RIZAL Reporting Notes

Birthdate: June 19, 1861, 35 year old, December 30, 1896 – died
19th Century – 1800s – 1899
Economic Development
Why were the Philippine economy booms during 19th century?
- There is a positive change, a change from Mercantilism (strict regulation to trading with
foreign trading monopolies) to Free Trade/ Laissez Faire
- Mercantilism Economy – Ex. Ph wants to import abaca to France – impossible. All goods
will go to Spain first. Spain then will sell the goods to other country.
- Mercantilist Economy is disadvantageous to the colonist but advantageous to the
imperialist.
- The opening of ports to world trade. (Iloilo, Cebu, and Manila), there is a rise to export
economy. (There is an increase in demand of agricultural products),
- Led to the rise of Filipino middle and upper class. Rented land from the friars
(hacienderos during that time), they tended the land to farm and hire farmers. Then sell it
to traders.
- Used the money for education of their children. Like Rizal, Luna and Del Pilar.
- There is an enlightenment. Filipino children are radicalized. It became a catalyst to
Filipino Nationalism.
Political Development
Situation in Spain during 19th century.
- Liberals vs. Conservative in Spain. (Political Instability)
- Liberals wants to vote their leaders, for democracy, freedom of speech, press, assembly.
Conservatives on the other hand wanted to continue their rule.
- Intermittent civil wars lost most of its colonies in South America.
Effects of political instability to Philippines.
- 1853 – 1898, 41 Governor Generals. Constant practice of replacing Governador General.
- Negative effect: No consistent policies, projects will not be finished.
- Philippines became dumping ground for inept bureaucrats. Qualification is just loyal to
the crown.
- Failure to achieve consistent policies. Hence Political instability.
- Rampant graft and corruption.
- A. Failure to provide basic needs like public works, school, and peace and order.
- B. Taxes were never fully utilized.
- C. Limited participation of Filipinos in Government. Highest position is
Gobernadorcillo.
Conclusion:
Mercantilism to Free Trade became a catalyst for the rise of Filipino middle-upper class.
- The opening of ports of the Philippines to the world help in the development of Filipinos
with financial power.
- This help making the young Filipinos experience liberal education, not just here in the
Philippines but also abroad.
Led to the education of many middle-upper class Filipinos such as Rizal
- Ilustrados – enlightened ones, the educated class
- They created the propaganda movement
- It is in the school they learned and realize the different forms of injustices and abuses
done by the Spanish.

Incompetent leadership and rampant government corruption became the reason for Rizal’s
voicing out for government reforms.
- The 300 years of Spanish rule did not bring any positive development for the Philippines,
primarily only a decline when compared to the world.
- Moreover, there are inconsistencies in terms of policies and projects
- In other words, it became anti-development.
Motivated Rizal to advocate for the education of Filipinos.
- When you analyze Rizal from the past readings, what he’s thinking is mainly for the
human development of Filipinos. He wants development from within. This is to stop the
abuses by the government and church because these institutions exploited the
“guillibilty” of Filipinos. When you think about it, it can be the only way to fight a
bloodless revolution against Spain.
Cultural Development
- Ilustrados – enlightened ones, the educated class
- They created the propaganda movement
- It is in the school they learned and realize the different forms of injustices and abuses
done by the Spanish.
Questions for CD
“Why do you think the Jesuits still taught the values of human dignity, equality and justice even
though it might promote Filipino nationalism which the Spanish colonizers certainly do not
want.”
Religious Development
- Priests are considered most evil of all men. – Rizal
-