The Debate of the Philippines' National Hero: Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio

The Philippines, a nation with a rich history of resistance against colonial rule, has long
been divided over the question of who should be honored as its national hero. Two prominent
figures, Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, have emerged as central figures in this debate. Rizal, the
intellectual and reformist, and Bonifacio, the revolutionary leader, represent different aspects of
the Filipino struggle for independence. This essay explores the ongoing debate surrounding these
two figures and their contributions to the country's quest for freedom.
Jose Rizal, often referred to as the "First Filipino," was a highly educated polymath. He was
a physician, novelist, poet, essayist, and linguist, and his most famous works, "Noli Me Tangere"
and "El Filibusterismo," exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule. Rizal advocated for
peaceful reforms through his writing and his organization, La Liga Filipina. He believed in achieving
independence through education and non-violent means.
Rizal's emphasis on education, national identity, and peaceful resistance resonated with
many Filipinos, and his writings inspired a sense of unity among the people. His famous last
words, "Consummatum est" (It is finished), reflected his unwavering dedication to his principles
and his country.
Andres Bonifacio, on the other hand, was a radical revolutionary leader. He founded the
Katipunan, a secret society dedicated to achieving Philippine independence through armed
struggle. Bonifacio's approach was born out of frustration with the slow progress of reformists
like Rizal. He believed in taking matters into his own hands and instigating a revolution.
Under Bonifacio's leadership, the Katipunan played a crucial role in the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish rule. His rallying cry of "Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan
ng mga Anak ng Bayan" (The Highest, Most Honorable Society of the Children of the Nation)
became a symbol of resistance.
The debate over the Philippines' national hero has persisted for over a century. Those who
advocate for Rizal point to his intellectual contributions, his call for education, and his peaceful
approach as foundational elements of Philippine identity and nationhood. They argue that Rizal's
writings and his martyrdom symbolize the country's peaceful and intellectual resistance.
Conversely, proponents of Bonifacio emphasize the significance of his role as a
revolutionary leader. They argue that it was the Katipunan's armed struggle that eventually led to
the overthrow of Spanish colonial rule. Bonifacio's sacrifice and courage in the face of adversity
represent the spirit of the Filipino people's fight for independence.
It is important to acknowledge that the ongoing debate is not a zero-sum game. The
Philippines' historical narrative is enriched by the diverse perspectives surrounding Rizal and
Bonifacio. While these two figures may represent distinct approaches, their contributions were
complementary and, in many ways, interdependent.
 Jose Rizal's intellectual awakening and call for peaceful reform helped lay the groundwork
for Filipino identity and consciousness. Andres Bonifacio's passionate leadership and the
Katipunan's revolutionary fervor ignited the actual uprising against Spanish rule. Together, they
represent a multifaceted struggle for independence that encapsulates the complexity and
diversity of the Filipino experience.
In reality, both Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio played indispensable roles in the country's
struggle for independence. While they had different approaches, their efforts were
complementary rather than contradictory. Rizal's intellectual and peaceful resistance laid the
groundwork for the awakening of national consciousness, while Bonifacio's leadership embodied
the daring and militant spirit that ultimately led to the Philippine Revolution.
It is worth acknowledging that the official designation of a national hero is a matter of
historical, political, and cultural interpretation. Ultimately, the debate surrounding Rizal and
Bonifacio as national heroes demonstrates the diversity of thought and the complexities of the
Filipino identity. The ongoing dialogue regarding their contributions enriches the nation's history
and identity, and both Rizal and Bonifacio deserve their places as iconic figures in the story of the
Philippines' journey to independence. Rather than choosing one over the other, Filipinos can
appreciate and honor both as integral parts of their nation's heritage.