BSIT 301

05 ELMS Task 2: Essay

1. Why did the Spaniards brand us as indolent?

The fact that the Philippines is located close to a tropical zone and can experience hot
weather can cause the Filipinos to not accomplish what they have worked is one of the
reasons the Spanish labeled us as being lazy. Just as a cold climate encourages work and
action, a hot temperature demands of the individual stillness and rest. We also need
cohesion because without it, the populace lacks the ability to fight. Because of its
archipelagic nature, the Philippines is divided into three main geographical regions:
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. According to Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines' eventual
decline was caused by more deeply ingrained issues like abuse and discrimination, in
action on the part of the government, widespread corruption, incorrect church
doctrines, and bad examples from some Spanish people who live indolent lives.

2. How did Rizal and the other Filipino scholars defend the Filipinos against this labeling
from Spain? Why?

He argues in favor of Filipinos by saying that they are not inherently lazy and that they
were involved in trade and agricultural endeavors long before the arrival of the
Spaniards. Deeper causes of indolence include abuse, discrimination, inaction by the
government, systematic corruption, bureaucracy, false religious beliefs, and poor
examples set by some Spanish people who lead indolent lifestyles. All these factors have
contributed to the degradation of Filipino values. Finally, Rizal cites the absence of
national sentiment and unity among Filipino locals as well as their inadequate training
and education as the primary causes of indolence. Rizal thought that freedom and
education could heal the laziness of the Filipinos. We shouldn't pass judgment on
someone, especially if we don't understand their culture.