Maragtas

The Maragtas is a purported historical narrative of the pre-Hispanic Philippines, specifically focusing on the migration of ten Bornean datus (chieftains) to the island of Panay and their subsequent purchase of land from the native Ati people. It is also sometimes referred to as the History of Panay.

The most widely known version of the Maragtas is attributed to Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro, who wrote it in Hiligaynon in 1907. This version is presented as a history book and is divided into several sections, including a description of Borneo, the migration itself, the establishment of settlements in Panay, and accounts of the social and political organization of the early Visayan people.

Historical accounts and scholars have debated the authenticity and reliability of the Maragtas narrative for decades. While some elements of the story may reflect genuine pre-colonial interactions and migrations, the specifics, particularly the details about the Bornean datus and their transactions with the Ati, are often questioned. Key criticisms include the lack of corroborating evidence from contemporary historical sources, the late date of Monteclaro's writing, and potential influences from Spanish colonial narratives.

The Maragtas continues to be a significant part of Panay's cultural identity and is often taught in local schools. However, modern scholarship generally treats it with caution, recognizing its potential as a valuable source of information about Visayan traditions and beliefs, but also acknowledging its limitations as a strict historical record. The debate surrounding the Maragtas highlights the complexities of reconstructing pre-colonial Philippine history and the importance of critically evaluating historical sources. It's crucial to differentiate between its cultural value and its absolute historical accuracy.