Chapter XI

Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism:National Symbol

Symbols
 Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes symbol as an action, object or event that expresses or
represents a particular idea or quality.
 In a culture, some things are conventionally associated with some meaning and thus become
symbols, either officially or traditionally.

National Symbols
 Every country has its own national symbols to distinguish itself from other and to unite its
people.
 It provokes some sense of nationalism.

National Symbols of the Philippines

 National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) – stated that the official national
symbols represent the country’s traditions and ideals and convey the principles of the
Philippines sovereignty and national solidarity.

Official National Symbols

LupangHinirang (national hymn) Philippine eagle (national bird) Philippine pearl (national gem)
Philippine National Flag Narra (national tree) Arnis (national game) Sampaguita (national flower)

Unofficial (but Traditional) National Symbols

Anahaw(national leaf) Mango (national fruit) Carabao/Tamaraw (national animal)
Bangus (national fish) Bahay Kubo (national house) Adobo or Sinigang (national dish)
Tinikling or Cariñosa is traditionally seen as the national dance

Rizal as a National Symbol

 Although Dr. Jose Rizal is widely recognized as our national hero, he nonetheless belongs
to unofficial national symbols. However, does not make him less of a fitting symbol of the
Philippines Jose Rizal's name and memory have long been representing and symbolizing
our country.
 Even in the international arena, Rizal's name elicits the name of our country. The
monuments built by people in countries where he had been and his books (and the books
about him) in foreign libraries necessarily bear the name Philippines.
 The day of Rizal's birth and the day of his execution are fittingly commemorated by all
classes of our people throughout the length and breadth of this country and even by
Filipinos and their friends abroad.
 His name is a by word in every Filipino home while his picture adorns the postage stamp
and [Philippine Coin]
 No other Filipino hero can surpassRizal in the number of towns, barrios, and streets
named after him in the number of educational institutions, societies and trade names that
bear his name-in the number of persons both Filipinos and foreigners who were named
“Rizal” or “Rizalina” because of their parents admiration for the great Malayan.
 Who is the Filipino writer and thinker whose teachings and noble thoughts have been
frequently invoked and quoted by authors and public speakers on almost all occasions?
None but Rizal and why is this so? Because as biographer Rafael Palma (1) said “The
doctrines of Rizal are not for one epoch but for all epochs. They are as valid today as they
were yesterday. It cannot be said that because the political ideals of Rizal have 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.”
Values Highlighted by Rizal’s Life
The following are some of the value highlighted by the various representations of Rizal’ as a national
symbol:

Nationalism and Patriotism

Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political independence especially by a court under
foreign power Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings (specially his novels).

Patriotism
Patriotism denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one’s nation Rizal’s vision and proposals on how the
people of our country could be on the road to progress so they could enjoy fullness of nationhood.

Faith in God
When Rizal was studying in Madrid, Spain, Rizal through his letter assured his mother of his faith in God.
When his sister Olympia died of childbirth in 1887 Rizal pronounced “I console myself saying that it was
the will of God and what He does must be the best”.

Love of Fellowmen
Rizal advocated thinking well of our fellowmen. His life exemplified the principle that love of neighbor
entails involvement in his or her behalf Rizal’s thought on love for our fellowmen is biblical and timeless.

Love of Parent
Rizal love for his parents is great and very admirable. He studied medicine and ophthalmology just to
cure his mother eyesight Jose no doubt, also adored his father in 1881, Jose made a clay bust of his father
about six years later he carved a life-size wood sculpture of Don Francisco as an expression of his love
for him.