St.

Paul University Philippines

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500

LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL(GEC-109)

GUILLERMO, YESHA R.
BS PHARMACY- 2A

INSTRUCTIONS:
Read and answer the following questions. Write your answers on the spaces provided.

1. Research and Explain how fairness or justice develop during the time of Rizal?
- During the time of Jose Rizal, fairness and justice were evolving concepts in the Philippines, shaped by
a combination of colonial oppression and burgeoning nationalist sentiments. Rizal himself played a
significant role in advocating for fairness and justice through his writings and actions. As a product of
the Spanish colonial system, Rizal witnessed firsthand the injustices suffered by his fellow Filipinos
under Spanish rule. His novels, particularly "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," vividly
depicted the abuses of colonial authorities and the social injustices experienced by the Filipino people.
Through his works, Rizal not only exposed these injustices but also advocated for reforms and social
change. He believed in the power of education and enlightenment to bring about progress and justice
for the Filipino people. Moreover, Rizal's martyrdom further galvanized the Filipino nationalist
movement, inspiring generations to continue the struggle for fairness and justice. Overall, during
Rizal's time, fairness and justice were ideals that were actively being pursued by Filipino intellectuals
and reformists, laying the groundwork for future movements towards independence and social
equality.

2. Define the term “fair” or “just” and “unfair” or “unjust” during the time of Rizal.
- During the time of Jose Rizal, the concepts of "fair" or "just" and "unfair" or "unjust" were deeply
entrenched in the context of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. For Rizal and his contemporaries,
fairness and justice were often associated with principles of equality, freedom, and respect for human
rights. They believed in a system where all individuals, regardless of race or social status, were treated
with dignity and given equal opportunities. Thus, actions or policies that upheld these principles were
considered fair and just.
Conversely, the colonial rule imposed by the Spanish authorities was seen as inherently unjust and
unfair by many Filipinos. The oppressive policies, exploitation of resources, and discriminatory
treatment of the native population were stark examples of this injustice. Filipinos were subjected to
various forms of discrimination, restricted access to education and governance, and faced harsh
penalties for dissent.
Rizal, through his writings and activism, aimed to expose these injustices and advocate for reforms that
would lead to a fairer and more just society. He highlighted the abuses of colonial rule and called for
the empowerment of the Filipino people through education, enlightenment, and unity. In essence,
during Rizal's time, fairness and justice were measured by the extent to which they aligned with the
principles of equality, freedom, and respect for human dignity, while unfairness and injustice were
synonymous with the oppressive colonial system that denied these principles to the Filipino people.

3. Trace and explain the root cause of lack of discipline among Filipinos. Explain your answer.
- The root cause of the lack of discipline among Filipinos is multifaceted and stems from historical,
cultural, socio-economic, and institutional factors. Historically, the Philippines has been subject to
colonization and occupation by various foreign powers, which has led to a complex identity and a
sense of inferiority complex among some Filipinos. This historical experience has influenced attitudes
towards authority and governance, fostering a culture of resistance rather than compliance.Culturally,
the concept of "bahala na" or fatalism has been deeply ingrained in Filipino society. This attitude
reflects a passive acceptance of fate and a lack of proactive planning or discipline. Additionally, the
prevalence of patronage politics has perpetuated a culture of impunity, where those in power often act
above the law, setting a poor example for the rest of society.
Socio-economic factors also play a significant role. Poverty and inequality create barriers to accessing
education and opportunities for many Filipinos, leading to a sense of hopelessness and apathy.
Inadequate infrastructure and public services further exacerbate the problem, as the lack of
enforcement of rules and regulations reinforces a perception that one can get away with breaking them.
Moreover, the education system in the Philippines has been criticized for its rote learning approach,
which prioritizes memorization over critical thinking and creativity. This limits the development of
skills such as self-discipline and responsibility.
Addressing the root causes of the lack of discipline among Filipinos requires comprehensive efforts at
both the individual and systemic levels. This includes promoting a culture of accountability and
transparency in governance, investing in education and poverty alleviation programs, and fostering a
sense of empowerment and civic responsibility among citizens. Additionally, there needs to be a
concerted effort to reform the education system to focus on holistic development rather than mere
academic achievement. By addressing these underlying issues, it is possible to cultivate a more
disciplined and responsible society in the Philippines.
4. Observe your surroundings and give actual examples of unfairness.
- In educational institutions, unfairness can manifest in various ways. For example, students from
disadvantaged backgrounds may not have access to the same resources and opportunities as their more
privileged peers. Additionally, discriminatory practices in grading or disciplinary actions can
disproportionately affect certain groups of students.
- Unequal access to healthcare services and disparities in treatment based on socioeconomic status, race,
or geographical location are common examples of unfairness in the healthcare system. This can result
in poorer health outcomes for marginalized communities.
- Unfairness in media representation can perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize certain groups. For
instance, underrepresentation or misrepresentation of minority communities in mainstream media can
reinforce negative stereotypes and limit opportunities for accurate portrayal and representation.

5. Listed below are some of the important traits and values of Jose Rizal. Explain each of them.

a. Love of God
b. Love for Parents
c. Love for Country
d. Love for Fellowmen
e. Love for the Environment/Nature
f. Courage
g. Initiative
h. Courtesy and Politeness
i. Thrift and Gratitude

- a. Love of God: Rizal's love of God reflects his deep faith and spirituality. He believed in the
importance of a personal connection with a higher power, which often guided his actions and
decisions. His writings and letters frequently express his reverence for God and his belief in divine
justice.
- b. Love for Parents: Rizal held a profound respect and affection for his parents, recognizing their
sacrifices and the values they instilled in him. He understood the crucial role parents play in shaping
their children's character and development, and he honored his parents through his words and deeds.
- c. Love for Country: Perhaps one of Rizal's most renowned traits, his love for his country, the
Philippines, was unwavering. He advocated for reforms and fought against injustices perpetrated by
colonial powers. Rizal's writings, such as his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo,"
stirred nationalist sentiments and inspired the Filipino people to strive for independence.
- d. Love for Fellowmen: Rizal demonstrated compassion and empathy towards his fellow Filipinos,
regardless of their social status or background. He believed in the inherent dignity and worth of every
individual and worked tirelessly to uplift his countrymen, advocating for social reforms and education
as means of empowerment.
- e. Love for the Environment/Nature: Rizal appreciated the beauty of nature and recognized the
importance of preserving the environment. He often found solace and inspiration in nature, and his
writings occasionally reflect his reverence for the natural world. Although environmentalism was not
as prominent an issue during his time, Rizal's appreciation for nature aligns with contemporary values
of sustainability and conservation.
- f. Courage: Rizal displayed remarkable courage in the face of adversity. Despite the risks to his
personal safety, he fearlessly spoke out against colonial oppression and advocated for social change.
His willingness to challenge the status quo and confront injustices, even at great personal cost, earned
him admiration and respect from his contemporaries and future generations.
- g. Initiative: Rizal was a proactive individual who took initiative in pursuing his goals and aspirations.
He actively sought opportunities to effect positive change in society, whether through his writings, his
involvement in reformist movements, or his endeavors in education and public service.
- h. Courtesy and Politeness: Rizal was known for his impeccable manners and civility. He treated
others with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or social standing. His courteous
demeanor endeared him to many, fostering goodwill and facilitating productive dialogue even in
contentious circumstances.
- i. Thrift and Gratitude: Rizal valued frugality and practiced financial prudence in his personal life.
He understood the importance of managing resources wisely and avoiding extravagance. Additionally,
Rizal was grateful for the blessings and opportunities he received, expressing appreciation towards
those who supported him and acknowledging the debt he owed to his mentors and supporters.