COMPARE AND CONTRAST RIZAL AND MORGA’S DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT FILIPINO

AND PHILIPPINE CULTURE.

Introduction
Jose Rizal and Antonio de Morga both played important roles in shaping the Philippine's
understanding of its own history and development.
Rizal's perspective was critical of Spanish colonial rule and advocated for the rights of the Filipino
people. His writings, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the
injustices and oppression that the Filipino people experienced under Spanish colonial rule. Rizal's
ideas helped inspire the Philippine Revolution, which eventually led to the country's independence
from Spain. Rizal's advocacy for education and enlightenment also contributed to the
development of Philippine nationalism and identity.
Morga, on the other hand, was a Spanish historian and government official who wrote a history
of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. His work, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, is
significant because it provides a detailed and objective account of Philippine history from a
Spanish perspective. Morga's work helped preserve and document Philippine history during a
critical period of its development.
However, Rizal and Morga's perspectives differed in many ways. Rizal was critical of Spanish
colonial rule and advocated for the rights of the Filipino people, while Morga was a representative
of the colonial power and viewed Philippine history from a colonial perspective. Despite these
differences, both Rizal and Morga contributed to the development of Philippine identity and helped
shape the country's understanding of its own history.
Overall, Rizal and Morga's perspectives on the Philippine's history and development were
significant in their own ways. Rizal's critical perspective helped inspire the Philippine Revolution
and contributed to the development of Philippine nationalism, while Morga's objective
documentation of Philippine history helped preserve the country's cultural heritage. Together,
their perspectives helped shape the Philippine's understanding of its own history and identity.
Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, also known as The Events in the Philippines by Antonio de Morga,
is a historical account of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

• The book describes the social, political, and cultural aspects of the archipelago before and
after the arrival of the Spanish.
• Morga's work provides valuable insight into the pre-colonial Philippine society, the Spanish
conquest, and the early years of Spanish rule in the Philippines.
• The book covers topics such as the social hierarchy, economic practices, religious beliefs,
and customs of the Filipinos.
• It also discusses the Spanish conquest and the establishment of the colonial government,
as well as the conflicts and rebellions that occurred during the early years of Spanish rule.
• Morga's work is an important historical document that sheds light on the Philippines' past
and its colonial history.
Rizal’s view on Morga’s Book
Rizal used Morga's work as a basis for his own writings, and often referenced it in his novels and
essays.
Rizal viewed Morga's book as a testament to the sophistication and cultural richness of the pre-
colonial Philippines. He believed that Morga's descriptions of pre-colonial society demonstrated
the Filipinos' capacity for governance, trade, and intellectual pursuits.
At the same time, Rizal also recognized the negative impact of Spanish colonialism on the
Philippines. He believed that the Spanish had exploited the country's resources and people for
their own benefit and had imposed a foreign culture and religion on the Filipinos. Rizal believed
that the Philippines needed to break free from Spanish rule and establish its own identity as a
nation.
Overall, Rizal saw Morga's book as a reminder of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage and a call
to action for Filipinos to reclaim their history and identity. He believed that the Filipinos had the
potential to create a new society based on their own values and traditions, and that this would
require a renewed sense of pride and unity among the people.
Who is Jose Rizal?
José Rizal, in full José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, (born June 19, 1861, Calamba,
Philippines—died December 30, 1896, Manila), patriot, physician, and man of letters who was an
inspiration to the Philippine nationalist movement.
The son of a prosperous landowner, Rizal was educated in Manila and at the University of Madrid.
A brilliant medical student, he soon committed himself to the reform of Spanish rule in his home
country, though he never advocated Philippine independence. Most of his writing was done in
Europe, where he resided between 1882 and 1892.
In 1887 Rizal published his first novel, Noli me tangere (The Social Cancer), a passionate
exposure of the evils of Spanish rule in the Philippines. A sequel, El filibusterismo (1891; The
Reign of Greed), established his reputation as the leading spokesman of the Philippine reform
movement. He published an annotated edition (1890; reprinted 1958) of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos
de las Islas Filipinas, hoping to show that the native people of the Philippines had a long history
before the coming of the Spaniards. He became the leader of the Propaganda Movement,
contributing numerous articles to its newspaper, La Solidaridad, published in Barcelona. Rizal’s
political program included integration of the Philippines as a province of Spain, representation in
the Cortes (the Spanish parliament), the replacement of Spanish friars by Filipino priests, freedom
of assembly and expression, and equality of Filipinos and Spaniards before the law.
Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892. He founded a nonviolent-reform society, the Liga
Filipina, in Manila, and was deported to Dapitan in northwest Mindanao. He remained in exile for
the next four years. In 1896 the Katipunan, a Filipino nationalist secret society, revolted against
Spain. Although he had no connections with that organization and he had had no part in the
insurrection, Rizal was arrested and tried for sedition by the military. Found guilty, he was publicly
executed by a firing squad in Manila. His martyrdom convinced Filipinos that there was no
alternative to independence from Spain. On the eve of his execution, while confined in Fort
Santiago, Rizal wrote “Último adiós” (“Last Farewell”), a masterpiece of 19th-century Spanish
verse.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, March 1). José Rizal. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Rizal

Who is Antonio de Morga?

Antonio de Morga Sánchez Garay (29 November 1559 – 21 July 1636) was a Spanish soldier,
lawyer and a high-ranking colonial official for 43 years, in the Philippines (1594 to 1604), New
Spain and Peru, where he was president of the Real Audiencia for 20 years.
He was also a historian. After being reassigned to Mexico, he published the book Sucesos de las
islas Filipinas in 1609, considered one of the most important works on the early history of the
Spanish colonization of the Philippines.[1] As Deputy Governor in the Philippines, he restored the
audencia. He took over the function of judge or oidor. He also took command of Spanish ships in
a 1600 naval battle against Dutch corsairs, but suffered defeat and barely survived.
His history was first published in English in 1868; numerous editions have been published in
English. It has also been reprinted in Spanish and other languages.
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_de_Morga
Rizal’s Views:
The Filipinos
Jose Rizal had a deep love for the Filipino people and saw them as having great potential
for progress and development. He believed that the Filipinos were capable of achieving
great things, but that they had been held back by centuries of colonialism and oppression.
Rizal saw the Filipinos as a diverse people with a rich cultural heritage, and he believed
that this heritage was an important source of strength and inspiration for the people. He
believed that the Filipinos needed to be proud of their heritage and to draw on it in order
to create a new and better society.
At the same time, Rizal was also critical of some aspects of Filipino culture, such as the
prevalence of superstition and the lack of emphasis on education. He believed that these
issues needed to be addressed in order for the Filipino people to fully realize their
potential.
Overall, Rizal saw the Filipino people as a vital and dynamic force for change and
progress. He believed that they had the potential to create a new and better society, but
that this would require a renewed sense of pride and unity, as well as a commitment to
education, democracy, and social justice.
The Government
He believed that the government was corrupt and oppressive, and that it was hindering
the progress and development of the country. He saw the government as a tool of the
ruling elite, who were more interested in maintaining their own power and wealth than in
improving the lives of the people.
 Rizal believed that the government needed to be reformed in order to serve the interests
of the people. He advocated for a more democratic and representative government that
would be accountable to the people and would work to promote their welfare. He believed
that the Philippines needed to establish its own government and assert its independence
from Spain in order to achieve true progress and development.
Rizal was also critical of the native aristocracy, who he saw as complacent and out of
touch with the needs of the masses. He believed that the aristocracy needed to be more
actively involved in the struggle for reform and independence, and that they should use
their wealth and influence to support the cause of the people.
Overall, Rizal saw the government as a key obstacle to the progress and development of the
Philippines. He believed that true progress could only be achieved through a more democratic
and representative government that would work to promote the interests of the people and to
establish the country's independence.
Daily Living
Jose Rizal had a keen interest in the daily lives of Filipinos and was concerned about the
hardships and difficulties that many of them faced. He believed that the daily living of
Filipinos was characterized by poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and
political oppression.
Rizal saw poverty as a major problem that affected the majority of Filipinos. He believed
that poverty was the result of the unequal distribution of wealth and resources, as well as
the lack of opportunities for economic development. He saw education as the key to
addressing poverty, and believed that all Filipinos should have access to quality education
in order to improve their lives.
Rizal was also concerned about the health of Filipinos, and believed that many illnesses
and diseases were the result of poor living conditions and lack of access to healthcare.
He advocated for the establishment of public hospitals and clinics, and for the training of
Filipino doctors and healthcare workers.
In terms of political oppression, Rizal believed that the Filipino people were being denied
their basic rights and freedoms by the Spanish colonial government. He saw the lack of
political representation and the absence of democratic institutions as major obstacles to
the progress and development of the country.
Overall, Rizal was deeply concerned about the daily living of Filipinos and believed that the
country needed to address the underlying social and economic issues that were holding the
people back. He saw education, healthcare, and political reform as key areas that needed to be
addressed in order to improve the lives of Filipinos and to create a more just and prosperous
society.
Language
Jose Rizal had a great appreciation for the richness and beauty of the Filipino language
and believed that it was an important part of the country's culture and identity. He
recognized the diversity of languages and dialects spoken by Filipinos and advocated for
the promotion and preservation of these languages.
 Rizal was a proponent of the use of the Tagalog language, which he believed should be
the basis for a unified national language that could be used by all Filipinos. He saw
language as a powerful tool for communication and for the expression of ideas and
emotions and believed that a common language could help to unify the country and
promote national identity.
Rizal was also a critic of the Spanish colonial government's efforts to suppress the use of
Filipino languages and promote the use of Spanish. He saw this as a way to control and
subjugate the Filipino people, and believed that the preservation and promotion of Filipino
languages was essential for the country's cultural and political independence.
Overall, Rizal believed that the Filipino language was a key component of the country's cultural
heritage and identity and saw its preservation and promotion as crucial for the progress and
development of the nation.
Social Life
Rizal believed that the Filipinos' social life was greatly influenced by their history, culture,
and environment. He believed that the Philippines had a unique culture that was a blend
of indigenous, Spanish, and Chinese influences.
Rizal was critical of some aspects of Filipino social life, particularly the widespread poverty
and lack of education among the masses. He believed that the key to improving the social
conditions of the Filipinos was education, and he advocated for the establishment of
schools that would provide Filipinos with a quality education.
Rizal also criticized the lack of social and political freedoms in the Philippines under
Spanish colonial rule. He believed that the Filipinos had the right to freedom of expression,
assembly, and association, and that they should be able to participate fully in the political
life of the country.
Overall, Rizal had a vision of a Philippines that was free, prosperous, and culturally vibrant, and
he believed that this vision could be achieved through education and social and political reforms.
His writings and actions played a key role in inspiring the Philippine Revolution and the eventual
independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule.
Lifestyle
Rizal believed that the Filipino's lifestyle was heavily influenced by their environment,
history, and culture. He also believed that the Filipino lifestyle was unique and had its own
distinct characteristics.
Rizal was critical of some aspects of the Filipino lifestyle, particularly those that he believed
were detrimental to the individual's health and well-being. For example, he criticized the
widespread use of tobacco and alcohol among Filipinos, which he believed was harmful
to their health and led to social problems.
Rizal was also critical of the widespread practice of gambling among Filipinos, which he
believed was a waste of time and resources that could be better spent on more productive
endeavors. He believed that the Filipinos should be more focused on education,
innovation, and improving their economic conditions.
 At the same time, Rizal appreciated the positive aspects of the Filipino lifestyle, particularly
their close family ties, hospitality, and resilience in the face of adversity. He believed that
these qualities were essential for the development of a strong and vibrant Filipino society.
Overall, Rizal believed that the Filipino lifestyle needed to evolve to meet the challenges of the
modern world, while also preserving the positive aspects of their unique culture and traditions.
His writings and advocacy for social and political reforms played a key role in inspiring the
Philippine Revolution and the eventual independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial
rule.
Religion
Rizal was raised in a Catholic family and received a Catholic education, but he later
became critical of the Catholic Church and its role in Philippine society.
Rizal believed that the Catholic Church had been complicit in the Spanish colonization of
the Philippines and had worked to maintain the social and political status quo that kept the
Filipinos oppressed and exploited. He also criticized the Church's role in the propagation
of superstition and the suppression of scientific inquiry.
Despite his criticisms of the Catholic Church, Rizal did not reject religion altogether. He
believed that religion played an important role in the lives of Filipinos and that it could be
a source of comfort and guidance. He also believed that religion could be a force for social
and political change if it was used to promote the values of justice, equality, and freedom.
Rizal was interested in other religions and was particularly drawn to the teachings of
Buddhism and Islam. He believed that these religions had much to offer in terms of
promoting social justice and human rights.
Overall, Rizal's view on the Filipino's religion was complex, and he believed that religion could be
both a force for good and a source of oppression. He advocated for a more critical and nuanced
approach to religion that emphasized its positive aspects while also acknowledging its potential
for abuse and exploitation.
Natives
Rizal had a deep respect for the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, whom he referred
to as the "indios." Rizal believed that the indios were an important part of Philippine society
and that their culture and traditions deserved to be respected and celebrated.
Rizal was critical of the discrimination and oppression that the indios faced under Spanish
colonial rule. He believed that the Spanish colonizers had treated the indios as inferior
and had denied them basic human rights and freedoms. He also criticized the Spanish
friars who had worked to suppress indigenous culture and traditions in favor of Spanish
customs and beliefs.
Despite these challenges, Rizal believed that the indios were resilient and had much to
contribute to Philippine society. He believed that their connection to the land and their
deep knowledge of nature could be harnessed to promote sustainable development and
environmental conservation.
 Rizal also believed that the indios deserved to have a voice in the political and social
affairs of the country. He advocated for the rights of the indios to be recognized and
respected, and he called for an end to the discrimination and oppression that they faced.
Overall, Rizal's view on the Filipino's natives was one of respect, admiration, and advocacy. He
believed that the indios were an integral part of Philippine society and that their culture and
traditions deserved to be valued and preserved.
Beliefs
Rizal had a deep respect for the beliefs of the Filipino people, which were a mixture of
indigenous, Christian, and Islamic traditions. He believed that these beliefs were an
important part of the Philippine identity and culture.
Rizal recognized that the beliefs of the Filipino people were shaped by their history and
environment. He believed that these beliefs reflected the struggles and aspirations of the
Filipino people and that they were an expression of their resilience and creativity.
At the same time, Rizal was critical of some aspects of the beliefs of the Filipino people,
particularly those that he believed were based on superstition and ignorance. He believed
that these beliefs hindered the development of the Filipino people and prevented them
from fully realizing their potential.
Rizal advocated for a more critical and rational approach to belief and encouraged the
Filipino people to question their beliefs and traditions. He believed that the Filipino people
should be open to new ideas and should embrace the power of reason and scientific
inquiry.
Overall, Rizal's view on the Filipino's beliefs was one of respect and advocacy for critical thinking
and rational inquiry. He believed that the Filipino people should embrace their traditions and
beliefs but also be willing to question and challenge them in order to achieve progress and
development.
Morga’s Views:
The Filipinos
Morga's view of the Filipinos was that they were a highly organized and civilized society
with a complex social hierarchy. He observed that the Filipinos had a sophisticated system
of government, with chiefs or "datu" who governed their respective territories. Morga also
noted that the Filipinos had a rich culture, including a complex religious belief system that
blended animism and ancestor worship.
Despite his appreciation for Filipino culture, Morga's view of the Filipinos was still largely
influenced by the Spanish colonial perspective. He described them as "indios" or natives,
which reflected the Spanish colonial view of the Filipinos as inferior to Europeans. Morga
also noted some negative traits of the Filipinos, such as their supposed tendency towards
idleness and their susceptibility to bribery and corruption.
Overall, Morga's view of the Filipinos was shaped by his role as a Spanish colonizer and
administrator. While he acknowledged the complexity and sophistication of Filipino society, he
still saw the Filipinos as "other" and not fully equal to the Spanish colonizers.
The Government
Morga observed that the pre-colonial Philippine society was highly organized, with a
system of government led by chiefs or "datu" who governed their respective territories.
The datu was responsible for maintaining law and order, settling disputes, and managing
the local economy. Morga also noted that there were higher-ranking chiefs who governed
over several territories and had more power and authority.
After the arrival of the Spanish, Morga described the establishment of the colonial
government, with the Spanish Crown appointing a Governor-General to govern the
Philippines. The Governor-General had broad powers and was responsible for the
administration of the colony, including the collection of taxes, the enforcement of laws,
and the management of the local economy.
Morga noted that the Spanish colonial government faced several challenges, including
resistance from the Filipinos who opposed the Spanish occupation and the imposition of
colonial rule. There were also instances of corruption and abuse of power by Spanish
officials, which led to unrest and rebellion among the Filipinos.
Overall, Morga's view of the Philippine government was that it was a complex and evolving system
that underwent significant changes during the early years of Spanish colonial rule. While he
acknowledged the challenges faced by the Spanish colonial government, he was also critical of
its shortcomings, particularly in relation to corruption and abuse of power.
Daily living
Morga observed that the Filipinos were largely agricultural and engaged in farming,
fishing, and hunting. He noted that they had a sophisticated system of agriculture,
including the use of irrigation and terraced farming techniques. Morga also described the
Filipinos' diet, which consisted of rice, vegetables, and meat.
Morga noted that the Filipinos had a rich culture, including a complex religious belief
system that blended animism and ancestor worship. He described their ceremonies and
rituals, which were an important part of their daily lives.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga noted that the Filipinos continued
to engage in their traditional activities but were also introduced to new practices and
technologies by the Spanish. For example, the Filipinos learned to use metal tools and
weapons, and were introduced to new crops such as tobacco and sugarcane.
Overall, Morga's view of the daily life of the Filipinos was that it was deeply rooted in their
traditional practices and beliefs, but also subject to change and adaptation in response to new
influences. He appreciated the Filipinos' agricultural practices and their rich cultural heritage, but
also noted the challenges they faced in adjusting to the new realities of Spanish colonial rule.
Language
Morga noted that the Filipinos had their own languages and dialects, which varied
depending on the region and ethnic group. He described the Tagalog language as one of
the most widely spoken languages in the Philippines at the time.
 Morga also observed that the Filipinos had their own writing system, known as "baybayin,"
which was used to record important information and documents. However, he noted that
the writing system was not widely known or used by all Filipinos, and that many relied on
oral traditions for transmitting important information and cultural practices.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga noted that the Spanish attempted
to introduce their own language, religion, and culture to the Filipinos. Spanish became the
official language of the colony, and the Spanish introduced a new writing system based
on the Roman alphabet. This led to the gradual decline of the use of baybayin among the
Filipinos.
Overall, Morga's view of the language of the Filipinos was that it was diverse and varied, reflecting
the country's ethnic and cultural diversity. He appreciated the use of baybayin as a form of written
communication, but also acknowledged the impact of Spanish colonialism on the language and
culture of the Filipinos.
Social Life
Morga observed that the Filipinos had a strong sense of community and family ties. He
noted that the families were extended, with several generations living together in the same
household. Morga also observed that the Filipinos had a complex social hierarchy, with
the datu or chief at the top and commoners or slaves at the bottom.
Morga noted that the Filipinos enjoyed a variety of social activities and celebrations, such
as feasts and dances, which were an important part of their cultural traditions. He also
described the Filipinos' love for music and noted that they had their own unique musical
instruments.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga observed that the Spanish
attempted to introduce their own social customs and practices to the Filipinos. For
example, the Spanish introduced Catholicism and encouraged the Filipinos to adopt
Spanish social customs such as the use of surnames and the nuclear family structure.
Overall, Morga's view of the social life of Filipinos was that it was deeply rooted in their cultural
traditions and community ties, but also subject to change and adaptation in response to new
influences. He appreciated the Filipinos' social customs and traditions, but also acknowledged
the impact of Spanish colonialism on the social structure and practices of the Filipinos.
Lifestyle
Morga observed that the Filipinos had a simple and frugal lifestyle, with their basic needs
being met through subsistence farming and fishing. He noted that the Filipinos lived in
small villages or communities, and had a strong sense of community and family ties.
Morga also observed that the Filipinos had a basic system of trade and commerce, with
some villages specializing in certain crafts or goods.
Morga described the clothing of the Filipinos as simple and practical, with both men and
women wearing loose, comfortable garments made from woven materials. He noted that
the Filipinos were skilled weavers and made their own clothing and textiles.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga observed that the Spanish
attempted to introduce new lifestyle practices to the Filipinos. For example, the Spanish
 introduced new crops and animals to the Philippines, such as tobacco and horses. They
also encouraged the Filipinos to adopt Spanish-style architecture and urban planning.
Overall, Morga's view of the lifestyle of Filipinos was that it was simple and practical, with a strong
focus on community and family ties. He appreciated the Filipinos' skill in weaving and textile
production, and acknowledged the impact of Spanish colonialism on the lifestyle practices of the
Filipinos.
Religion
Morga observed that the Filipinos had their own indigenous religious beliefs and practices
before the arrival of the Spanish. He noted that the Filipinos believed in a variety of
supernatural beings, such as gods and spirits, and that they performed rituals and
ceremonies to appease these beings.
Morga also noted that the Filipinos had a class of religious specialists known as
babaylanes, who were believed to have special powers and abilities. These babaylanes
were highly respected in the community and played an important role in maintaining the
spiritual well-being of the people.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga observed that the Spanish
attempted to introduce Christianity to the Filipinos. They established Catholic missions
throughout the islands and worked to convert the Filipinos to Christianity. Morga noted
that many Filipinos converted to Christianity, but that some still maintained their
indigenous religious beliefs and practices.
Overall, Morga's view of the religion of Filipinos was that it was deeply rooted in their indigenous
beliefs and practices. He recognized the important role of religious specialists such as the
babaylanes in the community, but also acknowledged the impact of Spanish colonialism on the
religious practices of the Filipinos.
Natives
Morga observed that the native inhabitants of the Philippines, whom he called the "indios,"
were a diverse group of people with different languages, cultures, and traditions. He noted
that the indios were skilled farmers, fishermen, and artisans, and that they had a strong
sense of community and family ties.
Morga also described the indios as being friendly and hospitable, and noted that they
welcomed the Spanish when they arrived in the Philippines. However, he also observed
that the indios were fiercely independent and resisted Spanish attempts to control and
dominate them.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga noted that the Spanish attempted
to exploit and enslave the indios for their own economic gain. He also acknowledged that
the Spanish introduced new diseases to the Philippines, which had a devastating impact
on the native population.
Overall, Morga's view of the native inhabitants of the Philippines was that they were a diverse and
skilled group of people with strong community ties. He appreciated their friendliness and
hospitality, but also recognized the impact of Spanish colonialism on their lives and the
devastating consequences it had on their population.
Beliefs
Antonio de Morga's "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas" provides some insights into the beliefs
of Filipinos during the pre-colonial period and the early years of Spanish colonial rule.
Morga observed that the Filipinos had a complex set of beliefs that were deeply intertwined
with their cultural traditions and practices. He noted that the Filipinos believed in a variety
of supernatural beings, including gods, spirits, and ancestors, and that they performed
rituals and ceremonies to appease these beings.
Morga also noted that the Filipinos had a class of religious specialists known as
babaylanes, who were believed to have special powers and abilities. These babaylanes
were highly respected in the community and played an important role in maintaining the
spiritual well-being of the people.
During the early years of Spanish colonial rule, Morga observed that the Spanish
attempted to introduce Christianity to the Filipinos. They established Catholic missions
throughout the islands and worked to convert the Filipinos to Christianity. Morga noted
that many Filipinos converted to Christianity, but that some still maintained their
indigenous beliefs and practices.
Overall, Morga's view of the beliefs of Filipinos was that they were deeply rooted in their
indigenous cultural traditions and practices. He recognized the importance of religious specialists
such as the babaylanes in the community, but also acknowledged the impact of Spanish
colonialism on the beliefs and practices of the Filipinos.
Rizal’s View of Spanish Colonial Rule
He believed that the Spanish colonizers had exploited and oppressed the Filipino people for their
own benefit.
Rizal saw the Spanish colonial rule as a major obstacle to the development of the Philippines. He
believed that the Spanish colonial system had stunted the growth of the Philippine economy,
suppressed the culture and traditions of the Filipino people, and denied them basic human rights
and freedoms.
Rizal also criticized the role of the Spanish friars in the Philippines, who he believed had used
religion as a tool for maintaining Spanish power and suppressing the rights of the Filipino people.
He saw the Spanish friars as a major obstacle to progress and believed that their influence had
hindered the development of the Philippines.
Despite his criticisms of Spanish colonial rule, Rizal did not advocate for violent resistance. He
believed that the Filipino people could achieve their freedom and independence through peaceful
means, such as education, enlightenment, and the pursuit of justice and equality.

Overall, Rizal's view of Spanish colonial rule was one of deep criticism and advocacy for change.
He believed that the Filipino people deserved to be free and independent and that they should be
able to determine their own future without the interference of foreign powers.
Morga’s View of Spanish Colonial Rule
Morga acknowledged that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines had a profound impact on
the indigenous peoples of the islands. He recognized the negative impact of Spanish colonialism
on the indigenous populations, such as the introduction of diseases and the exploitation and
enslavement of native peoples for economic gain.
At the same time, Morga also recognized the positive impact of Spanish colonization in the
Philippines. He noted that the Spanish introduced new technologies and systems of governance,
such as the use of the Roman alphabet for writing and the establishment of a centralized
government structure.
Morga also acknowledged that the Spanish attempted to introduce Christianity to the Filipinos
and that many Filipinos converted to Christianity. He believed that the spread of Christianity had
a positive impact on the indigenous peoples, as it introduced a new set of values and principles.
Overall, Morga's view on Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines was complex. While he
acknowledged both the positive and negative impacts of Spanish colonization, he ultimately
believed that the Spanish brought progress and development to the Philippines. However, it's
worth noting that his perspective is one of a Spanish colonizer, and thus should be considered
within that context.
Implications of Rizal and Morga’s Views
The views of Jose Rizal and Antonio de Morga have important implications for the Philippines and
its development.
Rizal's critical view of Spanish colonial rule and advocacy for the rights of the Filipino people
inspired the Philippine Revolution and contributed to the country's eventual independence. His
emphasis on education, enlightenment, and the pursuit of justice and equality also helped shape
the country's values and identity.
Morga's objective documentation of Philippine history from a Spanish colonial perspective
provides a valuable historical record of the Philippines during the colonial period. However, it also
serves as a reminder of the country's history of colonialism and the need to be aware of how
historical narratives can be shaped by the perspectives of those in power.
Together, the views of Rizal and Morga highlight the importance of critical thinking, historical
awareness, and social justice in the development of the Philippines. They also demonstrate the
ongoing need to challenge and question dominant narratives in order to fully understand the
complexities of Philippine history and society.
The legacy of Rizal and Morga continues to influence the Philippines today. Rizal is celebrated
as a national hero and his ideas continue to inspire the pursuit of justice and equality. Morga's
work remains an important historical record, but also serves as a reminder of the need to be aware
of the power dynamics that shape historical narratives. By engaging with the ideas and
perspectives of both Rizal and Morga, the Philippines can continue to develop a more nuanced
understanding of its own history and identity.
Contemporary Relevance of Rizal and Morga’s Views
The views of Jose Rizal and Antonio de Morga remain relevant to contemporary Filipino and
Philippine culture in several ways.
First, Rizal's emphasis on education, enlightenment, and the pursuit of justice and equality
continues to be relevant today. The Philippines still faces many challenges related to social
justice, economic development, and political participation, and Rizal's ideas can provide
inspiration and guidance for addressing these challenges.
Second, Morga's work serves as a reminder of the importance of historical awareness and critical
thinking in understanding Philippine culture and society. The Philippines has a rich and complex
history that has been shaped by many different forces, including colonialism, indigenous
traditions, and globalization. Understanding this history requires a nuanced and multifaceted
perspective that takes into account the perspectives of different actors and recognizes the
ongoing legacies of historical events.
Third, the views of Rizal and Morga can help promote a deeper appreciation and understanding
of Philippine culture and identity. The Philippines has a unique cultural heritage that is rich in
diversity and complexity, encompassing a wide range of languages, religions, and traditions. By
engaging with the ideas and perspectives of Rizal and Morga, Filipinos can gain a greater
appreciation of their own cultural heritage and identity.
Finally, the legacy of Rizal and Morga can inspire Filipinos to be active participants in shaping
their own future. Both Rizal and Morga were engaged in promoting positive change and
advocating for the rights and interests of the Filipino people. Their examples can inspire Filipinos
today to become active agents of change and work towards a more just, equitable, and
prosperous society.
In summary, the views of Rizal and Morga remain relevant to contemporary Filipino and Philippine
culture by providing inspiration, guidance, and historical awareness for addressing contemporary
challenges and promoting a deeper appreciation of Philippine cultural heritage and identity.