GED1102 Life and Works of Jose Rizal

MODULE 6
LEGACIES AND OTHER HEROES

PROLOGUE: Reading Assignment on Jose Rizal & Sun Yat Sen: “Asia’s Foremost
Nationalists

Three (3) Important Things I realized from the readings (Elaborate)

1. One important thing I realized from the readings is that distance is not a hindrance in
fulfilling one’s commitment to a noble purpose. Both Jose Rizal and Sun Yat Sen spent
their time abroad. Rizal spent his time abroad to learn what he can contribute to help the
betterment of the Philippines and for the betterment of the life of his fellow countrymen,
he traveled the world never forgetting the Philippines. While Sun Yat Sen spent his time
abroad as a political exile, he still made a way to free China from the Qing dynasty. Even
though Rizal and Sun Yat Sen were away, it didn’t stop them to fulfill their purpose.

2. The second important thing I realized from the reading is that you shouldn’t give up
because when one door closes, another one will open. When Sun Yat Sen wrote a letter
composed of his opinions and suggestions on how to strengthen China to the Governor-
General of Zhili, it was rejected. But Sun Yet Sun didn’t lose hope, he looked for another
option. When his campaign to promote political, social, and religious change did not
work, he shifted to revolutionary means. He founded an organization called Revive China
Society, which was composed of Chinese revolutionaries and expatriates belonging to the
lower class, such as clerks, peasants, and artisans. They launched a series of coups to
overthrow the Qing dynasty.

3. And the last important thing I realized from the reading is that
EPILOGUE: Assessment on Jose Rizal & Sun Yat Sen: Asia’s Foremost Nationalists

My Assessment of Jose Rizal & Sun Yat Sen

1. What are the parallelism in the lives of Jose Rizal and Sun Yat Sen? Explain.
First is that Sun Yat Sen was full-blooded Chinese and Dr. Jose Rizal has also Chinese
blood from his ancestors. The second was both of them studied in western countries,
Rizal studied in Europe while Sun Yat Sen studied in Hawaii. The third is that they were
both doctors, Rizal specialized in Ophthalmology while Sun Yat Sen was a medical
doctor. The fourth similarity between the two is that they were both intellectuals in their
own country. The fifth is both Jose Rizal and Sun Yat Sen were nationalists, reformists,
and propagandists, but Sun Yat Sen, later on, becomes a revolutionary. And lastly, they
both became the National hero of their own country for their efforts in leading their
people to achieve liberty from invaders who ruled their countries for a long time.

2. Agree/Disagree: Jose Rizal is a world class hero. Why/Why not?

Dr. Jose Rizal is a world-class hero as he played a vital and essential role in the country’s
fight for freedom. Unlike other heroes, he did not resort to violence. He didn’t bear arms
and he used his pen as a weapon. He fought for freedom in a silent but powerful way. His
love for the Philippines and his fellow countrymen was unconditional. Even up to his
death, he’s still thinking about the Philippines. He used his intelligence, skills, and talents
to free the country from the Spanish regime. His selflessness and courage are the reason
why he is a world-class hero. His greatness was known to the whole world.

3. Prove: Rizal and Sun Yat Sen are nationalist leaders.

Dr. Jose Rizal and Sun Yat Sen lead a campaign for political, social, and economic
freedom in the Philippines and in China. They both showed a tremendous amount of love
and devotion to their respective countries. Their devotion and commitment helped their
fellow countrymen in overthrowing the tyrannical regimes that afflicted their country.
Even when they were in exile, they gave huge contributions to the betterment of their
country. And even though they did not participate directly in the revolution, they became
the inspiration and guiding force of those partakers that led to the success of the
revolution. The impact of their lives in their respective countries is the reason why they
are nationalist leaders.
 4. Create a composition of characteristics for your ideal 21st century leaders.

The characteristics of my ideal 21st-century leaders are:

 A leader who shows up in the most difficult moments
 A leader who motivates and inspires – he/she influences others to grow.
 A leader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way – a person who
has plans; he/she knows what he’s/she’s doing; he/she knows the problem and
offers a solution for it.
 A leader who has high integrity – a person who is honest and trustworthy
 A leader who is compassionate – a person who shows the ability to understand
and empathize with their constituents.
 A leader who is brave – a person who stands up for what is right, and has the
courage to fight, not in a violent way, for the right of the people.
 A leader who is conscious – a person who is aware of the happenings of the
people they govern, and is aware of what is happening to the community, who
doesn’t turn a blind eye, and who does not tolerate the wrongdoings of others,
 A leader who is ethical – a person who has moral principles and is not corrupt.

5. Find present-day leaders who exude Rizalian values and characteristics.

For me, a present-day leader who exudes Rizalian values and characteristics is the former
Vice President of the Philippines, Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. She possesses the
characteristics of being a good leader. She has an extraordinary ability to inspire her
supporters to become compassionate and patriotic. She encouraged and ignited the power
of volunteerism. Her office also garnered the highest audit rating from Commission on
Audit. She supports the Full Disclosure Bill, which promotes honest, transparent, and
orderly management of public funds. And in the most difficult moments, she was there.
During typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, pandemic, etc. she was always on the
ground. She’s a hands-on leader. She’s always ready to help her people. She provided
what they needed. And all her programs are a success because of the help of the
volunteers, who see the good in her governance. She’s the president we never had.

References:
Butuyan, J.R. (2022). Wanted: A Leader who inspires.
https://opinion.inquirer.net/152457/wanted-a-leader-who-inspires