4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

UNIT 5: Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism

4.0 Learning Outcome
1. Interpret views and opinions about bayani and kabayanihan in the
context of the Philippine history and society.
2. Assess the concepts of bayani and kabayanihan in the context of
Philippine society.
3. Examine the values highlighted by the various represented of Rizal
as a national symbol.

4.1 Introduction

Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only admired for possessing
intellectual brilliance but also for taking a stand and resisting the Spanish colonial
government. While his death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will
always be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino people and the
country.

4.2 Topic/Discussion (with assessment /Activities)

To the Women of Malolos

A wise philosopher once said that the only permanent in this world is
change. Man evolved and innovated himself to cope up with the need
of the changing world. Filipino is not exempted with this reality, yet the
teaching of Jose Rizal through his writings transcends time and changes.
We will try to discuss these lessons and his heroism in this learning
packet, but before anything else, it us first examine some changes
occurred through time by having a short activity.

Activity
Based on how you observe how Filipino change true time, give 5
differences of the Filipina in the time of Jose Rizal with the modern
Filipina.

Filipina in 1980s Modern Filipina

1.

2.

3.
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

4.

4.2.1 To the Women of Malolos

“To the Women of Malolos” was originally
written in Tagalog. Rizal penned this writing
when he was in London, in response to the
request of Marcelo H. del Pilar. The salient
points contained in this letter are as follows:
1. The rejection of the spiritual authority Figure 1. An artist imaginative depiction
of the 20 women handing to the Weyler
of the friars – not all of the priests in
the country that time embodied the true spirit of Christ and His Church.
Most of them were corrupted by worldly desires and used worldly
methods to effect change and force discipline among the people.
2. The defense of private judgment.
3. Qualities Filipino mothers need to possess – as evidenced by this portion
of his letter, Rizal is greatly concerned of the welfare of the Filipino
children and the homes they grow up in.
4. Duties and responsibilities of Filipino mothers to their children
5. Duties and responsibilities of a wife to her husband – Filipino women
are known to be submissive, tender, and loving. Rizal states in this
portion of his letter how Filipino women ought to be as wives, in order
to preserve the identity of the race.
6. Counsel to young women on their choice of a lifetime partner.
Rizal’s Message to Filipino Women
Jose Rizal was greatly impressed by the fighting spirit that the young women
of Malolos had shown. In his letter, he expresses great joy and satisfaction over
the battle they had fought. In this portion of Rizal’s letter, it is obvious that his
ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same opportunities as those
received by men in terms of education. During those days young girls were not
sent to school because of the universal notion that they would soon only be
taken as wives and stay at home with the children. Rizal, however, emphasizes
on freedom of thought and the right to education, which must be granted to
both boys and girls alike.
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

The Responsibilities of Filipino Mothers to Their Children

Rizal stipulates a number of important points in this portion of his letter to the
young women of Malolos. The central idea here, however, is that whatever a
mother shows to her children is what the children will become also. If the
mother is always kissing the hand of the friars in submission, then her children
will grow up to be sycophants and mindless fools who do nothing but do as
they are told, even if the very nature of the task would violate their rights as
individuals.

Qualities Mothers Have to Possess

Rizal enumerates the qualities Filipino
mothers have to possess:
1. Be a noble wife.
2. Rear her children in the service of
the state – here Rizal gives reference
to the women of Sparta who
embody this quality
3. Set standards of behavior for men
Figure 2. Artist depicting Filipino
around her. mother.

Rizal’s Advice to Unmarried Men and Women:

Jose Rizal points out to unmarried women that they should not be easily taken
by appearances and looks, because these can be very deceiving. Instead, they
should take heed of men’s firmness of character and lofty ideas. Rizal further
adds that there are three things that a young woman must look for a man she
intends to be her husband:
1. A noble and honored name
2. A manly heart
3. A high spirit incapable of being satisfied with engendering slaves
Analysis
“To the Women of Malolos” centers around five salient points (Zaide &
Zaide, 1999):
1. Filipino mothers should teach their children about the love of God,
country and fellowmen.
2. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to
offer their sons in defense of their country
3. Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

4. Filipino women should educate themselves aside from retaining their

good racial values
5. Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is
living the real Christian way with good morals and manners.

Relevance in today’s society

1. There are often times that
mothers forget their roles to their
children because of the
overriding idea of having to earn
enough money to help the father
sustain the family’s needs
2. Activism of the Feminist groups Figure 3. Gabrilla Partylist
in our country (e.g. Gabriella)

4.2.2 The Indolence of the Filipinos

La Indolencia de los Filipinos, more popularly known in its English version,

"The Indolence of the Filipinos," is a exploratory essay written by Philippine
national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, to explain the alleged idleness of his people
during the Spanish colonization.
Summary
• The Indolence of the Filipinos is a study of the causes why the people
did not, as was said, work hard during the Spanish regime. Rizal
pointed out that long before the coming of the Spaniards, the Filipinos
were industrious and hardworking. The Spanish reign brought about a
decline in economic activities because of certain causes:
o First, the establishment
of the Galleon Trade cut off all
previous associations of
the Philippines with other
countries in Asia and the
Middle East. As a
result, business was only
conducted with Spain
through Mexico. Because of
this, the small businesses and
handicraft industries that
Figure 4. Artist depicting the hardworking flourished during the pre-
Filipino. Spanish period gradually
disappeared.
4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

o Second, Spain also

extinguished the natives’
love of work because of the
implementation of forced
labor. Because of the wars
between Spain and other
countries in Europe as well
as the Muslims in
Mindanao, the Filipinos
were compelled to work in
shipyards, roads, and other
Figure 5. “The Spanish Conquest of The public works, abandoning
Aztec Nation” By Diego Rivera agriculture, industry, and
commerce.
o Third, Spain did not protect the people against foreign invaders
and pirates. With no arms to defend themselves, the natives were
killed, their houses burned, and their lands destroyed. As a result
of this, the Filipinos were forced to become nomads, lost interest
in cultivating their lands or in rebuilding the industries that were
shut down, and simply became submissive to the mercy of God.
o Fourth, there was a crooked system of education, if it was to be
considered an education. What was being taught in the
schools were repetitive prayers and other things that could not be
used by the students to lead the country to progress. There were
no courses in Agriculture, Industry, etc., which were badly
needed by the Philippines during those times.
o Fifth, the Spanish rulers were a bad example to despise manual
labor. The officials reported to work at noon and left early, all the
while doing nothing in line with their duties. The women were
seen constantly followed by servants who dressed them and
fanned them – personal things which they ought to have done for
themselves.
o Sixth, gambling was
established and widely
propagated during those
times. Almost every day there
were cockfights, and during
feast days, the government
officials and friars were the first
to engage in all sorts of bets and
gambles.
o Seventh, there was a crooked
Figure 6. Gambling in the time of
system of religion. The friars
Spanish colony taught the naïve Filipinos that it
was easier for a poor man to
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

enter heaven, and so they preferred not to work and remain poor
so that they could easily enter heaven after they died.
o Lastly, the taxes were extremely high, so much so that a huge
portion of what they earned went to the government or to the
friars. When the object of their labor was removed and they were
exploited, they were reduced to inaction.
• Rizal admitted that the Filipinos did not work so hard because they were
wise enough to adjust themselves to the warm, tropical climate. “An
hour’s work under that burning sun, in the midst of pernicious
influences springing from nature in activity, is equal to a day’s labor in
a temperate climate.”

Analysis
1. It is important to note that indolence in the Philippines is a chronic
malady, but not a hereditary one. Truth is, before the Spaniards arrived
on these lands, the natives were industriously conducting business with
China, Japan, Arabia,
Malaysia, and other
countries in the Middle
East. The reasons for this
said indolence were
clearly stated in the essay,
and were not based only
on presumptions, but
were grounded on fact
taken from history. Figure 7. Arrival of the Spanish
2. Another thing that we
might add that had caused this indolence, is the lack of unity among the
Filipino people. In the absence of unity and oneness, the people did not
have the power to fight the hostile attacks of the government and of the
other forces of society. There would also be no voice, no leader, to sow
progress and to cultivate it, so that it may be reaped in due time. In such
a condition, the Philippines remained a country that was lifeless, dead,
simply existing and not living. As Rizal stated in conclusion, “a man in
the Philippines is an individual; he is not merely a citizen of a country.”
3. It can clearly be deduced from the writing that the cause of the indolence
attributed to our race is Spain: When the Filipinos wanted to study and
learn, there were no schools, and if there were any, they lacked sufficient
resources and did not present more useful knowledge; when the
Filipinos wanted to establish their businesses, there wasn’t enough
capital nor protection from the government; when the Filipinos tried to
cultivate their lands and establish various industries, they were made to
pay enormous taxes and were exploited by the foreign rulers.
4. It is not only the Philippines, but also other countries, that may be called
indolent, depending on the criteria upon which such a label is
based. Man cannot work without resting, and if in doing so he is
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

considered lazy, they we could say that all men are indolent. One
cannot blame a country that was deprived of its dignity, to have lost its
will to continue building its foundation upon the backs of its people,
especially when the fruits of their labor do not so much as reach their
lips. When we spend our entire lives worshipping such a cruel and
inhumane society, forced upon us by aliens who do not even know our
motherland, we are destined to tire after a while. We are not fools, we
are not puppets who simply do as we are commanded – we are human
beings, who are motivated by our will towards the accomplishment of
our objectives, and who strive for the preservation of our race. When
this fundamental aspect of our existence is denied of us, who can blame
us if we turn idle?

Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism - National Symbol

Having saw movies like Avengers and Justice League, which portrait
heroes having distinct characteristics and power, fogs our notion of
what real life heroes are. Jose Rizal was just like you, a filipino, without
any unworldly power yet he is branded as our National Hero. Hence,
this will be our discussion in this part of the module but I want to solicit
your idea of what is hero but answering the activity below.

Activity:
Answer the following questions based on your personal perspective.
1. What is your standard of BAYANI? (Explain Briefly)
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. Aside from Jose Rizal, who is your personal Bayani and state the
reasons for your choice.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

4.2.3 Who Made Jose Rizal Our Foremost National Hero, and Why?
• Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
o Byword in every Filipino (pictures, names, stamp,
monuments, etc.)
o “The doctrines of Rizal are not for one epochs but for all
epochs. They are as valid today as they were yesterday. It
cannot be said that because the political ideas of Rizal have
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

been achieved, because of the change in the institutions,

the wisdom of his counsels or the value of his doctrines
have ceased to be opportune. They have not.” -Rafael
Palma

•However… There are still some Filipinos believed that Rizal is a

“made-to-order” national hero and the great manufacturer were
the Americans particularly Civil Governor William Howard Taft.
“And now, gentlemen, you must have a national hero.”
(Addressed to Pardo de Tavera, Legarda and Luzurriaga of
Philippine Commission)
Who made Rizal the foremost hero of the Philippines?
• NO SINGLE PERSON OR GROUPS OF PERSONS
• Rizal himself, his own people and the foreigners all together contributed
to make him the greatest hero and martyr of his people.

Republic Act No. 1425 June 12, 1956

o An Act to include in the curricula of all public and private
schools, colleges and universities courses on the life, works, and
writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, authorizing the printing and distribution
thereof, and for other purposes. -Sen. Claro M. Recto

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 75

Creating the National Heroes Committee Under the Office of The President

WHEREAS, the State is mandated to foster patriotism and nationalism among the
citizens, especially the youth, pursuant to Article II, Sections 13 and 17, of the
Constitutions;

WHEREAS, the State, through its educational system, is also mandated to inculcate
patriotism and nationalism, and the appreciation of the role of national heroes in the
historical development of the country pursuant to Article XIV, Section 3 (2), of the
Constitution;

WHEREAS, Almighty God has gifted the sovereign Filipino people with National
Heroes, the men and women of sterling character and remarkable achievements that
directed, and continue to direct, the historic destiny of the country;

WHEREAS, it is timely and appropriate to proclaim these National Heroes, the

renowned achievers of their generations and the shinning exemplars of these times;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of

the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

SECTION 1. A National Heroes Committee is hereby created, composed of the

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports as Chairman, and the Secretary of Foreign
Affairs and the Secretary of National Defense as Members, to study and recommend
the proclamation of National Heroes.

SEC. 2. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the

Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, are hereby
directed to extend the fullest support to the National Heroes Committee in the
performance of its functions.

SEC. 3. The private sector is hereby urged to assist the National Heroes Committee in
the performance of its functions.

SEC. 4. The National Historical Commission shall act as Secretariat of the National
Heroes Committee.

SEC. 5. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 29th day of March in the year of Our Lord, nineteen
hundred and ninety-three.

(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) ANTONIO T. CARPIO

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel

Selection And Proclamation Of National Heroes And Laws Honoring Filipino

Historical Figure

Executive Summary

No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially

proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero. However, because
of their significant roles in the process of nation building and contributions to
history, there were laws enacted and proclamations issued honoring these
heroes.

Even Jose Rizal, considered as the greatest among the Filipino heroes, was not
explicitly proclaimed as a national hero. The position he now holds in
Philippine history is a tribute to the continued veneration or acclamation of the
people in recognition of his contribution to the significant social
transformations that took place in our country.
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

Aside from Rizal, the only other hero given an implied recognition as a national
hero is Andres Bonifacio whose day of birth on November 30 has been made a
national holiday.

Despite the lack of any official declaration explicitly proclaiming them as

national heroes, they remain admired and revered for their roles in Philippine
history. Heroes, according to historians, should not be legislated. Their
appreciation should be better left to academics. Acclamation for heroes, they
felt, would be recognition enough.

1. Selection and Proclamation of National Heroes

1.1 National Heroes Committee

On March 28, 1993 , President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order

No.75 entitled “Creating the National Heroes Committee Under the
Office of the President”.

The principal duty of the Committee is to study, evaluate and

recommend Filipino national personages/heroes in due recognition of
their sterling character and remarkable achievements for the country.

1.2 Findings and Recommendations of the National Heroes Committee

In compliance with Executive Order No. 75 dated March 28, 1993 , the
National Heroes Committee submitted its findings and
recommendations.

1.2.1 Criteria for National Heroes

The Technical Committee of the National Heroes Committee held a

series of meetings on June 3, 1993 , August 19,1993 , September 12, 1994
and November 15, 1995 , defining, discussing and deliberating upon the
merits of the various definitions and criteria of a hero. The Committee
adopted the following criteria as basis for historical researchers in
determining who among the great Filipinos will be officially proclaimed
as national heroes:

Criteria for National Heroes

1. Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and
struggle for the nation’s freedom. Our own struggle for freedom was
begun by Bonifacio and finished by Aguinaldo, the latter formally
declaring the revolution’s success. In reality, however, a revolution has
no end. Revolutions are only the beginning. One cannot aspire to be free
only to sink back into bondage.
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

2. Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom
and order for a nation. Freedom without order will only lead to anarchy.
Therefore, heroes are those who make the nation’s constitution and laws,
such as Mabini and Recto. To the latter, constitutions are only the
beginning, for it is the people living under the constitution that truly
constitute a nation.
3. Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a
nation. (As defined by Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz)

Additional Criteria for Heroes

(Adopted by the Technical Committee of the National Heroes Committee on
November 15, 1995, Manila)

1. A hero is part of the people’s expression. But the process of a people’s

internalization of a hero’s life and works takes time, with the youth
forming a part of the internalization.
2. A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations.
3. The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or
events in history, but of the entire process that made this particular
person a hero. (As defined by Dr. Alfredo Lagmay)

1.2.2 Historical Figures Recommended as National Heroes

On November 15, 1995 , the Technical Committee after deliberation and

careful study based on Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz’ and Dr. Alfredo Lagmay’s
criteria selected the following nine Filipino historical figures to be
recommended as National Heroes:

a. Jose Rizal
b. Andres Bonifacio
c. Emilio Aguinaldo
d. Apolinario Mabini
e. Marcelo H. del Pilar
f. Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat
g. Juan Luna
h. Melchora Aquino
i. Gabriela Silang

1.2.3 Status of the Report/Recommendations Submitted by the National

Heroes Committee.

Since the submission of the report/recommendations by the National

Heroes Committee to then Secretary Ricardo T. Gloria of the Department
of Education, Culture and Sports on November 22,1995 , no action has
been taken. This was probably because this might trigger a flood of
requests for proclamations. Another possibility is that the proclamations
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

can trigger bitter debates involving historical controversies about the

heroes.

2. Laws Honoring/ Commemorating Filipino Historical Figures

2.1 Heroes

2.1.1 Jose Rizal - Decree of December 20, 1898 , issued by General

Emilio Aguinaldo, declared December 30 of every year a day of
national mourning in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal and other victims of the
Philippine Revolution.
2.1.2 Andres Bonifacio - Act No. 2946,
enacted by the Philippine Legislature on
February 16, 1921 , made November 30 of
each year a legal holiday to commemorate
the birth of Andres Bonifacio

2.1.3 Other Heroes

2.1.3.1 Act No. 3827, enacted by the

Philippine Legislature on October 28, 1931 ,
declared the last Sunday of August of
Figure 6. Andres Bonifacio every year as National Heroes Day.

2.1.3.2 Proclamation No. 510, issued by Pres. Fidel V.Ramos on

November 30, 1994 , declared the year 1996 as the year of Filipino
Heroes as a tribute to all Filipinos who, directly and indirectly, gave
meaning and impetus to the cause of freedom, justice, Philippine
independence and nationhood.

2.1.3.3 R.A. No. 9070, April 8, 2001, declaring the eighteenth of

December of every year as a special working public holiday
throughout the country to be known as the Graciano Lopez-Jaena Day

2.2 Other Historical Figures

2.2.1 R.A. No. 6701, February 10, 1989, declaring September One of
every year, the death anniversary of Gregorio Aglipay y Labayan, as
Gregorio L. Aglipay Day and a special non-working holiday in the
Municipality of Batac, Province of Ilocos Norte
2.2.2R.A. No. 7285, March 24, 1992, declaring February Nineteen of
each year as Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon Day a special nonworking
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

holiday in the Province of Aurora in order to commemorate the birth

anniversary of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, the first President of the
Philippine National Red Cross, and Foundation Day of the Province

2.2.3 R.A. No. 7805, September 1, 1994, declaring January 28 of every

year as a non-working special public holiday in the City of Cavite to be
known as Julian Felipe Day
2.2.4 R.A. No. 7950, March 25, 1995, declaring December Eighteen of
every year as “Araw ng Laguna” and a special working day in the
Province of Laguna and the City of San Pablo to commemorate the
memory and death of the late Governor Felicisimo T. San Luis
2.2.5 R.A. No. 9067, April 8, 2001 , declaring April 15 of every year as
President Manuel A. Roxas Day which shall be observed as a special
working public holiday in the Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas
Assessment
Direction: Write an essay about a particular value that Jose Rizal advocated. The first
paragraph (introduction) should mention the advocate and explain in briefly. The
body of the essay should discuss thoroughly the advocate and its relevance to our
present time. The conclusion should provide a doable plan of action to actualize the
advocate.
Rubrics
Criteria 3 2 1
Focus – The single Sharp, distinct, Apparent point No apparent point
controlling point made controlling point made about the made.
about a specific advocate. made about the chosen advocate.
advocate.
Content – The presence Substantial and Sufficiently Limited to none
of ideas developed specific content developed content content with
through facts, examples demonstrating with adequate inadequate
and other relevant
strong development elaboration or elaboration or
information
and sophisticated
explanation. explanation.
ideas.
Organization- The Sophisticated Functional Confused or
order and sustained
arrangement of arrangement of the inconsistent
within and across
paragraph using
content with content that arrangement of
transitional devices evident transitions. sustains a logical content with or
including the order with some
 4| The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

introduction and evidence of without attempts

conclusion.
transitions. of transition.
Conventions – Evident control of Sufficient control Limited to no
Grammar, Mechanics,
grammar, of grammar, control of
spelling, usage and
sentence formation.
mechanics, mechanics, grammar,
spelling, usage and spelling, usage and mechanics,
sentence sentence spelling, usage and
formation. formation. sentence
formation.

4.3 References
Galicia, R., Palencia, M., & Solmerano, E.T. The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
(Second Edition). Azes Publishing Corporation, Mandaluyong City, 2019

Images:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noli_Me_T%C3%A1ngere_(novel)
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/414331234464784887/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-10/inside-the-push-to-bring-back-
spanish-into-the-philippines
https://noli-me-tangere.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Characters

4.4 Acknowledgement

The images, tables, figures, and information contained in this module

were taken from the references cited above.

DISCLAIMER:
This module is not for commercial, and this is only for educational
purposes. Some technical terminologies and phrases were not changed, but
the author of this module ensures that all the in-text citations are in the
reference section. Even the photos or figures are with in-text citations to
abide by the intellectual property.