05 eLMS Task 1: Essay Dropbox – ARG

Jeremy Y. Auditor

BSHM-4A

Questions:

1. Do you agree with Rizal’s presentation of our pre-colonial history? Why or why not?
2. How did Rizal’s envision the pre-colonial Filipinos? Why?

Answers:

1. I do agree with Rizal’s presentation of our pre-colonial history. In my opinion, Rizal's

contributions have shed light on Philippine history. Rizal corrected certain errors and
inaccuracies in Antonio De Morga's writing. I also agree because, as Filipinos, we do not
fit Morga's description of our people. We used to have a life, but we lost it when the
Spaniards and many other colonists colonized us before we earned our freedom.
2. Rizal pointed out that the people should be held accountable for their rulers' actions rather
than their own, as he was well aware that in Spanish colonial discourse, the Filipino
people's backwardness was attributed to their laziness. Due to their backwardness, they
experienced oppression and unfair treatment, including property ownership, irrational
work, exorbitant taxes, and forced labor without compensation. That goes a long way
toward explaining why Filipinos are reluctant to work, as he noted in his book and called
for the modification of work patterns in tropical areas. Since the Filipino people were
known for their diligence in the past, Rizal surmised that societal factors related to
colonial control must be the root of indolence. In conclusion, Rizal considered the pain
endured by the Filipino people following the pre-colonial era and made an effort to assist
in finding a solution. His writings aided the populace in fighting for their country and in
knowing and comprehending their rights. Rizal thought that liberation would follow
wisdom.