Jennings T.

Ngo Critical Essay 1

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Rizal is often regarded as the first Filipino nationalist, as well as the founder of
Philippine nationalism. Republic Act 1425, otherwise known as the “Rizal Law”,
mandates the teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings for every educational
institution in the Philippines. This act honors the sacrifices that Rizal has given for the
sake of Philippine freedom, as well as the contributions he has made for Philippine
nationalism. RA 1425 primarily aims to rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of
freedom and nationalism; to pay tribute to Jose Rizal for devoting his life and works in
shaping the Filipino character; and to gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the
study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings.

The Rizal Law particularly focuses on teaching Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo, which are arguably his two greatest works which contribute to the birth
of Philippine nationalism. These two novels were able to criticize and expose the various
ill aspects of Philippine society under the Spanish colonial rule. Through these novels,
the Filipino mind was reformed and awakened to realize the insufferable and
unspeakable abuse and corruption that Filipinos were facing at the hands of the Spanish
colonizers. Senator Claro M. Recto authored the Rizal Law, while Senator Jose P. Laurel
Sr. sponsored the bill in the Senate. Such two figures were also known for their great
sense of nationalism which served as the foundation for this act. They both recognized
that the works of Rizal will serve as a basis for the ideals and values for the Filipino
people, especially for the Filipino youth who are in their formative years. Moreover, this
law serves as a kindle to sparking the sense of nationalism and belief for the Philippines.

Although nationalism can be simply defined as the identification with one’s own
nation and support for its interests, Philippine nationalism is unique. The uniqueness of
Philippine nationalism can be attributed to various factors such as the country’s
geography, and the various ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identities that accompany it.
However, I will first evaluate what Philippine nationalism is to the founder of Philippine
nationalism himself, Jose Rizal. Natives living in the Philippines were called “Indios”
during the Spanish colonial era, however, it was Rizal who was the first to give the name
“Filipino” to the natives of the Philippines. He refused to succumb to the prejudice of the
racial inferiority of the Indios, and in his life and works, he recognized the equality of
cultures, and took pride in his native language and culture. According to Yambao (2017),
Rizal’s concept of nationalism is engrained in equality, education, and inclusivity. This
could be inferred from the aims of La Liga Filipina: mutual protection in every want or
necessity, defense against all violence and injustice, and encouragement of instruction,
agriculture, and commerce. Meanwhile, according to Ramones (2008), Rizal’s
nationalism is attributed to preaching and encouraging Filipinos to recognize their
potential as citizens, as well as their obligations and duty to their motherland.

Although Rizal has been a basis for the ideals of nationalism for the youth, we
must ask ourselves whether Rizal’s nationalism is still applicable in today’s context.
Rizal’s nationalism draws themes from revolutionary movements which have brought
freedom to Filpinos from colonization and oppression. However, the Philippines has
achieved independence, so what now will sustain the sense of nationalism in the
country? We can look into another Filipino who is considered to embody Philippine
nationalism, Senator Claro M. Recto. In 1957, Recto ran for president with his platform
centered on independent foreign policy. Recto believed that “any sound foreign policy
should be solely based on national self-interest.” This was particularly courageous, given
that the Philippines was economically dependent on the United States during that time.
Recto aimed for the Filipinos and their leaders to make sure that the national interests
of the country were not sacrificed to succumb to the American rule. In “Nationalism and
Our Historic Past”, Recto states “A Filipino cannot assert this identity and call himself a
nationalist unless he is one with his people’s history and has enshrined in his heart the
precepts and example of our heroes and martyrs.” Another notable quote from Recto on
his concept of nationalism, “A firm belief in the genius of our race and in the capacity of
their destiny is another basic component of nationalism.” To Recto, nationalism is a
battle cry that we use to fight colonial and neo-colonial rulers; nationalism is being one
with the people’s history; and nationalism includes pride in being Filipino (Cruz, 2021).

Unfortunately, to many people, Philippine nationalism is now ingrained to

globalization, and is measured in the strength of its institutions, economy, and
achievements in the international arena (David, 2019). However, I believe that
Philippine nationalism in the modern age is an amalgamation of the concepts of
nationalism from past heroes and figures. Although we are now free from colonizers, we
are still oppressed by those who govern us and have power. In this age, we are being
tyrannized by President Duterte and his government; his endeavors harm not only our
country’s economy and morals, but also harm innocent Filipinos. And yet there are
fellow countrymen who support him and praise him for his crude behavior. As with
Rizal’s concept of nationalism, I believe that the true liberation of Filipinos lies in
education and awareness of the systematic oppression and corruption that we suffer
from. Additionally, we have to make fellow Filipinos aware of these issues and unite
together as one in order to get the justice and fair treatment that the Filipino people
deserve. As with Rizal’s nationalism, we can no longer rely on weaponry or violence,
instead we have to be insightful and sensible to obtain justice and freedom from
corruption. The Philippines has become an easy target for domination, and this has been
further aided by President Duterte’s infatuation with President Xi Jin Ping. Modern
Philippine nationalism includes implementing policies which prioritize the country, and
does not allow for potential neo-colonial rulers. It is determined to correct the wrongs of
the past, and places the Filipino people’s lives under the nation's own control.

I am truly grateful that I am privileged to attain a proper education and to be

analytical and critical of the country’s issues. Being part of the Filipino youth, we are
often criticized for our lack of effort for showing nationalism. However, modern
Philippine nationalism is knowing our history and culture, making our fellow Filipinos
realize that they are oppressed, and standing up for what we believe that the Filipino
deserve.
References

Cruz, E. (2021). Filipino nationalism. Philippine Star.

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2021/04/15/2091234/filipino-nationalism

David, R. (2019). Nationalism then and now. Inquirer.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/121865/nationalism-then-and-now

Ramones, R. (2008). Philippine Nationalism: An Analysis of the development of

Philippine National Identity.
https://history.rutgers.edu/docman-docs/undergraduate/honors-papers-2008/1
00-philippine-nationalism-an-analysis-of-the-development-of-philippine-nation
al-identity/file

Yambao, J. (2017). Jose Rizal: The Philippines’ gift to humanity. Manila Times.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/06/16/opinion/analysis/jose-rizal-philippin
es-gift-humanity/333203