RIZAL’S LIFE AND WORKS

Lesson 7
Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism -
National Symbol
LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Examine the values highlighted by the various representations of Rizal
as a national symbol
 Advocate the values Rizal’s life encapsulates.

Pre-test
Write the correct answer for each Philippine National Symbol.

1. Anthem: ______________________________
2. Tree: _________________________________
3. Leaf: _________________________________
4. Fish: _________________________________
5. Sport: _________________________________

Pre-activity Write the associated things/title about Rizal.

Example:

The Story of
the Moth

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RIZAL’S LIFE AND WORKS

WHY IS RIZAL OUR GREATEST HERO?

1) Rizal is our greatest hero because, as a towering figure in the

Propaganda Campaign, he took an “admirable part” in that movement
which roughly covered the period from 1882-1896
(2) Rizal’s writings contributed tremendously to the formation of Filipino
nationality
(3) Rizal becomes the greatest Filipino hero because no Filipino has yet
been born who could equal or surpass Rizal as “a person of
distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering.”
(4) Rizal is the greatest Filipino hero that ever lived because he is “a man
honored after death by public worship, because of exceptional service
to mankind”

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, nationalism is defined as "loyalty and devotion to a nation,
especially a sense of national consciousness," and "exalting one nation above all others and placing primary
emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational
groups."

“The reasons that originate in the lack of national sentiment

are still more lamentable and more transcendal… The lack of
national sentiment brings another evil, moreover, which is the
absence of all opposition to measures prejudicial to the people
and the absence of any initiative in whatever may redound to
its good. A man in the Philippines is only an individual, he is not
a member of a nation. He is forbidden and denied the right of
association, and is, therefore, weak and sluggish”.
- Excerpt from “The Indolence of the Filipino”

Factors in the Early Development of Rizal’s Nationalism

1. He emphasized the importance of the Tagalog

language and its impact upon the Philippines.
2. He was openly criticized of the friars.
3. He defended Filipino civil rights.
4. He discovered the power of the pen.
5. He conceived a form of gradual nationalism.

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RIZAL’S LIFE AND WORKS

Views on Nationalism espoused by Rizal

1. The struggle against colonialism and imperialism
and all forms of injustice;
2. The critique of nationalism;
3. Advocacy of international solidarity;
4. The humanist vision of justice and equality; and
5. The quest for an ethical community in the form
of democratic and civil society

To commemorate Rizal and his contribution, he was remembered in many ways.

 The whole province of Morong was renamed Rizal Province (Philippine
Commission Act. No. 137 dated June 11, 1900)
 Major avenue in Manila (Avenida, Rizal) were named after him.
 The streets of a whole district in Manila were named after the characters in his
novels.
 His monument was erected in Luneta (Philippine Commission Act.
243 dated Septermber 28, 1901)
 Rizal’s picture was also placed on the postage stamp commonly
used in the Philippines.
 His face can be seen also on the currency (a bill and a coin).
 His death’s anniversary became a national commemoration
(Philippine Commission Act 345 dated February 1, 1902).

Since Rizal was so iconic, some businessmen also used him as their
product endorser or name of the product/company itself.

RIZAL TOBACOS CENTENNIAL CIGAR 1898-1998. RIZAL SOFT DRINKS Label - SODA, Iloilo
Marca Nationalista RIZAL LIME Portland
Cement by RIZAL CEMENT
FACTORY, Manila P.I.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Ticket 1996 featuring Jose Rizal.

Safety Matches Label by Philippine RIZAL VINEGAR Label by Rizal
Match Company, Ltd. Vinegar Factory, Iloilo City

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RIZAL’S LIFE AND WORKS

Philippine Nationalism was strengthened when national symbols were officially recognized by the
government. The following are supported by laws/proclamations.

National Flag, National Anthem (Lupang Hinirang)

and National Coat-of-Arms - Flag and Heraldic
Code of the Philippines

National Language (Filipino) - Article XIV of the

1987 Constitution

National Sport and Martial Arts (Arnis) -

Republic Act No. 9850

National Tree (Narra) - Proclamation No. 652 by

Governor General Frank Murphy

National Flower (Sampaguita) - Proclamation

No. 652 by Governor General Frank Murphy

National Bird (Philippine Eagle) - Proclamation

No. 615 by Fidel V. Ramos in 1995.

Resources:
https://www.facebook.com/JoseRizalUniversity/posts/rizal-the-timeless-product-endorser-httpwwwfacebookcommediasetseta46113302061738/403374069742185/
Villa, N. (2014). The Official National Symbols of the Philippines. Retrieved from http://www.pinoywit.com/official-national-symbols-of-the-philippines/

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RIZAL’S LIFE AND WORKS

ASSESSMENT
TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Answer the following questions.

1. Why do you think Rizal become so iconic?

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. What makes Filipinos appreciate our country more during the time of Rizal? Can you still say that the
Filipinos today could still have the same sense of nationalism given to us by Rizal and other heroes?
Why?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Post-test
Explain the following phrases or words based on the discussion.

1. Importance of international solidarity –

2. Impact of colonialism and imperialism –

3. Patronizing Filipino culture, language and products -

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