Rizal’s Impact on National Identity (PDF)

## Rizal’s Impact on National Identity: Legacies in “The Philippines a Century Hence” ### **Introduction** - Jose Rizal wrote **“The Philippines a Century Hence”** in 1889 to remind Spain of the forces that led to the Spanish and French Revolutions, warning that the Philippines could have a simila...

## Rizal’s Impact on National Identity: Legacies in “The Philippines a Century Hence” ### **Introduction** - Jose Rizal wrote **“The Philippines a Century Hence”** in 1889 to remind Spain of the forces that led to the Spanish and French Revolutions, warning that the Philippines could have a similar fate unless significant changes were made. - Rizal predicted the Philippines would remain Spanish if they were helped to enter the life of law and civilization with respect for individual rights. However, if Spain did not change its colonial policies, the Philippines would inevitably declare independence. ### **The Past** - **How were the Filipinos affected by supporting the imperialistic ambition of Spain?** The Filipinos were forced into a role of supporting Spain in its wars and imperial ambitions, often at a great cost to themselves. - **Why was it easy to answer the question of the Philippines’ future three centuries ago?** The Filipinos were initially disillusioned and tried to shake off the Spanish yoke but were unfortunately subdued. - **Did the Filipinos develop a new attitude towards their Spanish rulers?** - They realized that their former protectors, the Spanish, were now their exploiters, and they no longer had confidence in them. - Sensibility, which was once a strength of the Indio, was wounded. - Due to the severe responses to complaints, they began to stand up for themselves and their rights, leading to a change in attitude towards their rulers. - **Describe the political condition of the Philippines three centuries ago.** - There were a few hundred Spanish soldiers defending a large archipelago, and several provinces were constantly in conflict, making governance difficult. - Communication between Mexico and Spain was slow, and the treasury was often depleted. - The seas were also often infested with pirates. - Spanish authorities often used insulting names to denigrate the native Filipinos. - **How did the friars and the residencia keep the loyalty of the Filipinos to the Spanish government at the beginning of the occupation of the country?** - The friars sided with Filipinos against the encomenderos, and the Filipinos trusted them. - They also used writings to defend the rights of the Indio people. - The strict residencia comforted the Filipinos and allowed them to complain against injustices. - **Why did the Filipinos develop a new attitude towards their Spanish rulers?** - The Filipinos suffered harsh punishments, including insults and mistreatment, leading to a change in their perspective. ### **The Present** - **Why was the situation of the Philippines rosy at the time Rizal wrote the article?** - The economic growth of the country seemed to be on the upswing, and the military presence was stronger than before. - This, however, seemed to hide underlying discontent and unrest. - **Why should we be interested in the question about the future of the Philippines?** - The Philippines must make a choice: remain as a Spanish colony with greater freedoms or declare independence. ### **The Future** - **What will the Philippines be a century hence?** It is difficult to predict the future. The Philippines is undergoing growth but also facing many challenges. - **Why was it easy to ask the question about the future of the Philippines if the question was asked three centuries ago?** The answer would have been straightforward -- either Filipinos would seek independence or be stifled by Spain. - **Why did the early insurrections fail?** - They were not popular in character, or supported by the entire population. - Filipinos often lost faith in the leaders and were deceived by their deceitful tactics. - **According to Rizal, what should have been done by Spain in order to prevent a revolution against the government?** - The Spanish government needed to stop treating the Filipinos as inferior and start listening to their needs and grievances. - They needed to grant them proper representation in the Cortes, education, and the freedom of speech. ### **The Importance of Reforms** - **Why was the brutalization of the Filipinos an impossible means of preventing the progress of the Filipinos?** The Filipinos will not be easily destroyed and they are a powerful force for change. - **Why was fostering hostility between provinces an impossible means of preventing the progress of the Filipinos?** Communication and the common threat of Spanish rule have led to growing unity between provinces. - **How can reforms succeed in the Philippines?** - The Filipinos need to be treated as equals and given greater freedoms. - They must be integrated into the Spanish society with respect and understanding. - **Why was Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes needed?** - Filipinos should have representatives in the Spanish Cortes, but it may be a double-edged sword. They could further the agenda of Spain or bring new voices to their cause. - **Why was reform in education important for the Philippines?** - The majority of Filipinos are uneducated which is a disadvantage to the Philippines. ### **The Importance of Justice and Examination** - **Why do you think justice is the foremost virtue of a civilized nation?** A just and impartial system of justice is what makes a nation civilized. - **Why is competitive examination important?** - Public examination should be implemented so that qualified individuals, regardless of their origin, can be chosen for public office. ### **Summary of Rizal's Arguments** - Rizal concludes by emphasizing the importance of **education, freedom, and the need for the Philippines to be treated as equals, not viewed as inferiors.** - The Philippines would remain under Spain only if there is a **change in political mindset and a greater respect for the Filipino people.** - Spain must **understand that the Philippines is not a passive entity, but a powerful force to be reckoned with.** - **Ignoring the Filipinos' needs and demands will only lead to greater anger and resentment. The Philippines may seek independence, which would be a costly and painful process for both Spain and the Philippines.** These are just some of the key arguments that Rizal makes in his article. Through his analysis of the Philippines’ past and present, he provides a compelling case for significant political and social reform, and he warns against the dangers of ignoring the Filipino people's needs and demands. Rizal’s work continues to be relevant today, and it serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity is a never-ending struggle.