Today, our freedom is one of the greatest treasures we are experiencing after centuries

of being colonized by various countries. Our ancestors have to go through a lot of

oppression, exploitation, abuse, and hardships. However, because of the brave souls,
sacrifices, and passionate love for the country of our beloved heroes, we can achieve
this priceless milestone of independence. We cannot deny that Rizal is not physically
part of the revolution that leads to the Philippine liberation. Hence, we could not also
neglect that Rizal played an essential role and influence by utilizing his learnings and
intelligence to benefit the nation. Dr. Jose Rizal battled on his terms, with his pen as his
sword, enabling his literary skills to persuade his fellowmen to seek justice—
demolishing the colonial power.

Studying this course is not just a mere requirement that we should abide by to reminisce
our history; it is far beyond what we think. Encountering and understanding Rizal's life
and works help us better grasp his opinions during an oppressive period in our country.
It serves as a foundation for students to understand the Philippines' situations,
circumstances, and conflicts during the occupation of Spanish colonizers. Rizal's life
and works are for us to meditate to be more knowledgeable of the values upon which
our nation was pondered and so that we can utilize them as a compass for the pursuit of
development and complete liberation from the miseries and inequalities that,
unfortunately, we still currently face.

Our history plays an essential role in our country's current situation. Without reflecting
on the mistakes and lessons of the past, we wouldn't be better citizens, a better nation.
Rizal's life and works are essential parts of history because they helped us grow and
taught us to be aware of our place in society. Nonetheless, it is a motivator that reminds
us that we, too, are young Pepes' who believed and worked hard, underlining that each
of us can do something and perhaps even go much further than Rizal.