A.

ON RIZAL’S FAMILY
1.    What are the evidences of the affluence of Rizal's family?

Jose Rizal's family was considered to be affluent during his time, and there are several pieces of
evidence that support this claim:

1. Ownership of lands and properties: The Rizal family owned several pieces of land and properties,
including a large estate in Calamba, Laguna, which was considered to be one of the largest in the
province. 

2. Education: Education was expensive during Rizal's time, and the fact that his family was able to
provide him and his siblings with a good education is a sign of their affluence.

3. Business: The Rizal family was involved in various business ventures, including the production of
sugar and other agricultural products.

4. Social status: The Rizal family belonged to the principalia, a social class composed of the local
elites who held positions of power and influence in their communities.

5. Connections: The Rizal family had connections to other affluent families in their community,
including the Mercado family, to which Rizal's mother belonged. 

2. What are the influences of Rizal?

Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, had many influences on Philippine society and
culture.

1. Nationalism: Rizal's works, particularly his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo,"
sparked a sense of nationalism and patriotism among Filipinos. He exposed the injustices and
corruption in the Spanish colonial government, and his writings inspired the Filipino people to fight
for their independence.
2. Education: Rizal believed that education was essential in achieving a better future for the
Philippines. He advocated for the establishment of schools and universities that would provide
quality education to Filipinos.
3. Social reform: Rizal was a champion of social reform, advocating for the rights of the Filipino
people and the improvement of their living conditions. He fought against social inequality,
discrimination, and oppression.
4. Literature: Rizal's works are an important part of Philippine literature. His novels are considered
masterpieces of Filipino literature and have influenced generations of writers and artists.
5. Human rights: Rizal was a strong advocate for human rights and believed that every individual
should be treated with dignity and respect. He spoke out against the abuses of the Spanish colonial
government and advocated for the rights of the oppressed.

Rizal's legacy has been significant in shaping Philippine history and culture. His ideas and beliefs
continue to inspire Filipinos today to fight for a better future for their country.
 

3. Is Rizal's family rich? Why the Rizal family considered rich family?
Yes, Rizal's family was considered wealthy during his time. They were one of the richest families in
Calamba, Laguna, where they owned large tracts of land and had several businesses. Rizal's father,
Francisco Mercado, was a farmer, a minor official, and a leaseholder of a hacienda, which
contributed to the family's wealth. The Rizal family's wealth and education allowed Jose Rizal to
pursue his studies abroad, where he studied medicine, literature, and the arts. It also provided him
with the financial resources to support his writing and activism, allowing him to travel and publish
his works.

B. ON HIS EDUCATION 
1.    How does Rizal value education?

Jose Rizal placed a high value on education and believed that it was essential in achieving a better
future for the Philippines. He believed that education was the key to social progress and personal
growth. Rizal said, "Education is the foundation of society and the key to its success." To Rizal,
education was not just a means to personal advancement but also a tool for social reform and nation-
building. He believed that an educated society was a progressive society, and that education was
essential in achieving political, economic, and social progress for the Philippines.

2. Who taught Rizal the value of education?

Rizal's parents, Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso, played a significant role in teaching him the
value of education. They were both highly educated themselves and recognized the importance of
education in their son's future. Rizal's mother, Teodora Alonso, was particularly influential in
shaping his early education. She was a well-educated woman who had been denied admission to
college because of her gender, but she was determined to ensure that her children received a good
education. She taught Rizal how to read and write at a young age and instilled in him a love of
learning.

3. How was Rizal as a student?

    In Ateneo
Jose Rizal was an exceptional student during his time at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, which is
now known as the Ateneo de Manila University. Rizal was an outstanding student who excelled in
his studies. He was recognized for his academic achievements and was awarded medals for
excellence in various subjects. He was also known for his talents in poetry and writing, and his
mastery of multiple languages. Rizal's academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular
activities during his time at the Ateneo are a testament to his intelligence, dedication, and well-
roundedness as a student.

    In Santo Tomas
After completing his secondary education at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Jose Rizal pursued
higher education at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. Rizal's time at UST was marked
by his academic excellence and his involvement in various extracurricular activities. He continued to
excel in his studies, consistently earning high grades and academic recognition. However, his
experience at UST was not without challenges. He faced discrimination and prejudice as a Filipino
student in a predominantly Spanish academic environment. Rizal's time at UST was an important
period in his life, shaping his views on education, nationalism, and social justice.

    In Madrid
As a student in Madrid, Rizal continued to excel academically, earning high grades in his studies. He
also continued to write and publish his works, including his first novel, "Noli Me Tangere," which
was published in 1887. The novel exposed the injustices and abuses committed by the Spanish
colonial government in the Philippines and became a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution. Rizal's
time as a student in Madrid was marked by his academic excellence, his literary achievements, and
his involvement in political and cultural circles that were advocating for reform in the Philippines.
His experiences in Madrid played a significant role in shaping his views on nationalism, social
justice, and the struggle for Philippine independence.

C. ON HIS WRITINGS

1. CHOOSE TWO POEMS WRITTEN BY RIZAL THAT VALUE THE IMPORTANCE OF

EDUCATION. EXPLAIN

One of Rizal's poems that emphasizes the importance of education is "Through Education Our
Motherland Receives Light". In this poem, Rizal argues that education is the key to progress and
enlightenment for the Philippines. He writes, "Through education, our motherland receives light /
And in her bosom, the dawn of the day's delight / The country's well-being, its welfare and fate / Are
dependent on the education it shall create." Rizal believed that education was essential for the
development of the country and that it would help to liberate the Filipino people from poverty and
oppression. He believed that education would help to create a more just and equal society.

Another poem by Rizal that stresses the importance of education is "To the Filipino Youth" . In this
poem, Rizal calls on the youth of the Philippines to pursue their education and to use their talents and
abilities for the good of their country. He writes, "Oh, youth of my homeland, you are the hope of my
nation / On your shoulders rests the future of the Philippine nation / Rise, O youth, and take your
stand / For the country's sake, lend a hand." Rizal believed that education was the key to the future of
the Philippines, and he saw the youth as the key to bringing about change and progress in the
country. He believed that education would enable them to become leaders and agents of change in
society, and to work towards the betterment of their country and their people.

2. Based on his Essay - The Indolence of the Fipinos.... What were the justifications he made
just to prove that Filipinos are not indolent? As part of this generation, how will you defend
that we are not indolent.

Jose Rizal's essay "The Indolence of the Filipinos" argued against the notion that Filipinos were
indolent, lazy, and lacked initiative. In the essay, Rizal pointed out several factors that contributed to
the perceived indolence of Filipinos, including:

1. Climate: Rizal argued that the tropical climate of the Philippines, with its extreme heat and
humidity, made it difficult for people to work long hours without rest.
2. History: Rizal also suggested that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines had created a system
that discouraged hard work and initiative, as the Spanish rulers sought to maintain control over the
population.
3. Lack of education: Rizal argued that the lack of education and access to opportunities for learning
and advancement also contributed to the perception of Filipino indolence.

Today, as a member of this generation, there are many ways to defend against the notion that
Filipinos are indolent. Firstly, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of Filipinos in various
fields, such as in the arts, sports, science, technology, and business. Secondly, it is important to
recognize the challenges faced by many Filipinos, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and
limited opportunities for advancement, which can make it difficult for them to succeed.

As individuals, we can work hard and strive for excellence in our own fields, while also advocating
for policies and programs that address the systemic issues that contribute to poverty and inequality.
We can also support initiatives that promote education and skills development, and celebrate the
achievements of Filipinos who have overcome these challenges to succeed.