The Philippines: A Century Hence
"The Philippines a Century Hence," originally "Filipinas dentro de Cien Años," was an
essay written by José Rizal, a prominent Filipino nationalist and writer, in 1889. The
essay was published serially in La Solidaridad, a fortnightly review established in Madrid
from September to January, between 1889 and 1890. The essay was used as one of
the propaganda tools by the Filipino movement to agitate for reforms in the Philippines
during Spanish colonial rule. The essay is often seen as a companion to the two novels
by Rizal, namely Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo because it relied on fiction as a
way to express the negative impact that Spanish colonialism had on the Philippines.
In his essay "The Philippines a Century Hence," José Rizal presents a visionary outlook
on the future of the Philippines a century after his writing in 1889. He envisions a nation
freed from the yoke of Spanish colonization, with an after-effect stemming from the end
of this era and an uphill future full of possibilities and uncertainties. Rizal argues that the
Filipino masses, under education and liberal ideals, can no longer tolerate the
oppressive wrongs of Spanish rule. He then concludes that a feeling of national identity
would emerge, shaped by common sufferings and common resistance to oppression
and that this would fight for rights and freedom.
Rizal contemplates the country throwing off its colonial fetters and hopefully that very
soon, after a long fight for freedom, the Philippines would shatter the shackles of slavery
if Spain refused to grant true autonomy and equality. He also dreads the break from
within and the danger of being colonized by other foreign powers. Even if there were
probable invasions from England, Germany, and Japan, Rizal is confident that the
Philippines would fight for and to death for the liberty it had just acquired.
Rizal looked toward a bloodless revolution founded upon reforms and compromise with
Spain. As he contends, an association built upon mutual respect and awareness of
Filipinos' rights will be more viable than the mess of blood and time in this war.
Conclusion:
José Rizal's "The Philippines a Century Hence" is an inspired vision for the future of the
Philippines. He underpins the inescapable rise of Filipino national consciousness and
the pursuit of self-rule. Rizal writes hopefully but cautiously, weighing the desire for
peaceful reforms against the hardship of subjugation under colonial powers. His insight
is surprisingly relevant today; both Filipinos and their respective colonial masters are
reminded to respect each other's rights and justice. The last, of course, is his essay as a
challenge, a call that might live on till the future when the Philippines stands strong,
independent, and fully engaged in the world.
What is the main thought of the said essay found in "La Solidaridad"?
"The Philippines a Century Hence" is an essay by José Rizal. Herein, Rizal discusses
an analysis of the colonial situation of the Philippines under Spain and makes
projections into the future for the said country. He warns Spain that its oppressive
governance and refusal to implement reforms will see the exploitation of the Filipino
people leading to social unrest and eventually losing the colony. He, on the other hand,
emphasizes the rising consciousness of Filipino nationalism and stresses that education
must increase the people's awareness and demand for change. The essay may be
looked upon, in fact, as both a critique against Spanish colonization and an appeal for
reforms, demanding the Philippines be treated justly and with respect by Spain. Rizal
suggests that if reforms were not brought about, the Filipino people would either free
themselves or come under the domination of another colonizer. It is his conviction that
education must be the key to national progress and national independence at every
cost-sooner or later obtained through peaceful reformation or by revolution.
Reference:
The Philippines A Century Hence: The Philippines a Century Hence: José Rizal's
Insightful Vision of the Country's Future. (2021). (n.p.): Prabhat Prakashan.
