Chapter III: Early Education

I. Introduction
In his book, "Life and Works of Rizal," Jensen D.G. Mañebog discusses the importance
of Rizal's early education in shaping Rizal’s character and his views. Rizal's early education was
not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing his character and his sense of
identity. His exposure to the injustices of colonial rule at a young age led him to become an
advocate for social justice and the rights of his fellow Filipinos. His talent for language and the
arts allowed him to communicate his ideas effectively to a wider audience.
Rizal had his early education in Calamba and Biñan. It was a typical schooling that a son
of an ilustrado family received during that time, characterized by the four R’s- reading, writing,
arithmetic, and religion. Instruction in this schooling was rigid and strict. Knowledge was forced
into the minds of the students by means of the tedious memory method aided by the teacher’s
whip. Despite the rigid and strict Spanish system of elementary education, Rizal was able to
finish the necessary schooling that lead him to acquire his preparatory for college.

II. DISCUSSION
A. EDUCATION IN CALAMBA

B. EDUCATION IN BIÑAN
In Biñan Laguna, Jose Rizal was bought by his brother Paciano to the school. Rizal
continued his education at the private school, which was run by Maestro Justiniano Aquino
Cruz. The school was in the house of Maestro Cruz, a small nipa house near the home of Jose’s
aunt where he stayed. According to Rizal's own words, Maestro Cruz was a strict and
disciplinarian teacher who would not hesitate to punish his students for their mistakes. Despite
this, Rizal appreciated his teacher's efforts to instill in him a love for learning and a deep sense
of discipline.
During his time in Biñan, Rizal also learned about the cruelity committed by the Spanish
authorities against the Filipino people. He witnessed firsthand the cruelty and injustice that the
Spanish colonizers inflicted on his countrymen. These experiences would later inspire him to
fight for his people's rights and to become an advocate for freedom and independence.
Rizal's stay in Biñan was brief, but it played an essential role in shaping his character
and shaping his views on education and nationalism. He would later use his experiences in
Biñan as a basis for his novel, "Noli Me Tangere," which exposed the injustices and abuses of
the Spanish colonial system in the Philippines.

III. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Rizal's early education played a significant role in shaping his life and his
contributions to Philippine society. His parents and his teachers introduce him the values of hard
work, discipline, and patriotism, which he carried with him throughout his life. His exposure to
the injustices of colonial rule at a young age also led him to become a hero of Philippine
independence and a symbol of hope against abuses and enslavement.
IV. REFERENCE
Mañebog, J.(20** ).Life and Works of Rizal