LIFE & WORKS OF RIZAL

MODULE 1, LESSON 2

ACTIVITY
REACTION PAPER

1. Rizal is often referred to as “The Great Malayan” because he is seen as an icon of the Malay race.
Now that we know Rizal was ethnically Chinese what does this tell you about the idea of nationalism?

My recent learning that Rizal has Chinese blood running in his vessels made me realize that
nationalism is not based on one’s ethnical roots. It is actually how you live and proudly show yourself
as a Filipino, or whatever country you’re from. Perhaps, Rizal was displaying more of his Filipino and
Malayan features and behavior over his Chinese ethnicity so he was seen as “The Great Malayan”, the
“Philippine National Hero”, and his Chinese roots remained unknown to the majority. Actions will say
a lot of who you are, and Rizal chose to live the “Filipino-ness” in him. I also realized being a mixed
blood or regardless of how many cultural roots are within you, it is not a barrier to being nationalistic
to your country. You can connect with your fellow countrymen, dream for the betterment of your
country, live your “imagined community”, defend and be loyal to your nation.

2. Having tried to define the idea of nationalism, consider the nationalistic reasons behind the dispute
over the West Philippine Sea:

A. What is the dispute about?

B. What led to the dispute?
C. How is the concept and sense of nationalism being manipulated by politicians who try to
address this dispute?

China and Philippines have a good relationship together for years. However, the issue
regarding the sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea is something that could spark heated arguments
between the two nations. The dispute is about who rightfully and legally owns the waters, islands,
reefs, seabed, minerals and all kinds of resources located in the area of the West Philippine Sea.
What led to the dispute was when China started illegally occupying the maritime territory
way back 2012. Specifically, by setting up establishments in the island, driving away Filipino fishermen
who acquire their living there, basically China is starting to use the resources meant for the Filipino
over there.
Filipinos are not going to idly stand by and let the Chinese men take what actually belongs to
them. This has been a long going issue for years and senators, policy-making bodies, congress, even
civilians are looking for legal ways to claim the maritime area. The politicians’ desire to protect the
land, the resources, and the interest of the Filipinos has led to International Court hearings and other
legal methods to really fight for the wellness of the Filipinos. They have also urged Filipino citizens to
know and stand for their rights regarding the maritime dispute.