JOSE RIZAL

THE PHILPPINES:
A CENTURY HENCE
A BOOK ANALYSIS | GROUP 5- BS ARCH3B
THE PHILIPPINES:
A CENTURY HENCE
INTRODUCTION
As “Filipinas dentro de Cien Años”, this article was originally published serially in
the Filipino fortnightly review “La Solidaridad”, of Madrid, running through the
issues from September, 1889, to January, 1890.
It supplements Rizal’s great novel “Noli Me Tangere” and its sequel “El
Filibusterismo”, and the translation here given is fortunately by Mr. Charles
Derbyshire who in his “The Social Cancer” and “The Reign of Greed” has so
happily rendered into English those masterpieces of Rizal.
The reference which Doctor Rizal makes to President Harrison had in mind the
grandson-of-his-grandfather’s blundering, wavering policy that, because of a
groundless fear of infringing the natives’ natural rights, put his country in [10]the
false light of wanting to share in Samoa’s exploitation, taking the leonine portion,
too, along with Germany and England.
Robert Louis Stevenson has told the story of the unhappy condition created by
that disastrous international agreement which was achieved by the dissembling
diplomats of greedy Europe flattering unsophisticated America into believing that
two monarchies preponderating in an alliance with a republic would be fairer than
the republic acting unhampered.
INTRODUCTION
In its day the scheme was acclaimed by irrational idealists as a triumph of
American abnegation and an example of modern altruism. It resulted that
“the international agreement” became a constant cause of international
disagreements, as any student of history could have foretold, until,
disgusted and disillusioned, the United States tardily recalled Washington’s
warning against entanglements with foreign powers and became a party to a
real partition, [11]but this time playing the lamb’s part. England was
compensated with concessions in other parts of the world, the United States
was “given” what it already held under a cession twenty-seven years old,—
and Germany took the rest as her emperor had planned from the start.

There is this Philippine bearing to the incident that the same stripe of
unpractical philanthropists, not discouraged at having forced the Samoans
under the ungentle German rule—for their victims and not themselves suffer
by their mistakes, are seeking now the neutralization by international
agreement of the Archipelago for which Rizal gave his life. Their success
would mean another “entangling alliance” for the United States, with six
allies, or nine including Holland, China and Spain, if the “great republic” should
be allowed by the diplomats of the “Great Powers” to invite these nonentities
in world politics, with whom she would still be outvoted.
 JAGOR’S PROPHECY
The Prophecy Which Prompted Rizal’s Policy of Preparation For the Philippines

“The old situation is no longer possible of maintenance, with the changed conditions of
the present time.

“The colony can no longer be kept secluded from the world. Every facility afforded for
commercial intercourse is a blow to the old system, and a great step made in the
direction of broad and liberal reforms. The more foreign capital and foreign ideas and
customs are introduced, increasing the prosperity, enlightenment, and self respect of
the population, the more impatiently will the existing evils be endured.

“Government monopolies rigorously maintained, insolent disregard and neglect of the

half-castes and powerful creoles, and the example of the United States, were the chief
reasons of the downfall of the American possessions. The same causes threaten ruin
to the Philippines; but of the monopolies I have said enough.

“Half-castes and creoles, it is true, are not, as they formerly were in America, excluded
from all official appointments; but they feel deeply hurt and injured through the
crowds of place-hunters which the frequent changes of Ministers send to Manila.
 When in Berlin, Doctor Rizal met Professor Jagor, and the
distinguished geographer and his youthful but brilliant admirer
became fast friends, often discussing how the progress of events
was bringing true the fortune for the Philippines . the knowledge of
its history and the acquaintance with its then condition, had
enabled the trained observer to foretell with that same certainty
that the meteorologist foretells the morrow’s weather.

“This prophecy of Jagor's made a deep impression upon Rizal and

seems to furnish the explanation of his life work. Henceforth it was
his ambition to arouse his countrymen to prepare themselves for
a freer state. He dedicated himself to the work which Doctor Jagor
had indicated as necessary.
THE PHILIPPINES:
A CENTURY HENCE
INTRODUCTION
José Rizal in life voiced the aspirations of his countrymen and as the different
elements in his divided native land recognized that these were the essentials
upon which all were agreed and that their points of difference among
themselves were not vital, dissension disappeared and there came an united
Philippines. Now, since his death, the fact that both continental and insular
Americans look to him as their hero makes possible the hope that
misunderstandings based on differences as to details may cease when Filipinos
recognize that the American Government in the Philippines, properly
approached, is willing to grant all that Rizal considered important, and when
Americans understand that the people of the Philippines, unaccustomed to the
frank discussions of democracy, would be content with so little even as Rizal
asked of Spain if only there were some salve for their unwittingly wounded amor
propio.
A better knowledge of the writings of José Rizal may accomplish this desirable
consummation
 THE PHILIPPINES:
“I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me,
they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the
generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will
understand me and say: ‘Not all were asleep in the night-time of our grandparents’.”

A CENTURY HENCE —The Philosopher Tasio, in Noli Me Tangere.

3 MAIN POINTS

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE

PHILIPPINES IN A CENTURY?
I. That the Philippines will remain to be a colony
of Spain but will be in good terms with it’s captors.

II. That the Philippines will try to cut the ties of

our Motherland from it’s captors through violent
means.

III. And lastly, that the Philippines will be

colonized by another country.
 ANALYZATION
OF THE VARIOUS FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE’S DIFFICULTIES
Spain's implementation of
its military policies -

because of such laws, the Philippine population

decreased dramatically. Poverty became more
rampant than ever, and farmlands were left to
wither. The family as a unit of society was
neglected, and overall, every aspect of the life of
the Filipino was retarded.
Deterioration and disappearance
of Filipino indigenous culture

when Spain came with the sword and the cross, it

began the gradual destruction of the native
Philippine culture. Because of this, the Filipinos
started losing confidence in their past and their
heritage, became doubtful of their present
lifestyle, and eventually lost hope in the future
and the preservation of their race.
Passivity and submissiveness
to the Spanish

colonizers - one of the most powerful forces that

influenced a culture of silence among the natives
were the Spanish friars. Because of the use of
force, the Filipinos learned to submit themselves
to the will of the foreigners.
THE PHILIPPINES: A CENTURY HENCE

CHAPTER
I
PREPARED BY:
JASMIN SAM V. LORBES
“IN ORDER TO READ THE DESTINY OF
A PEOPLE, IT IS NECESSARY TO OPEN
THE BOOK OF ITS PAST.”
 This novel starts off with Rizal's reflections on the
Philippines. He sheds light on the transformations that
took place when the Spaniards established their dominion
over the country. The Philippines' past leaders
surrendered to the conquerors with hopes for prosperity
and development.
Forgetting their own ethnic customs, music, literature
and ceremonies, Filipinos slowly adapted to unfamiliar
traditions and beliefs, which they did not comprehend
fully. Their own culture became a source of shame, and
they were quick to glorify anything related to the foreign
power that dominated them, as if under a spell. In time, the
conquering religion also used faith as a means of control,
manipulating the locals into submitting to the Spaniards'
authority. Filipinos, stripped of their thoughts and
emotions, were treated like beasts and forced to be slaves
in Spain's expansion. The agony and disgrace they
endured reawakened their suppressed passions.
Due to the continuous exploitation and vilification, a
realization of conqueror's brutality and oppression has

SUMMARY
sparked feelings in some people. This awakening may
slowly lead to a majority of minds being opened to this
truth.
THE PHILIPPINES: A CENTURY HENCE

CHAPTER
II
EXPLORING SCENARIOS AND
CONSIDERATIONS

BY MAGALONA
MARCUS GREGORIO
“WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE
PHILIPPINES WITHIN A CENTURY?
WILL THEY CONTINUE TO BE A
SPANISH COLONY?”
 Ethical considerations vary among liberal

ETHICAL CONDITIONS Spaniards, friars, and the Filipino population.

These perspectives influence notions of

AND PERSPECTIVES
progress, independence, and the evolving
relationship.
POLITICAL SITUATION
THEN AND NOW
FACTORS SUPPORTING
SPANISH AUTHORITY

Historically, Spanish authority relied on a small military presence and

faced challenges such as wars and communication issues. Presently,
increased resources and perceived loyalty among the Filipino
population contribute to stability.
CURRENT SITUATION

The present sees tripled material forces, improved

organizational structures, and faster
communication with Spain.
ETHICAL
CONSIDER-
ATIONS
Emerging ethical considerations,
such as the sensitivity of the
Filipino people and changing
attitudes, suggest potential shifts
in the future. Understanding this
evolving ethical landscape is
crucial.
CHALLENGES Despite improvements, challenges persist, including governance
issues, justice concerns, economic crises, and potential
consequences of maintaining the status quo.

AND CONCERNS
POSSIBILITIES Exploration of potential scenarios for the future involves considering
paths of peaceful evolution or the consequences of unrest.

Factors such as education, economic conditions, internal unity, and

FOR THE FUTURE external influences play crucial roles.

IN SHORT, THEN, THE ADVANCEMENT AND
ETHICAL PROGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES ARE
INEVITABLE, ARE DECREED BY FATE.

“TO WISH THAT THE ALLEGED CHILD

REMAIN IN ITS SWADDLING-CLOTHES IS
TO RISK THAT IT MAY TURN AGAINST ITS
NURSE AND FLEE, TEARING AWAY THE OLD
RAGS THAT BIND IT”.
THE PHILIPPINES, THEN, WILL REMAIN UNDER
SPANISH DOMINATION, BUT WITH MORE LAW
AND GREATER LIBERTY, OR THEY WILL
DECLARE THEMSELVES INDEPENDENT, AFTER
STEEPING THEMSELVES AND THE MOTHER
COUNTRY IN BLOOD.
THE PHILIPPINES: A CENTURY HENCE

CHAPTER
III
PREPARED BY : ALLEN ABION
IF THE PHILIPPINE WILL REMAIN UNDER THE
CONTROL OF SPAIN, TRANSFORMATION WILL
EVENTUALLY HAPPEN AND WILL AFFECT THE
PEOPLE. IN THIS CASE SOME GOVERNORS
HAVE BEEN TRYING TO INTRODUCE NEEDED
REFORMS.

BUT IT PRODUCED SCANTY RESULTS FOR

THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS THE
COUNTRY.WITH THIS, OUR COUNTRY IS
MOST LIKELY REMINDED TO SANCHO PANZA
IN BARATARIA ISLAND WHERE HE TOOK HIS
SEAT ON APPOINTED TABLE COVERED WITH
FRUITS AND VARIETY OF FOOD BUT WHEN
PEDRO REZIO INTERPOSED SANCHO WAS AS
HUNGRY AS EVER.

THAT HE SHOULD NOT EAT EXCEPT

ACCORDING TO THE USAGE AND CUSTOM OF
OTHER ISLAND. PHILIPPINES IS LIKE
SANCHO REFORMS ARE THE DISHES, REZIO
ARE THOSE PERSONS INTERESTED IN NOT
HAVING THE DISHES TOUCHED.
THE MINISTER WHO WANTS HIS REFORMS BE REFORMS
MUST BEGIN BY DECLARING THE PRESS IN THE PHILIPPINES
FREE AND BY THE INSTITUTING FILIPINO DELEGATES.

A GOVERNMENT THAT GOVERNS IN A COUNTRY MAY EVEN

DISPENSE WITH THE PRESS BECAUSE IT IS ON THE GROUND
HAS EYES AND EARS, AND DIRECTLY OBSERVES WHAT IS
RULES AND ADMINISTERS.

BUT A GOVERNMENT THAT GOVERNS A FAR REQUIRES THAT

THE TRUTH AND FACTS REACH ITS KNOWLEDGE BY EVERY
POSSIBLE CHANNEL THAT IT MAY WEIGH AND ESTIMATE
THEM BETTER, AND THIS NEED INCREASES WHEN A
COUNTRY LIKE THE PHILIPPINES IS CONCERNED.

A RISK DOES THE GOVERNMENT SEE IN THEM? ONE OF THE

THREE THINGS EITHER THAT THEY WILL PROVE UNRULY ,
BECOME POLITICAL TRIMMERS , OR ACT PROPERLY.
SUPPOSING THAT WE SHOULD YIELD TO THE MOST
ABSURD PRESSIMISM AND ADMIT THE INSULT.
GREAT FOR THE PHILIPPINES BUT STILL GREATER
FOR SPAIN, CERTAINLY THE SPANISH PEOPLE
DOES NOT WOULD NOT A STRUGGLE OF THE
PRINCIPLES IN PARLIAMENT BE PREFERABLE TO
THE EXCHANGE OF LANDS.
BECAUSE THE SPANISH PARLIAMENT ESPECIALLY
ABOUNDS IN ORATORICAL PALADINS INVISIBLE IN
DEBATE.

SO WE CAN NO SERIOUS REASON WHY

PHILIPPINES MAY NOT HAVE REPRESENTATIVES.
WE KNOW THAT THE LACK OR ENLIGHTENMENT ,
THE INDOLENCE, THE EGOTISM MAY CONVERT
REFORM INTO A HARMFUL INSTRUMENT.
WHEN THE LAWS AND THE ACTS OF OFFICIALS
ARE KEPT UNDER SURVEILLANCE THE WORLD
JUSTICE MAY CEASE TO BE A COLONICAL JUST
THE THINGS THAT MAKES THE ENGLISH STRICT
AND SPEEDY JUSTICE SO THAT THE INHABITANTS
REPOSE ENTIRE CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDGES
JUSTICE IS THE FOREMOST.

VIRTUE OF THE CIVILIZED RACES WE COULD ADD

OTHER MINOR REFORMS TOUCHING COMMERCE,
AGRICULTURE, SECURITY OF INDIVIDUAL AND
PROPERTY EDUCATION AND OTHERS.
TO RECAPITULATE : THE PHILIPPINES
WILL REMAINS SPANISH IF THEY ENTER
UPON THE LIFE IF LAW AND
CIVILIZATION, IF THE RIGHTS OF THEIR
INHABITANTS ARE RESPECTED , IF THE
OTHER RIGHTS DUE THEM ARE
GRANTED, IF THE LIBERAL POLICY OF
THE GOVERNMENT IS CARRIED OUT
WITHOUT FALSE INTERPRETATION.

OTHERWISE, IF AN ATTEMPT IS MADE TO

SEE IN THE ISLANDS OF LOVE TO BE
EXPLOITED , A RESOURCE TO SATISFY
AMBITIOUS , HOWEVER GREAT MAY BE
THE LOYALTY OF FILIPINOS AND T WILL
BE IMPOSSIBLE TO HINDER THE
OPERATIONS OF THE LAWS OF HISTORY.
CLOSE INDEED ARE THE BONDS THAT UNITE US TO SPAIN. TWO PEOPLES DO NOT LIVE OF THREE CENTURIES IN
CONTINUAL CONTRACT , SHARING A SAME LOT, HOLDING WITH SAME BELIEF , WORSHIPPING THE SAME GOD BUT
THAT TIES ARE REFORMED BETWEEN THEM STRONGER THAN THOSE ENGENDERED BY AFFECTION.

WE WHO TODAY ARE STRUGGLING BY THE LEGAL AND PEACEFUL MEANS OF DEBATE SO UNDERSTAND IT WITHOUT
GOING BEYOND THE PALE OF THE LAW, BUT MISFORTUNE TO FALL THEN WE DON NOT KNOW WHAT COURSE WILL
BE TAKEN THAT WILL RUSH IN TO OCCUPY THE PLACES THAT WE LEAVE VACANT.
CHAPTER IV
THE PHILIPPINE: A CENTURY
HENCE

PREPARED BY; PATRICIA ANN NEO

CHAPTER IV
"THE EXISTENCE OF THE FOREIGN BODY, WITHIN ANOTHER
ENDOWED THE STRENGTH ANDACTIIVITY IS CONTRARY TO ALL
NATURAL AND" ETHICAL LAWS. SCIENCE TEACHES USTHAT IT IS
EITHER DESTROYS THE ORGANISM, IS ELIMINATED AND BECOMES
ENCYSTED."
CHAPTER IV
ONE QUESTION THAT RIZAL RAISES IN THIS ESSAY IS WHETHER
OR NOT SPAIN CAN INDEED PREVENT THE PROGRESS OF THE
PHILIPPINES.

Keeping the people uneducated and ignorrant had failed.

National consciousness had still awakened, and greaT
Filipino minds still emerged from the rubble.
Keeping the people impoverished also co tme to no avail.
On contrary, living a life of eternal destination had allowed
the Filipinos to act on the desire for a change of life . They
began to explore other horizons throughout which they
could move towards progress.
Exterminating the people as an alternative o hindering
progress did no work either. To wipe out the nation
altogether would require the sacrifice of thousand spanish
soldiers, and this is something Spain would not allow.
CHAPTER IV
Spain therefore, hd no means to stop the progress of the country.
What it needs to do is to change its colonial policies so that they
are keeping with the needs of the Philippines society and to the
rising nationalism of the people
What Rizal envisoned is his essaycame true. In 1898, the
Americans wrededwith Spain to win the Philippines, and eventually
took over the country. Their was a reign of democracy and liberty.
Five decades after Rizal's death, the Philippine her long-waited
independence. This was in fullfillment of what he had written i in his
essay.
"History does not record in it's annals any lasting domination by
one people over another, of different races, of diverse usages and
customs, of opposite divergent ideas. One of the two had yield and
succumb."
RIZAL’S FAREWELL
ADDRESS
ADDRESS TO SOME FILIPINOS
“Countrymen: On my return from Spain I
learned that my name had been in use,
among some who were in arms, as a war-
cry. The news came as a painful surprise,
but, believing it already closed, I kept silent
over an incident which I considered
irremediable.
“Now I notice indications of the
disturbances continuing, and if any still, in
good or bad faith, are availing themselves
of my name, to stop this abuse and
undeceive the unwary I hasten to address
you these lines that the truth may be
known”
“I did even more. When later, against my
advice, the movement materialized, of my
own accord I offered not alone my good
offices, but my very life, and even my name,
to be used in whatever way might seem
best, toward stifling the rebellion; for,
convinced of the ills which it would bring”
“I considered myself fortunate, if,
at any sacrifice, I could prevent
such useless misfortunes. “
“My countrymen, I have given proofs that I
am one most anxious for liberties for our
country, and I am still desirous of them. But
I place as a prior condition the education
of the people, that by means of instruction
and industry our country may have an
individuality of its own and make itself
worthy of these liberties. ”
“Holding these ideas, I cannot do less than
condemn, and I do condemn, this uprising,—
as absurd, savage, and plotted behind my
back,—which dishonors us Filipinos and
discredits those who could plead our
cause. I abhor its criminal methods and
disclaim all part in it, pitying from the
bottom of my heart the unwary who have
been deceived.”
“Return, then, to your homes, and
may God pardon those who have
worked in bad faith”
RIZAL’S
DEFENSE
ARREST AND ACCUSATIONS
Rizal was arrested on July 6, 1892.
Accused of anti-colonial activities of the secret society,
Katipunan.
linked him to the writings of rebellion found in his novels, "Noli Me
Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
He argued that he advocated for social reforms through peaceful
means.
Rizal maintained that his writings were meant to expose the
abuses of Spanish colonial rule and were not intended to incite
rebellion.
RIZAL’S ARRAIGNMENT
December 11, 1896

Charged with the crime of rebellion and the formation of illegal

associations.
Rizal has nothing to amend except that during his exile in Dapitan
in 1892, he had not dealt in any political matters.
He does not question the jurisdication of the court.
He has nothing to admit to the charges against him.
ACTUAL TRIAL
December 26, 1896 / At Hall of Banners at the Quartel De España.

Rizal was accused of three crimes:

a. Rebellion
b. Sedition
c. Illegal Association

Penalty:
a. Rebellion and Sedition - from life imprisonment to death
b. Sedition - correctional imprisonment and a fine of 325 to 3,250 pesetas
DEFENSE OF RIZAL
He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he advised Dr Pio
Valenzuela in Dapitan not to rise in revolution.

He did not correspond with the radical, revolutionary elements.

The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge. If he

were guilty, he could have escaped in Singapore.
DEFENSE OF RIZAL
If he had a hand in the revolution, he could have escaped in a
Moro vinta and would not have built a home, a hospital, and
bought lands in Dapitan.

If he were the chief of the revolution, why was he not consulted by

the revolutionaries?

It was true he wrote the by-laws of the Liga Filipina, but this is
only a civic organization - not a revolutionary society.
DEFENSE OF RIZAL
The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after the first meeting he was
banished to Dapitan, and it died out.

If the Liga was reorganized nine months later, he did not know
about it.

The Liga did not serve the purpose of the revolutionists, otherwise
they would not have supplanted it with the Katipunan.
DEFENSE OF RIZAL
If it were true that there were some bitter comments in Rizal’s
letters, it was because they were written in 1890 when his family
was being persecuted, being dispossessed of houses,
warehouses, lands, etc., and his brother and all brothers-in-law
were deported.

His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as the politico-military

commanders and missionary priests could attest.
DEFENSE OF RIZAL
It was not true that the revolution was inspired by his one speech
at the house of Doroteo Ongjunco, as alleged by witnesses whom
he would like to confront. His friends knew his opposition to
armed rebellion. Why did the Katipunan send an emissary to
Dapitan who was unknown to him? Because those who knew him
were aware that he would never sanction any violent movement.
SENTENCING AND EXECUTION

Ultimately, Rizal faced the challenge

of a predetermined sentence: death
by firing squad.
RESPECTING THE
REBELLION
"I had no notice at all of what was being planned until the
first or second of July, in 1896, when Pio Valenzuela came
to see me, saying that an uprising was being arranged. I
told him that it was absurd, and he answered me that they
could bear no more. I advised him that they should have
patience. He added then that he had been sent because
they had compassion of my life and that probably it would
compromise me. I replied that they should have patience
and that if anything happened to me I would then prove my
innocence. “Besides, said I, don’t consider me but our
country which is the one that will suffer.” I went on to show
how absurd was the movement.—This later Pio Valenzuela
testified.—He did not tell me that my name was being used,
neither did he suggest that I was its chief, nor anything of
that sort."
"Those who testify that I am the chief (which I do not know
nor do I know of having ever treated with them), what
proofs do they present of my having accepted this
chiefship or that I was in relations with them or with their
society? Either they have made use of my name for their
own purposes or they have been deceived by others who
have. Where is the chief who dictates no order nor makes
any arrangement, who is not consulted in any way about
so important an enterprise until the last moment, and then,
when he decides against it, is disobeyed? Since the
seventh of July of 1892 I have entirely ceased political
activity. It seems some have wished to avail themselves of
my name for their own ends."
CONCLUSION
In his essay "The Philippines a Century Hence," also
originally known as Filipinas dentro de cien anos, with this
Jose Rizal paints a vivid picture of the country's potential
future, exploring the various possibilities that lie ahead for
the Philippines a hundred years later.

He delves into the factors that could shape the nation's

destiny, examining both positive and negative scenarios.
Rizal's writing showed that the Philippines possesses the
inherent qualities to achieve greatness however it must
overcome significant challenges to realize its full potential.
1890 1990
What Rizal had predicted and envisioned in his essay became reality, In 1898, the
Americans fought with spain to win the Philippines, eventually America won and took
over the country. Theirs was a reign of democracy, education and liberty.

Ultimately, Rizal concludes that the Philippines' fate rests on the collective actions of
its people. Five decades after Rizal’s death, the Philippines gained her long awaited
independence. Through his written works, He urges Filipinos to embrace education,
cultivate a sense of national identity, and strive for unity in the face of adversity.
While the future remains uncertain, Rizal's unwavering belief in the potential of his
homeland serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations of Filipinos.