taft on his trip to the provinces.

Arellano, together with Pedro Paterno, Benito Legarda, Florentino Torres and Felipe Buencamino, testified before the Schurman Commission that the Philippines was not yet ready for self-rule. They together formed the Federalista Party to "promote the annexation of the Philippines as a US state".

Cayetano Arellano served as President of the Supreme Court when it was first created to replace the Spanish Audiencia in 1899 by the Military Government of General Otis. He served in the civil goverment from 1901 until his retirement on April 12, 1920, making him the longest serving Chief Justice.

Arellano died on December 23, 1920 at the age of 73.

Arellano High School in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Arellano University which opened in 1938 as the Arellano Law College which has multiple campuses, including a law school, were named after him. Plaza Guipit in Manila was also renamed Plaza Cayetano Arellano to perpetuate his memory.

Reference:
The Kahimyang Project. “Cayetano Arellano Was Born in Orion, Bataan March 2, 1847,” October 22, 2024. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/970/cayetano-arellano-first-chief-justice-of-the-supreme-court-was-born-on-march-2-1847-in-orion-bataan.

On March 1, 1767, the president of the Council of Castilla, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de Aranda, wrote to the G...
01/03/2026

On March 1, 1767, the president of the Council of Castilla, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Conde de Aranda, wrote to the Governor-General of the Filipinas, Jose Raon, informing him of the decree of the banishment of the Jesuits and the seizure of their property in the Filipinas. Abarca de Bolea was especially entrusted by Spanish King Carlos III with all matters related to the secret banishment of the Jesuits. Abarca de Bolea in his letter said:

"The very fact of the special honor which the king confers on you of a letter with his own signature will convince you of the importance of the matter and of secrecy, and of the king's resolute determination for the most punctual fulfillment of the decree."

Raon however, who was an extraordinarily greedy and venal man, and not conscientious in the performance of his duties, saw in this matter a business out of which he could obtain profit; and he utilized it for his own advantage, revealing to the Jesuits, for a large sum of money, the secret of their expulsion.

Madrid, March 1, 1767

"Inside the annexed letter from Señor Marques de Grimaldi, secretary of the affairs of state, you will receive another from the king our sovereign, in which his Majesty deigns to confer authority on me for the purpose of which this despatch treats which, in short, is the banishment of the order of the Society of Jesus from all the royal dominions, in the manner and form provided in the royal decree, of which I enclose a printed copy. The very fact of the special honor which the king confers on you of [a letter with] his own signature will convince you of the importance of the matter and of secrecy, and of the king's resolute determination for the most punctual fulfilment of the decree.

"As for its ex*****on, you will be guided by the instructions framed for España and by the additional ones that apply to the Indias, availing yourself of both, to the end of selecting from each that which is best adapted to your purpose. As I have taken into consideration the distance of those countries from this one, and the difference in their mode of government, I have decided to entrust to you all discretionary power [necessary] to change or add details of circumstance, so that the [desired] result may be attained with that completeness which so important a matter requires. I think that your clear-sightedness and prudence will peaceably bring about obedience to the royal decision -without, however, neglecting guards and the use of moderate force, in order not to risk the failure of the enterprise; but in any event if, contrary to what is usual, you should encounter resistance from the religious concerned in this, or find among their adherents any inclination or resolution to oppose you, you will employ the authority and force of military power, as you would in case of rebellion.

"It will be important that in the villages where there is a college or house of the Society measures be taken (as soon as the royal decree has been made known to them) to inform the other religious orders and the secular clergy of those places that the decree of his Majesty is limited to the Jesuit religious; for it is very proper that all the other ecclesiastics, both seculars and regulars, contribute with their persuasions, so that the people generally shall reverence the decrees of his Majesty, since they must be considered as always based on important and just grounds. The king our sovereign has the greatest confidence in your fidelity and ability, and consequently I have the same. I only desire, therefore, your complete fulfilment [of this commission], and that you write to me in order to keep me informed of the results, without making any inquiries on doubtful points; for if these should arise you must decide them for yourself, being governed by the sense and idea which the royal decree and instructions themselves, as a whole, produce. May God preserve you many years."

The success of the Jesuits in education, their supposed wealth and independence of the ecclesiastical authorities, and privileges that only they had, soon aroused the envy of other religious orders such as the Dominicans, and Franciscans. These jealousies were strongest with the success of the Jesuits in their missionary work in China.

The secret decree was to be opened and effective on April 2, 1767.

Sources:

The Expulsion of the Jesuits, The Philippine Islands, 1764-1800; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands ..., page 287-, Volume 50, Emma Helen Blair, et. al.

Retrieved on 28 February 2026 from https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2080/today-in-philippine-history-march-1-1767-abarca-de-bolea-wrote-raon-about-the-secret-decree-on-banishment-of-jesuits

On March 1, 1888, a group of native Filipinos and mestizos took a bold stand against colonial oppression by presenting a...
01/03/2026

On March 1, 1888, a group of native Filipinos and mestizos took a bold stand against colonial oppression by presenting a petition to expel Catholic friars from the Philippines. Addressed to Queen Regent Maria Cristina of Spain and delivered through the interim civil governor, Jose Centeno, this document - signed by around 810 individuals - marked a significant moment in the growing resistance against Spanish rule. Known as the "Anti-Friar Manifesto," it reflected the simmering discontent with the religious orders that had long wielded unchecked power over Filipino life.

By the late 19th century, Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines relied heavily on the Catholic Church, particularly the religious orders such as the Augustinians, Dominicans, and Franciscans. These friars controlled vast estates, oversaw local governance, and monopolized education and religious life. While they played a role in Christianizing the islands, their influence came at a steep cost. Many Filipinos and mestizos - mixed-race descendants of Spanish and native ancestry - viewed the friars as oppressive overlords who exploited their authority, stifled reform, and perpetuated inequality.

The ex*****on of the GOMBURZA priests (Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora) in 1872 had already ignited nationalist sentiments, exposing the friars' role in suppressing Filipino clergy and intellectuals. By 1888, grievances had reached a boiling point, fueled by land disputes, excessive taxation, and the friars' resistance to secularization - the movement to replace them with native priests in parishes.

On March 1, 1888, a diverse coalition of petitioners, including prominent figures like Doroteo Jose, Anastacio Carpio, and Mateo Capisano, gathered in Manila to submit their demands. The "Anti-Friar Manifesto" was a carefully worded plea, not for outright independence, but for reform within the colonial framework. It accused the friars of corruption and tyranny, alleging they abused their spiritual and temporal power to the detriment of the Filipino people. The petitioners sought their expulsion and the redistribution of their landholdings, arguing that such measures would restore justice and align with Spain's own enlightened principles.

Addressed to Queen Regent Maria Cristina, who ruled on behalf of her young son, King Alfonso XIII, the petition was a strategic appeal to the Spanish Crown's authority over the Church. It was handed to Jose Centeno, a mining engineer serving as acting civil governor, with the hope that it would reach Madrid and prompt royal intervention.

The petition sparked immediate backlash from the colonial establishment. Archbishop Pedro Payo, a Dominican, condemned it as an attack on the Church and urged Spanish authorities to suppress the movement. Governor-General Emilio Terrero, already navigating tensions between liberal reforms and conservative factions, referred the matter to Spain for resolution. In Madrid, however, the petition was dismissed as seditious, and no significant action was taken to address the demands.

Despite its failure to expel the friars, the manifesto had a lasting impact. It galvanized Filipino reformists and inspired figures like Jose Rizal, whose novels Noli Me Tangere (published in 1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891) echoed similar criticisms of friar abuses. The event also foreshadowed the Propaganda Movement, a broader campaign for political rights and representation that laid the groundwork for the 1896 Philippine Revolution.

The March 1, 1888, petition stands as a testament to the courage of Filipinos and mestizos who dared to challenge a powerful institution under colonial rule. It highlighted the growing divide between the ruled and their rulers, exposing the friars as a lightning rod for discontent. While the immediate goal of expulsion was unmet, the manifesto contributed to a rising national consciousness that would eventually dismantle Spanish authority.

Today, this moment is remembered as an early cry for justice and self-determination, a precursor to the revolutionary fervor that would reshape the Philippines. It underscores the complex interplay of religion, power, and identity in the nation's colonial past.

Source:
Kahimyang Project. March 1, 1888, some native Filipinos and mestizos presented a petition demanding explusion of the friars. Retrieved on 28 February 2026 from https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1416/march-1-1888-some-native-filipinos-and-mestizos-presented-a-petition-demanding-explusion-of-the-friars

Pagbati sa ating Pamprobinsyang Museo!
02/10/2025

Pagbati sa ating Pamprobinsyang Museo!

Are you ready to lead with purpose, Student Leaders?Your next step toward becoming an impactful leader begins here.𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐢𝐠...
18/08/2025

Are you ready to lead with purpose, Student Leaders?
Your next step toward becoming an impactful leader begins here.

𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐥𝐚: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

On August 23, PASigla will gather student leaders from selected schools for a half-day of learning, inspiration, and skill-building. This leadership development webinar will feature insightful discussions and interactive activities aimed at honing the confidence, integrity, and vision of tomorrow’s leaders.

Organized by the 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀’ 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱, in partnership with the 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆, PASigla addresses the gap in leadership training by providing practical tools and real-world knowledge that students can bring back to their schools and communities. Here, leadership is not simply talked about—it is practiced, challenged, and refined, preparing students to step into roles that matter.

We look forward to seeing our selected participants this August 23 via Google Meet and Facebook Live, as we take another step together in shaping leaders who inspire change.



Magandang Araw Amigo!Ngayon, ika-30 ng Hunyo, ating ginugunita ang Ika-23 Araw ng Pagkakaibigang Pilipino-Espanyol—isang...
30/06/2025

Magandang Araw Amigo!

Ngayon, ika-30 ng Hunyo, ating ginugunita ang Ika-23 Araw ng Pagkakaibigang Pilipino-Espanyol—isang araw na kumikilala hindi lamang sa tibay ng kasaysayang pinagsaluhan, kundi pati sa pagbabagong anyo ng tunggalian tungo sa pagkakaunawaan.

Ang diwang ito ay nakaugat sa makasaysayang Pagkubkob sa Baler (1898–1899), kung saan kinilala ni Pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo ang mga natirang sundalong Espanyol bilang amigos del pueblo filipino—mga kaibigan ng sambayanang Pilipino at hindi bilang mga bihag ng digmaan. Isa itong makataong hakbang na naging tulay sa pagrespeto sa isa’t isa, sa kabila ng kasaysayang puno ng pagsubok.

Sa bisa ng Republic Act No. 9187, na nilagdaan noong 2003, itinatag ang Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day upang kilalanin ang daang taong pagsasalamuha ng wika, pananampalataya, kultura, at karanasan—mga hibla ng kasaysayan na ngayon ay nag-uugnay sa ating dalawang bayan.

Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay paalala na bagamat masalimuot ang ating nakaraan, sa pamamagitan ng intercambio cultural at pagkilala sa kasaysayan, patuloy tayong susulong bilang mga katuwang sa kapayapaan, pamana, at pandaigdigang pagkakaibigan.

Alalahanin natin ang nakaraan, hindi upang muling magalit—kundi upang mas lumalim ang ating pag-unawa sa isa’t isa.

¡Feliz Día de la Amistad Hispano-Filipina!

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