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First Lecture GEC 109

Hero- is a prominent or central personage taking an admirable part in any remarkable

action or event
- a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger or fortitude in suffering.
- A man honored after death by public worship because of his exceptional service to
mankind

Criteria for Heroism

1. To lead a life of exemplary achievement-to be outstanding in one’s character, work

selfless service to others or a combination of these.
2. To leave behind a record of one’s achievement in creative work, writings , inventions or
service to the group, community or nation.
3. To obtain in death or after death, a degree of recognition from his peers and the future
generation
4. To live or die during a period of significant changes in the nation’s history and to be part
of these changes.
5. A true hero must embody the ideals of his people.

Why was Rizal considered as the foremost national hero

1. Rizal’s teachings still hold relevance and meaning to our time.

2. .His life is an example of self-abnegation for the love of country in spite of himself, family
and personal convenience.

3. .He bequeathed to us the legacy of freedom, the thirst for liberty and the value of human
dignity and honor..

Rizal as the “First Filipino” Leon Ma. Guerero

1. He was the first who sought to unite the entire archipelago and envisioned a compact and
homogeneous society of all tribal communities from Batanes to Sulu Sea based on common
interest and mutual protection.
2. He was the first who taught that the Filipinos could be something else, Filipinos who can
be member of the family of nations.
3. He was first in the heart of many Filipinos.

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