Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management-Open University System

Student: Pasasadaba, Sheilo F. Subject: Reading in Philippine History geed 002

Year & Section: BSTM 1-4 2023-2024 Instructor: Gambito, Jasper Christian

“THE MORO PROBLEMS”

1. Interview all of the member of your household and ask the following questions:

a. What is your perception of the Muslims?

b. Is your perception the Muslims based on what you studied in school or based on what was
introduced to you by the media or other people?

2. Based on the interview your conducted, write a short narrative and state whether the negative
perception on the Muslims continue to thrive in your community.

• 1st Interviewee: Lea Villones (Graduated from the University of the Philippines)

a. What is your perception of the Muslims?

The Muslims are the believers and followers of Islam. They worship one God known as
Allah.
b. Is your perception the Muslims based on what you studied in school or based on what was
introduced to you by the media or other people?
My perception is based on what I studied in school and was taught in school.

• 2nd Interviewee: Chrissie Belle Felicio (DKAS Foreclosure Head/ University of Rizal
System)

a. What is your perception of the Muslims?

Matapang, madami asawa.
b. Is your perception the Muslims based on what you studied in school or based on what was
introduced to you by the media or other people?
Based on experience, sa twing nakakasalubong o nakakasalamuha ko sila.

• 3rd Interviewee: Ma. Irene Quinto (Tourism student from Polytechnic University of the
Philippines-Open University System)

a. What is your perception of the Muslims?

My perception whenever I see Muslims are the way of living since based on some reviews
and study they can marry as much as they can, as long as they can provide for their families.
 b. Is your perception the Muslims based on what you studied in school or based on what was
introduced to you by the media or other people?
Some of my perception was based on some studies and also some documentaries online.

• 4th Interviewee: Daphne Ladroma (Engineering Student from Polytechnic University of the
Philippines)

a. What is your perception of the Muslims?

As a catholic who have a lot of Muslim friends, I am saddened whenever I am hearing

someone that will say Muslims are terrorist. For me they are just like any other normal
people who strives for peaceful life. Although there have been documented instances of
Muslims being terrorist, the deeds of a few should never be used to characterize a whole
religion. Aside from my friends, I often encounter Muslims in open-air market selling
different things such as tempered glass, phone cases etc. I can say that they are friendly
because we can easily bargain for cheaper price of their products whenever we are buying
even if their products are already cheap. Most of them, I can tell, are kind and friendly. It’s
only that society judge’s them and accepts stereotypes.

b. Is your perception the Muslims based on what you studied in school or based on what was
introduced to you by the media or other people?

My perception was based on what was introduced to me by other people. I have lots of
friends who are Muslims and we frequently discuss their views and culture, which differ in
some ways from mine as a catholic but we all accept each other’s beliefs without judging.
Having friends like them shapes my perception more authentically than relying solely on
external portrayals and stereotyping that are common nowadays.
2. Based on the interview your conducted, write a short narrative and state whether the negative
perception on the Muslims continue to thrive in your community.

Based on the interviews I conducted, most of them knew and stated that Muslims are known
for their cultural tradition of a man having many wives as long as they can provide for all
their family needs. In my observations they know Muslims for being brave. Some of them
said that their perceptions were based on what they heard, learned and were taught in school.
Most people including myself know Muslims for their negative attitudes and behaviors.
Muslims are even branded as a terrorists or starters of chaos or war
.
At first, just like other Christian people, I was afraid of the Muslims, but as I grew older, I
came to understand that they were just misunderstood and misjudged by many people.
Muslims are also human which some people forget. Perhaps we can’t blame them. Aside
from hearing a lot of negative feedback about Muslims, they might also experience
something painful or bad about interacting with Muslim. But we should not include the entire
Muslim community.

The negative identity of the Muslims was taught to our ancestors by the Spaniards. The
Spaniards weren’t able to control and colonize the entire Muslim population. They can’t
invade the beliefs of Muslims, especially by converting them to Catholicism, which they
insisted on for the Philippine people. The Muslims did fight for their freedom and beliefs.
They stood firm for their rights and liberty and fought back against the Spaniards. That’s why
the Spaniards taught in history that the Muslims are the worst people, because the Muslims
opposed and could not be handled and ruled by the Spaniards.

Many years had passed, but the negative identity of the Muslims remained. I hope that in this
generation, the government will educate more people that what was taught was wrong.
Muslims are also humans; they deserve to be loved and accepted by everyone.