This essay of Rizal entitled "Filipinas de cien años"was first published in La Solidaridad, Madrid, between September 30, 1889, and February 1, 1890
According to Jose Rizal, to read the destiny of the Philippines is to open the book of the past. With the conquest of Spain, the Philippines has changed its customs, laws, usages and religious beliefs. The country became depopulated, impoverished and retarded, without confidence, without faith tin the present and no fond hope. With the new era, we have lost our ancient tradition upheld by centuries. For three centuries, the Filipinos were accustomed to the “yoke” . the Liberals consider our condition as the same. The friars say we were redeemed from savagery, while Filipinos say we have decayed and retrograded. Why have the Filipinos become faithful to the Spanish rule? According to Rizal the reasons were: because of the hope of paradise, friendship with Spaniards, that we were compelled by superior arms and that the invading force took advantage of feuds to step in as peacemakers than dominate both. There are four factors determined by Rizal for the country’s future misfortune and debasement, namely: the brutalization of the masses by the Spaniards, impoverishment, the extermination of the inhabitants and the fostering of internecine feuds among races.
The brutalization of the Malayan Filipino is impossible. There exist writers, freethinkers, historians, artists and jurists. The divine flame of thought is inextinguishable. Poverty does not arrest development. It breeds a desire for change as wealth brings conservatism. It would likewise be impossible to exterminate the inhabitants of the Philippines. Wars and epidemics have not exterminated Filipinos. Internecine feuds were formerly possible but communication has developed. This has fostered unity and understanding. Advancement and ethical progress of the Philippines are inevitable and decreed by faith.
Reforms are necessary to attain this development. Freedom of the expression and representation in the Spanish Cortes must be accomplished The Philippines may be assimilated by Spain, or the Philippines may cut its umbilical cord from Spain through violent means and eventually be independent.
References:
Capino, D. C. (1977). Rizal Life, Works and Writings. Quezon city: JMC Press.
Jose Ma. Hernandez, E. d. (1959). Jose Rizal the Leader and Patriot. Manila: Kayumanggi Publishers.
Jose Maria Hernandez, E. A. (1958). A College Anthology of Rizal's Works. Manila: R.P. Garcia Publishing Co.
Ocampo, A. R. (2000). Rizaql Without the Overcoat. Pasig City Philippines: Anvil Publishing Inc.
Zaide, G. F. (1994). Jose Rizal Life Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero. Quezon City, Philippines: All Nations Pubishing Co., Inc.
joserizal.info/Writings/Other/centuryhence.htm. Retrieved on May 23, 2010.
