EXILE IN DAPITAN (1892-1896)

Rizal’s Exile in Dapitan, under the missionary jurisdiction, for 4 years allowed him of practiced medicine
of pursued scientific studies, of continued his artistic and literary works, of widened in his knowledge of
language, of establishing a school for boys, of promoted community development projects, of inventing
a wooden machine for making bricks, and of engaging in farming and commerce.

The steamer Cebu which brought Rizal to Dapitan carried a letter from Father Pablo Pastells, Superior of
the Jesuit Society in the Philippines. Father Antonio Obach, Jesuit priest of Dapitan. In this letter, Father
Superior Pastells informed Father Obach that Rizal could only live at the Parish Convent in the following
conditions:

• “That Rizal publically retract his errors concerning religion and make statements that were clearly pro-
Spanish against revolution.
• “That he perform the church rites and make a general confession of his past life.
• “That henceforth he conduct himself in an exemplary manner as a Spanish Subject and a man of
religion.”