THE TR A N S C EN DEN TA L HER O

THIS SECTION DISCUSSES THE IMPACT OF RIZAL AND HIS LASTING

CONT RIBUT IONS T O PHIL IPPINE SOCIET Y. IT PRESENT S T HE REA SONS
WHY RIZAL IS CONSIDERED A NATIONAL HERO.

GED 103 – Life and Works of Rizal

A.Y.2020-2021, First Semester
Ms. Reallyn B. Villanueva, LPT
Jose Rizal's greatness did not fade even after his death. More scholars
f rom bot h t he Philippines and t he world st udied about him and his
contributions to Filipino national consciousness. Whether those studies
compliment or criticize Rizal, the power of Rizal's character and
influence that transcend geographical and generational is
unquestionable.

despite his middle class status, he also struggled and suffered

because of the prevailing social conditions during those times. He
was so talented and skilled that he always had the advantage
over his contemporaries, in terms of education and the fight
against the excesses of the friar-led Spanish colonial rule.
His leadership skills were also
exceptional as he led the
Propaganda Movement—the
unwavering campaign for political
and social reforms. He showcased
his writing skills when he wrote
for the La Solidaridad to
translate the pleas of the
propagandists.
Rizal's aspiration for what is ideal
never ended. This aspiration took the
form of fighting against injustice in
society. His fervid goal while growing
up and being educated was the
liberation of his fellow Filipinos from
the bondage of political tyranny and
the corollaries, misery, and ignorance
associate with it.
Jose Rizal was the central figure of the
revolutionary movement. He was a poet,
novelist, ophthalmologist, historian, doctor,
polemical essayist, and moralist.
Education was foremost for Rizal. He believed that
education is vital in national development as itfrees
people from ignorance. Education can save the
country from domination.
The Transcendental Hero

Rizal, in the face of danger, was bold despite

the odds. And lastly, he washonored even
more after his death because of the legacies
he left behind.
No law, executive order, or
proclamation has been enacted In 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo
or issued that officially issued a decree that declares
proclaims any Filipino historical December 30 as aday of national
mourning for the heroes and victims
figure as a national hero (NHCP,
of the Philippine Revolution,
2012). Thus, Rizal's title is including Rizal.
sometimes questioned.
 In 1900, American governor general and chairman of the 2nd Philippine
Commission, William Howard Taft, suggested to revere Rizal as a national hero.
This is to recognize his contributions to the significant social transformations
that took place in the Philippines (NCCA, 2015). Instead of a single law hailing a
national hero, laws and proclamations were made in honor of all Filipino national
heroes. In fact, 1996 was declared as the "Year of the Filipino
Heroes" in time for the centennial anniversary of the Philippine
Revolution marked by the Cry of Pugad Lawin in 1896. Then, August 30 was
declared as the "National Heroes Day."
 Despite the absence of an official declaration,
Rizal has been a symbol of what theFilipinos lack
as a race. This is ironic thought since Rizal was in
search of a true Filipino identity which turned
out to be his own self. To date, Rizal is the most
popular Filipino whose portraits and monuments
are seen not only in the Philippines but around
the world.
Rizal is a Filipino hero because he embodied
the qualities of a true hero and made
Filipinos realize the best of what they can
be despite the difficult social conditions.
Both his struggles and triumphs inspired
and ignited the Katipunan-led revolution,
making the Philippines the first independent
republic in Asia. Up to this day, it is still what
Rizal fought for that leads this generation
to continue realizing his dream of a nation
where every Filipino is truly free.
MA R A MIN G S A L A MA T

THE END