La Indolencia de los Filipinos (Reflection)

     La Indolencia de los Filipinos, widely known by many as “The Indolence of the Filipinos” is an essay written by Dr. Jose Rizal explaining the alleged sluggishness of the Filipinos when the Philippines is still under the control of Spain.

     Rizal admitted that at that era, Filipinos were idle yet not by nature but because of certain causes and reasons. There are certain factors that made the Filipinos indolent. Long before the Spaniards arrived in our land, our natives are laboriously transacting businesses with different countries such as China, Arabia, Japan, Malaysia, and other countries in the Middle East. This has ceased when the Spain colonized the Philippines. Our natives became indolent because they lack of unity to fight against the hostile attacks of the government and other foreign society. The Spain did not establish quality education especially in agriculture, commerce and industry, and if there has, the lessons being taught were obsolete and lack resources that will guide them. Also, if the Filipinos cultivate their own land and own businesses, they were asked to pay enormous taxes or rentals and were exploited by foreign rulers. In addition, the religious aspect of the Filipinos were not given so much attention because the friars themselves are not persuasive in encouraging the Filipinos to strive hard; instead, they instill in the minds of the Filipinos to remain indigent because according to the friars, it would be easier for them to be in heaven when they die. Moreover, the Spanish officials were not good example of laborers. They reported to their works late and left early without doing their duties and responsibilities. No wonder, the aftermath of all these are indolent Filipinos.

     When we spend our entire lives worshipping such a cruel and inhumane society, forced upon us by aliens who do not even know our motherland, we are destined to tire after a while.  We are not fools, we are not puppets who simply do as we are commanded – we are human beings, who are motivated by our will towards the accomplishment of our objectives, and who strive for the preservation of our race.  When this fundamental aspect of our existence is denied of us, who can blame us if we turn idle?

     As what Rizal said,“an illness will worsen if the wrong treatment is given.”

                                           - John Lend D. Sugarol