LESSON 1

1. The Context of the Rizal Bill

PostWWII Philippines faced many challenges, including nationbuilding.
Nationalists sought to instill patriotism and love for the country, inspired by the
revolution for independence against Spain.
The Rizal Bill aimed to revive dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism
for which heroes like Jose Rizal fought.
Republic Act No. 1425, known as the Rizal Law, met opposition during its passage
in both Senate and House of Representatives.

2. From Rizal Bill to Rizal Law (Timeline)

April 3, 1956: Senate Bill No. 438 was filed by the Senate Committee on Education,
with Claro M. Recto as the main author.
April 17, 1956: Jose P. Laurel sponsored the bill; Catholic Church opposed it.
May 2, 1956: The House Committee on Education approved the bill without
amendments.
May 917, 1956: Debates and amendments took place, and both Senate and House
versions were approved.
June 12, 1956: President Magsaysay signed the bill into law, making it Republic Act
No. 1425 or the Rizal Law.

3. Arguments For and Against the Rizal Law

Supporters:
 Senator Jose P. Laurel: Believed that reading Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
would help Filipinos see their own flaws and strengths, leading to selfreliance and
freedom.
Senator Claro M. Recto: Rizal aimed to instill civic consciousness, national dignity,
and patriotism, not teach religion.

Opposition:
Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo: Felt that Filipinos’ love for their country and faith
shouldn’t conflict. He argued that the Rizal Law could create a division between
nationalism and religion.

4. Rizal Law and Teaching of the Rizal Course

The Rizal Law aims to:
Rededicate youth to ideals of freedom and nationalism.
Pay tribute to Rizal for shaping Filipino character.
Inspire patriotism through the study of Rizal's life and works.

Objectives of teaching the Rizal Course include:

Recognizing the relevance of Rizal’s ideals to present community conditions.
Applying Rizal’s ideas to everyday life.
Developing understanding and appreciation for Rizal’s qualities and character.
Fostering moral character, discipline, and citizenship among Filipino youth.

5. Rizal as a National Hero

Rizal stands out as the national hero among figures like Andres Bonifacio and Emilio
Jacinto.
Renato Constantino (1969): Argued that Rizal was not an Americansponsored hero,
though the Taft Commission promoted him due to his peaceful methods, which
aligned with American policies.
 Teodoro Agoncillo (1986): Believed that the Americans favored Rizal because he
symbolized assimilation and gradual reform, not revolution.
Leon Maria Guerrero (1998): Highlighted that Rizal’s peaceful approach and
sacrifices resonated with Filipinos’ love for peace, freedom, and justice.

6. Filipinos' Early Recognition of Rizal as a Hero

1. The Katipunan regarded Rizal as its honorary leader.
2. General Emilio Aguinaldo declared December 30 (Rizal’s death anniversary) as a
national day of mourning.
3. In Daet, Camarines Norte, the first monument to Rizal was erected in 1898.
4. Rizal’s Monument in Luneta was funded by Filipinos during the American regime.
5. Rizal Province was named in his honor.
6. Rizal’s name became iconic, used for businesses, a bank (RCBC), cement,
matches, a university, and currency.

Key Takeaways
Rizal Law: Aimed at promoting nationalism and honoring Rizal’s contributions to the
country.
Support and Opposition: Debates centered around patriotism, religion, and national
identity.
Legacy: Rizal’s peaceful approach and patriotism continue to inspire Filipinos,
evidenced by his lasting recognition in monuments, currency, and educational
systems.
 LESSON 2

1. Economic Context

A. End of the Galleon Trade

Local Trading
PreSpanish arrival, Filipinos traded with China, Japan, Siam (Thailand), India,
Cambodia, Borneo, and the Moluccas.
Birth of ManilaAcapulco Trade
1565: Spanish government restricts Manila’s ports to Mexico, initiating the
ManilaAcapulco Galleon Trade.
Galleon Trade Mechanics
Trade route between Manila (landing first in Cebu) and Acapulco, Mexico.
Central income source for Spanish colonies in the Philippines.
Discovery of the Galleon Trade
Initiated by Andres de Urdaneta under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565,
establishing a return route from Cebu to Mexico.
Conclusion of the Galleon Trade
September 14, 1815: Ends when Mexico declares independence, concluding a
250year trade period.

B. Opening of the Suez Canal

Geographical Significance
Artificial sealevel waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red
Sea via the Isthmus of Suez.
Construction and Opening
Built by the Suez Canal Company (18591869), led by Ferdinand de Lesseps.
Officially opened on November 17, 1869.
Impact on Travel and Trade
 Reduced travel time from Spain to the Philippines from over three months to 30
days using steamships.
Facilitated easier and faster movement of goods and people between Europe and
the Philippines.
Economic and Political Implications
Enhanced commercial enterprises between Europe and East Asia.
Introduced liberal ideas and influenced Ilustrados like Jose Rizal through increased
access to Western literature and education.

C. Rise of the Export Crop Economy

Development Period
18201870: Philippines transitions to an export crop economy.
Key Export Crops
Sugar, Manila hemp, and coffee produced for foreign markets.
Role of Chinese Merchants
Facilitated by North European and North American merchants.
Chinese acted as agents for distributing imports and purchasing goods for export.
Economic Contributions
Introduction of modern agricultural practices.
Growth of port cities, especially Manila, as trading hubs dominated by Chinese
traders.

D. Monopolies
Monopoly Contracting
Post1850: Government monopoly contracts opened to foreigners, dominated by
the Chinese.
Opium Monopoly
1840s: Spanish government legalizes opium for Chinese, establishing a
government monopoly on importation and sales.
Tobacco Monopoly
March 1, 1782: Established by Governor General Jose Basco.
Aimed to increase government revenue due to insufficient subsidies from Mexico.
 Regions Affected: Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte & Sur, La Union, Isabela, Abra,
Nueva Ecija, Marinduque.
System:
Mandatory cultivation and sale to the government at predetermined prices.
Restrictions on personal use of tobacco leaves.
Enforcement through fines and punishments.
Impact:
Led to food shortages by neglecting basic crops like rice.
Fueled social injustice and propelled movements towards independence.

2. Social Background

A. Education in the 19th Century

Spanish Influence
Introduction of European educational systems by Catholic missionaries.
Mandatory Religion: Education included mandatory religious instruction to instill
Catholic faith and obedience.
Leyes de Indias (Indian Laws)
Mandated education, literacy in Spanish, and conversion to Catholicism.
Missionary Schools
Established by Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans.
Curriculum included:
Religious Studies, Reading, Writing, Basic Arithmetic, Vocational Arts.
Latin taught instead of Spanish.
Teaching Methods: Strict discipline, including corporal punishment.
Higher Education
Early 17th Century: Colleges and universities restricted to Spaniards and mestizos.
19th Century: Opened to indigenous Filipinos, primarily sons of wealthy families.
1863: Royal decree establishes the public school system, shifting administration
from religious authorities to the government.
Ilustrados Emergence
 Educated natives formed a new social class seeking parity with Spaniards.
Utilized the Spanish language and Western education to lead the Propaganda
Movement.
Jose Rizal: Prominent Ilustrado who inspired the independence movement through
his writings.

B. Rise of Chinese Mestizo

Historical Presence
Trade relations with China dating back to 900 AD via Chinese vessels.
Parian: Original Chinese community in Manila, later relocated to Binondo.
Social Classification
Sangleyes: Term used by Spaniards for Chinese, placed just above Moros and
Infelons in colonial hierarchy.
Taxation:
Pure Chinese: 6 pesos.
Mestizo Chinese: 3 pesos.
Indio: 1.5 pesos.
Spaniards and Mestizos from Spain: Exempt.
Economic Power
Controlled major economic sectors: shopping malls, banks, airlines, shipping lines.
Influenced education and finance.
Intermarried with indigenous populations, forming the mestizo sangley class.
Cultural Contributions
Introduced piña cloth embroidery, leading to the creation of the barong Filipino.
Advanced in various fields, e.g., Tomas Pinpin, the "Prince of Filipino Printers".
Challenges
Faced corruption accusations, involvement in illegal activities, and targeted by
corrupt politicians.
Despite initial impoverished arrivals, many Chinese rose to prominence through
business acumen and discipline.
C. Rise of Inquilinos
Inquilino System Defined
Qualified tenancy system: right to use land in exchange for rent.
Adopted widely due to increased crop production postGalleon Trade and Suez
Canal opening.
Operational Mechanics
Absentee Lords: Friars and Spaniards often delegated estate management to
Spanish mestizo or Filipino lay brothers.
Harvest Time Responsibilities:
Pay land rent.
Separate seeds.
Divide remaining crops between sharecropper and administrator.
Economic Dynamics
Fixed Rent: Determined by land quality.
Subleasing: Inquilinos could sublease land to sharecroppers (kasamas), increasing
their control and income.
Social Impact
Enabled some inquilinos to acquire their own land and diversify into other
commercial ventures.
Led to conflicts over excessive taxation, land rent, labor demands, and crop price
fixing.
Peasant protests emerged against abuses by religious orders and estate owners,
with inquilinos playing leadership roles.

3. Political Landscape
A. Liberalism
Definition
Worldview based on freedom and equality.
Emphasizes individual liberty, rights, and opportunity for equality.
Origins and Spread
Originated from the French Revolution with the motto "Liberty, Equality,
Fraternity".
 Spread to other parts of the world, influencing political structures.
Impact on Spain and the Philippines
Spain:
Led to political turmoil, including the Peninsular War, loss of Spanish America,
and struggles between liberals and conservatives.
AntiClericalism: Liberals viewed the Catholic Church as an obstacle to reform.
Introduced radical government structure changes.
Philippines:
Liberal Ideas:
Infiltrated through increased trade and migration postSuez Canal opening.
Influenced Ilustrados like Jose Rizal.
GovernorGeneral Carlos Maria De la Torre:
First liberal governorgeneral (18691871).
Promoted democratic governance, fostering national consciousness.
Cadiz Constitution:
Promoted national sovereignty, equality, and individual liberties.
Influenced Filipinos' desire for independence and democratic governance.

B. Impact of the Bourbon Reforms

Overview
Initiated by King Philip V and continued by Ferdinand VI, Charles III, and Charles IV.
Aimed to reform and strengthen the Spanish Empire by:
Curbing illicit commerce.
Reclaiming control over transatlantic trade.
Limiting the Catholic Church's power.
Reforming state finance.
Tightening administrative and political control.
Implementation Challenges
Geographical Barriers: Philippines’ distance from Spain made monitoring and
implementation difficult.
 Policy Inconsistencies: Varied policies across different provinces led to mixed
effectiveness.
External Conflicts: European conflicts forced policy shifts to finance wars.
Effectiveness
Limited impact in the Philippines compared to other regions like Mexico.
Introduced ideas of reform and equality, challenging the old colonial system.

C. Cadiz Constitution
Background
March 1812: Promulgated during Napoleon’s occupation of Spain.
Drafted by elected representatives in Cadiz, protected by the British navy.
Key Features
National Sovereignty: Sovereignty originates with the people, not the king.
Universal Male Suffrage: Granted voting rights to all eligible men.
Constitutional Monarchy: Attempted to establish a constitutional government.
Press Freedom: Ensured freedom of the press.
Land Reform and Free Enterprise: Advocated for economic reforms.
Colonial Representation: Granted colonies representation in the Spanish Cortes
through elected deputies.
Implementation in the Philippines
Formally implemented in Manila, influencing local governance.
First Delegates: Pedro Perez de Tagle and Jose Manuel Coretto.
Outcome
May 1814: King Fernando VII invalidates the constitution, restoring absolute
monarchy.
Longterm Impact:
Inspired Filipino nationalists with ideas of democracy, equality, and sovereignty.
Fostered the growth of national consciousness and the eventual push for
independence.

4. Key Takeaways
 Economic Shifts: Transition from the Galleon Trade to an export crop economy
reshaped Philippine society and economy, increasing foreign influence and internal
social stratification.
Monopolies: Governmentcontrolled monopolies, especially on tobacco and opium,
led to economic hardships and fueled nationalist sentiments.
Education and Ilustrados: Spanish colonial education created a class of educated
Filipinos (Ilustrados) who became key figures in the independence movement, with
Jose Rizal as a prominent leader.
Chinese Influence: The Chinese community and their descendants (mestizo
sangley) played a crucial role in the Philippine economy, despite facing social and
political challenges.
Political Reforms: Liberal ideas from Europe, influenced by events like the French
Revolution and the Cadiz Constitution, penetrated Philippine society, inspiring
democratic and nationalist movements.
Bourbon Reforms and Cadiz Constitution: Although the Bourbon Reforms had
limited success in the Philippines, the Cadiz Constitution significantly impacted
Filipino national consciousness and the quest for independence.

5. Important Figures
Jose Rizal: National hero, Ilustrado, author of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
inspired independence through his writings.
Andres de Urdaneta: Discovered the return route for the Galleon Trade.
Miguel Lopez de Legaspi: Spanish conquistador who established Manila.
Carlos Maria De la Torre: First liberal governorgeneral of the Philippines, promoted
democratic governance.
Pedro Perez de Tagle & Jose Manuel Coretto: First delegates from the Philippines to
the Cadiz Cortes.

6. Significant Terms
Galleon Trade: The Spanish trade route linking Manila and Acapulco, a major
economic activity for 250 years.
Ilustrados: Educated Filipinos who advocated for reforms and independence.
Sangleyes: Term used for Chinese in the Philippines during Spanish rule.
Inquilino System: Tenancy system where tenants paid rent in crops or money, often
exploited by landowners.
Bahay na Bato: Traditional Filipino house made of stone, popular among the
wealthy mestizo class.
Parian: Designated Chinese quarter in Spanish Manila.
Propaganda Movement: Movement advocating for political reforms and
independence from Spain, led by the Ilustrados.

7. Summary
The 19thcentury Philippines was a period of significant economic, social, and
political transformation. The end of the Galleon Trade and the opening of the Suez
Canal shifted the economic focus towards an export crop economy, heavily
influenced by Chinese merchants and the rise of monopolies. Socially, the
establishment of an educational system by Spanish missionaries gave birth to the
Ilustrados, a class of educated Filipinos who became instrumental in the nationalist
movement. Politically, liberal ideas introduced through global trade and educational
exchanges inspired reforms and fueled the desire for independence. The interplay of
these factors set the stage for the emergence of national consciousness, leading to
the eventual fight for Philippine independence, with Jose Rizal at the forefront as a
symbol of resistance and hope.