GNED 09 MODULE 1 LESSON 4- BAGAY

MODULE 1
LESSON 4
RIZAL and NATION-BUILDING
Expected Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:

1. Understand the value of history in the process of nation-building

2. Identify the specific function of studying the life, works, and writings of
Rizal in the process of nation-building
3. Offer practical insights that can contribute to the process of nation-
building.

Introduction:
Rizal’s life and works are clear embodiments of his vision for the future
Filipino generation to be enlightened and educated. He had hoped that
someday his works specially his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo will be received not as a radical piece of literature but the
expression of the same nationalistic sentiment he espoused during that time.
Fortunately today, his hopes are fairly fulfilled as his writings have not just
been appreciated for its eloquence and depth but as a primary measurement
in ascertaining the identity of the Filipinos which in turn has aided significantly
in nation-building. This lesson would like to emphasize the distinct role of
Rizal, his life and works in today’s process in nation-building.

The importance of learning Philippine history

History has been one of the most dreaded and avoided subjects in school
mainly due to one aspect- memorization. Most students tend to cringe at the
thought of participating in a historical discussion because of the process of
remembering of names, dates, events, places, and their chronological
arrangements. Due to the fact that most teachers themselves were products
of such learning methodology, memorization of information with very little
inclination to analysis, criticism, and synthesis have been perpetuated.
Though it is true that the bulk of history lessons lie on the volume of
information as it is a repository of a nation’s collective experience. It is a
compendium of the values, assumptions, struggles, and even a mirror of the

1
 GNED 09 MODULE 1 LESSON 4- BAGAY

people’s temper and humor written and spread through chapters and pages.
Lacking however is the necessary and appropriate disposition of both
teachers and learners of history that ought to go beyond memorization of
information. Analysis and criticism should be utilized to lend depth and value
to what have been memorized and later on be synthesized to establish
connection to the concerns of contemporary society. Western etymology of
history relates to the Ancient Greek word ἱστορία, istoría, which means
"knowledge acquired by investigation, inquiry", which clearly entails a
rigorous investigation and not just a sheer act of remembering and empty
utterance. The Filipino translation of history as kasaysayan says it more
meaningfully as it denotes essence and value (saysay) which therefore
implies that the narrative of the past must be seen as important to everyone’s
existence. Clearly, one’s existence is directed by what may be considered
as makasaysayan, may saysay, or that which is essential and valuable.
History as well as Philippine history should therefore be learned because it
is essential and valuable and that our knowledge of our past provides us our
essence as well as value as a people and nation.

Learning about Rizal and nation-building

Rizal and his life and works are one of the most detailed and essential
chapter in our nation’s history. His education, past time, skills and talents,
participation in organizations and competitions, storied love affairs,
observation and criticisms of people around him are all beyond mere
personal biographical account as these have inevitably highlighted Philippine
culture and society at a time when there is no nation to talk about yet but
only fragmented bayan(s) perpetuated by chronic abuse of a colonial regime.
It should be understood as an enduring example of a people’s struggle for
identity, idealism, and liberation that has been manifested in all periods in
history. Similarly, all the many signs and symbols of Rizal ought to be
appreciated as vivid reminders and representations of his intense love for
the country and hopes for the welfare of the future generation.

In the same breath, every festive commemoration of his life and martyrdom
should be an opportunity to review ourselves, our ways, values, and priorities
in order to see whether our country is able to benefit from what we are doing
in our community and society. Just like what Rizal did in the past, everyone

2
 GNED 09 MODULE 1 LESSON 4- BAGAY

is enjoined to participate in political and social processes of building the

nation, not necessarily great things right away but in small yet significant
ways. Special mention must be made to today’s youth to whom Rizal had
high regard and expectation.

Rizal’s farewell: A well wish for the nation

Rizal wrote a poem containing his farewell message presumed initially as

solely addressed to his family. It was secretly inserted thinly inside a small
cooking stove and was given to his sister Trinidad. “There is something
inside it”, he said in English to prevent any suspicion from his captors. This
message is now known as the poem Mi Ultimo Adios or Last Farewell. This
was later on turned over after his death by Trinidad to Andres Bonifacio who
in turn translated into Tagalog for every Filipino revolutionary to understand.
Bonifacio modified the original 14 stanzas by adding stanzas and by using
words close to the Filipinos heart. He also highlighted the meaning of
sacrifice to inspire his countrymen as they find themselves in the thick of
struggle for independence and nationhood. Bonifacio’s translation came to
be known as “Ang Huling Pahimakas ni Dr Jose Rizal.” The following is an
excerpt (2nd and 3rd stanzas) from Bonifacio’s 28-stanza translation.

Masayang sa iyo’y aking idudulot

Ang lanta kong buhay na lubhang malungkot
Maging maringal man at labis ang alindog
Sa kagalingan mo ay akin ding handog

Sa pakikidigma at pamimiyapis,
Ang alay ng iba’y ang buhay na kipkip
Walang agam-agam, maluwag sa dibdib
Matamis sa puso at di ikahahapis

3
 GNED 09 MODULE 1 LESSON 4- BAGAY

Rizal’s farewell ultimately stood as his last wish that the Filipinos realize the
need to sacrifice for the country and that only through such noble act will the
Filipino nation rise after centuries of bondage and ignorance. Similarly, as
Bonifacio’s version of Rizal’s farewell finds its place as a primary reading in
the study of the Rizal course, students should be moved to find their role in
addressing our nation’s woes which have greatly affected our noble intents
for nation-building.

Summary:

The learning of history ought to be taken by heart by those who aspire to be

well-educated as it provides not just information of the past but essential
values, assumptions, and cultural lessons that are very useful in our
contemporary society. The Filipino translation of history as kasaysayan says
it more meaningfully as it denotes essence and value (saysay) which
therefore implies that the narrative of the past must be seen as important to
everyone’s existence. History as well as Philippine history should therefore
be learned because it is essential and valuable and that our knowledge of
our past provides us our essence as well as value as a people and nation.

Philippine history is highlighted by the chapter on Rizal’s life, works, and

sacrifice. The story of Rizal is not just a biography of an important historical
figure but it also portrays vividly the essential struggle of the Filipino people
for identity, idealism, and liberation. Philippine history and the life story of
Rizal are closely intertwined to signify the process of nationhood built on the
sacrifices and aspirations for the motivation and enlightenment of the
Filipinos. It is thus important that as annual commemorations and festivities
are held in honor of historical figures such as Rizal, Filipinos must see their
legacies as vivid reminders and representations of intense love for the
country and hopes for the welfare of the future generation. Every time we
enjoy a holiday break from work or school meant to remember either the
birthday or death day of an important figure like Rizal, it must be an
opportunity to seriously review ourselves, our ways, values, and priorities in
order to see whether our country is able to benefit from what we are doing in
our community and society. Rizal himself left a farewell poem which
ultimately stood as his last wish that the Filipinos realize the need to sacrifice

4
 GNED 09 MODULE 1 LESSON 4- BAGAY

for the country and that only through such noble act will the Filipino nation
rise after centuries of bondage and ignorance.

Exercise:

1.Summative: How do you see the value of learning the life and works of
Rizal in the context of history and nation-building?

2.Formative: Give your personal assessment on the state of education in

the Philippines. Do you see our country getting better or worse with the
current educational system?

References:

Corpuz, OD (1989) The Roots of the Filipino Nation AKLAHI Foundation

Crudo E et al (2020)The Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal, Rex Publishing

Guererro,LM(1963) The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal. Manila

Purino A.(2008) Rizal the greatest Filipino Hero. Quezon City Rex Publishing.

Prepared by:

Rodolfo V Bagay, Jr.

Instructor

Reviewed by: Approved by:

LEAH C. NAVARRO, EdD DIONITO A. MANGAO, JR.

TED Chairperson Director, Curriculum and Instruction