Juliana Mae D.

Geronimo
BSHMTO-31
ACTIVITY 14
1. How did Rizal perceived the past of the Philippines before the coming of the
Spaniards?
- Dr. Jose Rizal held the Philippines in high esteem prior to the arrival of the Spanish colonizers.
His writings provide a detailed account of the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage that
existed even before the onset of colonization. Dr. Rizal was a firm believer that the country had
the potential to thrive independently, without the aid of colonizers. His works serve as a
testament to the resilience and strength of the Filipino people and continue to inspire
generations to this day.
2. Do you think that Rizal's view of the Philippines precolonial past was skewed
and biased? Why? Explain.
- No. Because there is evidence proving that our pre-colonial past was rich in diverse cultures,
traditions, laws, and practices that were widely respected and established over time. The pre-
colonial Filipinos had a writing system called Baybayin, and they were skilled in weaving
clothing, making tools and weapons, and crafting jewelry, all of which were of high quality. In
addition to their non-material culture, their writing system, and their craftsmanship, the pre-
colonial Filipinos had a remarkable heritage that deserves recognition.
3. What does propaganda have to do with Rizal's view of precolonial past?
- The propaganda at the time showed the Philippines as a country that had been free of foreign
colonists. It depicted the pre-colonial civilization, traditions, and cultures that had been
suppressed and altered by Spanish propaganda. This propaganda was based on Rizal's belief
that the Philippines was already a civilized country even before the arrival of colonizers.
4. Explain the use of precolonial past as an important component of Rizal's nationalist views.
- Rizal considered the pre-colonial era as a crucial element of his nationalist beliefs - a vision
and aspiration for himself and his fellow countrymen. He highlighted the Philippines' rich culture
and history to refute the Spanish claim of Filipino idleness and savageness. Rizal utilized this to
fuel the patriotic spirit of Filipinos, by painting a vivid picture of what the Philippines could be like
if it were free from colonial rule.
5. On the other hand, why do Filipinos still have to study the past of their nation?
- Studying Philippine history is crucial because it allows us to gain wisdom from the past, which
can guide us in dealing with the present and shaping our future. By understanding our roots, we
can establish a strong and factual historical foundation for our community and nation, shaping
our identity. With this understanding, we can approach the present and future with confidence,
and ensure that the mistakes committed by our ancestors are not repeated. We can also apply
the wisdom gained from our history to create our own solutions to problems that arise, based on
a strong foundation of knowledge and tradition.