Republic of the Philippines

NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783

Course Code : GE 12/ Soc. Sci 105

Descriptive Title : LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
Term and Academic Year : 1st Semester, AY 2020-2021
Department and Year Level : BSCRIM III
Professor : Prof. Ric R. Millado

Module 8, Lesson 1
Rizal’s Reform

I. Introduction
In this lesson, we shall discuss Rizal’s advocacy of reform. Rizal’s main aim was to reform Philippine society, first
by uncovering its faults and second, by awakening the Filipino youth. His enemies were the oppressive colonial
government, especially the corrupt elements among the friars, members of the religious orders that exerted the greatest
influence over the government and thereby held complete sway over the lives of the Filipinos.
Rizal knew the best way to awaken the youth and lead them toward right action was through education,
especially foreign education. For local education, being controlled by the friars then kept the Filipinos in the dark, ignorant
of their rights and heritage- and meek in the face of oppression.
Championing the cause of the nation for him entailed becoming the best person he could be. He carried over to
his activism the mental and physical disciplines he learned from his elders.
After reading and understanding the content of the lesson , answer the assessment and the activity at the end
of the lesson.

Time Frame: 6 hours Date of Submission

II. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson the student must have:
1. familiarized Rizal’s Advocacy of Reform;
2. discussed Assimilation Policy as an alternative to the desired Reform; and
3. understood the impact of Rizal’s exile on the people of Dapitan.

III. Learning Contents

The Reform Movement
The Reform movement was a small intellectual group committed to patriotic ideals and to reshaping the nation
through the introduction of liberal reforms. Rizal saw reform as the best solution to the sufferings of Filipinos under
oppressive Spanish rule. Defined simply, reform means a moderate change in the policies and structure of the
government. Reforms during Spain’s reign were geared to accommodate new political arrangements between the
Filipino leaders and Spanish officials. The Spanish officials would be only limited to supervisory functions while the
Filipinos would be given major roles in the government. As a reformist, Rizal envisioned the Philippines as Spanish
province and eventually an independent republic.
The Propaganda Movement was a cultural organization which began Barcelona in 1872. The movement is
composed of middle class Filipino emigres living or exiled in Europe. Some writers opted to call them as “reformists”,
known advocacies of peaceful change and intellectual culture. Most of the group’s members lived in Spain. Some of the
known propagandists included Jose Rizal, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma.
Panganiban, Antonio Luna, Julio Llorente, Antonio Ma. Regidor, and Eduardo de Lete. The nationalistic writings of the
reformists were published in LaSolidaridad, the official organ of the movement. It was founded by Graciano Lopez-Jaena
who also served as its first editor. When Jaena died, Del Pilar took over his position. Rizal frequently contributed
nationalistic and historical essays to the organ. Most of the group’s writings focus on abuses of friars and the current
condition. Rizal and other contributors used pennames to hide their identity from Spanish authorities. Dimasalang, laong
Laan, Plaridel, Jomapa were examples of nom de plume used by members of the movement to elude Spanish censors.
Despite their efforts, the group failed to gain sizeable reforms from the Spanish government. Most of their proposed
reforms were ignored by Spanish officials.
The following were the reforms proposed by Rizal to Governor-General Despujol through Captain Carnicero,
military commander of the District of Dapitan (Zaide, 1971);
1. Representation of the Philippines in the Cortes Generales and parliament;
2. Secularization of the Church;
3. Rights of the Filipinos to exercise freedom of worship or practice the religion of their choice;
4. Establishment of a secular public school system;
5. Enactment of laws on Spanish and Filipino equality;
6. Granting of basic civil liberties; and
7. Abolition of polo y servicios and vandal.

Assimilation Policy
When the reformists realized that their desired reforms would not be granted by the Spanish Crown, they sought
possible alternatives to have the reforms implemented in the country. Meanwhile, their request for reforms were again
denied by Governor-General Eulogio Despujol. If they resorted to revolution, it would be another setback for them
because during the Spanish reign, radical actions were strongly condemned and punishable by execution. They also
believed that any form of armed struggle would not succeed because Filipinos were not ready to face a superior Spanish

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 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783

army. With odds stacked against them, the reformists, as their resort, opted for the assimilation of the Philippines to
Spain.

Meaning of Assimilation
The reformists drafted a compromise agreement which aimed to create programs that would address to national
concerns. This initiative, though, would only be possible if the Philippines became a province of Spain. Under the
agreement, the Philippines would be an annexed territory of Spain, the Filipinos were entitled to the same rights and
privileges enjoyed by Spanish citizens (Agoncillo, 2007). The stipulated rights and privileges were as follows:
1. Equality of Spaniards and the Filipinos before the law
2. Equal privileges and opportunities for Spaniards and Filipinos
3. Representation in the Spanish Cortes
4. Reduction of taxes paid by the natives
5. Cessation of the abuses to the natives
6. Recognition of Filipinos as Spanish citizens
If the policy of assimilation was signed and granted by the Spanish government, the Filipinos would be
considered Spanish citizens. As Spanish citizens, the Filipinos were expected to embrace Spanish culture and declare their
loyalty to Spain. This was not difficult for the majority of middle-class Filipinos because they had already adopted Spanish
culture. For them, the aims of the assimilation policy were good enough to uplift the dignity of the Filipinos. However,
they doubted the implementation of this policy in the Philippines, knowing that most of the Spaniards who resided in the
country wanted to maintain the status quo.

Proponents of Assimilation
The reformists were divided into two groups: the propertied class and intellectual class (Gagelonia, 1967). The
intellectual class was the more active proponents of assimilation. Most of them came from middle class families. They
also had the resources to sustain their needs while actively engaged in patriotic activities with other emigres. Rizal was
the principal proponent of the intellectual class. On the other hand, the propertied class was composed of wealthy and
landed gentry. Most of them eagerly supported the idea of assimilation for they saw it as a way to protect their personal
and commercial interests. Their role in the movement was mainly as financiers. Like the intellectual group, some of them
were exiled in countries like Hong Kong and Spain.

Failure of Assimilation
The assimilation policy was an alternative program proposed to King Philip VII. King Philip VII, however, ignored
the request of the Filipno reformists because he felt that it would not benefit Spain’s colonial project. If the assimilation
policy was granted, the Filipinos would have a “regulated independence”. Unfortunately, even after the deportation and
trail of Rizal, the demands for assimilation were not granted to them. For King Philip VII, the request of the Filipino
reformists was not a solution to the social and political problems of the country. It must be noted that the aim of Spanish
rule was complete control over its colonies. Thus, the opportunities of the people in colonies were limited and military
presence was high visible to prevent revolts and uprisings.

Filipino Colony in North Borneo

Aiming to advance the practice of agriculture and commerce, Rizal and his compatriots proposed the
establishment of a Filipino colony in North Borneo. The plan for the project was conceptualized during the term of
Governor-General Valerio Weyleer, a strict governor who implemented unjust policies in the country. During that time,
North Borneo was controlled by the British North Borneo Company. H.L. Dairymple and W.B. Pryor were two British
nationals assigned in Borneo to promote the cultivation of the island’s idle lands (Craig, 1913).

The New Calamba in Borneo

North Borneo, popularly known today as Sabah, is a large island in Malaysia. The plan of Rizal was not to occupy
the whole island, but only a part of it. North Borneo was an island suitable for sugar cane and other crops planted by
Calamba farmers. For Rizal, the island was suitable location for Filipino farmers seeking for greener pastures. North
Borneo was historically and geographically a part of the Philippine territory. Rizal became optimistic about the project
when he met H.L. Dalrymple, a member of the Public Library Committee and of the Board of Medical Examiners. He
became more hopeful when he met W.B. Pryor, the manager of British North Borneo Development Company. After
hearing the positive comments of the two British representatives, Rizal felt that the project was almost a done deal. The
proposed Filipino colony would be located on a virgin island at Maruddu Bay. Rizal hoped that the
establishment of the new colony would give a better life to the displaced farmers of Calamba. As stipulated in the “bases,”
the settlement of the Filipino farmers in North Borneo would be duly approved by representatives from both parties. The
signing of the contract of agreement aimed to legalize the transfer and occupancy by the Filipino farmers of the 999-acre
land in Borneo (Palma, 1949).
Supporters of Borneo Project. Any endeavor of Rizal to improve the destiny of Filipinos would be futile without
the support of the friends and beneficiaries. In the case of the Borneo project, its greatest supporter was the British
North Borneo Company. Rizal was also fortunate for being acquainted with H.L. Dalrymple and W.B. Pryor, the
representatives of the British North Borneo Company. The Filipinos who were first informed about Rizal’s project and
pledged their support to it included Graciano Lopez-Jaena, brothers Juan and Antonio Luna, Dr. Briston Bautista Lim, and
some of Rizal’s friends in Paris. Lopez-Jaena wanted to plant sugar cane upon his return to the Philippines. The Calamba
farmers who were the priority of Rizal were willing to leave Calamba to settle in Borneo. They became landless when the

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 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783

Domincan friars took their lands and converted them into haciendas. Farmers from Batangas also wanted to try their
luck in North Borneo. Rizal became acquainted with the Batangueno farmers through a friend from Lipa.
Objection to the Borneo Project. As noted earlier, North Borneo Company (BNBC) expressed willingness to
accommodate Filipino farmers in their land. Unfortunately, the Filipino colony in North borneo did not materialize.
Despite the project’s benefits, it was regarded as unpatriotic by the Spanish colonial government. The staunches critic of
the project was Governor-General Despujol. Despujol opposed the idea for the believed that it was not patriotic to
migrate and cultivate foreign soil, though Rizal had reasons to believe otherwise. Manuel Hidalgo, the husband of
Trinidad, also raised objections about the project. According to him, the Borneo project was not the solution to the ills
of the country. He told Rizal that there were more patriotic and nationalistic solutions. Though Rizal was greatly
disheartened with the outcome of his project, he mainly accepted the decision of Despujol. His disappointment only
vanished when he set his sights on another project, the La Liga Filipina.

The Agricultural Colony in Dapitan

Rizal arrived in Dapitan in 1892. Dapitan is located in the province of Zamboanga. Dapitan’s idyllic scenery and
lush greenery served as Rizal’s sanctuary during his exile. Today, Dapitan is a progressive city which hosts Rizal’s shrine
in a 24-hectar forest. Talisay, also known as Villa Calle or “Valley of Peace,” was also a part of Dapitan. It is now a major
tourist destination in Zamboanga del Sur.
After staying for three months in Talisay, Rizal found the place conducive for agricultural ventures. The lands in
Talisay were fertile, and most of them were still untouched. The lands were surrounded by abundant forests. Rizal
envisioned Talisay as a little paradise for farmers who were stripped off their lands by the Spanish friars and the
government.

Rizal’s Agricultural Farm

Acquiring a farm was the first investment Rizal made in Dapitan. Since farming was a long-time family occupation
and a source of income of the Mercados, Rizal had become familiar with different farming techniques. He bought 16
hectars of land in Talisay and planted fruit-bearing trees, many of which are still standing today such as mangoes,
lanzones, guyabano, batuno, langka, etc. He also tilled a small farm. Likewise, he constructed nipa houses with different
shapes and sizes. In his square house or casa cuadrada, Rizal had a kitchen. The octagonal house, as Rizal first envisioned
it, was a dormitory for boys who were also his students and farmhands. The hexagonal house, meanwhile, served as a
poultry while the remaining four small huts were used by Rizal as a clinic. It was in this clinic where he operated on the
left eye of his mother in May 1894 (NHI, 1999).
Rizal eventually acquired 54 additional hectares of land, raising his total property are to 70 hectars. Rizal’s farm
boasted 6,000 hemp plants, 1,000 coconut trees, native fruits, sugar cane, corn, coffee, and cacao.
To improve the farming practices and increase the harvests of the people of Dapitan, Rizal introduced modern
agricultural methods to them. Rizal learned these farming techniques in Europ and in the U.S. Moreover, as part of his
modernization plan, he bought farming machines from the U.S.
The sitio of Ponot near Sindagan Bay was ideal place to grow crops like cacao, coffee, and coconut. The sitio had
abundant water supply and was accessible to shipping ports. Rizal had already informed his relatives, friends, and farmers
from Calamba about his project. But as expected, the project did not materialize. With the large sums of money he
earned from his harvests, he was able to find local business partners and ink lucrative business deals. He forged a
partnership with Dapitan businessman Ramon Careon. When Rizal left Dapitan in 1896 fro Cuba, he gave away all his
possessions to the family of his pupils, his farmhands, and to the farmers of Dapitan.

The New Calamba in Dapitan

The agricultural colony in Dapitan was conceptualized by Rizal as an alternative to his disapproved project, the
North Borneo Colony. Unfortunately, this project also did not materialize. After he left Dapitan, he was arrested and
imprisoned in Fort Santiago for his alleged involvement in the revolution staged by the katipuneros. Rizal’s imprisonment
meant the death of the hope of the Calamba farmers.

IV. Lerning Assessment

Answer the following questions:
1. What is Rizal’s main aim in establishing Movement Reform ?
2. What are the rights and privileges stipulated in the Assimilation Policy proposed by the reformist?
3. Discuss the impact of Rizal’s exile on the people of Dapitan.

Scoring Guide:
Each answer shall be evaluated using these criteria:
Content 10pts.
Organization 5 pts.
Subject Knowledge 3 pts.
Originality/Effort 2pts.
Total score: 20 pts

V. Enrichment Activities/Outputs

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 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783

From the Rights and privileges stipulated in the Assimilation Policy, pick one and discuss in not less than 100
words why you have chosen it among others.

Rubrics for Reporting:

Content 15pts
Organization 10pts
Subject knowledge 5 pts
Total 25pts

References
Maranan, R. (2015). Jose Rizal First Global Filipino Hero. Quezon City. C & E Publishing, Inc.

----End of Module 8, Lesson 1----

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