Dr.

Jose Protacio Mercado Alonzo y Realonda Rizal (June 19, 1861 – Dec 30, 1896) Is most venerated and

acclaimed patriot in the Philippines recognized for his unselfish contribution in the historical and social

transformation in the country, he is one of the National heroes of the Philippines together with Andres

Bonifacio. He also writes El Filibusterismo and Noli me Tangere. Rizal as a child was a lover of a

Literature of arts and wrote a poem named “Ang aking mga kabata”. Rizal was born from wealthy Family

in Calamba, Laguna.

Republic Act No. 1425, or simply the Rizal law, commands the teaching of Dr. Jose Rizal’s life, works and

writings for all public and private schools, colleges, and universities in commemoration of all the

sacrifices of our heroes in the fight for our freedom. Rizal Law teaches nationalism and patriotism,

Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political independence, especially by a country

under foreign power, while patriotism denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one’s nation. Jose Rizal’s

life, works, and writings—especially his novels—essentially, if not perfectly, radiate these traits. For one

thing, the subject helps us to understand our country better

Rizal’s life and Works are realistic and relevant. The writings of Rizal are material cultures that reflect

the needs and aspirations of his time. His writings were intended to shape society and awaken the

people and inspire them to work for change towards the country’s independence from colonial rule.

Today, we are not under Spanish or any foreign colonial rule but other forces that deter our nation-

building and national development, i.e. corruption, poverty, etc.

At the present time, our Filipino nationalism is fading. We Filipinos, especially the youth, are inclined to

embrace other cultures in this globalized world. We lack love for our own country and we tend to adapt

foreign culture, otherwise known as colonial mentality. Dr. Jose P. Rizal is a fine role model of

nationalism and patriotism, especially to the youth. His life, works and writings would inspire us and

make us brave and determined which would then underpin our Filipino identity and nation Through
studying Rizal’s life and Works, we would also be able to value the freedom we achieved years ago

which was made possible by our heroes. They sacrificed their own lives to achieve not only our freedom

but our national identity as well, so the latter is treated as a very important legacy that we should

cherish and protect. We could also relate the ideals and teachings of Rizal to the present conditions and

situations happening in our country. Colonial mentality is very rampant in our society today so we

should be proud of our own culture and identity, not of another country.

It is important to study Rizal’s life and his writings because the contribution he gave to the country is

priceless. We the youth know only the little background of his lives and works and we are already

moved, what about if we dig deeper into this? Of course we will learn many lessons and inspirations

with his works. Also it is important 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, and to foster the Development of the Filipino youth

in all aspects of citizenship. The academic subject on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal was not

mandated by law for nothing. Far from being impractical, the course interestingly offers many benefits

that some contemporary academicians declare that the subject, especially when taught properly, is

more beneficial than many subjects in various curricula. The subject provides insights on how to deal

with current problems. There is a dictum, “He who controls the past controls the future.” Our view of

history forms the manner we perceive the present, and therefore influences the kind of solutions we

provide for existing problems. Jose Rizal course, as a history subject, is full of historical information from

which one could base his decisions in life. In various ways, the subject, for instance, teaches that being

educated is a vital ingredient for a person or country to be really free and successful. It helps us

understand better ourselves as Filipinos. The past helps us understand who we are. We

comprehensively define ourselves not only in terms of where we are going, but also where we come
from. Our heredity, past behaviors, and old habits as a nation are all significant clues and determinants

to our present situation. Interestingly, the life of a very important national historical figure like Jose Rizal

contributes much to shedding light on our collective experience and identity as Filipino. The good grasp

of the past offered by this subject would help us in dealing wisely with the present. It helps in

developing logical and critical thinking. Critical Thinking refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical

thinking. A Philosophy major, Jose Rizal unsurprisingly demonstrated his critical thinking skills in his

argumentative essays, satires, novels, speeches, and written debates. In deciding what to believe or do,

Rizal also proved his being a reasonably reflective thinker, never succumbing to the irrational whims and

baseless opinions of anyone. In fact, he indiscriminately evaluated and criticized even the doctrines of

the dominant religion of his time. A course on Rizal’s life, works, and writings therefore is also a lesson in

critical thinking

For Dr. José Rizal, the well-respected national hero of the Philippines, “the pen is mightier than the

sword.” Through his literary masterpieces, he voiced strong opposition to the abuse of Spaniards and

conveyed messages that he hoped would inspire his fellow countrymen. I think if I have given a chance

to deconstruct one of Rizal’s written works I will choose his one of the most excellent works that

entitled as A la Juventud Filipina or in tagalog To the Filipino Youth. Rizal wrote this literary poem when

he was still studying at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST). Originally written in Spanish (A la juventud

filipina), Rizal submitted this piece for a poem contest organized for Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of

Art and Literature. At the age of 18, this work is beaming with strong messages to convince readers, the

youth in particular, that they are the hope of the nation. He also stresses the importance of education to

one’s future. Rizal won the first prize and was rewarded with a feather-shaped silver pen and a diploma.

In this literary poem he made I will not change his writing or words in his writing because I am not that

genius like Rizal and who I am to change it I am just a normal student , Rizal is a very excellent man.

Maybe I just want to add some words like Experience in life is important also not just education
because nowadays even if you have education or degree, it is not enough to get a job or work because

of the lack of confidence in yourself that you can do it. So maybe you should have experience in life that

can help you to grow your self-confidence.