University of La Salette
Santiago City
LEARNING MODULE
GEC 005- The Life and Works of Rizal
Prepared by: MONINA P. BADUA, MAED
MODULE 7: THE PHILIPPINES: A CENTURY HENCE
The Philippines A century Hence contain the predictions of Jose Rizal about the Philippines
100 years before its publication. It was serialized in La Solidaridad in four instalments from
September 30, 1889 to January 31, 1890. In this essay Rizal attempts to answer the basic question
whether the Philippines will remain a Spanish colony or not ( Wani-Obias, 2018).
Learning Outcomes:
1. Present Rizal’s arguments on what the Philippines will be like in the future
2. Discuss how the individual demands will benefit the native Filipinos.
MOTIVATION: Looking forward
How do you visualize yourself and the Philippines twenty years from now?
CONTENT
The Philippines: A Century Hence
Rizal’s essay titled ”The Philippines A Century Hence” presents captivating arguments
on what the condition of the country will be like in the future. However, in order to be enlightened,
one must, at first be able to look back at the country’s past. In Rizal’s words, “In order to read the
destiny of a people, it is necessary to open the book of its past.” (Wani-Obias, 2018)
The first part of Rizal’s essay does this by illustrating that with the arrival of the
Spaniards, the Filipinos were forced to accept and subject themselves to a new and foreign culture.
Time passed while Spaniards attempted to conquer the Filipinos completely, but Rizal argues that the
continued oppression only resulted in the gradual awakening of the Filipinos (Ibid, p. 163).
By the nineteenth century, economic conditions had become better in the Philippines and
Rizal recognizes this. However, beyond the material prosperity, he points out that Filipinos remain
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abuse and oppressed. Since advancement or progress is clearly inevitable, Rizal poses the question on
whether the Philippines will remain a colony of Spain despite all the changes (Ibid, p. 163).
To this question, his answer is simple. He states that the Philippines will remain a colony
of Spain if the mother country implements reforms such as freedom of the press and representation in
the Spanish Cortes. Rizal also concedes that if Spain does not grant these reforms, the Filipino will
likely become independent after a violent and bloody revolution.(Ibid, p. 163)
The final part of Rizal’s work presents another interesting point of discussion since he
attempts to look into the future of the country. He argues that if the Philippines becomes free in the
future, this independence will be short-lived since the United States of America will probably acquire
and colonize the country as one of their own territories.(Ibid, p.163).
In the end, Rizal makes a strong assertion that it is imperative for Spain to grant the
Filipinos reform, for as he eloquently states, “It is better to keep pace with the desire of a people than
to give way before them; the former begets sympathy and love, the latter contempt and anger.”(Ibid,
p. 163).
For further readings of the essay of Jose Rizal entitled “The Philippines A Century
Hence”, visit the link: [Link]
philippines-a-century-hence-azi/[Link] for
you to accomplish the succeeding task.
TASKS
1. QCQ WORKSHEET
Instructions: After reading Rizal’s essays, “The Philippines a Century Hence,” make a worksheet
like the one below and fill it out. Copy one Quotation heading. Under the Comments section, take
into consideration the following questions: (a) What does the quotation remind you of? (b) Do you
agree or disagree with the quotation `and why? (c) What are your reflections on the quotation? Under
the Questions, write down the questions that come to your mind while reading the quotation from
Rizal’s essay.
Quotation Comments Questions
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2. Discuss how the individual demands will benefit the native Filipinos. Cite one demand and
analyze if this is still applicable to the Philippine situation at present. Present one concrete
situation in the present time.
REFLECTION: Essay Writing
Write an essay with not less than 500 words on what you think will happen to the
Philippines 50 years from now. Organize your arguments clearly.
Rubrics
Traits 4 3 2 1
Organization The introduction is The introduction The introduction There is no clear
inviting, states the states the main states the main introduction,
main topic, and topic and provides topic. A conclusion structure, or
provides an an overview of the is included. conclusion.
overview of the paper. A conclusion
paper. Information is included.
is relevant and
proceeds in a
logical order. The
conclusion is
strong.
Arguments and Strong arguments Arguments are Arguments are There are no clear
evidence are used. Two used. Two pieces of used. Evidence is arguments in the
pieces of accurate accurate evidence used per argument. paper. There is no
evidence per per argument used. evidence
argument are used. presented.
Grammar and The author makes The author makes a The author makes The author makes
Spelling no error in few errors in several errors in numerous errors in
grammar and/ or grammar and/ or grammar and/ or grammar and/ or
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spelling. spelling, but they do spelling that spelling that
not interfere with interfere with interfere with
understanding. understanding. understanding.
Modified Rubric derived from: NCTE (2013). Essay Rubric. Retrieved from:
[Link]
REFERENCES:
Franciso, V., Francisco,P.M.,Dulay M.J., Batung, J.T.,Bumidang,J.G.(2018). Rizal A Modular Approach.
Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Pangilinan, M.C.,Franco-Igloria,M.D., Pasague,E.A. (2018). Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal A
Modular Approach. Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Wani-Obias, R.,Mallari A.A.,Regindin-Estela,J. (2018). The Life and Works of Jose Rizal. C & E
Publishing, Inc.
Zhulin.(n.d.).The Philippines a century hence online [Link]
rizal/the-philippines-a-century-hence-azi/[Link]
Congratulations! This is the end of Module 7.I hope you enjoy and
learned a lot in undergoing the different activities provided above.
I am so proud of you.
THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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