Name: Vanguardia, Mark Harry Olivier P.

Course and Section: BS in Biology with Specialization in Medical Biology (MEB16)

Subject: Mga Babasahin Hinggil sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinaas (SOCSC001)
Professor: Mr. Jumel G. Estrañero
University: De La Salle University Dasmariñas

José Rizal: The Life of the National Hero

I. INTRODUCTION

There has never been a statute, presidential edict, or proclamation that names a historical
Filipino person as a national hero. However, due to their crucial engagement in the process of
nation-building and their historical accomplishments, laws and proclamations were established
and declarations were made honoring these heroes. Even Jose Rizal, who is regarded as the greatest
of the Filipino heroes, did not have his status as a national hero declared in a formal declaration.
The place he currently occupies in Philippine history is a monument to the people's ongoing
worship or acclamation of him in honor of his role in the important socioeconomic changes our
nation underwent. They are still held in high regard for their contributions to Philippine history,
despite the absence of any official pronouncement officially naming them as national heroes
(National Commission for Culture and the Arts, n.d.). While some people refer to him as an
insurrectionist, most others view him as a hero. Others argue that revolutionary leaders like
Bonifacio and Aguinaldo are more deserving of the title because of their "hands-on" approach to
fighting for the country's independence and sovereignty. Some people are convinced that he is the
true recipient of the title "National Hero of the Philippines." A hero represents virtue. As he used
virtue, Jose Rizal gave us independence. Jose Rizal became the Philippines' national hero because
he battled for freedom in a quiet but effective manner. Instead of using violence or hostility, he
wrote books, essays, and articles to show his love for the Philippines. He was a very remarkable
individual for his period. He was modest, preferring to speak out in favor of improvements using
his words rather than starting a revolution. He used his intellect, skills, and abilities in a more
peaceful manner than behaving violently. To analyze the life of Jose Rizal, this paper will outline
and discuss his personal life and his public contribution.
 II. BODY

Born in Calamba on June 19, 1861, and passing away in Manila on December 30, 1896,
José Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, physician, and author. His full name is José Protasio Rizal
Mercado y Alonso Realonda. The son of a wealthy landowner, Rizal attended school in Manila
and the University of Madrid. He was a brilliant medical student who soon committed himself to
modifying Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines while never advocating for independence. He
spent the most of his writing time in Europe between 1882 and 1892, where he also lived (Rizal,
2023). Noli Me Tangere, Rizal's debut book, which vehemently criticized Spanish colonial
governance in the Philippines, was released in 1887. El Filibusterismo (1891), a sequel about the
"reign of greed," cemented his position as the leading voice of the Philippine reform movement.
He released an annotated edition (1890; republished 1958) of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las
Islas Filipinas, intending to illustrate that the native inhabitants of the Philippines had a lengthy
history before the entrance of the Spaniards. He became the leader of the Propaganda Movement,
writing several pieces to its publication, La Solidaridad, published in Barcelona.(Russell, 2017).

Figure 1. Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo

 The inclusion of the Philippines as a province of Spain, representation in the Cortes (the
Spanish parliament), the substitution of Filipino priests for Spanish friars, freedom of assembly
and speech, and legal equality between Filipinos and Spaniards were all part of Rizal's political
platform. Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892. Before being exiled to Dapitan in northwest
Mindanao, he founded the Liga Filipina, a nonviolent reform group. He remained in exile for the
next four years. A secret club of Filipino nationalists called the Katipunan revolted against Spain
in 1896. Rizal was detained and put on trial for sedition by the military despite the fact that he had
no ties to that group and had not participated in the uprising. He was publicly killed by a firing
squad in Manila after being found guilty. His sacrifice persuaded the Filipinos that breaking away
from Spain was their only option. While imprisoned in Fort Santiago on the eve of his death, Rizal
composed "Ultimo adiós," a classic of 19th-century Spanish lyric, often known as "Last Farewell"
(Matsui, 2019).

Figure 2. Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios

Through his literary works, Dr. José Rizal, the revered national hero of the Philippines,
expressed his vehement opposition to the mistreatment of Spaniards and transmitted messages that
he believed would motivate his fellow citizens. We compile his finest works and analyze their
underlying themes. Today, Rizal's literary creations—specifically, his two novels—remain
relevant and are still being studied by academics and other experts.
 III. ANALYSIS

We are continually looking for someone to uplift us and protect us from the aggravations
of our daily existence. We really need people who are truly concerned about finding a solution to
the crisis facing our nation. Sometimes, all we can do is hope of finding someone with the
extraordinary ability to love our nation with an unfathomable love, much like Jose P. Rizal.
Someone who would stand out for our rights, justice, and equality. Numerous instances
demonstrate that Rizal's compatriots both at home and abroad appreciated his leadership even
before the start of the struggle against Spain in 1896. He was overwhelmingly chosen by the
Filipinos in Barcelona and Madrid to serve as the honorary president of the La Solidaridad in the
early months of 1889. A few months later, in Paris, he founded the Indios Bravos and rose to the
position of chief. Rizal was once more overwhelmingly selected as the leader of the Spanish
Filipino group in January 1891. On July 3, 1892, in Manila, he was also the driving force behind
the formation of the La Liga Filipina (Bueno, 2012).

Rizal has been a dedicated son of the Philippines since he was a little boy. His desires for
a really free Filipino homeland gradually gained strength as he got older and was able to
comprehend both the beauty of the country and the sadness of its political subjugation. On the one
hand, he cherished the monarchy, the great Catholic religion, and the Spain of Cervantes that had
repelled the Muslim invasion. On the other hand, he felt imprisoned by the inescapable forces of
fate that appeared to be in charge of his people's fate (DeStephano, 2011).

The necessity for a government that respected its people and genuinely cared about the
common good was foremost in Rizal's thinking. The young scholar portrayed what he regarded to
be a government that was unworthy of the faith of its people in "Filipino Farmers," the first of his
essays to be published in La Solidaridad, which appeared on March 15, 1889. He also highlighted
the repercussions of such a kind of governance (Pasigui & Cabalu, 2014). Rizal wrote extensively
on his family, the actual essence of belief, his fascination with the natural world, his curiosity in
other cultures and languages, and his pursuit of justice throughout his life. But there is no denying
that his thoughts and deeds were overwhelmingly preoccupied with his native country. There is
little question that José Rizal's beloved Philippines served as his ultimate reality and purpose. If
one must die, at least let him die in his country, for the good of his country, and on behalf of his
country, as Rizal stated in yet another of his famous letters: "If one must die, at least let him die in
his country, for the good of his country, and on behalf of his country." It is therefore no surprise
that Rizal is still referred to as the "Father of the Philippine Homeland" and, to members of the
Filipino community (Bueno, 2012).

Either the revolution was incorrect or Dr. Rizal was incorrect; nonetheless, it cannot
repudiate him as a great man. Large, which has likewise opted to overlook this seeming
contradiction, is one option. Why should Jose P. Rizal be considered our national hero? It is simply
because he is someone who is appreciated for his traits and accomplishments. Furthermore, no
Filipino has ever been born who could match or outperform Rizal in terms of notable bravery,
initiative in peril, or perseverance under adversity.

Some in the US media around the start of the 20th century characterized Filipinos as
"pirates," "barbarians," "savages," and "incapable of civilization." Rep. Henry R. Cooper, the
author of the Philippine Bill of 1902, commonly known as the Cooper Act, claimed that Rizal's
poetry and stories "gave something to the House (of US Congress) akin to a miracle." This organic
act about the Philippines provided for the following: first, it extended the Bill of Rights to
Filipinos; second, it established an elective Philippine Assembly; third, it appointed two resident
commissioners to represent Filipinos in Washington. In addition, it kept the Philippine
Commission as the upper house of the legislature and the Philippine Assembly as the lower house;
and finally, it retained the Philippine Commission as the executive branch of government (Hilotin,
2021).
Despite the reality of youth that we witness, hear about, and read about on a daily basis,
Dr. Jose Rizal's renowned quote, "The young is the hope of our fatherland," still holds true. As a
result, we should keep empowering them to bring about change and push them to be our actual
future hope so that they may see their significance and their capacity to influence the course of our
Motherland's destiny. Therefore, let's work together to realize Dr. Jose Rizal's vision for our nation
in the present and for the future, which is to provide our children the information and skills they
need to achieve their goals and to inculcate in them the values that will guide them in the future.
 IV. RECOMMENDATION

Filipinos would do well to consider the moral values Rizal advocated in these challenging
times to put our own survival battles into perspective. Rizal embodied and portrayed the greatest
qualities of the Filipino people. Even in the face of imminent loss, the Katipunaneros were inspired
by his struggles and achievements to launch the Revolution against all odds and build Asia's first
sovereign Republic. And Rizal still motivates our generation to fight toward building a nation
where each Filipino may live in true freedom today (Fabillar, 2022). For Rizal, the major principles
of the Enlightenment were the expansion of individual liberty, social development, tolerance,
scientific understanding, constitutional governance, and the separation of church and state.
Together, they had a tendency to erode the power of the Church and the monarchy. They
questioned the veracity of established beliefs (Sicat, 2019).

Many historians think that Rizal was influenced by his tutor, Francesco Pi y Margall, who
supported federalism and autonomy for his home Catalonia in the short-lived First Spanish
Republic he presided over in 1873. The Duterte administration has been pressuring its
congressional supporters to support constitutional amendments that would change the nation's
unitary system of governance to a federal one. The Interior Department was given the mission by
the President to launch a national education campaign on federalism in collaboration with local
government agencies, civil society, grassroots groups, and religious institutions (Aning, 2016). In
1896, Rizal penned a manifesto while he was awaiting trial in which he voiced his opposition to
the violent uprising against Spain. He disclaimed using his name, which he said other radicals were
using to further certain ideologies. He asserted that he has consistently campaigned against and
stated that an armed revolution is ridiculous, unachievable, and catastrophic. Because reforms that
"come from below are inevitably both violent and temporary," he continued, reforms must "also
come from above." Hence, while we are fighting for freedom and reformation, let us be reminded
that Rizal himself was against bloodshed. It is ironic for a country who fights the same cause as
what Rizal fought for is entertaining the rampant bloodshed and cruelty amidst freedom.
 V. CONCLUSION AND WAY AHEAD

Through the quote "May his memory ignite the flame of patriotism inside us,” Rizal
showed us how selflessness and sacrifice might alter the course of our nation. The quote, which
was used by Vice President Sarah Duterte's inaugural speech, "The courage of Rizal completes the
fabric of our identity as Filipinos," stresses Dr. Jose Rizal's role in achieving "transformation" in
the nation. Therefore, let us all be motivated to live in accordance with God, nature, and the needs
and ambitions of the people in our own nation, the Philippines, so that we can all demonstrate our
love and obligation. Because they hold the key to a future of wealth and peace, our kids have the
capacity to bring about change as long as we give them a voice. The future of our country is also
in the hands of our kids. We should thus offer them the opportunity to speak up and be heard since
they possess fresh ideals, zeal, and the will to improve the world. Today, we examine Rizal's life
and works from that era. Young people nowadays could find inspiration from his life. Today's
youth might learn patriotic values from his strength and drive to free his homeland and love his
own country. His wonderful character, exceptional knowledge, and gifts will even inspire the next
generation to identify their own extraordinary gifts and apply them to advance our country. Today's
youth may learn from Rizal because he demonstrated more than a century ago that if and when
these young Filipinos simply concentrate on their aspirations, and genuinely work hard for them,
a thirst for knowledge and a passion for achievements, even under very tough conditions, are
feasible.
The greatest young Filipino, the greatest hero, and the greatest role model for all Filipinos
continues to be Jose Rizal. Unfortunately, these traits are the same ones that have made it difficult,
if not impossible, for Filipino youngsters to replicate the actions of none other than the nation's
hero for so many decades. The younger generation of today is hardly an exception. They struggle
with the elder generation, who continuously points out how highly pampered they are, how
unprepared they are for life, and how difficult it will be for them to study and live by Rizal's life
and deeds. However, the truth is, anyone may follow Rizal’s example, whether professionals, non-
professionals and even students like us, if they are sincere and give their all in their profession, are
self-disciplined, and have a genuine feeling of patriotism for their nation.
 VI. REFERENCES

Aning, C. O. A., Jerome. (2016, December 30). Follow Rizal’s lead, Filipinos told.
INQUIRER.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/857847/follow-rizals-lead-filipinos-told

Bueno, C. (2012). Jose P. Rizal: The National Hero.

DeStephano, M. (2011). José Rizal, the Quest for Filipino Independence, and the Search for
Ultimate Reality and Meaning. Ultimate Reality and Meaning, 34(1–2), 113–129.
https://doi.org/10.3138/uram.34.1-2.113

Fabillar, R. (2022). The Influence of Jose Rizal’s Literary Works in 21 st Century.

Hilotin, J. (2021, December 30). Jose Rizal: 12 facts you need to know about Philippines’
national hero | Philippines – Gulf News.
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/philippines/jose-rizal-12-facts-you-need-to-know-about-
philippines-national-hero-1.1640877609828

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (n.d.). Selection and Proclamation of National
Heroes and Laws Honoring Filipino Historical Figures. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from
https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/selection-and-proclamation-of-
national-heroes-and-laws-honoring-filipino-historical-figures/

Matsui, T. (2019). José Rizal: The Filipino Hero’s Life Illustrated. Published and exclusively
distributed by Anvil Publishing, Incorporated.

Pasigui, R. E., & Cabalu, D. H. (2014). Jose Rizal: The Man and the Hero : Chronicles,
Legacies, and Controversies. C& E Pub.

Rizal, J. (2023). Rizal’s Own Story of His Life. West Margin Press.

Russell, C. E. (2017). The Hero of the Filipinos: The Story of José Rizal, Poet, Patriot and
Martyr (Classic Reprint). Fb&c Limited.

Sicat, G. (2019, January 5). Jose Rizal’s ideals and ideas | Per Se.
https://econ.upd.edu.ph/perse/?p=7208
 VII. MESSAGE TO THE PROFESSOR

Social Science is one of the hardest subject to teach the students, especially when they are
not interested in the subject matter. In addition, in our case, the schedules for our class was not
smooth flowing since our schedule was not fitting to the available schedule. However, despite the
challenges that we encountered. You were still able to continue to teach us with energy,
compassion, and love. We saw how you exert your efforts in teaching us and we are greatly
privileged to experience that kind of passion from a professor like you. You were able to surpass
the standards of your students even they were high. As one of your students. I am happy and proud
to say that Sir Jumel G. Estrañero was one of my professors.