The Life and Works of Rizal

Name: Score:

Section:

Jose Rizal and the Philippine Nationalism

Activity 1: National Hero of the Philippines

Instruction: Read and analyze each question. In 5-8 sentences, answer each item briefly
but concisely.

Questions:

1. Do you agree that Jose Rizal should be the official national hero of the Philippines?
Justify your answer.
- Yes, Jose Rizal should be the official national hero because of the contributions
that he did to inspire and teach us a lesson. His writings and actions influenced us
significantly for us to apply the lessons during his time and promote nationalism
and patriotism. His contributions to the Philippine literature and culture made an
important factor as a poet and well-known author who supported social and
political changes, wherein his works of classic Philippine literature such as Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo maintain the development of Filipino culture
and identity. Furthermore, sacrificing his life wholeheartedly for us to be free
from Spaniards’ colonization is a very heroic scene for me. Rizal’s willingness to
take his life at risk is part of the criteria for national hero that was discussed last
meeting. Overall, I believe that Jose Rizal must be part of the official national
hero as he contributes to the country significantly and even sacrifice his own life
for our own good.

2. In your opinion, aside from Rizal, who do you think should be the official national
hero of the Philippines? Justify your answer.
- Based on my observations among the following candidates for national hero aside
from Rizal is Andres Bonifacio. I think Bonifacio deserves to be recognized as an
official national hero for his bravery to be involved in the revolutionary activity
and fought to reform the Spanish authority in the Philippines. He is the founder of
Katipunan for the purpose of uniting Filipinos to fight for the independence from
Spaniards. In the civil war against Spanish government, Andres Bonifacio
significantly contribute to organizing and mobilizing people, wherein he led
several revolutionary battles. In addition, in May 1897, he was detained, put on
 trial by a competing group of rebels and killed by firing squad. Therefore, he must 1
be part of the official national hero because his death represents as a testament to
his commitment and sacrifice for the independence of the Philippines.

3. Are the criteria recommended by the NHC sufficient to recognize an individual as a

national hero? Why do you say so? Explain your answer.
- The criteria recommended by the National Historical Commission to recognize
an individual as a national hero is sufficient which includes the concept of
heroism, contributions to the country, historical values, patriotism, and
willingness to put their life at risk. Maybe, they could also consider the
opinions of the citizens regardless of the arguments that may occur. Yes,
considering their opinions may result in an argument that will greatly affect
decision making. But this could also help them to easily determine which
individual fits perfectly to the title of a national hero. To execute this kind of
actions, they can apply the rules and regulations during the election.
4. Is there anyone in your life whom you consider your “hero”? Describe him/her to
explain your answer.
- My parents are the ones I considered the most as my hero because without them I
will not be able to live. They sacrifice themselves to give us a healthy and happy
life. Even though they are tired from work or household chores, our parents are
still there to love and guide us. I know that being a parent is not a joke and not
that easy to handle. Parents have a lot of responsibility such as taking care of their
children, working, and doing household chores. They are just like the national
heroes who is willing to sacrifice their life for the own good of their children.

Rubric
10 7 5 3
Organization Writing shows a Writing is coherent Writing is coherent Writing lacks
high degree of and logically and logically logical
attention to logic organized with organized. Some organization. It
and reasoning of transitions used points remain shows some
points. Unity between ideas and misplaced and coherence, but
clearly leads the paragraphs to stray from the ideas lack unity.
reader to the create coherence. topic. Transitions
conclusion and Overall unity of are evident but not
stirs throughout ideas is present. used throughout
regarding the the letter.
topic.
Level of Content Content indicates Content indicates Content indicates Show some
synthesis of ideas, original thinking thinking and thinking and
in-depth analysis, and develops ideas reasoning applied reasoning but most

and evidence of with sufficient and with original ideas are

 2
original thought firm evidence. thought on a few underdeveloped
and support for the ideas. and unoriginal.
topic.
Development The main points The main points The main points The main points
are well developed are well developed are presented with lack detailed
with high quality with quality limited detail and development. Ideas
and quantity and supporting details development. are vague with
quantity support. and quantity. Some critical little evidence of
Reveals high Critical thinking is thinking is present. critical thinking.
degree of critical weaved into
thinking. points.

nrrodriguez@firstasia.edu.ph