Module 3

Topic 1: Why Rizal the National Hero

A. Balba

The Life and Works of Jose Rizal (LifeRiz)

Introduction
In this topic we will try to answer
the question “Why Rizal is the
national hero?”. There are many
heroes in the Philippines such as
Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario
Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, Lapu-
lapu etc. So the question remains
valid. Why Rizal?
Proof of writings

- Novels (Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo)

- His correspondence with family, friends and propagandists manifest proofs of his
nationalism.
- His publications are directed toward his business of saving the country from
tyrants.

- “The doctrines of Rizal are not for one epochs but for all epochs. They are as valid today as
they were yesterday. It cannot be said that because the political ideas of Rizal have been
achieved, because of the change in the institutions, the wisdom of his counsels or the value of
his doctrines have ceased to be opportune. They have not.” -Rafael Palma

http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/12/who-made-rizal-our-foremost-national.html
His methodology

- Rizal’s use of knowledge rather than violence made him a better hero.

- He persevere until meeting his goal for his country.

- His nationalism is very much evident.

- He is loyal to his country and to his people even if he is outside the Philippines.
Selfless

- Thinking of the quality of life of the nation.

- Sacrifices for the country.
- Thinking of future. The future generations.

- “What is most admirable in Rizal is his complete self- denial, complete

abandonment of his personal interests, to think only of those of his
country… He heeded not his brother, not even his parents, beings whom
he respected and venerated much, in order to follow the road his
conscience had traced for him.” -Rafael Palma
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p67uieb/Prove-or-disprove-Was-Rizal-an-American-made-national-hero-Answer-Dr-Jose-
Rizal/
Status

His status might have an impact to his being a hero. He belongs to the Media Clase /
(Principalia)
- Rizal was a man with nobility and dignity
- He was considered as a Filipino pride because of his intellect, talents and skills
- He is a man with multiple professions
Impact

- Impact of Rizal even after death

- His mpact to the events in history

“The newspapers, magazines, & other periodicals throughout the civilized

world – in Germany, Austria, France, Holland, London, the US, Japan, Hong
Kong & Macao, Singapore, Switzerland, & in Latin American countries—
published accounts of Rizal’s martyrdom in order to render homage to his
greatness.”
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/12/who-made-rizal-our-foremost-national.html
Died for the country

Ultimately – A hero is the one who will die for his country

Dr. Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso, or simply Jose Rizal (1861-1896), is

unquestionably the greatest hero & martyr of our nation. The day of his birth
& the day of his execution are fittingly commemorated by all classes of our
people throughout the length & breadth of this country & even by Filipinos &
their friends abroad. His name is a byword in every Filipino home while his
picture adorns the postage stamp & paper money of widest circulation. No
other Filipino hero can surpass Rizal – Esteban de Ocampo
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/12/who-made-rizal-our-foremost-national.html
American-sponsored hero?

Refer to Ambeth Ocampo’s article

https://philippinereporter.com/index.php/2019/06/14/was-rizal-an-american-sponsored-hero/