Practical Nationalism in Dapitan

Gubernatorial decree of 1892 -Rizal was deported in Dapitan.

There he demonstrated practical nationalism by living out what he had

preached to his countrymen and fellow reformers.

Rizal was exiled to Dapitan after his summons to Malacañang Palace. In the
four years that he stayed in Dapitan, he demonstrated practical nationalism
and inspired his fellow Filipinos living there to do the same.

When Dr. Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, he was in the prime of life and was
already a famous man, having ( to use Captain Ricardo Carnicero’s words) “
attained a certain level of popularity in the Philippines.” He had passed only
31 summers; had obtained thebest education here and abroad; had earned a
reputation as a great poet, essayist, and novelist; had become a skilled
physician and ophthalmologist; had proven himself an accomplished painter
and sculptor; and had even been admitted into a number of elitescientific
societies in Europe. In short, it would not be incorrect to say that he had
become a “ complete man” and a citizen of the world. Rizal’s varied
accomplishments would serve him well during his sojourn in Dapitan.

Rizal Boards with the Commandant

In Dapitan, Rizal was given two choices of residency:with the parish priest in
the Jesuit mission house or with the politico-military commander of the district
in the Casa Real. Fr. Antonio Obach, S.J., the parish priest, imposed certain
conditions before extending hospitality to Rizal: that he should “ make a public
retraction of his religious errors, issue statements that were unmistakably pro-
spanish, undergo the spiritual exercisesof St. Ignatius, and make a general
confession. As Rizal considered many of such conditions unacceptable and
was thus unwilling to satisfy them, he chose to board with Governor Carnicero
for about eight months. The Governor was also a physician, a bachelor, and a
free thinker, like Rizal.

Rizal's Impression on Dapitan

Captain Ricardo Carnicero, the politico-military commander of the town

received Rizal as prisoner.
Originally, Rizal was to reside at the Jesuits Mission House under Father
Obach, however opted not to.

Rizal arrived in Dapitan on July 17, 1892,on board the steamer Cebu.

Practical Nationalism in Dapitan

Rizal was opted not to stay with the Jesuits because of the condition to which
must comply according to:

1. to make public retraction of his religious errors

2. to issue public statements unmistakably pro- Spanish

3. undergo the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius

4.. make a general confession of his past life :and

5. lead a model religious and pro-Spanish life

Rizal and Captain Carnicero

Rizal stayed with Captain Ricardo Carnicero. Rizal was able to get along well
with him.In due time, Carnicero found Rizal a man of commendablequalities
and good personality. Carnicero gave Rizal all the liberties except to leave the
place.He was just requires to report to the military outpost once a week.

In Dapitan Rizal shared his view on how Philippines would become the
happiest country.

1. representation in the Spanish Cortes

2. securization of the parishes

3. reformation of the administration in all branches

4. encouragement of primary instruction and elimination of friar intervention

5. granting teaches of both sexes better salaries

6. division of government jobs equally between the Spaniards and Filipinos

8. making the administration moral

8. creation of schools of arts and trades in provincial capitals

10. freedom of religion

In appreciation of Carnicero's kindness and generosity, Rizal composed a

poem entitled A Don Ricardo Carnicero

Independent Life in Talisay

As a deportee, Rizal was determined to achieve financial independence and

to earn his keep. Less than two months after his arrival, he was permitted to
cultivate the land near the plaza that extended until the beach. He planted a
large number of fruit trees.
Rizal has become:

-A Physician

-An Engineer

-An Educator

-As a Linguist

-A Farmer

-As Businessman

-As Inventor

-And has Contributions to Science