Bicol University

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY

Final Examination in GEC 19 (Rizal’s Life and Writings)

Name: Year and Block: Date: June 6 2022 Score:_____

1. What are the primary considerations of Dr. Jose Rizal in choosing the work of Antonio Morga
Sucesos de las islas Filipinas to annotate over other works of Spanish chroniclers? Explain each
10 points.
Answer:
In "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas", Morga (1609) has written the works done by the Spaniards
that includes the discovery, conquering, and conversion of the Filipinas Islands - as well as the
wealth and fortune that they had from time to time in the great kingdoms and among the pagan
peoples around the islands.

 Rizal believed that Morga don’t have a side or is more neutral than religious authors who
believes to featured several miraculous claims.
 Next reason that affected Rizal's decision to choose Morga was the sole civil history of the
Philippines published during the colonial period, as opposed to religious or ecclesiastical
history.
 Another reason of Rizal for choosing Morga was his belief that this secular narrative was
more objective and trustworthy than those published by religious missionaries, which were
full of miracles and apparitions.
 Furthermore, Rizal's decision to use the Morga was that it looked to be more sympathetic to
the indios, at least in sections, than the friar narratives, which were sometimes prejudiced or
plain racist in tone and interpretation.
 Lastly, Morga was an eyewitness to the Philippines and its inhabitants at the time of first
contact with Spain, making him a main source.

2. What are the flaws in the annotation of Dr. Jose Rizal on the work of Morga? How does the
Historian refuted the remarks made by Rizal? 10 points each. (31-50)

Answer:
There are some flaws on Dr. Jose Rizal's annotation to Morga work. Thus, the historian
refuted the remarks made by Rizal because they believe that they are secondary writing or
writing through the minor writings. Writing as a discipline means self-expression, and an
academic and professional tool to spread information. However, in the eighteenth century, it was
illegal in the Philippines to spread the life and works of Rizal, as a result, it remains mostly
unread and unappreciated. In addition, Spanish customs confiscated copies of this. Hence, the
book became very rare and hard to have access since it was not reprinted and the very few copies
that remained was hidden because the owners are afraid to read them.
3. How does the Filipino culture regard the concept of bayani and kabayanihan in the context of
reciprocity and utang na loob? 10 points (51-60)
Answer:
The Filipino culture regard the concept of “bayani” and “kabayanihan” in the context of
reciprocity and “utang na loob” through the belief that by being “bayani” and practicing
“kabayanihan” they would gain benefits, such as honor, fame, glory, and maybe fortune from those
people they helped. Thus, the phrase “utang na loob” emerged, which focuses on paying the debt of
the person to those who helped him. Moreover, the term reciprocity indicates a situation in which
both parties’ benefit, hence, just like “utang na loob” the two sides are looking forward to the
benefits that they will gain from each other. Nevertheless, if we decide to help someone, we must do
it genuinely and without thinking about what we will get from it, because I believe that it is the right
thing to do and it represents the true essence of being a Filipino.
4. In the essay of Rizal entitled Philippine century hence, how does he saw the future of the
Philippines in the hand of the Spaniards? Is this vision of Rizal during the 19 th century happened?
Explain. 20 points (61-70)
Answer:
The essay, “Filipinas Dentro de Gen Anos”, written by Rizal in 1889 predicted that Spain and
Philippines would someday become equal independent partners in politics, especially in international
relations. In addition, Rizal’s essay predicts that the United States would emerge as a new colonial
power in Asia, after seizing the Philippines for herself. If we will compare it to “Noli me tangere”
and “El Filibusterismo” we are safe to assume that “Filipinas Dentro de Gen Anos” gave better
insight to what will be the future of Philippines in the hands of Spaniards, it elaborately informed
Philippines' current strengths and weaknesses and  predicted the possible political intervention of
neighboring powers such as European or even that of the United States if the Philippines declare
itself independent from the Spaniards.
5. Overall, how do you think this course will help you in your future career as professional? 71-100.
Answer:
I believe that it is important to be well aware of the life and works of Rizal so that we can
apply his traits to our lives. Besides being the perfect epitome of nationalism, Rizal has also proven
to be a genius, a patriot, a model brother, and a perfect example of a great leader. He never used
violence through his acts however he was still able to ignite the Filipinos burning love for their
country, thus eventually granting our freedom. Moreover, he is the paragon of excellence that we
students should look up to. As the future of our nation, we should also embody nationalism for our
country so that we may give justice to the sacrifices of Rizal and our ancestors gave, for they are
reasons why we have this privilege of freedom today.