NG, DENZEL N.

A54 SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

"REFLECTION PAPER ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 19TH" CENTURY

PHILIPPINES AND OTHER SOCIAL CONDITIONS TO RIZAL"

Over this period of time, There was a Spanish colonial government in charge of the
Philippines. While we were considered slaves during the Spanish colonial period, we were
governed by the Spanish administration. In the nineteenth century, many issues faced the
country, including the oppressive Spanish system of government, the compromised political
structure, and inequalities in taxation. While the government system had significantly fallen
apart, there were those with personal ambitions and advantages, as well as those who completely
lack the moral obligations and responsibilities to embrace what was best for the country and
beneficial for future generations. However, while the Spaniards have frequently neglected their
legitimate responsibilities as they have gained increasingly more authority and obligations,
instead they have rather used the taxes for their personal gain and advantages rather than using
them for the benefit of the country. Aside from that, they struggled with the religion of the
country, and they had a hard time reconciling the church with the government because their
respective views were diametrically opposed. In addition, the country's most significant issue is
how Spaniards seek advancement in their careers. Since they controlled the country, they could
assign specific duties and limit the responsibilities of individuals. Appointing these roles, as well
as filling various positions in the country, is the responsibility of the country's highest ruler,
which is called the Governor-General. In addition to the Spanish government's corruption, one of
the causes is its intention and goal. While the Spanish colonies were overwhelmed by their desire
to conquer other countries, so they did not understand the Philippines' future or its difficulties.
As far as the political system and solutions are concerned, the Philippines lacks a lot when it
comes to their issues and needs. Furthermore, there were corrupt administrators, judges, and
military commands during the nineteenth century who were more likely to have been corrupt
than anyone else. The benefits they receive originate from tax benefits and from their own
portion of taxes. Moreover, Rizal envisioned a nation where justice would reign supreme and
where individuals could truly call home. If we were to solve all of the existing inequalities in the
country, there would be much less violence, and we would be able to eliminate all inequalities.

As part of his experience, he also learned from his religion that everything is connected,
which includes nature, and that nature is God's expression and gift to humanity. While the events
of these years profoundly influenced Rizal, as they shaped him into a fierce advocate for freedom
for his country. By his words and teachings, he espoused the causes of Philippine independence
and social reform. Since he was able to hone himself through these events and issues, and they
encouraged him, he became more aggressive and passionate about fighting for the country's
future. He wished to implement a true program of transformation in Philippine society that
would lead to true independence, the abolition of such atrocities, and the establishment of true
justice and harmony. During the nineteenth century, Manila was open to foreign trade, leading to
the migration of thousands of workers to foreign firms. There have been increases in agricultural
production throughout the Philippines, which contributed to the improvement of the trading
system. Wealthy people who generated income through foreign trade and business were able to
send their sons to study in Europe, and one of those was Rizal. While living abroad, Filipinos
learned about the European economy and applied their knowledge to their own countries. As the
Philippines' economy expanded during that time, one reason was due to the introduction of
Haciendas, or as they call it "cash-crop economy" because they concentrated on the crops that
they traded in and were interested in. Our country became well-known because of its export of
these things, and our economy grew as a result. Additionally, Filipino nationalism impacted the
economy in a significant way. In the Philippines, the rise of the middle class was also
accompanied by trade openings.

The events in the Philippines transformed the Filipino people because they created more
employment opportunities and created a group of Chinese Mestizos that eventually became the
society's middle class. Furthermore, the concept of liberalism has played a role in making
Filipino nationalism more powerful. For instance, religious teachings on democracy, human
rights, free expression, and liberty have influenced Filipino nationalism. A major role in
expanding the number of young Filipino students studying abroad was also the opening of the
Suez Canal, and we were able to learn more about European countries' basic principles. It is
widely believed that the Philippines became one of the wealthiest countries in history during the
nineteenth century. Our holdings became one of the largest in the world due to the crash crop
disasters that were occurring at that time. In addition, we were recognized as a nation with the
most advanced technology at the time due to European influence. They provided us with
assistance in commerce, agriculture, manufacturing, railroad building, and modern technology.
Having become a center of commerce, Manila became a beacon to follow for others living in
poverty in the province's outskirts, those who were struggling with poverty and hunger. Due to
his wealth at the time, Rizal had the opportunity to study in Europe, which provided him with
both education and ideals. As for Rizal, he was given the opportunity to study abroad because
our society gave him that opportunity. Despite this, he was still impacted by government
corruption because of Spanish colonization. The excitement that he felt enabled him to transcend
the oppressive conditions that were surrounding him, and it made him want to fight for social
advancement and justice. There were three classes of Filipinos in the nineteenth century, the top
of which was dominated by Spanish residents of the country, who had vast influence over all
aspects of society. At the time, the middle class consisted of Chinese mestizos, while the bottom
rung was made up of Filipinos. Furthermore, Chinese mestizos contributed substantially to the
economic and political development of the country. During this widespread free speech, they
revolted against the principles of the Spanish colony, which sparked a revolt against the Spanish.
The Philippines was also very concerned with education at the time and one of the most critical
challenges was religious beliefs. During the Spanish colonial period, the Catholic faith was
taught quite early in local schools, so that even young children were taught the religion. There
are a variety of factors, including the use of limited methodological techniques, curriculums, and
facilities, as well as a lack of understanding of education and a lack of educational freedom. In
addition to memorizing literature, students were also expected to retain what they were learning
during this period. Rizal was also impacted by a variety of factors within the society, such as
socio-cultural, economic, and political factors. While observing the social changes that his
generation was experiencing and dealing with the challenges people of his generation faced, he
was able to gain experience and improve his skills. He believed that nature was God's blessing
and strength, and his faith influenced his beliefs in the most profound way. In addition to his
surroundings, he received the most influence from his family, who taught him how to respect
society and the people all around him, which formed his feeling of attachment to the nation. In
response to the things that were happening in the Philippines, he felt a duty to reform the country
and make it a better and more independent nation. In order to liberate the people from Spanish
enslavement, he abandoned his dream in order to make the region better by using his principles
and teachings.

In conclusion, I realized that I had learned a lot after receiving this information and that
Jose Rizal wants to change the injustice and corruption that plague our country from the very
beginning. It is also important to appreciate our history because our fellow Filipinos fought for
our freedom today. Through this knowledge and providing people around me with accurate
information, I can influence the way our country is headed. With this knowledge, I will be able
to make the right decisions that Filipinos have been unable to make in the past, such as when
choosing the wrong leaders, accepting foreign persecution, or becoming scared of other nations.
As a youth in this generation, we could live up to Rizal's legacy and while also embracing
several of his teachings.