“Change is the only constant thing in this world.

” Foremost, the Philippines is known to

harbor a showcase of talents. We are praised by so many on our innate ability to dance well, sing
well, paint well, and etc. However, consider this thought: “what could be the reasons why the
Philippines hold a myriad of talents and exceptional skills?” Well, it all dates back to the 19 th
century wherein we are exposed to different cultures of different nations.
Many scholars considered the 19th century as an era of great change in the Philippines.
During this period, extensive economic, political, and socio-cultural currents were felt (Larena,
2019). But the question is that, what would be the factors that causes on this vast change that
shaped the 19th century Philippines? In what ways did these factors affect the events of the pre
sent?
The Philippines has a long political history. The country has been involved with at least
three major invasions, two of which was staged by two World Superpowers, Spain and the
United States, and the other one by the Imperialist Japan (Wow Essays, 2020). During the era of
Spanish Colonization, the Philippines was forced to adapt the political system being
implemented in Spain. Which primarily focuses on a hierarchical setup. From this, the political
situation in the colony was being commercialized. From corruption, lack of community
development and projects, and the blatant lack of good governance. It showed how Spanish
officials lack interest and knowledge in fulfilling their job despite occupying high seats in the
government.

In connection with these, it was still prevalent in the present that corruption remains to be
one of the biggest problems in the government (Rodriguez, 2020). It was due to the appointment
of underqualified individuals to important positions. Since, the executive has the power to
appoint officials, which we cannot be denied that it was being influenced by political agendas
and personal interest. One of the strongest evidence of the Duterte’s administration was the
corruption controversies faced by Phil Health. The excessive travel allowance of former Phil
Health interim president Celestina Ma. Jude de la Serna, a Rappler investigation which cited
Commission on Audit documents, found that at least P627, 293.04 of government funds was
spent on accommodations, flights, and terminal fees (Gavilan, 2020). The massive expenses
came as Phil Health recorded huge income losses that amounted to P8.92 billion in 2017.

Another historical event was the complete breakup of the Philippine economic and socio-
cultural society. It is the time where the most essential institutions in the Philippine economic
life between the Chinese traders was established. During this period, the Chinese Mestizos plays
an important role of the Philippine 19th century society. They were greatly benefited from the
changing economy through purchasing land, accumulating wealth, and influence (Larena, 2019).
Also with the functioned of Manila as transshipment point for Galleon trade that made it the
“Oriental Pearl” (Rodriguez, 2018). The Galleon serves as the carrier of cultural influence from
the West, which brings socio-cultural change to Philippine society. These make the Philippines a
unique blend of diversity and homogeneity.

In fact up until the 20th century, China is one of the Philippines' biggest trade partner and
the most significant driver behind the Philippine construction boom in the past two years
(Asteria, 2018). China accounts for 14.9% of the Philippines' total exports, with shipments
amounting to $642.07 million, according to March 2012 data from the National Statistics Office
(Visconti, 2018). But, what was not prevalent is the limitless power of Chinese businessmen to
manipulate and deceive Filipino people, because of us being educated and protected by the
government.

All of these Filipino’s experiences, they have different challenges being encountered and
had different way and perspective on how to find its solution. But one thing we can observe with
their attitudes. It was the heightened of their nationalist feeling and the passion to fight for our
country’s independence. Even from the time of secularization, nationalism, reform, and
revolution.

It can be seen from the young and educated illustrados continued working for political
and economic change in the Philippines (Schumacher, 1997). As well as with the La Propaganda
movement that also aimed for free commerce and liberation of the economy. The La Solidaridad
that aimed for freedom of the press, equality before the law, participation in the government, and
the social and political freedom. Lastly, with the Bonifacio’s courage to sought ways to pursue
the movements’ of noble aspiration that was being started by Jose Rizal.