COMMENTARY

Rizal 101: Remembering

the man
By: Rado Gatchalian - @inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:03 AM June 19, 2019

Today’s generation may see Rizal as an idea, a symbol, an epitome of

national pride, excellence and patriotism. But this idea may either
prosper or die in vain.

As we move to a sophisticated, more technologically advanced time,

everything changes. Every teaching is ultimately tested by a criterion
known as pragmatism. An idea can only survive the challenges of time if
its concept can be translated into actions, result-driven and predictable.

So, how about Rizal and his teachings? How can they prosper and last?
How can they influence the fate of our nation? How can we ensure that
his legacy is remembered?

As we commemorate and celebrate his birthday every June 19 and his

martyrdom every Dec. 30, we need to ask: Have we turned into blind
followers or, worse, ignorant followers? Do we celebrate because we
understand his writings and teachings? Do we commemorate because we
emulate him?

Or do we admire the man just because it feels good to be part of this

national consciousness?

Has Rizal Day become just a day of ritual wreath-offering?

Does Renato Constantino’s “Veneration without Understanding” ring true

in our case?
How many of us have read his novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El
Filibusterismo”? How many Filipinos have dissected the meaning of his
last poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios”? Have we really understood what he fought
for through his works and writings? Some will even argue that he never
“fought,” as he was not a revolutionary man like Bonifacio but a
reformist.

Do we really know him? And if we know him, do we follow him?

Knowing Rizal is different from “doing” Rizal. Knowledge may blossom,

but wisdom is rare.

It is time to examine our national consciousness, particularly how we

identify ourselves and our sense of nationhood with this man we profess
to admire.

There is no harm in admiring this hero. But the challenge is to live as

Filipinos according to Rizal’s teachings.

Who really is Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal? This is the question every Filipino
should seek and understand. How we see him is how we see our country.

Rizal was rational. A man of intellect and high integrity.

He was a seeker of knowledge. Rizal was prepared to question authority

and the Church.

Rizal was a reflective man. He translated his ideas into voluminous words

and writings.

Rizal was an action man. He was not idle. Wherever he went, he achieved
great things.

We Filipinos who say we admire him and take pride as the heirs of his
heroism: Do we seek knowledge? Do we question authority, even that of
the Church? Do we love to read and write? Do we help our fellow
Filipinos and contribute to our society?

We need to be truthful to the Rizalian cause. It is a challenge. It is a must

that we read his works. For how can we know him if we haven’t read any
of his writings?

Thus, a pragmatic issue is at hand. Will his works become obsolete? Will
the new generation find joy reading his novels amid the onslaught of
technology? Rizal’s life and teachings will fade if we will fail to commit to
study and follow him.

Rizal’s love for his country was eternal and sublime. Let this legacy
remain vibrant in each Filipino. 
A challenge, then, for all of us: Before we pay our respects to him and
offer flowers at his statue, let us nurture the hunger to seek out and learn
from his writings and ideas. Then, let us strive to follow his example, in
words and in deeds.

May his ideas become alive in all of us. Let them not die in vain.

***

Rado Gatchalian is from Dagupan City, Pangasinan. He moved to Sydney,

Australia, in 2006. He is currently the vice president of the Philippine
Community Council of New South Wales, the peak body of Filipino groups
in NSW. He writes poetry and regularly contributes to The Philippine
Community Herald Newspaper, a Sydney-based newspaper. He is an
ardent admirer of Rizal

Source: https://opinion.inquirer.net/122060/rizal-101-remembering-the-
man#ixzz7ulcht9kf