Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Catarman, Northern Samar

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Secondary Teacher Education Department
1st Semester, SY: 2020-2021

Module in PI 311/GE 9: The Life and Works of RIZAL

This module is prepared by:

CHRISTINE M. ADLAWAN, LLB, MPA

BSTEd faculty
Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

Overview
.

For years, the Rizal course has been considered as among the boring and
cumbersome classes students are compelled to take in college. Taking up Rizal
course for credits, like reading Shakespeare to get by an English course, can be
tiresome especially for the youth. If reading and discussing the text about Rizal
can’t be fun, then it will just be like a cold stone without elaboration. It is this
impasse that the Life and Works of Jose Rizal would like to address in this module.

This module talks about Jose Rizal’s ever colorful life that include his love
life, travels, interesting collegiate years, and his encounters with different
personalities that helped shape his character as a national hero. In this module,
students and teachers tackle the “unpopular” details in the life and works of Rizal
where they may find meaningful and productive engagement. More so, this module
offers a variety of worksheets, activities, and mind-cultivating trivia, controversies,
and side stories that will surely catch the interest of the new generation of students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Value the meaning of heroism and the criteria set by the National Heroes
Committee (NHC);
2. Examine the historical background of the rise of nationalism and in the context
of Rizal’s ideas;
3. Examine the background of Rizal in lieu of his nationalist ideas;
4. Analyze the childhood experiences of Rizal that gave way for the realization of
injustice and discrimination under the Spanish rule in the Philippines;
5. Know the personal experiences of Rizal in Europe in lieu of the development
of his ideas;
6. Analyze the different contributions of Rizal to the Philippines;
7. Review the political ideals\ideologies of Jose Rizal in his novel Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo and relate them to contemporary society;
8. Appreciate the foresight of Rizal regarding the plight of the Philippines.
9. Interpret the values that can be derived from studying Rizal’s life and works
10. Display an appreciation for education and love of country.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

Course Pretest

Answer the following questions by encircling the letter which corresponds

to your answer.

1. Which of the following best describes Jose Rizal?

a. He is a hero, a peerless genius, and a political martyr.
b. He is a hero and an example of many-splendored genius.
c. He is a truly ranked genius with the world’s geniuses.
d. He is a national hero who became the greatest martyr.

2. Jose P. Rizal was born on _______.

a. June 16, 1869
b. June 19, 1861
c. June 21, 1861
d. June 12, 1862

3. At what age could Jose Rizal read and write?

a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5

4. What pen name did Rizal use in his nationalistic essay, Amor Patrio?
a. Laong Laan
b. Taimis
c. Pepe
d. T. Moran

5. The Jesuit system of education aimed to _______.

a. Develop the student’s character and produce life winners.
b. Train the students’ intellectual capability by means of religious
instruction.
c. Train the students’ character by rigid discipline and religious
instruction.
d. Develop the students’ intellect through competition.

6. What was the age of Rizal when he was executed at Bagumbayan?

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

a. 25
b. 30
c. 35
d. 40

7. What was that famous story told by Rizal’s mother to his son when he
was young?
a. Story of the Butterfly
b. Story of the Firefly
c. Story of Mulan
d. Story of the Moth

8. Who was Rizal’s first teacher?

a. Doňa Teodora
b. Maestro Justiano
c. Father Leoncio Lopez
d. Doňa Victoria

9. The poem, to my fellow children perhaps talks about _________.

a. Language as an identity
b. Language as culture and identity
c. Language as a means of freedom
d. Language as an identity and freedom

10. Rizal described him as “much finer and more serious that I am; bigger
and slimmer; he is not dark; his nose is fine, beautiful and sharp; but he
is bow-legged”.
a. Felix Hidalgo
b. Francisco Mercado
c. Dominggo Lameo
d. Paciano

11. The true to life novel of Rizal is ________.

a. In memory of my town
b. Noli Mi Tangere
c. La Solidaridad
d. El Filibusterismo

12. What is Rizal’s full name?

a. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

b. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercedes y Alonzo Realonda

c. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda
d. Jose Perseus Rizal

13. She was the pretty fourteen year old Batanguena whom Rizal fell in love
with.
a. Leonor Rivera
b. Segunda Katigbak
c. Leonor Villanueva
d. Josephine Bracken

14. All of the following are Rizal’s hidden purposes for his voyage to
peninsular Spain except:
a. To prepare himself for the task of liberating the Filipinos
b. To make name for himself in the realm of journalism
c. To escape from civil authorities due to discovered insurgency
d. To observe and study European society

15. In Noli Me Tangere, he represented the Filipino masses as a symbol of

common people:
a. Ibarra Elias
b. Juan Crisostomo
c. Capitan Tiago
d. Padre Damaso

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

What is a Hero?

OVERVIEW

To discuss about a hero is taking him as a person with flesh and blood not
as a deity or supernatural being that is being an object of reverence without
understanding. To appreciate a hero like Rizal, we must be able to learn about him
– not his acts but the thoughts behind his acts, his reasons, his experiences and
his works that are relevant to our time and place. We should study Rizal as a
person – his intelligence, courage, compassion nationalism and also his weakness
like being a womanizer, violent, and short-tempered that complete him as a human
being. When we realize that he is like us, then, we can truly appreciate his being
human and his great and exemplary deeds are worth emulating.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying this module, you should be able to

1. Value the true meaning of heroism and the criteria set by the National
Heroes Committee (NHC);
2. Examine the policy on the selection and proclamation of national heroes;
3. Understand Rizal law and its implication to the current educational system;
4. Realize that Rizal was an ordinary human being, and not a God or God-like.

ACTIVITY

What Makes a Hero?

Direction: Think of any person or character whom you consider as a hero

and answer the following questions below by creating a story (real or fictional) to
determine what makes him/her a hero. Write you answer on the box provided.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

ANALYSIS

Answer the following briefly:

a. From the story you created, list down at least five attributes of your hero:

1. ________________
2. ________________
3. ________________
4. ________________
5. ________________

b. Do you think Dr. Jose Rizal has the same attribute/quality as your hero?
Explain._______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

ABSTRACTION

Who is a hero for you?

For many, a hero is someone we think

of as special because of the good or brave
things that person has done to us or to the
community.

According to the dictionary, a hero is

a man or a woman admired for his/her
achievements and noble qualities and
regarded as an ideal or model. He/she is the
central figure in an event, period or movement, honored for outstanding qualities
and someone who shows great courage in an important event.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

To Dr. Esteban de Ocampo, a known Filipino historian, as stated in his book

about Rizal, “a hero means a prominent or central personage taking an admirable
part in any remarkable action or event; a person of distinguished valor or enterprise
in danger, or fortitude in suffering; and a man honored after death by public worship
because of exceptional service to mankind.”

Who will set the criteria for the recognition of the national hero?

As of the moment, no law, executive order or proclamation has been

enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national
hero. However, because of their significant roles in the process of nation building
and contributions to history, there were laws enacted and proclamations issued
honoring these heroes.

Even Jose Rizal who is considered as the greatest among Filipino heroes,
was not explicitly proclaimed as a national hero. The position he now holds in
Philippine history is a tribute to the continued veneration or acclamation of the
people in recognition of his contribution to the significant social transformations
that took place in our country. (ncca.gov.ph)

The non-pronouncement of Rizal as a national hero was backed up by

historians who said that, “heroes, should not be legislated”. Their appreciation
should be better left to academics. Acclamation for heroes, they felt, would be
recognition enough.

 Executive Order No.75 or the creation of the “National Heroes

Committee (NHC)”

On March 28, 1993, President Fidel V. Ramon issued an Executive Order

creating the National Heroes Committee under the Office of the President. The
principal duty of the committee is to study, evaluate and recommend Filipino
national personages/heroes in due recognition of their sterling character and
remarkable achievements for the country.

 Criteria for National Heroes

The Technical Committee of the National Heroes Committee during its

meeting held on June 3, 1993 adopted the following criteria:

1. Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire
and struggle for the nation’s freedom.
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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

2. Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life or

freedom and order for a nation.
3. Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a
nation.

In another round-table discussion held on November 15, 1995, the NHC

Technical Committee further adopted the criteria submitted by Dr. Alfredo Lagmay,
as follows:

1. A hero is part of the people’s expression, but that process of a people’s

internalization of a hero’s life and works takes time, with the youth
forming part of the internalization.
2. A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations.
3. The choice of hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or
events in history, but the entire process that made this particular person
a hero.

On November 15, 1995, the Technical Committee after deliberation and

careful study based on Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz’ and Dr. Alfredo Lagmay’s criteria
selected the following nine Filipino historical figures to be recommended as
national heroes:

a. Jose Rizal
b. Andres Bonifacio
c. Emilio Aguinaldo i. Juan Luna
d. Apolinario Mabini
e. Melchora Aquino
f. Marcelo H. del Pilar
g. Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat
h. Gabriela Silang

What makes a person a hero then?

A person to be considered a hero must have his works relevant to our time
and place. To be able to appreciate that person a hero, we must learn more about
him – not merely his acts, his reasons, the situations he found himself in, and his
motivations.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

To study Jose Rizal, we should not treat him like god, as he becomes
unattainable and his accomplishments inhuman. We should study Rizal deeper.
See him as he truly was – compassionate, nationalistic, intelligent, courageous,
short-tempered, womanizer, gambler, violent and sometimes rash.

When we realize that he is like us, that his deeds are not impossible to
imitate, we will realize his humanity and that we will be truly inspired by his heroism.

 Laws Honoring/Commemorating Filipino Historical Figures – for Dr. Jose

P. Rizal

A. Decree of December 20, 1898, issued by General Emilio Aguinaldo -

declared December 30 of every year a day of national mourning in honor
of Dr. Jose Rizal and other victims of the Philippine Revolution.

B. Act No. 137, which organized the politico-military district of Morong into
the Province of Rizal, was the first official step taken by the Taft
Commission to honor our greatest hero and martyr.

What is Rizal Law or Republic Act 1425?

R.A 1425 or the Rizal Law is an act including in the Curricula of All Public
and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities courses, the Life Works and
Writings of JOSE RIZAL, particularly his novels NOLI ME TANGERE and EL
FILIBUSTERISMO.

The provisions in the act includes the following:

Section 1: Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly
his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula
of all schools, colleges and universities, public or private; Provided, that in
collegiate courses, the original or unexpurgated editions of Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo or their English translations shall be used in basic texts.

Section 2: It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to

keep in their libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and expurgated
editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as Rizal’s other
works and biography. The said unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as other writings of Rizal

shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all public or
private schools, colleges and universities.

Section 3: The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of

the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal
into English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed
in cheap, popular editions; and cause them to be distributed, free of charge, to
persons of desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and the Barrio
Councils throughout the country.

 Patriotic Objectives of the Rizal Law

1. To recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideals, thoughts, teachings, and the

life values to present conditions in the community and the country and
apply them in the solution in the day-to-day situations and problems of
contemporary life;
2. To develop an understanding and appreciation for the qualities, behavior,
and character of Rizal as well as his thoughts and ideas, and thus foster
the development of moral character, personal discipline, citizenship, and
vocational efficiency.
3. To comply with the patriotic objectives of the Rizal Law given by the late
Senator Jose P. Laurel.

In a famous statement about Rizal, then Senator Jose P. Laurel described

him as “the founder of Filipino nationality. He said, “he was the architect of the
Filipino nation… I dare say that we cannot know him without knowing and imbibing
the great principles and ideals for which he stood and died. Rizal believed that as
we should that we teach the young men and the young women, the boys and girls
in all schools that virtue is the only foundation of national greatness. By approving
this measure… it is hoped that the future generations and the generations after us
by reading the life, teachings, courage, and determine in order that we may
continue forward our never ending pilgrimage to a full, greater and more abundant
life”.

 Rizal, as an example of SACRIFICE

 He preferred to work through peaceful means of reforms to seek

equality for his people under Spanish law (He could have enjoyed the

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

fruits of his family’s abundance and rubbed elbows with the Spanish
officials and the “illustrados”;
 He spent his life abroad in hunger and poverty;
 He missed the company of his parents, brother and sisters who have
been persecuted by the Spanish government;
 When he returned home, he no longer held his life in his hands.

 Rizal, his ideas: A Reply to the Challenges of the Millennium

 His social and civic virtues – embodied in his noblest aspirations for
his country and his people.
 By consciously and clear headedly accepting the ultimate sacrifice of
DEATH.
 His field of action that lays in the strife of politics and power, but were
not in his inclinations
 He shouldered his political burden solely in the cause of duty
 A circumstance rendering him one of the figures rare in human affairs
 A revolutionary without hared
 A leader without worldly ambition
 He exemplified the virtues of honesty, personal integrity, civic
responsibility, social values of peace, justice, family, solidarity civic
responsibility, patriotism and national dignity for his people, survive
and endure in this new millennium
 In this millennium… the very values and virtues (human honor and
dignity, freedom and independence, desire for mutual respect, and
material well-being) embodied in the spirit of RIZALISM will form the
core of humanity’s aspirations despite adjustments that must be
accompanied by the new reality of evolved technology and scientific
advances far superior than the knowledge of the previous millennium

 Rizal, a Modern-Day Hero as compared to a Victorian hero

A Victorian hero is one who is usually a dashing oriental knight in shining

armor, prudent, dashing, and cool under pressure. On the other hand, a Modern-
Day Hero is one who conquer inferiorities, respond to the challenge of conquering
himself, able to accept great responsibility, and willing to give up his own life for
his country.

Just like Jose Rizal, from a weak and frail child, he rose to become one of
the tallest men in history.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

APPLICATION

From the above discussion, make a brief conclusion of why Jose Rizal was
recognized as a national hero.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

ASSESSMENT

Answer the following questions briefly: (2 points each)

1. What is your definition of a hero?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. What are the attributes or qualities of Jose Rizal that made him a hero?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. What do you think is the importance of studying Rizal’s life and works?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

4. If you were to choose a national hero aside from Rizal, who would it be and
why?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. If you were a legislator, will you enact a law declaring officially Jose Rizal as
the national hero? Why yes, why not?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

FEEDBACK

What have you learned from module 1 that you were not aware of before?
___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
How do you think Rizal’s life and works should be taught in the tertiary level?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY

To aid you in reviewing the important concepts in this module, here are the
highlights.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

 There is no law, executive order or proclamation that has been enacted or

issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero
including Jose Rizal;

 Executive Order creating the National Heroes Committee under the Office of
the President has the principal duty to study, evaluate and recommend Filipino
national personages/heroes in due recognition of their sterling character and
remarkable achievements for the country.

 Criteria for National Heroes as evaluated by the Technical Committee are as

follows:
a. Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire
and struggle for the nation’s freedom.
b. Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life or
freedom and order for a nation.
c. Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a
nation.

 A person to be considered a hero must have his works relevant to our time
and place;

 R.A 1425 or the Rizal Law is an act that includes in the Curricula of All Public
and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities courses, the Life Works and
Writings of JOSE RIZAL and his novels.

SUGGESTED READINGS

 Frankfurt, Harry. “Freedom of the Will and the Concept of a Person.”

The Importance of What We Care About: Philosophical Essays.
Cambridge University Press,88, pp. 11-25.

 Rachels, James. “Can Ethics Provide Answers?” The Hastings

Center Report, Vol. 10, No. 3, June 1980, pp. 32-40.

 Reyes, Ramon Castillo. “The Relation between Ethics and Religious

Belief.” The Moral Dimension: Essays in Honor of Ramon Castillo
Reyes, edited by Nemesio S. Que,Jr., Oscar G. Bulaong, Jr., and
Michael Ner E. Mariano, Quezon City: Office of Research and
Publications, Ateneo de Manila University, 2003, pp. 107-112.

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Module in PI 311 Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

REFERENCES

 Agoncillo, T. A. (1956). The revolt of the masses. The study of Bonifacio and
Katipunan. Quezon City: UP Press.

 Pasigui, R.E. and Cabalu, D.H. (2006). Jose Rizal: The man the hero (An
anthology of legacies and controversies) Quezon City: C&E Publishing Inc.

 Capino, D. et. al. (2005). Rizal’s life, works, and writings: Their impact on our
national identity.Quezon City: Bookman, Inc.

 Ncca.gov.ph

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