Jennings Ngo Formative Assessment 1

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Although the Philippines has long achieved freedom from colonizers, there is still
a sense of oppression in the country. Our current situation could still be paralleled unto
Rizal’s works, particularly, in the characterization of Capitan Tiago. He was a rich,
native-born Filipino who affiliated himself with powerful Spanish institutions. He
symbolized Filipinos in power who oppress their fellow countrymen in exchange for
influence and wealth. It’s fair to say that a majority of those in the Philippine
government is an iteration of Capitan Tiago. His characterization is present in figures
such as Bong Go and Harry Roque, who follow and defend President Duterte’s side in
order to gain power and trust among Duterte’s constituents. Similarly, President
Duterte allows China to exploit our country’s resources in order to obtain the favor of Xi
Jin Ping. It is distressing to realize that the problems our country has experienced since
the time of Rizal is still rampant to this day.

Being in the 21st century, we can no longer rely on weaponry and violence in
order to achieve independence and justice from our own government. Instead, through
studying Rizal’s works, current generations have realized the power of the pen and
paper, and utilize literature and journalism in order to criticize our oppressive
government. It was through his works that he took pride in his native language and
culture, denouncing the presumption that Filipinos are racially inferior, and here we
realize the importance of loving and supporting one’s own country.

As I grow older, I realize that Rizal’s approach to nationalism is far more

effective than others. Rizal prioritized educating and reforming the minds of Filipinos in
order to be critical of those in power. The life and works of Rizal have sparked a
revolution in order to fight for our freedom and independence by resisting those who
exploit and oppress us. Rizal realized that the true obstacle in independence and
nationalism is ignorance. I believe that studying his life and works is essential in order
to further reinforce the sense of nationalism and independence. Studying his works is
not simply about memorizing dates or the names of his siblings, instead, it is
recognizing that we should not just blindly follow the commands of those in power, and
our interest should lie in the greater good for the Filipino people. Because after all, after
years of being oppressed by colonizers, and being stripped and robbed of our own
culture, we deserve better. Our national heroes did not fight for our freedom to be
oppressed by our own. Rizal’s works were truly ahead of his time, and because of this,
they are still relevant to the current generation, and generations to come.