De Leon, Candice P.

LWR 09-24
BSBA OM 2-1 Journal 4

Rizal’s Life: Higher Education, Life and Travels Abroad

Rizal’s concept of the importance of education is clearly enunciated in his works and
ideals wherein he put emphasis on improvements in the schools and in the methods of teaching.
He claimed that the backwardness of his country during the Spanish era was not due to the
Filipinos’ indifference, apathy or indolence as claimed by the rulers, but to the neglect of the
Spanish authorities in the islands. For Rizal, the mission of education is to elevate the country to
the highest seat of glory and to develop the people’s mentality. Since education is the foundation
of society and a prerequisite for social progress, Rizal claimed that only through education could
the country be saved from domination.
Two particular segments of Rizal’s life that helped him realize his mission and ideals are
his life in Ateneo Municipal de Manila and in Unibersidad De Manila. Rizal’s life in Ateneo was
very memorable for the young Rizal. It was the first time he used the surname Rizal instead of
Mercado. He was taught by Jesuits in Ateneo and learned different subjects, attended masses and
joined a number of society groups. His grades excelled at this period, he was eager for high
grades because he was very inspired to study. The Spanish Jesuits that taught Rizal were very
respectful to the students they teach.
On the other hand, Rizal’s life in UST was not as colorful as his life in Ateneo.At first,
Rizal’s mother was opposed to him getting higher education but she relented afterwards. He took
the course of Philosophy and letters but later shifted to medicine to cure his mother’s illness. He
then took a surveying course, in which he excelled. It was also during this period that he first
experienced Spanish brutality. Rizal, a freshman medical student, was beaten in his hometown
by a lieutenant of the civil guard, for failing to salute him, and not having noticed in the darkness
of the night. The Guardia Civil whipped out his sword and brutally slashed the latter on the back
of Rizal. It was at this moment realized how much his fellow Filipinos suffered and endured in
silence under the Spanish tyranny. Unlike the respectful Jesuits at Ateneo, Dominicans at UST
were hostile to Rizal. Filipino students were oppressed and discriminated against. Rizal failed
to receive high grades because of the obsolete teaching and left UST without finishing his
studies.
Rizal decided to complete his studies in Spain. Rizal has his “secret mission”—was to
observe keenly the life and culture, languages and customs, industries and commerce, and
government and laws of the European nations in order to prepare himself in the mighty task of
liberating his oppressed people from Spanish tyranny. Rizal’ travels are one of the factors that
influenced his ideals. It was a necessary segment of his life, it was also during his travels that he
envisioned what his dream Philippines would look like.
Rizal’s travel to flourishing countries in Europe made him realize how backward his
country was, it also sparked a desire for change in his heart. He treats European countries as
examples his own country should try to emulate. He learned and discussed politics wherever he
went to further widen his perspective and prepare for reform. He also met a Czech Academician,
Ferdinand Blumentritt, that further cemented his thoughts of reform.
Rizal, during his travels, joined different groups. Rizal joined the Masonic lodge called
Acacia in Madrid but transferred to Lodge Solidaridad (Madrid). Even though he was far away
from his home from the battle, Rizal did his best by lecturing as a Mason how the Spanish
government oppressed his countrymen. He fought with words and spread out his experiences and
ideas that made him meet compatriots.
Influenced by the French Revolution’s ideas, impressed by German ingenuity, Rizal was
so hopeful that one day the Philippines would be considered one of Spain’s provinces. Europe
was in his heart, but his heart was still for the Philippines. Although Rizal's life abroad was
exciting and eventful, Rizal remembers his mission and the family that awaited him in the
Philippines. There were moments that Rizal thought of settling down abroad, his desire for
reform was greater than his love for his moments abroad. He remembered his ailing mother who
was waiting for him to cure him, his friends who supported him, and his family who
continuously suffered from the Spanish authorities. Rizal knows that the Philippines is in need of
change, that is why Rizal returned to the country bringing change and reform.