Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Course Title: The Life and Works of Rizal

Number of Units: 3 Units

Course Description: As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life and works of the
national hero, Jose Rizal. Among the topics covered are Rizal’s biography and
his writings, particularly the novels Noli Metangere and El Filibusterismo, some
of his essays, and various correspondence.

Course Outcome:

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss Jose Rizal’s life the context of 19th century Philippines

2. Analyze Rizal’s various works, particularly the novel Noli Metangere and El
Filibusterismo
3. Organize Rizal’s ideas into various themes
4. Demonstrate a critical reading of primary sources
5. Interpret the values that can be derived from studying Rizal’s life and works
6. Display an appreciation for education and love for the country

Course Outline:

Module 1. The Republic Act 1425

Module 2. The Philippines in the 19th Century as Rizal’s Context
Module 3. Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood, and Early Education
Module 4. Higher Education of Rizal and Life Abroad
Module 5. Rizal’s Life: Exile, Trial, and Death
Module 6. Annotation of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de Las Islas Filipinas
Module 7. Noli Me Tangere
Module 8. El Filibustetismo
Module 9. The Philippines: A Century Hence (Letter to the Women of Malolos/ The
Indolence of the Filipinos)
Module 10. Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism (Bayani and Kabayanihan)
Module 11. Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism-National Symbol

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Topic 10: Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism (Bayani and Kabayanihan)

Learning Outcome:
1. Interpret views and opinions about bayani and kabayanihan in the context of Philippines
history and society
2. Assess the concepts of bayani and kabayanihan in the context of Philippine society

Content Discussion:

Read an article below.

RIZAL’S COGENT LEADERSHIP THOUGHT AS A MODEL IN

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
by Quennie Ann J. Palafox

Civil servants play a very important role in public administration as the partners of
the government in bringing its affairs to the people, such as delivery of basic services
and carrying out its day-to-day-functions. Often, civil servants or the bureaucrats are
criticized for being unresponsive to the public needs. Corruption remains a malady in
the bureaucracy up to now. There is very little respect for the people in the government.
We cannot blame the people for the common perception that corruption is endemic in
the government, considering that the Philippines has consistently been on the list of the
most corrupt countries in Asia, according to surveys.

Corruption in the government had its origins during the time of the ancient
Filipinos. These were exacerbated by the abuses of the Spanish friars and officials with
the onset of the colonial rule. Jose Rizal, our foremost hero, vehemently condemned and
exposed these abuses and cruelties in his two novels the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo.

One cause of corruption in the bureaucracy is the lack of adherence to the principle
of merit and fitness in the selection process. To curb abuses in the government, Rizal
asked that Filipinos enjoy equal rights similar to those of the Spaniards by giving them
the same opportunity to work in the government. Rizal believed that the adoption of a
competitive government examination will ensure that only qualified individuals
regardless of race could serve in the government.

Today, political intervention and nepotism in the government are very rampant.
Many incompetent officials land a career in government service- turning the bureaucracy
into an inefficient organization prone to corruption and manipulation of politicians.

Realizing the negative effect of corruption in the country, progressive legislators

have exerted efforts to reduce, if not eliminate once and for all, the occurrence of graft
and corruption in the bureaucracy by passing several laws. But these laws have

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

seemingly remained powerless against the persistence of corrupt practices in the

government as shown by the public’s acceptance of corruption as part of everyday life.
Filipinos have taken notice of the catchphrase good governance through good leadership
as a possible solution in solving the problems of the bureaucracy. For good governance
to be achieved, however, bureaucrats should not only possess competence, education and
skills, but also exhibit a great commitment and integrity to serve the public. While the
public has seen its fair share of efforts at reforming the bureaucracy, its continued
support remains essential to the success of the government’s program of promoting
efficiency in the government service.

Rizal was admired for being a good leader. He gained the respect of his
colleagues in the Propaganda Movement like Marcelo H. del Pilar who was once his
tough rival for the leadership of the organization. As a leader, Rizal was
transformational, charismatic, visionary, and most importantly, incorruptible. He
displayed a kind of leadership that was not motivated by personal interest but the
willingness to sacrifice oneself for the good of the majority which he described in his
novels as the national sentiment.

A close study of Rizal’s novels reveals how he stressed the importance of national
sentiment as essential in guarding society against all kinds of injustices, and bringing
about social change. A character in the novel El Filibusterismo, who lacked national
sentiment, was Señor Pasta, a wealthy lawyer. In a scene in the novel where Isagani
expressed his desire to help the students establish an institute for the instruction of
Spanish, Pasta expressed his surprise as Isagani had already mastered the language.
When Pasta made it clear to Isagani that he was unwilling to help his noble cause for
education and even dissuaded him from pushing through with his plans, Isagani
remarked: “When I have gray hairs like those, sir, and turn my gaze back over my past
and see that I have worked only for myself, without having done for the country that has
given me everything, for the citizens who have helped me live – then, sir, every gray hair
will be a thorn, and instead of rejoicing, they will shame me!”

Rizal clearly realized the idea of national sentiment and its value that when
developed and imbibed by the people, might bring about common good. The essence of
national sentiment is the subordination of personal interests and comfort to the social
good.

Basilio, also a character in the El Fili, demonstrated the lack of national sentiment
because he opposed the idea that justice be served to his family. He feared that all his
dreams would be shattered if he would brought the matter to the government officials.
Had he had been brave enough to face social alienation, Basilio could have helped
prevent the acts of injustice that transpired later in the novel.

To his fellow propagandists, Rizal advised not to derive personal benefit from their
service to the country. In his letter of gratitude to the members of the La Solidaridad for

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

appointing him Honorary President of the association, he wrote: “No member should
expect rewards or honors for what he does. He who does his duty in the expectation of
reward is usually disappointed, because almost no one believes himself sufficiently
rewarded. And so that there may not be discontented or ill-rewarded members, it is
advisable for each one to do his duty just for its own sake and at best expect to be later
treated unjustly because in anomalous countries, injustice is the prize for those who
fulfill their duties. [London, 28 January].”

People who seek fortune should not find employment in the government because the
biggest reward from government service is the attainment of the common good served
with one’s good will, integrity and a clear conscience. Public servants who accept bribe
compromise their integrity. Once, Rizal was offered P100, 000, a huge amount that time,
apart from a professorial chair at a university and an estate of his own if only he would
renounce his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Rizal showed he was
made of strong moral fibre for he was not tempted by these bribes, giving up his
personal happiness for the welfare of his countrymen.

With the idea of good leadership that Rizal has bequeathed to us, we can change
the negative image of the bureaucracy, transforming it into a more efficient instrument in
bringing about social, economic and political reforms in the country, a paragon of
administration as well as an agent for social change.

Assessment 10:
1. How have Filipinos and foreigners paid tribute to Rizal? Other Filipino Heroes?
2. After having studied Rizal’s life and works and the development of Philippine nationalism,
what does Rizal mean to you in the context of Philippine History?

Topic 11: Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism-National Symbol

Learning Outcome:
1. Examine the values highlighted by the various representations of Rizal as a national
symbol
2. Advocate the values of Rizal’s life encapsulates

Content Discussion:

1. Opening of the Philippines to World Commerce

1834 – Spain officially opened Manila to World Commerce
 More ports were opened ( Sual, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Legaspi)
 Brought prosperity to some Filipinos
 Modern methods of agriculture and improved means of transportation and

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

 communication.
 Emergence of Filipino middle class.

2. Influx of Liberal Ideas

1869 – opening of Suez Canal (Europe) – shortened the distant of travel from another place.
 More liberals from Spain and other European nations came to the country via Suez
Canal.
 Foreigners brought books, newspapers and magazines.
 Filipinos were able to read enlightened ideas.
 Natives learned also about the American and French revolution which provided
inspiration to them.

3. The Secularization Movement

 Council of Trent (1545-1563) – decided that parishes were to be administered by
Secular (local) priest.
 Gradually, the secularization movement became racial and national conflict among
friars’ curates and the seculars.

4. The Liberal Administration of Carlos Maria dela Torre (1869-1871)

 Well-loved Spanish Governor-general
 Avoided extravagance and lived a simple life
 Abolished flogging
 Allowed Filipinos to form Comite de Reformadores
 Implemented the Moret Decree of 1870

5. The Cavite Mutiny

 Rafael Izquierdo (1871-1873) replaced dela Torre
 “with the crucifix in one hand and a sword in the other.”
 Repealed the exemption from rendering the POLO and the payment of tribute.
 January 20, 1872
 About 200 Filipino soldiers and workers in the Cavite Arsenal revolted.
 Led by Seregeant Fernando La Madrid.
 Through the punitive force ordered by Izquierdo La Madrid was killed.

6. The Execution of GOMBURZA

 Izquierdo magnified the mutiny as a full of blown conspiracy against the Spanish rule
allegedly instigated by fathers:
 Mariano Gomez
 Jose Burgos
 Jacinto Zamora
 Found guilty in a “mock-trial”
 Sentence to die by garrote.
 February 17, 1872
 The three priest were executed in Bagumbayan

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

 The vast crown present removed their hats and knelt down in prayer.
 Fr. Meliton Martinez, the liberal archbishop of Manila
 refused to defrock the three priests
 ordered the continuous tolling of bells during the execution
 Result
 GOMBURZA- password of Katipunan.
 “remember GomBurZa”- slogan of the propaganda.

7. The Propaganda Movement

 Three major factors for the peaceful campaign for reforms
 Emergence of Filipino middle class.
 Liberal administration of Carlos Maria dela Torre
 Execution of GOMBURZA.
 Propagandists- simply reformers
 No intention of achieving social changes through armed struggle or
revolution.
 Objectives of the Movement
 Assimilation of the colony as a regular province of Spain.
 Secularization of parishes
 Restoration of the Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortés.
 Fundamental freedom of speech of the press, assembly and religion.

Known Member of the Propaganda Movement

Jose Rizal
- Conscience of the movement\
Marcelo H. Del Pilar
- Greatest political analyst
- Founded the Diariong Tagalog
Graciano Lopez Jaena
- Prince of Filipino Orators
- Contributed the satirical novel, Fray Botod
- Founded the newspaper, La Solidaridad
Pedro Paterno
- Doctor of Law
- Wrote “Ninay”
- Published Sampaguitas
Gregorio Sanciangco
- Lawyer and economist
- Produced the book, El progreso de Filipinas

8. Masonry and Counter Propaganda

Masonry
 Popular organization for the Filipino exiles
 Championed the rights and liberal reforms for all.

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Masonic Lodges Founded

 Revolucion
- By Jaena at Barcelona
 Solidaridad
- Be Del Pilar and Julio Liprente
 Nilad
- Serrano Laktaw
Counter Propagandists
Pablo Feced (Quioquiap)
- A journalist whose writings express hatred and contempt for the reformists.
- Published Filipinas: Ezbozos Y Pinceladas
Wenceslao Retana (Desenganos)
- A rabid defender of Frailocracy.
Fr. Jose Rodriguez (OSA)
- Concentrated his tirades against Jose Rizal
- Wrote “Caiingat Cayo” a searing attack on the Noli Me Tangere

9. La Liga Filipina
 Jose Basa helped in drafting the constitution.
 July 3, 1892- formal organization at Rajah Matanda in Tondo
 President- Ambrosio Salvadro
 Fiscal- Agustin Dela Rosa
 Treasurer- Bonifacio Arevalo
 Secretary- Deodato Arellano
 Governing Body
 Supreme Council
 Provincial Council
 Popular Council
 10 centavos – monthly due of each member
 Liga- short-lived (3 days only)
- Three days after founding, Jose Rizal was arrested and deported to Dapitan on orders to
Governor General Eulogio Despujol.

10. Failure of the Reform Movement

Canovite System
- The compromise between the Spanish liberals and the conservatives to rotate between
themselves the control of the government.
Problems encountered by the Propagandists
- Inadequacy of Finances
- Funds from the Philippines stopped.
La Solidaridad ceased its publication (November 15, 1895)
- Funds from subscription also stopped.
Personal and health Problems
- Homesickness

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

- Differences and conflicts opinions.

Del PIlar and Jaena were compelled to change their political platform from assimilation to separation
on revolt.
- Two months after La Solidaridad folded up, Jaena died.
- Del Pilar died on July 4, 1896

11. The Philippine Revolution of 1896

 Andres Bonifacio- a radical member of the Liga initiated of the Katipunan or KKK.
 Primary Objectives of Katipunan
- To unite Filipinos and struggle for the separation from spain through armed conflict.
 August 22,1896
- Katipunan had conference in Balintawak.
- Philippine Revolution begun with tearing of their CEDULAS

WHY IS RIZAL OUR GREATEST NATIONAL HERO

 Rizal is our greatest hero because, as a towering figure in the Propaganda Campaign, he took
an “admirable part” in that movement which roughly covered the period from 1882-1896
 Rizal’s writings contributed tremendously to the formation of Filipino nationality
 Rizal becomes the greatest Filipino hero because no Filipino has yet been born who could
equal or surpass Rizal as “a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in
suffering.”
 Rizal is the greatest Filipino hero that ever lived because he is “a man honored after death by
public worship, because of exceptional service to mankind”

Assessment 11:

1. Write a short critical justification on your own word that will justify Jose Rizal as the greatest
Filipino hero.
2. Do you think that Rizal is the most appropriate person to become our national hero? Defend
your answer.
3. If you were on the shoes of Jose Rizal, will you do the same for the country?
4. In our present time, what simple act/s can you contribute to the country to be considered as
heroic? Expound your answer

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND Satellite CAMPUSES
BATAAN BRANCH

Course: The Life and Works of Rizal

Prepared by: Jose M. Barlis, Jr., EdD