The Life and Works of Rizal (GED0102)

Reflection Paper: Does Rizal deserve to be our National Hero?

Some says, through simple acts anyone can be a hero but only few ones took heroism

seriously in an extent that they gave up all that they have and exhausted all of their lives to fulfill

their selfless and noble intentions for the people and country they love. Therefore, I reflect that the

realm of heroism is to love. It is because behind those selfless and noble actions, there is pure,

unconditional, and burning love that fuels the entirety of every actions.

Does Rizal deserve to be our national hero? In my own understanding and judgement, I

consider Rizal as a qualified and deserving national hero. Based on my reasoning and further

research, I enumerate two reasons served as my basis in considering Rizal as a national hero:

First, In fighting for freedom and independence, Rizal utilized education as weapon that

might not directly kill the colonizers physically but it enlightens empty minds and burns doubtful

hearts of Filipinos. Just like Rizal, I believe in the power of education. Education enables Filipinos

to fight colonizers with reason and through critical thinking. Rizal just showed that bravery in

bloody wars is not enough to win independence. Rather, Rizal taught Filipinos to be intelligent

warriors. It makes sense that the first step to be free is to cure ignorance. Furthermore, Rizal’s

principle is still relevant up to this day. Through education, Filipinos are equipped to fight bondage

of ignorance, oppression and poverty.

Second, Despite of issues poured upon to Rizal for being “rich,” his inability to lead the

revolution, failure to directly work with Filipinos and an American-sponsored hero, these

accusations cannot discount the fact that Rizal made substantial, noble and selfless contributions

in achieving country’s independence and devoted great love to the Philippines. Rizal’s patriotism

is tested and proved by history. His two fadeless novels are still capable of capturing the mind and

Adan, James Christian S. B.S. Accountancy FA2: Reflection Paper (Sec18)

 The Life and Works of Rizal (GED0102)

heart of today’s youth which mirrors the meaningful events transpired, reminds the important

lessons in the history and above all, instill the values of perseverance, intelligence, and patriotism.

In conclusion, Jose Rizal is indeed a qualified and deserving national hero. His weapon –

education successfully enlightened minds and burned hearts of the Katipuneros and Filipinos to

rise and fight for country’s freedom and independence. Despite of the issues, Rizal offered

exceptional, great and deep love for his country which made him a true hero. Clearly, Rizal as an

example, to love is really a gesture of heroism.

Reference

1. Constantino, R. (1970). Veneration Without Understanding. Retrieved in

https://feu.instructure.com/courses/65842/files/8258130?module_item_id=2018248

Adan, James Christian S. B.S. Accountancy FA2: Reflection Paper (Sec18)