Topic 1: Why study Rizal?
Introduction to the study on
the life and works of Jose
Rizal
Sir Edge Besmonte
Instructor 1/Affiliate Faculty, BUCSSP
Technical Staff, BUCTE
Objectives:
Discuss the reasons in studying the Life and
Works of Jose Rizal.
Discuss the relevance of the ideals of Jose Rizal
to the contemporary society.
Points for discussion
Who is Jose Rizal? What are his
ideals?
Why is Jose Rizal the National hero
of the Philippines?
Who is Jose Rizal?
Dr. JOSÉ PROTACIO RIZAL
MERCADO ALONSO Y
REALONDA
Rizal’s ideals
Rizal believed that the youth is the hope of
our future.
His sense of patriotism that showed the
world what a Filipino like him can do amidst
tyranny and abuse.
Pen is mightier than the sword
Why is Jose Rizal the National
Hero?
JoseRizal’s heroism was recognized first
by the colonizing Americans and later on
by General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Recommended by the US Governor Taft
The Americans through the American
Governor William Howard Taft recommended
to the Philippine Commission, which was
sponsored by the US, to declare Jose Rizal as
a national hero for the Filipinos.
The Americans recommended Rizal because
of his peaceful way to achieve liberty.
According to Renato Constantino, when the American
government conquered the island of the Philippines from
the Spanish government in 1896, the American
government established a commonwealth government
after the Spanish revolutionary government ceased to
govern the country. At this time of the Philippine history,
Filipinos under the commonwealth government started to
frame up Filipino national identities.
When the question on who would be the
national hero arose, whether Rizal or Bonifacio,
the American government "guided" the Filipino
people to choose Rizal. The American rationale
was based on Rizal's peaceful propaganda and
diplomatic approaches in attaining Philippine
freedom and independence, unlike Bonifacio
who chose a bloody revolution
Unlike Andres Bonifacio whose desire to
achieve independence for his native land
required armed approach.
The Americans deemed this approach to
independence of Andres Bonifacio to be
unacceptable and may inspire other Filipinos
to rebel against American rule. This is why
Jose Rizal was chosen over him as the
national hero.
Jose Rizal was declared as the
greatest Filipino hero during the
American colonization after the
Aguinaldo led armed forces were
subdued during the Philippine-
American war.
Whether this assessment is accurate or not, Dr.
Rizal has been considered a hero of the
Philippines from the outset: a public holiday
was declared honouring Dr. Rizal in 1898,
whereas that for Bonifacio was not declared
until 1921.
Dr. Rizal was considered to be his inspiration
by Bonifacio himself. Even without the
assistance of US propaganda, Rizal would
have been honoured as a hero in the
Philippines.
General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first one to
declare December 30 as a national day of
mourning in honor of Rizal and others who
have died fighting the Spanish tyranny.
The Philippine revolution led by Andres
Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose
Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting
impression. This is one of the best arguments
of those who believe that Rizal is rightfully the
national hero.
Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos
during the Spanish period. According to the
historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was more
deserving of the national hero title. Rizal was
even thought to have suggested that Antonio
Luna lead the revolutionary forces since Luna
has studied military science which was a
brilliant idea to lessen casualties against the
powerhouse Spanish militia.
Rizal believed that only an army
that was well prepared and had
enough arms would ensure
victory .
The youth is the hope of our future. -Jose
Rizal This famous line of Rizal inspired the
hearts and minds of every Filipino. It was a
reflection of his life, works and achievements
during the Spanish period. A man who has a
passion in serving the country, a brilliant
mind to inspire his fellowmen and
nationalistic ideals and principles that
liberated the minds of our forefathers which
pave them the way towards freedom.
Jose Rizal, our national hero, was one of the
reasons why every Filipino should be proud of. It
is not because of his genius mind but it was his
sense of patriotism that showed the world what a
Filipino like him can do amidst tyranny and
abuse. He will always be a great example to every
young Filipino.
Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic
organization that led to the creation of the
Katipunan headed by Andres Bonifacio. This
fact may already substantiate that Rizal’s title
was deserving since without the La Liga
Filipina, Andres Bonifacio and his army would
have been non-existent.
Everything started with Rizal. Philippine
Revolution against Spain started what was
known as the First Republic led by Emilio
Aguinaldo. For Rizal, violence or armed
resistance only as a last resort and considered
the restoration of the people’s dignity as a
justification means of achieving national
liberation and self-rule.
On the other hand, Filipinos are also grateful to
Andres Bonifacio’s legacy, his advocacy to an
armed revolution. We credit both Rizal and
Bonifacio to have awakened the Filipino’s
patriotic spirit
WHY STUDY RIZAL?
Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our National hero and
patriot along with other heroes of our country
lived and died for the ideals of freedom and
nationalism. Undeniably, the life and works of
Dr. Jose Rizal have become a source of
inspiration and patriotism.
The teaching of the Life and Works of Jose
Rizal, has become a mandatory subject in the
Philippine Tertiary Education pursuant to
Republic Act 1425 otherwise known as, The
Rizal Law. Hence, the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) mandates all the Higher
Education Institutions (HEI) through CHED
Memorandum Order 59 series of 1996 and
CHED Memorandum Order 20 series of 2013,
the teaching of Philippine History and Rizal
course as part of the General Education
Curriculum.
The life of Jose Rizal could be an opportunity where we
could learn valuable lessons. He also exemplified
critical thinking skills through his arguments in his
essays, novels, and speeches. Therefore, a course on
Rizal’s life, works, and writings is an opportunity for
academic and scholarly discussion. More than ever, this
course could make us fully understand that nation
building did not end when our heroes died and when
our nation was liberated from various foreign
oppressors but it is a continuing project that every
Filipino especially the youth must work for. It is through
this course that young people must continue to
preserve and develop the sense of nationalism and
patriotism to which our heroes like Dr. Jose P. RIzal
lived and died in the hope to see emancipation of
Filipinos from the foreign colonizers
There are other reasons for teaching
the Rizal course in Philippine
schools:
To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and
teachings in relation to present conditions and
situations in the society.
To encourage the application of such ideals in
current social and personal problems and issues.
To develop an appreciation and deeper
understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for.
To foster the development of the Filipino youth in
all aspects of citizenship.
Individual Activity
Are the ideals of Jose Rizal still relevant to our
present society?
In conclusion……
Jose Rizal’s works and
achievements during
the Spanish period
inspired the hearts and
minds of the Filipinos.
In conclusion……
Jose Rizal is a man who has a
passion in serving the country, a
brilliant mind to inspire his
fellowmen and nationalistic ideals
and principles that liberated the
minds of our forefathers which
pave them the way towards
freedom.
In conclusion……
Jose Rizal, our national hero, was
one of the reasons why every
Filipino should be proud of. It is not
because of his genius mind but it
was his sense of patriotism that
showed the world what a Filipino
like him can do amidst tyranny and
abuse.
Jose Rizal will always be
a great example to
every young Filipino.
References:
http
://[Link]/the-choosing-of-ri
[Link]
[Link]
011/08/[Link]
[Link]
-hero/
[Link]
