CHAPTER Introduction to the Study of Rizal’s Life, Works and Writings Ci need to understand the which he died. Moreover, Laurel believed Tesionate in studying any subject that by reading and studying Rizals life, area is imperative for a learner to appreciate teachings and writings, Filipino youth will it, This chapter is geared towards introducing be able to gain incorruptible confidence, students enrolled in Rizal Course on the direction, courage, and determination to heed to study the life, works, and writings of move forward in our peoples journey our national hero and on some issues on the towards an abundant life. heroism of Rizal. From the policy statements of the Rizal Law enacted in 1956, itis evident that the teaching of the life, works, and writings Rizal Law and the Teaching of our national hero seeks to accomplish the of Rizal Course following objectives: Republic Act 1425, otherwise known > To rededicate the lives of the youth to as the Rizal Law, mandates the teaching of the ideals of freedom and nationalism, the life, works, and writings of Rizal in all for which our heroes lived and died; schools in the country. According to the > To pay tribute to our national hero for late Senator Jose P. Laurel, who sponsored devoting his life and works in shaping the said law, since Rizal was the founder of _ the Filipino character; Filipino nationality and the architect of the > ‘To gainaninspitingsource of patriotism | Filipino nation, there isa need to know and —_thru the study of Riza’ life, works, and ' the great ideals and principles for writings.‘The teaching of Rizal Course in higher education institutions in our country today is anchored on the patriotic policy statements of Rizal Law and the patriotic goals set by the then Board on National Education (Capino et al, 1997). These goals are as follows: > To recognize the relevance of Rizal's ideals, thoughts, teachings, and life values to present conditions in the community; > To apply Rizal’ ideas in the solution of day-to-day situations and problems in contemporary life; > To develop an understanding and appreciation of the qualities, behavior and character of Rizal; and > To foster the development of moral character, personal discipline, citizen- ship and vocational efficiency among the Filipino youth. Rizal, A True Filipino Hero In many countries in the world, the leader is almost always chosen. We can mention Lenin of Russia, Mao Tse-Tung of China, Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and Washington of the United States. In the Philippines our national hero, Jose Rizal ‘was not a man of war but a man of peace. Why not Bonifacio, considering that he led the revolution of 1896 against Spain? Who chose Rizal to be our country’s national hero? ‘Among the country’s national heroes, Jose Rizal stands out. To many Filipi he is the national hero of the Philippines. Actually, Rizal is only one of the country’s national heroes who include Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Marcelo H. del Pilar and others more. They helped guide in the formation of the Filipino national spirit and the Philippine nation-state. All of these heroes are exemplars for all Filipinos to follow. .ytothebeliefof many Filip z ot an Americal-sponso na Historian Renato Constantino (955 Ntmed that it was the Americans see response iat ensorning Mince the Philippine national hero. He cited thy forts of the Taft Commission in 19q g ked Rizal from a group of heroes, which included Emilio Aguinaldo, Andre, Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini. ‘Another eminent historian Teodor, Agoncillo (1986) writes that Rizal way acceptable as @ national hero to the ‘Americans because he was the symbol of jesimilation, which was their policy they in the Philippines. Rizal never favored revolution but the slow process of evolution through education which suited American objectives. There were other factors, which contributed to Rizal’s acceptability as the official hero of the Philippines. These factor according to Constantino (1969) were the following: > Rizal was already dead at the time the . Americans began their aggression in the Philippines. > No embarrassing anti-American quotations could ever be attributed to Rizal. > Rizal’s dramatic martyrdom had alrea made him the symbol of Spanish oppression. Contrat In reality, itis the Filipinos themselves who chose Rizal as their national hero. This could be seen in tributes to him during his lifetime and immediately after his death. The Katipuneros considered him the honorary leader of the Katipunan. His guidance was was sought by its emissaries when Dr. Pio Valenzuela visited him in Dapitan in 1892. Rizal’s name was one of the passwords ofthe secret society which swore to fight for the country’s freedom.Two years after his death, General Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree on December 20, 1898 ordering that December 30, the anniversary of Rizal's execution at Bagumbayan, be commemorated as “a day of mourning for Rizal and other victims of the Philippine Revolution.” This decree became the basis of the yearly celebration of Rizal Day. On this day, the Philippine Flag, especially at Rizal Park. Later, the Philippine ‘Commission set aside December 30 as a day of observance, by virtue of Act No.345. The early admiration for Rizal is manifested in the erection of the first monument in his honor. On December 30, 1898, a group of masons erected a simple monument in Daet, Camarines Norte. The monument bore the words “A Jose Rizal” (To Jose Rizal), as well as the words “Noli Me ‘Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo? the titles of his two important novels and the word “Morga” which refers to the book “Sucesos inas” annotated by Rizal in 1890 to correct Spanish misinterpretations in the book written by Antonio Morga during the 17* century, The monument at Daet antedates the better known monument at Luneta in Manila, which was erected in 1911, Though the monument in Luneta ‘was erected during the American Regime, it is the Filipino people themselves that helped build the monument through public subscriptions. This was authorized by Act No. 243 of the Philippine Commission. Another proof of the Filipinos widespread admiration for Rizal is the construction of myriad monuments. in his honor in most cities and towns of the country. Also many main streets and avenues in the various towns and cities are named afier him. One province, Rizal Province, formerly part of the province of Manila, was named in his honor by virtue of ‘Act No. 137 of the Philippine Commission. Even Filipino businessmen named their businesses after Rizal, as a sign of their admiration and respect. Thus, we ‘can see at least one bank, a cement brand evene a match named afier him. At least to universities (Jose Rizal University and Rizal ‘Technological University) were named after hhim. The basic unit of Philippine currency, the present one peso coin bears his likeness, ‘All one peso denominations bear his image. ‘Allofthese are outward signs ofthe Filipinos adulation for Rizal and his achievements. Heis truly a heor of the Filipinos. In making Rizal as our Filipino national hero, a number of conclusions can be drawn (Guerrero, 1998). 1. Since the Filipinos love peace, they have chosen to magnify a man of peace above the men of war. 2, Because Filipinos are lovers of freedom andjustice,theyhave given their worship toa man who gave up all comforts and pleasures of peace for their sake. 3. Filipinos prize virtue more than victory, and sacrifice above success. Despite the controversy on Rizal’ heroism, it cannot be denied that he gave form to the aspiration of the Filipino people, thereby giving rise to our people's nationalist struggle. Due to Rizal's qualities, he was able to serve the pressing needs of the people. In the words of Constantino (1969), Rizal is a hero in the sense that he was able to see the problems generated by historical forces, discern the new social needs created by the historical development of new social relationships, and take an active part in meeting these needs, He was a hero considering that he served the Filipino people by consciously articulating the ‘unconscious course of events. To Guerrero (1998), Rizal was the first Filipino. This was because it was Rizal who first called the Philippines his fatherland. Tt was he who taught his countrymen thatthey could be something else, Filipinos who Were members of the Filipino nation. He was the first to work towards the unification of the Philippine archipelago into a compact and homogeneous body based on common interests and mutual protection. Rizal, Pioneer Asian Nationalist Leader Rizal was born in the decade when other nationalist leaders of Asia were born: ‘Mohandas Gandhi; Rabindaranath Tagore and Sun Yat-Sen, According to Coates (1968), all the four challenged the West. Of the four, Rizal was the most remarkable because his ideas matured at an early age. At the time that Gandhi was a schoolboy and Sun Yat-Sen was a student, Rizal was already articulating lucidly in his speeches, articles and letters his views ofa completely different relationship between Asia and Europe—that the Asians must be regarded by Europe as equals. Rizal was the first exponent of Asian nationalism since he was the source of inspiration for the outbreak ofthe Philippine Revolution of 1896 (De Ocampo, 1969). Although Rizal opposed the revolution because it was premature and inadequately organized, the revolution broke out, which can be considered the first genuine uprising by an Asian people against Western colonialism. Fisher (1962) even called Rizal the Pioneer Exponent of Liberal Democracy in Asia. According to her, even before Gandhi and Sun Yat-Sen began, their career of political agitation, Rizal through his essays, letters, and novels had already spoken out with firmness and courage ideas on liberal democracy. These ideas include the following: > The worth and dignity of the individual; > The inviolability of human rights; ity of all men and races me government ay, rocess of laws . i ear sovereignty @ the basis of ay) pul authority palitcal author Fegson and enlighten, > Faith in b ment > The sighis tions an > belt in social progress through freedom. Rizal was assert that the principles be ¢s benefit of the Asi that the basic tenet 5 of the masses (0 public 5 the first Asian leader tg aforementioned ideas ang tablished in Asia for the fans, It was through Rizal s of modern and social ocracy were given a major voice in Asi fart it time. Thus, Rizal deserves to be called the First Asian Nationalist Leader. Major Periods in the Life of Rizal ‘There are four major periods in the life of Rizal: 1861-1872; 1872-1882; 1882-1892; and 1892-1896 (Celedonio, 1982). First Period (1861-1872). This was the period when the young Rizal learned how to read, write and listened to stories that triggered imaginative and critical thinking on his part. It was a period when the following values and virtues were developed in him: industriousness instead of idleness, creativeness instead of unproductive-ness, rationality instead of blind acceptance; and dignity instead of servility. Second Period (1872-1882). This was the first turning point in the life of Rizal. He was then 11 years and was enrolled at Ateneo Municipal, despite the objection of his mother. It was the period when Fathers Gomer, Burgos, and Zamora were unjustly executed by the Spanish government. ‘The martyrdom of these three priests led Rizal to be awakened to the abuses of the regime and+ atthesame time led him to devote himself in the future to avenge the victims of injustices and cruelties of the Spanish colonizers. Other significant developments in his life during this period include the following: > Strengthening of his rel foundation; as > Cultivation of the drive toward excellence; ¥ Conception of the Philippines as his fatherland; Baretta: > Envisioning the Philippines receiving light thru education; and : > Perception of the intimate alliance between religion and education. ‘Third Period (1882-1892). The year 1882 was the second major turning point in the life of Rizal. It was at this time that Rizal decided to leave the Philippines to escape persecution. He went to Europe and everywhere he went, Rizal was always an observer and a student, earning from Jing he saw, read, and heard, He urged the Filipino colony in Spain to prove that Filipinos can compete with the Europeans in | intellect and talent. Thru his membership in ‘exclusive societies of scholars and scientists in Europe where he presented monographs and was greatly appreciated, Rizal provided his compatriots an example During this period, Rizal took part in the Propaganda Movement, based in Europe. “Through his articles, essays, and novels, he sought to make truthful disclosures of the political, socal, and economic conditions in the Philippines. Fourth Period (1892-1896). The year 1892 can be considered the last turning point in the life of our national hero, before his martyrdom on December 30, 1896. Rizal was exiled in Dapitan. It was here in Dapitan, where Rizal demonstrated what an individual can do and accomplish within short period of time. It was here where he detached his connection with politics and devoted more of his time in practical service and usefulness to the community Chapter Re 1. What isthe legal basis for the teaching of the life, works, and writings of Rizal in higher education institutions in the country? 2, Why is there a need to study the life, works, and writings of Rizal according to the late Senator Jose P. Laurel? +3, What are the objectives forthe teaching of Rizal life, works and writings based con the Rizal Law? 4. What are the patriotic goals set forth by the then National Board of Education for the offering of Rizal Course in colleges and universities? 5, Why did Constantino consider Rizal as an American-sponsored hero? 6. Why is Rizal not an American- sponsored hero according to Guerrero? 7. Why was Rizal considered by Coates and De Ocampo as the First Exponent of Asian Nationalism? 8, Why was Rizal the First Exponent of Liberal Democracy in Asia, according to Fisher? 9, What are the four major periods in the life of Rizal? Discuss briefly the important developments that took place ineach of these periods. 10. What conclusions can be drawn from the Filipinos’ choice of Rizal as the national hero? 11, Why was Rizal considered the First Filipino? 12, Why was Rizal acceptable to the Americans as the official hero of the Philippines? 13, Why was Rizal ahero despite his being ‘man of peace and not a man of wat?