THE LIFE, WORKS,

AND WRITINGS OF
JOSE RIZAL

SUBMITTED BY:
Jethro Josh V. Fernandez
(BSED-2D)

SUBMITTED TO:
Mrs. Roselie D. Masong
CHAPTER 1: #WhyStudyRizal

CHAPTER SUMMARY:

The primary objective of Chapter 1, “Why Study Rizal,” is to explain that the
Philippines as a country is a dream. Despite being regarded as “eternal,” it needs to
be maintained, improved, and developed in order to survive. The full core of being a
Filipino must be ingrained in each person. Being a citizen in name alone is only a
starting point. One should consider their place in society and take an active part in
the effort to create the country as a whole. In this great perspective, it might be
useful to research Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings. 
This chapter is guided by the following: First and foremost, Rizal’s valor was
supported by the country through Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law) of June 12, 1956,
with the younger generations, the “Millennials,” receiving much importance. This law
is now firmly entrenched in history as a potent symbol of the nation. In order to
emphasize the importance of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero and the foremost
example of Filipino heroism, in cultivating a sense of nationalism, particularly for the
hopes of the nation and youth Second, the term “hero” is frequently misunderstood
to mean a prize handed to the deceased. Also, it is falsely believed that only heroes,
such as Rizal, are capable of doing good things. Even worse, as the idiom “Mahirap
magpakabayani. Ang bayani ay binabaril sa Luneta” suggests, individuals start to
become egocentric and unconcerned with others. Unfortunately, these viewpoints
prevent them from seeing the many things they can do for the country. The third one,
the session, will concentrate on the symbolic rizal, which in actuality is the kind of
rizal we see in our daily lives. It is anticipated that the “Millennials” will eventually
create their own symbolic Rizal. And lastly, a moment when Filipinos would read
Rizal’s writings as those of someone who shared the same national passion as he
had in the past, rather than as those of a heretic, was something that Rizal had in the
past imagined for a future generation of enlightened and educated Filipinos.
Nowadays, Rizal is not only read with admiration but also as a key tool to shape
Filipino identity, which in turn has a direct bearing on the development of the country.
Encourage the application of such ideals to current social and personal
problems and issues. This chapter enlightened the young minds to recognize the
significance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to current conditions and
situations in the society. Encourage the growth of the Filipino youth in all facets of
citizenship by cultivating an appreciation and deeper understanding of everything
Rizal fought and died for. Recommit young people to the principles of nationalism
and freedom for which their heroes sacrificed their lives. Pay homage to our national
hero for dedicating his life and labor to developing the character of the Filipinos.
Also, studying Rizal’s life, accomplishments, and writings can help you develop a
strong sense of patriotism.
REFLECTION:

The national hero of our nation is Dr. Jose Rizal. Nonetheless, we are aware
that not all Filipinos view him as their national hero. Perhaps it was the fact that he
did not employ a blade in battle like the other Filipino heroes did. While violence
shouldn’t be used in every situation, I sort of think the proverb “the pen is mightier
than the sword” holds true. He informed the Filipino people of the reality by using his
brains rather than his physical prowess and power.
This chapter has taught me a lot, including how the Rizal law was enacted
democratically, how to analyze its objectives, and how to interpret the youth’s place
in society. I also learnt how to evaluate Rizal’s bravery using the definitions and
standards for heroes, as well as the Filipino concept of “hero” (bayani) as it has
evolved through time. I also learnt how to distinguish between the historical and
symbolic Rizal, how to read Rizal as a sign, symbol, and text, and the importance of
symbols in fostering a feeling of community and national cohesion. The significance
of history in nation-method, building’s operation, and practical ideas is even more
crucial. Many Filipinos believe that today’s society does not require as much study of
Rizal’s life and works. But I still think it’s significant and that it has a big impact on
our contemporary society. Studying Rizal entails more than just being able to read
and comprehend his writings and other literary creations; it also entails
comprehending how those creations aided in the struggle against colonizers in the
past. His books, essays, and other literary works’ significance—which extends
beyond mere entertainment—becomes clear to us.
Some people might find it tedious to study our country’s history, but we must
never forget that what happened in the past has an impact on where we are today.
We are currently independent of the governments or nations that conquered us. The
toil of our warriors and other individuals who defended our nation made this possible.
SYNTHESIS:

Jose Rizal’s existence is currently taught in a number of institutions and

schools as a result of the contentious law, Republic Act 1425, which the Philippine
senate enacted on June 12, 1956, especially because of its authors, Claro M. Recto
and Jose P. Laurel. His writings, as well as his comprehensive life, are all available.
Learners are provided Noli Mi Tangere and El Filibusterismo as well as many of his
other writings in the hope that they can grasp our great hero, who is still regarded
with skepticism by a large number of Filipinos. The recently passed Reproductive
Health Bill, which was likewise hotly contested, is frequently used as a comparison.
Jose Rizal’s acts, which were inspired by his family’s and countrymen’s
experiences of injustice under the Spanish Philippines, are what have made him so
well-known rather than his education. How should we relate the Philippines of the
19th century to the Philippines today? His works inform the earlier Filipinos of the
solution to the Spanish tyranny and colonial mentality in general. According to
various histories of Jose Rizal, it is evident that the wonderment in his works spread
because of his courage to publish them against the prejudice and narrow-
mindedness of his potential readers. He pushed his readers in his second book to
understand that if they do not combat this social cancer, they would never succeed
and the wicked rule will never come to an end. Jose Rizal, a doctor who suffered for
writing books, was able to publish them in the name of his nation despite being
punished for it. Due to his lack of involvement in the fighting and the perception that
Andres Bonifacio would have been a more moral person, many Filipinos question
whether he deserves the title of national hero. He died for his duty and convictions.
However, Rizal’s works sparked the bloody revolution for freedom, and the password
for the Katipuneros was “Rizal.” According to Nolasco, “Bayani” is not synonymous
to its English counterpart “hero,” since the latter word is imbued with the ideas of the
European period of enlightenment, while the former adheres more to Philippine
culture and the local manners of governance. Now, the Philippines are free of
colonizers, and its government is made up of Natives who were chosen by the
majority of Filipinos. Foreign trade is no longer prohibited, and education is now
accessible to and encouraged for all races. But, the nation is still afflicted by a deadly
social ailment that Rizal, if he were still alive, would have addressed in a different
book.
In the Philippines, corruption and selective justice are still prevalent, with the
wealthy able to seek justice while the underprivileged must rely on chance. The
Filipinos’ endemic indifference is the basis of this illness; they won’t begin to rebel
unless they personally experience the injustice. This is a huge epidemic that is not
just present in the Philippines but also affects many other nations. Who is willing to
give their life to battle this evil illness?
RECOMMENDATION:

The independence movement of the Filipino people and several

advancements in a variety of fields are both directly attributable to Rizal. In addition,
Rizal contributed contributions to Philippine literature, art, and medicine, all of which
still interest his native people today. Promote the application of such principles to the
present problems and issues in society and the individual. This chapter, “Why Study
Rizal” helped the young readers understand the relevance of Rizal’s principles and
teachings in light of the social climate we currently find ourselves in. By cultivating an
appreciation and deeper understanding of what Rizal fought and died for, one may
support the development of Filipino youngsters in all areas of citizenship. Encourage
youth to recommit themselves to the values of nationalism and freedom for which
their heroes gave their life. Give respect to our national hero for devoting his life’s
work to strengthening Filipino character. Also, learning about Rizal’s life,
achievements, and writings might help you strengthen your feeling of patriotism.
CHAPTER 2: #RizalLife

CHAPTER SUMMARY:

The primary objective of Chapter 2, “Rizal Life” educates learners to the

context of Rizal’s life. One must analyze the period, place, and individuals or
overarching concepts prevalent at the relevant point in history when analyzing the
context of a particular person or historic event. Rizal lived in the late 19 th century,
when the nation was undergoing a number of reforms. But, the Philippines’
circumstances were not as favorable, and the disparity between the rich and the
poor led to a volatile environment that eventually gave rise to nationalistic
movements and groups like the KKK in the Philippines and the propaganda
campaign in Spain.
This chapter contains the following information: The British-led Industrial
Revolution got underway in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Britain’s rapid
expansion and urbanization were facilitated by the invention of steam engines and
the incorporation of equipment into manufacturing. Spain lagged behind its
neighbors in industrialization while other nations quickly followed Britain’s lead. This
was primarily due to Spain’s involvement in the Napoleonic and Carlist Wars as well
as the internal power struggle between liberal and conservative factions in Spain at
the beginning of the 19th century; Rizal, under the pen name P. Jacinto, wrote his
own memoirs of his experiences as a student from Binan to Manila in 1872. This is a
valuable document because it is Rizal’s own recollection and is a primary source
regarding his childhood days. Reading through the document provides insight to
Rizal’s sentiments towards love and family, as well as to the importance of
education; the different individuals who were crucial to the formation of Rizal’s ideas
and his character starting with his family, the Propaganda Movement, academic
organizations in Europe, as well as the people of Calamba; and Rizal was a genuine
scholar in every sense of the word. He had pleasure in learning about a variety of
subjects, including the sciences and the arts. He never set learning limits and
promoted the value of education for Filipinos.
It is important for students to know the events during Rizal’s time, the places
that he visited, as well as the people and ideas that he encountered to further
understand the formation of Rizal’s personality and consciousness.
REFLECTION:

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda is among the most
significant figures in Philippine history. The first thing I think of when I hear his name
is that he is a national hero. Because I’ve discovered more significant insights and
knowledge about Rizal’s life and the significance of his works and writings to my
classmates and myself, my Rizal subject has a huge impact on my life. I learned
more about his sacrifices, heroic actions, and lofty views. It’s beneficial to be aware
of Rizal’s travels, exile and execution, as well as his social, political, and economic
theories.
The significant changes in Spain and the Philippines, the policies that allow
Filipinos to organize and demand reforms, and the state of the 19 th century are just a
few of the things I learned from this chapter. Second are the elements of Rizal’s
upbringing from his Memoirs of a Manila Student, which highlight Rizal’s perspective
on youth, family, love, and education. Third, the influences on Rizal’s works and his
attitude toward the emancipation of the Philippines throughout his formative years as
a student in the Philippines and Europe Last but not least, it discusses Jose Rizal’s
unique interests, his pursuit of new knowledge, and his work in an area of study, and
I connect how doing so might advance society and the nation. His life was a
wonderfully motivational tale. Not simply an ordinary Filipino’s narrative, but one of
an extremely clever and brilliant Filipino who is willing to commit his entire life to his
family and country in exchange for freedom and peace.
I’ve known about Rizal for a semester. Even though it may not be entirely
about him, the lessons and information I gained are sufficient for me to affirm to
other Filipinos as well as to anybody else that he deserves to be recognized for what
he is now. And that is the Filipino National Hero. His life was very extraordinary and
colorful because God intentionally changed him via the hero’s adventures.
SYNTHESIS:

In the 19th century, Dr. Jose Rizal produced outstanding articles as poverty
increased more than ever and farmlands were neglected. Every facet of Filipino
culture was regressive, including the family’s role as a social unit. When Spain
arrived bearing a sword and a crucifix, the original Philippine culture started to
gradually deteriorate and eventually vanish. As a result, the Filipino people began to
doubt their present way of life, lose faith in their past and ancestry, and eventually
give up on their future and the continuation of their race. One of the most potent
influences that contributed to the locals’ passivity and submission to the Spanish
colonizers was the presence of the Spanish friars. The Filipinos learned to surrender
to the will of the foreigners as a result of the use of force.
One could conclude from reading through Rizal’s works that the hero is not
only a great writer but also a great historian. In his article The Philippines a Century
So, Rizal makes a daring prediction about how the Philippines would develop over
the next 100 years. Rizal outlined a clear vision for the future of our Motherland,
suggesting that one of three outcomes would be possible: (1) the Philippines would
remain a colony of Spain but would enjoy cordial relations with its captors; (2) the
Philippines would attempt to sever its ties with its captors using force; or (3) we
would become a colony of another nation. Rizal’s ideas weren’t just based on his
imagination; in order to come up with his suggestions for how the Philippines should
appear, he also tried to read between the lines of the histories of many different
countries. Rizal observed how several uprisings got started and believed that if
Spain kept ignoring the cries of its citizens, eventually the oppressed would resort to
violence to reclaim their lost independence. In his essay, Rizal discussed a number
of problems that our nation is facing.The three main topics covered in Rizal’s essay
are the violation of human rights, the lack of journalistic freedom, and the lack of
representation in the Spanish Cortes. For the Filipinos to be able to protest the
harshness of the Spaniards, Rizal contends that they must have freedom of the
press. They must also have a representation in the Spanish Cortes to inform the
authorities and the public as to whether or not their orders have been properly
followed. Last but not least, the Filipino people are fighting for justice and human
rights.
In this essay, Rizal poses the question of whether Spain can actually halt the
development of the Philippines: keeping the populace uneducated and illiterate has
failed. Great minds from the Philippines were still emerging from the ruins as the
national consciousness continued to rise. Keeping the populace in poverty was
likewise fruitless. The Filipinos, on the other hand, had been able to act on their
desire for a change in their way of life because to living in perpetual destitution. They
started looking into alternative perspectives for how they might advance.
RECOMMENDATION:

Rizal saw both setbacks and victories. His life was a wonderfully
motivational tale. Instead of being simply another typical Filipino story, this is the
account of an extremely clever and gifted Filipino who is willing to spend his entire
life to bring freedom and peace to his own family and country. Although I am fully
aware that renaming a square or erecting a statue there is more simpler than
publishing critical editions, I firmly feel that Jose Rizal’s writings merit it in light of the
current situation. An unquestionable act of patriotism that shouldn’t be postponed
any longer would be to meticulously establish the texts, annotate them to make them
more accessible to all types of readers, and provide translations into the most vital
Filipino languages. No one can hold it against the Filipinos for not reading Rizal’s
works since many of them are difficult to find in the first place. It is possible that a
Filipino reader lacks the patience to read his novels, but it is also possible that this
reader would appreciate reading his private letters or little pieces. Filipinos can
engage with his complex arguments, excellent critical thinking abilities, and
exceptional intellectual brilliance even when they cannot access his sophisticated
elegance of Spanish.