UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LOUIS

Tuguegarao City

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, ARTS and SCIENCES

Short Term
A.Y. 2020-2021

CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal)

Prepared by:

ALVIC B. TORRES
Course Instructor

Reviewed by:

SEVERO L. WASHINGTON, MARS

Department of Philosophy and Religious Instruction Head

Recommended by:

VENUS I. GUYOS, Ph.D.

Academic Dean

Approved by:

EMMANUEL JAMES P. PATTAGUAN, Ph.D.

Vice President for Academics

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 1

 UNIVERSITY PRAYER

O God, wellspring of goodness and blessings, we give you thanks and praise as one
Louisian community. The graces You incessantly grant upon us and Your divine
providence have sustained our beloved University throughout the years of mission and
excellence.
Having been founded by the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we pray
that You keep us committed and dedicated to our mission and identity to serve the
Church and the society as we become living witnesses to the Gospel values proclaimed
by Jesus. For if we are steadfast in our good and beautiful mission, our works will bring
success not only to ourselves but also to those whom we are bound to love and serve.
Inspired by St. Louis our Patron Saint, who was filled with a noble spirit that stirred him
to love You above all things, may we also live believing that we are born for a greater
purpose and mission as we dwell in Your presence all the days of our life.
Grant all these supplications through the intercession of
Mother Mary and through Christ our Lord. Amen.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 2

 CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE
RZAL 1013: Life and Works of Rizal
AY 2020-2021
Week VI

RIZAL’S ABANDONMENT OF ASSIMILATION; COMPARISON OF

Topic: NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO; The
TRANSCENDENTAL HERO

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

a) analyze the events that prompted Rizal to consider other
means of achieving justice and demanding reforms from
Spain;
b) explain the implications of Rizal’s abandonment of the
Learning Outcomes:
campaign for assimilation;
c) compare and contrast the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo; and
d) Discuss the various representations of Rizal as a national
hero.

DATE TOPICS ACTIVITIES

July 26-29  Rizal’s abandonment of assimilation Read Lesson
 Comparison of El Filibusterismo and
July 30 Noli Me Tangere Answering Learning Task
 The Transcendental Hero

LEARNING CONTENT

What are the causes why Rizal abandoned the idea of

assimilation?
What can you imagine for the Philippines if Rizal continued supporting the
assimilation?
For you, which novel gave a more impact to Filipinos, the Noli or El Fili?
What are the representations of Rizal as a national hero?

“If our countrymen hope in us in Europe, they are certainly mistaken… The field of battle is the
Philippines; this is where we should be.”
-Jose P. Rizal

INTRODUCTION

W
e can remember that one of the main goals of Propaganda movement was the
assimilation of Philippines by Spain. However, Filipinos found out that this movement
was futile and ineffective. So, they decided to find more ways to achieve equality and
fairness among Spaniards and Filipinos. Filipinos realized that to achieve this, Philippines must
be separated from Spain’s colonial fist. This paved way to the establishment of organizations

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 3

that aimed not just assimilation but separation of Philippines from Spain. One of the advocates
of this idea was Jose Rizal. This module focuses on Rizal’s abandonment of assimilation.

Previous modules elaborately discussed the two famous novels of Rizal – Noli Me Tangere and
El FIlibusterismo. Rizal had differing experiences while writing the two novels. Both novels
provided great impact to Filipinos before. They paved the way to enlightenment of Spanish
colonial rule. We already know that these two are series of stories that reflected the Philippine
colonial situation. In this module, we are going to compare these two.

LESSON PROPER

RIZAL’S ABANDONMENT OF ASSIMILATION

T
he lack of substantial success in the Ilustrados and other propagandists' reform efforts
led many Filipinos to conclude that such campaigns were futile. This left them hopeless
and uninterested in the campaigns being supported.

Also, Filipinos were losing motivation in Spain. Others have chosen to engage in Filipino
programs in a passive manner, while others have wanted to pursue their own means of
engaging in more aggressive campaigns against Spain. Among the Filipino nationalists in
Spain, this was the situation. Personal rivalries among Filipinos also arose and became an
obstacle to concrete plans and actions being developed.

Graciano Lopez-Jaena and Jose Rizal's La Solidaridad was caused by withdrawal from
disagreement and differences in ideals and aspirations. This left Marcelo H. del Pilar to manage
the newspaper single-handedly. In addition, the desire of other Filipino nationalists to establish a
new organization to counter the Spanish rule resulted in setbacks on the efforts initiated by La
Solidaridad. Many believed that it would be better to be part of a new organization with
members united towards one goal instead of being in an organization where personal rivalries
hinder concrete actions toward greater nationalism.

Del Pilar-Rizal Rivalry

During the leadership of
del Pilar in La
Solidaridad, at the end
of 1890, the rivalry
between him and Rizal
arose. These two differ
in terms of political
vision. The editorial policy of La Solidaridad under Del Pilar’s management enhanced
the cleavage between Rizal and Del Pilar. Ninety Filipinos decided to elect a leader,
called Responsable, to fix differences and solidify the unity among them. It was decided

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 4

 that the Responsable must be elected by two-thirds of the participants. Unfortunately,
the election produced a division among the group – the Rizalistas and Pilarista. Rizal got
the majority votes but fell short of the required two-thirds vote so they made a reelection.
On the third day, Mariano Ponce urged some Pilaristas to support Rizal, the election
resulted in Rizal’s becoming the ‘legal’ Responsable. However, Rizal declined the
position because he knew that there were Pillaristas who did not like either his views or
personality. Jose Rizal, a man of delicadeza, thus decided to abdicate his leadership
and leave Madrid, lest his presence results in more serious faction among Filipinos in
Madrid. After that, Rizal also stopped contributing to La Solidaridad. Rizal denied any
resentment and enumerated his reasons for stopping to write for La Solidaridad. He
wanted to work for his book, he wanted other Filipinos to work also, and he considered it
very important to the party that there be unity in the work were his reasons of leaving La
Sol.

Representation in the Spanish Cortes was one of

the predominant changes petitioned by Filipinos.
The Cortes Generales are the bicameral
This move, though restricted in capacity, would legislative chambers of Spain, consisting of the
have given Filipinos a voice in the Spanish Congress of Deputies (the lower house), and the
Senate (the upper house). Ventura de los Reyes
government. The Filipinos were formerly given y de la Serena was the first Philippine
such representation but were stripped down. The representative who genuinely had the opportunity
lack of tangible commitment on the part of the to defend the interests of the archipelago in a
parliament that brought together representatives
Spanish government meant that Filipino from all of the territories then comprising the
representation was hardly adequate to materialize. Spanish empire

Around the time, Rizal was also preoccupied with

the troubles of hacienderos in Calamba whose
situation he already brought before the courts of
Spain. For Rizal, the lack of Philippine
representation in the Spanish Cortes and the denial of justice to the appeal of Filipinos over
agrarian problems had proven the improbability of a campaign for Filipino rights. In a letter to
Blumentritt in 1887, Rizal already hinted at such sentiment saying, “The peaceful struggle must
remain a dream, for Spain will never learn from her earlier colonies in South America… But in
the present circumstances we want no separation from Spain; all we demand is more care,
better instruction, better officials, one or two representatives, and more security for ourselves
and our property. Spain can still win the Philippines for herself forever, if only Spain were more
reasonable.” (Espina-Clemente & Cruz, 2019)

The situation became more complicated for Rizal after his mother and sister were arrested in
Manila. After several days of imprisonment, they were asked to go back to the courts in their
province on foot before they were finally released. In a letter sent in 1981, Rizal wrote, “If our
countrymen hope in us here in Europe, they are certainly mistaken… the field of battle is the
Philippines; there is where we should be” This implies Rizal’s ideas on the abandonment of

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 5

assimilation. Realizing that all the movements they rendered in Spain were ineffective, he
planned to go back to Philippines and change the form of movement.

Rizal set the course for his return to Manila

after the publication of his second novel, El
Filibusterismo. All copies of the novel were
shipped to the Philippines. Upon his arrival, he
established a new organization – the La Liga
Filipina, a secret society that embodied the
ideas Rizal presented in El FIlibusterismo.
Thus, transforming his ideas reflected from his
novel into actions. This included the calls for
the provision of mutual protection, defense
against all injustices, and promotion of
instruction and education among Filipinos.

The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo Compared

T
he two novels of Rizal have marked
differences. Both show
different aspects of Rizal.
The Noli Me Tangere revealed a
witty and romantic Rizal. The
second showed a cynical and
bitter Rizal. The Noli Me Tangere
reflected sensational events in the
Philippines and many of its
characters were drawn from real
individuals. (Espina-Clemente & Cruz,
2019)

The Noli Me Tangere is labeled a love novel and the work of the heart by reviewers, while El
Filibusterismo was a political novel and a work of the mind . The Noli was a book of feelings
according to Zaide, and it has elements of freshness, color, and lightness. It also has a section
where a song written by Rizal was sung by characters like Maria Clara. This was Canto de
Maria Clara (Song of Maria Clara).On the other hand, El Filibusterismo portrayed Rizal's view of
a country full of bitterness, pain, violence, and sorrow.

Rizal spent more effort writing El Filibusterismo, if one looks at the making of the two novels. It
was emotionally difficult because Rizal's family was then in the process of being expelled from
their Calamba farm. He had virtually no support from home in Europe as his allowance from
Calamba did not arrive. He had just left the company of Filipino reformists in Spain when he was
printing the novel. The eviction of his family in Laguna and the perceived betrayal by the

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 6

Filipino community in Spain made him feel bitter . We can conclude that while writing it,
Rizal's current situation affected the theme or the emotion of the novel.

It is easy to discern Rizal's hardships when he was writing the manuscript of El Filibusterismo.
In the Noli Me Tangere, the ink Rizal used in writing was uniformly black. Many parts of the
novel were written only on the front of the paper. In El Filibusterismo, the ink used by Rizal
turned pale almost turning purple. He would have been diluting his ink to make it last longer.
Many pages of the manuscript were written on the back and front of the paper. In many
instances, Rizal was writing on the margins of the page. He even wrote on the back of scrap
paper which should have been discarded.

As to which was a superior novel, the critics remain divided until today. Rizal would say that the
Noli Me Tangere was better as did Marcelo H. Del Pilar. On the other hand, Blumentritt,
Graciano Lopez Jaena and Rafael Palma preferred El Filibusterismo. According to them, it had
more profound ideas and sublime thoughts. Nevertheless, both novels manifested Rizal's
motives: the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo aimed to awaken the consciousness of the
Filipinos by making them aware of their conditions and the need to work for their own salvation.
The two novels were commentaries about Filipino society during the 19th century. While it
condemned the prevailing frailocracy and colonial domination by the Spaniards it also
decried the vices of the Filipinos, their cruelty towards fellow Filipinos, their colonial
mentality, neglect of their own heritage, and their submissiveness to the caprices of the
Spaniards. The novels were a call for the Filipinos to mend their ways and work for the
happiness of their motherland. The awakened national consciousness helped prepare the
ground for future reformists and later the revolutionists when the Katipunan was founded in
1892. (de Viana, 2014)

Table comparing the two novels

Noli Me Tangere El Filibusterismo

March 21, 1887/ Berlin, September 18, 1891/ Ghent,
Date/Place of Publication
Germany Belgium
63 (63 + Elias at Salome) + 39 (minus Bluementritt's
Number of chapters
Epilogue introduction and Rizal's foreword)
Dedication Philippines (Inang Bayan) GOMBURZA
Dr. Maximo Viola  Jose Ma. Basa
Benefactor/s  Valentin Ventura
 Sixto Lopez
Gospel of John 20:17 (Touch Filibuster (Dangerous Person/
Origin of the title
Me Not) Traitor)
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Calamba Land/ Hacienda
Inspiration
Beecher Stowe Problem
Nature Social novel Political novel
Dominant Themes Love, romance, joy, education Hatred, revenge, love, grief
Principal Characters  Elias  Simoun
 Crisostomo Ibarra  Padre Florentino
 Padre Damaso  Padre Irene

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 7

  Padre Salvi  Padre Camorra
 Kapitan Tiago  Isagani
 Pilosopong Tasyo  Basilio/ Juli
 Sisa  Donya Victorina
 Maria Clara  Telesforo: Kabesang Tales
 Donya Victorina  Tandang Selo

THE TRANSCENDENTAL HERO

His greatness did not fade even after his death.
More scholars from both the Philippines and the
world studied about him and his contributions to
Filipino national consciousness. Whether those
studies compliment or criticize Rizal, the power of
Rizal's character and influence that transcend
geographical and generational boundaries is
unquestionable.

From the annals of history, it can be noted that

despite his middle-class status, he also struggled
and suffered because of the prevailing social
conditions during those times. He was so talented
and skilled that he always had the advantage over
his contemporaries, in terms of education and the
fight against the excesses of the friar-led Spanish
colonial rule.

His leadership skills were also exceptional as he

led the Propaganda Movement-the unwavering
campaign for political and social reforms. He
showcased his writing skills when he wrote for the
La Solidaridad to translate the pleas of the
A 1950 Government poster recognizing Rizal's sacrifice.
propagandists.

Rizal's aspiration for what is ideal never ended. This aspiration took the form of fighting against
injustice in society. His fervid goal while growing up and being educated was the liberation of his
fellow Filipinos from the bondage of political tyranny and the corollaries, misery, and ignorance
associated with it.

THE FIRST FILIPINO

Jose Rizal was the central figure of the revolutionary movement. He was a poet, novelist,
ophthalmologist, historian, doctor, polemical essayist, and moralist.

He was the "first Filipino" as evidenced by his novels, especially Noli Me Tangere. In this
novel, Rizal pictured the Philippines as a nation even though those who lived in it had no

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 8

common name yet to refer to themselves, apart from the pejorative terms indio and mestizo that
the Spanish colonizers called them. Rizal then was the first to imagine this social whole which
explains why he is remembered today as the first Filipino.

He was also the first one to use the term "Filipino." To prove that the Filipino natives had a
culture of their own prior to colonization. and that they were not inferior to the white man, he
studied Philippine history. His interest in this aspect of our nationhood was what compelled him
to annotate Antonio de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. Rizal shattered the myth of the
indolence of the Filipinos because he believed that the Filipino is a worthy race. He likewise
intensively studied Tagalog and attempted to produce a comprehensive Tagalog dictionary to
slam the Filipinos who belittled their native tongue. He still embraced the term indio despite all
the negative connotations, and turned it to a term of dignity and nobility.

It is also noteworthy to mention that Rizal's foremost dream was for the Philippines to be known
as a nation of writers and intellectuals. He aimed at making the Filipino race known in the world.
Rizal's constant effort to improve himself showed how much he valued his own education. He
even took sculpting and painting aside from the prescribed academic subjects. To further
improve his craft, he learned other languages including German, which enabled him to translate
Friedrizh Schiller's Wilhelm Tell into Tagalog. And finally, he constantly kept himself updated on
the current trends in science and philosophy by reading and attending scholarly dialogues. Rizal
hoped that his achievements would influence all Filipinos to build a legacy.

IDEALS AND PHILOSOPHIES

Rizal's achievements secured him a status unparalleled by any other Filipino, not in his time and
at present. His greatness can be seen in the different ideals and philosophies he wanted his
generation and the future generations to live by Listed below are some of his ideals and
philosophies.

 His social philosophy deals with man in society, influential factors in human life, racial
problems, social conflicts, and social justice. This also includes poverty and wealth,
social ideals, reforms, youth and greatness, history and progress, and the future
Philippines.
 Colonies should not be abused but instead trained for self governance.
 Contrary to what the Spaniards taught, Rizal held that salvation was not only for the
Catholics; that fasting is not a sacrifice. He did not agree with the sale of religious items-
cross, medals, rosaries, and the like
 People should aim for the study of human behavior and the tendencies of being good
and evil.
 The body of knowledge that a person should acquire includes the wisdom of humanhood
developed through people's experiences in society.
 Education was foremost for Rizal. He believed that education is vital in national
development as it frees people from ignorance Education can save the country from
domination.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 9

THE TRANSCENDENTAL HERO
A hero is often defined as a prominent or central personage taking admirable part in any
remarkable action or event, a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, and a
person honored after death by public worship because of their exceptional service to mankind.
Having all the citations about Jose Rizal, it is not anymore unthinkable that he was chosen as
the national hero.

Rizal is the epitome of everything mentioned in the definitions of a hero. He is a towering figure
of the Propaganda Movement and in other affairs of the society. His works, achievements, and
contributions in various fields have been remarkably influential. Rizal, in the face of danger, was
bold despite the odds. And lastly, he was honored even more after his death because of the
legacies he left behind.

No law, executive order, or proclamation has been enacted or issued that officially proclaims
any Filipino historical figure as a national hero (NHCP, 2012). Thus, Rizal's title is sometimes
questioned. Accordingly, the title that Rizal holds is more of a tribute to the continued veneration
or acclamation of the people towards him. In 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree
that declares December 30 as a day of national mourning for the heroes and victims of the
Philippine Revolution, including Rizal. Then, in 1900, American governor general and chairman
of the 2nd Philippine Commission, William Howard Taft, suggested to revere Rizal as a national
hero. This is to recognize his contributions to the significant social transformations that took
place in the Philippines (NCCA, 2015). Instead of a single law hailing a national hero, laws and
proclamations were made in honor of all Filipino national heroes. In fact, 1996 was declared as
the "Year of the Filipino Heroes" in time for the centennial anniversary of the Philippine
Revolution marked by the Cry of Pugad Lawin in 1896. Then, August 30 was declared as the
"National Heroes Day."

Despite the absence of an official declaration, Rizal has been a symbol of what the Filipinos lack
as a race. This is ironic though since Rizal was in search of a true Filipino identity which
turned out to be his own self. To date, Rizal is the most popular Filipino whose portraits and
monuments are seen not only in the Philippines but around the world.

Rizal is a Filipino hero because he embodied the qualities of a true hero and made Filipinos
realize the best of what they can be despite the difficult social conditions. Both his struggles and
triumphs inspired and ignited the Katipunan-led revolution, making the Philippines the first
independent republic in Asia. Up to this day, it is still what Rizal fought for that leads this
generation to continue realizing his dream of a nation where every Filipino is truly free.

References
dan. (2016, October 12). Comparison of Noli Metangere and El... Retrieved December 12,
2020, from Graduateway website: https://graduateway.com/comparison-of-noli-
metangere-and-el-filibusterismo/#:~:text=Noli%20is%20a%20love%20story,is
%20thoughtful%2C%20discursive%20and%20dialectal.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 10

de Viana, A. V. (2014). jose Rizal in Our Times A Guide for Better understanding of the
Philippines' Foremost National Hero. Mandaluyong City: Books ATBP. Publishing Corp.

Espina-Clemente, J., & Cruz, G. C. (2019). The Life and Works of Rizal. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing.

The “Love-and-Hate” Relationship of Jose Rizal And Marcelo Del Pilar | OurHappySchool.
(2013). Retrieved December 11, 2020, from Ourhappyschool.com website:
https://ourhappyschool.com/history/love-and-hate-relationship-jose-rizal-and-marcelo-del-
pilar

CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE

RZAL 1013: Life and Works of Rizal
AY 2020-2021

JOSE RIZAL AND PHILIPPINE NATIONALISM

Topic:
BAYANI AT KABAYANIHAN

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

a) appraise different contributions of Jose Rizal and the concept
of Bayani and Kabayanihan;
Learning Outcomes: b) evaluate various perspectives of historians pertaining to Jose
Rizal; and
c) defend their stand about the famous line “Kabataan ang Pag-
asa ng Bayan”.

Date Topics Activities

Read Lesson
July 26-29  JOSE RIZAL AND
PHILIPPINE NATIOINALISM
Answering Learning
 BAYANI AT KABAYANIHAN
July 30s Task

LEARNING CONTENT

In your own perception, do you believe Rizal made a great impact to many
people even up to this day?
Are you in favor of making Rizal our official national hero?
What are the greatest contributions of Rizal in Philippine society?

Tomorrow we will be citizens of the Philippines, whose destiny will be beautiful because it will
be in loving hands…

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 11

 -Jose P. Rizal

What is the measure of a true hero? Is it a God-sent blessing of an outstanding intellect? Or

perhaps the warrior-like tenacity of Filipino patriot? In the previous chapters, we have discussed
the contributions of our National Hero in our country and how these contributions affect our
present Philippine Society. All these credits make Jose Rizal model of someone who is willing to
devote himself for his country. He was one of the few Filipinos who had the courage to fight
against the perpetrators aiming to free the Philippines from Spain, but he expressed his love for
his motherland through his great novels, essays, poem rather than a force aggression. This
made him distinct to other known heroes.

In this lesson, we will study about Jose Rizal and The Philippine Nationalism: Bayani and
Kabayanihan. These concepts are very important as there is seemingly call for redefined heroes
given the current affairs and circumstances our country face. Further, we will also explore
interesting facts about Jose Rizal that probably will make you more interested to his life.

DEFINING A FILIPINO HERO

Filipino nationalism began with an upsurge

of patriotic sentiments and nationalistic
ideals in the 1800s, Philippines that came
as consequence of more than three
centuries of Spanish rule. This served as
the backbone of the first nationalist
revolution in Asia, the Philippine
Revolution of 1896. These nationalistic
sentiments have led to a wide-ranging
campaign for political, social, and
economic freedom in the Philippines.

Since the time of the declaration of Philippine independence, 109 years ago, many were
acknowledged as Filipino heroes, more so today, that every individual who become so popular
or the main character in any event is given the title “hero”. The meaning of the word "hero" has
diminished in the past. Today, to be given the noble title or that any just won a boxing match,
one need not die or do such a gallant act. Time has really changed and our norm for identifying
a Filipino hero is also changing. In his book about Rizal, Dr. Esteban de Ocampo, a renowned
historian, claimed that a hero means a famous or central individual who plays an admirable role

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 12

in some remarkable action or event; a person of distinguished worth or enterprise in danger or
strength in suffering; and a man honored by public worship after death because of exemplary
service to humanity. The true heroes of the history of the Philippines deserve to be named so
because they had no idea that they would one day be measured, they only acted on their
beliefs. The concept of honoring heroes came only to the Philippines in 1900, when in honor of
the most illustrious Filipino, the Philippine Commission, headed by William Howard Taft,
approved Act No. 137 combining the districts of Morong and Manila to be named Rizal
Province. This Act was disputed by many, but the basis of the Commission was so strong that it
has surpassed the public’s questions.

During Marcos’ presidency, he tasked the National Heroes Commission to come up with the
criteria for national hero. On March 28, 1993, thru the President’s Executive Order No. 75, the
National Heroes Committee was created, commissioned to study, evaluate, and recommend
historical figures to be declared as national heroes. The Committee composed of worthy
members, with a series of discussions came up with the new criteria.

The criteria are composed of 10 standards:

1. The extent of a person’s sacrifices for the welfare of the country.

2. The motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (was his ideal purely for
the welfare of the country and without any taint of self-interested motives, most of all the
method of attainment should be morally valid).
3. The moral character of the person concerned (the person should not have any
immorality issue that affected his ideal).
4. The influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age.
5. That heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle
for the nation’s freedom (they must have desired the country’s freedom in any situation
especially when there’s a threat of invasion in any form).
6. That heroes are those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and order
for a nation (one who helps in the orderliness and betterment of the country).
7. Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.
8. A hero is part of the people’s expression (the citizen must have recognized and
acknowledged the person as a hero).
9. A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations, his concern for the future
generations must be seen in his decisions and ideals).
10. The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history,
but of the entire process that made this person a hero.

The Concept of Bayani and Kabayanihan

Five (5) Factors That Led to the Development of Filipino Nationalism

1. the revolution in Europe and Latin America (opened the Philippines to international trade)
2. the rise of a Middle Class from which came the "Ilustrado" or elites that soon became the
main agitators against the Spanish Regime.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 13

 3. the bureaucratic centralized government established in Manila caused widespread
discontent in the entire archipelago.
4. the execution of the GOMBURZA became a spark among the educated Ilustrados
5. the Propaganda Movement (1872-1892) called for the assimilation of the Philippines as a
province of Spain so that the same laws will be applied in the Philippines and that the
inhabitants of the Philippines will experience the same civil liberties and rights as that of a
Spanish citizen.

Ang isang bayani (hero) ay isang taong mayroong kabayanihan (heroism) at mayroong
kaugnayan sa pagiging magiting o matapang. Sa mitolohiya (mythology) at kwentong-bayang
Griyego, ang isang bayani ay orihinal na isang demi-diyos (demi-god), na ang kulto ay ang
pagiging isa sa pinakatangi-tanging mga tampok ng sinaunang relihiyon ng Gresya. Ang isang
demi-diyos ay ang anak na lalaki o babae ng isang magulang na mortal, na ang isang
halimbawa ay si Herkules (Hercules) ang na lalaki ng reynang mortal na si Alcmene at ang
diyos si Zeus. Sa paglaon, ang salitang bayani ay naging tumutukoy na sa mga sikat na tao sa
lipunan.

One question arises. Was Rizal Deserving to be a National Hero? We must remember that no
law, executive order, or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any
Filipino historical figure as a national hero. However, because of their significant roles in the
process of nation building and contributions to history, there were laws enacted and
proclamations issued honoring these heroes. Therefore, even Jose Rizal, who was perceived to
be the greatest Filipino hero, was not expressly declared a national hero. The role he now
occupies in the history of the Philippines is a tribute to the people's continued veneration or
acclamation in recognition of his contribution to the important social transformations in our
country. The following are some of the great contributions of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Philippines.

Awakening Filipino Nationalism

Jose Rizal is commonly known as the Father of Filipino Nationalism not because he helped
establish an independent Philippine state – in fact, he specifically and explicitly denounced the
1896 Revolution against Spain, but because he was instrumental in the creation of the
conceptualization of “Filipino” as an ethnopolitical collective – as “a people”, or, in the language
of nationalism “the people.” In other words, for his intellectual and idealistic support for the
Philippine Independence, Rizal is acclaimed as the father of Philippine Nationalism. As a study
of his works and speeches would reveal in calling for an independent state, Rizal did not
advocate violent uprisings or revolutions. He was not a war monger, but an intellectual who
pursued, as far as possible, a peaceful, rational, and political solution to Filipino independence
from colonial rule over the political and social aspects of Philippine life. He urged and
encouraged Filipinos to realize their power as Filipino people and their duties and obligation to
their motherland.

For all Filipinos, many of Rizal's poems, letters and essays echo a sense of pride in keeping
their nation and themselves in high regard. He shows the sense of obligation to their country

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 14

and to themselves that Philippine people should have. Rizal expresses his views about love for
one's country to the reader in his piece entitled 'Love of Country'.

Thoughts and Contribution in Education

The writings and various events on the life of Jose Rizal are filled of ideas concerning
education. He recognized the importance of education in the development of a nation and its
people. Crisostomo Ibarra, the principal character of his novel Noli Me Tangere possesses a
desire to establish a suitable school. Ibarra mentioned in the novel what he considered a
modern school. According to him the building should be spacious and hygienic, the site should
be large and provided with playground and garden. Rizal himself dreamed of founding a school
in accordance with the demands of modern times and circumstances.

According to Austin Craig, Rizal ambitioned to make education accessible to all, the teaching
instinct that led him to act as mentor to the Filipino students in Spain and made him the
inspiration of a mutual improvement club of his young countrymen in London, suggested the
foundation of a school in Paris. Later a Pampangan youth offered him $40,000 with which to find
a Filipino college in Hong Kong, where many young men from the Philippines had obtained an
education better than their own land could afford but not entirely adapted to their needs. The
scheme attracted Rizal and a prospectus for such an institution which was later found among
his papers not only proves how deeply he was interested but reveals the fact that his ideas of
education were essentially like those carried out in the present public-school course of
instruction in the Philippines.

Rizal also showed his support to the group of women in Malolos when their petition of
establishing a school was denied by Gen. Weyler. He wrote a letter to the ladies in support to
their courageous action. Rizal preaches the need of education and said that “ignorance is
slavery”. Rizal always reminded his sisters the value and importance of education. He even
recognized the importance of industrial education as well. Rizal included this concept in the five
purposes of the La Liga Filipina which he founded, the development of instruction, agriculture,
and commerce.

When Jose Rizal was deported in Dapitan in 1893, he devoted his time in teaching young
children. Rizal applied the learning he acquired in the different school that he visited during his
travels. It was in Dapitan particularly Talisay where Rizal used his talents and limited resources
to serve his countrymen during the four years of his exile. He practiced his profession as a
doctor, farmer, teacher, community developer, engineer, and scientist. Rizal opened a school
for young boys in the community. They were given subjects in reading, writing, arithmetic,
geography, geometry, languages, history and good conduct. Rizal even gave practical lessons
on the use of their hands, for he believed that education should be inculcated or integrated with
the development of the community. He also taught his students different kinds of sport activities
such as boxing, swinging on parallel bars and rings, swimming and arnis on account of his belief
that a sound body makes a sound mind. Rizal’s method of teaching is different compared from
other schools of his time. He saw to it that learning should be adaptable to the needs or actual

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 15

life of the people. Rizal is not just a conventional type of teacher; his visions were not just for
himself but for the benefits of his countrymen.

Social Entrepreneurship
Rizal formed Dapitan's first farmers’ cooperative the Sociedad de Agriculturos Dapitanos
(SAD), where capital was to be provided by Socios industriales (Industrial Partners) and Socio
Accionistas (Share Holders). January 1, 1895, the cooperative aimed to improve/promote agricultural
products, obtain their profits for them, provide capital for the purchase of these goods, and help to
the extent possible the harvesters and laborers by means of a store where articles of necessity
are sold at moderate prices.

Community Development
Rizal developed Dapitan's first park, complete with streetlamps and a garden/flower relief map of
the whole island of Mindanao. He built a one-doctor hospital and paid his own money for the
medical supplies and instruments. People of Dapitan are not charged of any consultation. An
English man who came for consultation was charged 500 duros for the extraction of his cataract.
The money was donated to Dapitan for the public lighting which they did not have.
Filipino Historians and Rizal

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 16

 STATUES AND MEMORIALS FROM SELECTED CITIES FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

1. Jose P. Rizal Bridge (Seattle)

In 1974, almost four decades after

Bulosan crossed it in his novel,
the 12th Avenue South Bridge
was renamed and rededicated in
the name of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the
martyred Filipino patriot and
novelist. It was an appropriate
dedication and symbolize
Seattle’s Filipino American pride.
Built in 1912, one of the oldest
steel structures in Washington
State, the bridge ties together
Seattle’s International District and
Beacon Hill, two of the city’s
historically Asian American working-class neighborhoods. Renamed through the efforts of civic-
minded members of Seattle’s Filipino community, it was accompanied by the building of a park
in Rizal’s honor on land adjacent to the bridge.

2. Jose Rizal Park (Seattle)

Dr. Jose Rizal Park is perched on the

northwest crest of Seattle's Beacon Hill,
where it enjoys sweeping views of
downtown Seattle, Puget Sound, the
Olympics, and the Cascades. The park
is located on a portion of property on
the north slope of Beacon Hill that the
City of Seattle acquired in 1917 to build
retaining walls, terracing, and drains
where the regrading of Dearborn and
Jackson streets left the hillside
unstable. The park site itself remained
undeveloped until 1971, when the Parks
Department built a parking area and viewpoint along 12th Avenue S. The park was named for

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 17

Dr. Rizal in 1974 at the request of the Filipino Alumni Association. The name honors the Filipino
intellectual and nationalist executed by Spanish authorities in 1896 because of his advocacy for
Philippine independence from Spain and recognizes the Filipinos who migrated to Seattle
beginning around 1900 after the U.S. took possession of the Philippines.

3. Rizal Monument in Paris

Although we consider Rizal as our national hero, he

is not much different of a traveler as us. He loved
marveling at sights and immersing with locals. He
fell in love with places as much as people. But one
thing most of us do not often think about is how
Rizal valued money. At 22, our national hero
travelled to Paris.

4. Rizal Monument in Madrid

Our national hero is of great influence not only in

the Philippines, but also globally. It’s unsurprising
that several countries celebrate Dr. Jose Rizal’s life
through the numerous monuments around the
world erected in his honor.

One of the most famous Rizal monuments stands in

Madrid, Spain. This city was where Rizal lived for
almost a decade after finishing medical school at
the University of Santo Tomas. To pay homage to
the life of our national hero, the city commissioned
Filipino sculptor Florante Caedo to build an intricate
bronze statue of Rizal.

5. Rizal Monument in Japan

In 1998, Tokyo City unveiled a bronze bust of Rizal

at Hibiya Park. The statue stands right where the
hero stayed for 45 days before travelling to Europe.
According to historians, Rizal immersed in the
Japanese culture during his stay. He learned about
the culture, enjoyed the arts, and interacted with the
people. Unsurprisingly, Rizal gained a lover in the
country. Her name was Seiko Usui, and she was the
epitome of everything the hero loved about Japan.
.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 18

6. Rizal Monument in Chicago

Chicago honors Rizal with two monuments: One a

bust, the other a full-body statue. The former can be
found in front of the Rizal Center while the latter is in
Lincoln Park. Both statues were built to
commemorate the Philippine independence.

7. Rizal Monument in Manila

Rizal Park is located at the northern end of Roxas

Boulevard in Manila. It is spread out over 60
hectares of open lawns, ornamental gardens,
paved walks, and wooded areas. It was officially
named Rizal Park, after the name of Dr. Jose
Rizal, our national hero, as an honor and tribute to
him. It is also called Luneta Park because the area
looks like a crescent (Lunette). It is situated next to
Intramuros, which was then a Spanish fort that
served as a buffer during rebellions. Before, the
name of the place was Bagumbayan (“new town” in English). This was the place where Dr. Jose
Rizal was executed by the Spanish Colonial Authorities. On September 28, 1901, the United
States Philippine Commission approved Act No. 243, which was to erect a monument in Luneta
to commemorate the memory of Jose Rizal - Philippine patriot, writer, and poet.

SPECIES NAMED AFTER RIZAL

It is also important to note that Jose Rizal has contributions to Natural Sciences. However,
these tend to eclipse with his various contributions to other fields. Students recognized and
seemingly more interested with the names of his girlfriends than the names of his scientific
discoveries.

While in Dapitan, Rizal kept himself busy. He went into agriculture, fishing, and business, put up
a hospital, and even taught arts and sciences to pupils, as well as English and Spanish. It is
here where he studied nature extensively, researching and collecting specimens of plants,
shells, insects, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. In the process, he gathered up to 340 shells
representing more than 200 species. This collection is recognized as the richest private
collection of Philippine conchology of its time. He sent the various specimens they collected to
the Ethnographic Museum in Dresden, Germany for proper identification. In exchange for the

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 19

specimens he submitted, Rizal received books and medical instruments, as well as further
advice on how to properly preserve his specimens.

Hence, it is valuable to remember that his contributions in the field of Natural Sciences and how
people commemorate his legacies Philippine Independence are important in similar manner.
The following are the species named after Rizal:

1. Draco rizali- It said to be found only in the dense

forests of the Philippines, Draco rizali feeds on ants
and termites, and can grow to a length of eight inches.
This peculiar lizard has extended wing-like ribs that
enable it to glide across distances of up to nine
meters.

2. Apogania rizali - This rare kind of beetle grows to

about an inch long when fully mature. This is the only
species Rizal discovered whose name has been retained
and is still widely used.

3. Rhacophorus rizali - Also known as Rhacophorus

pardalis (and by its modern name, the harlequin tree
frog), this is an orange-brown amphibian with white,
yellow, or blue spots. This frog lives in the forests and
freshwater marshes of the Philippines, Brunei,
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Sadly, the loss of
its natural habitat now threatens its existence.

References
Textbooks

Ariola, M. M. (2017). The Life and Works of Jose Rizal. Intramuros Manila: Unlimited Books
Library Services & Publishing INC.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 20

Rhodalyn, Wani-Obias et al. (2018). The Life and Works of Jose Rizal. C& E Publishing, Inc

Online

FORBES, G. M. (2020, December 12). Rizal’s Thoughts on Education. Retrieved December 12,
2020, from Blogspot.com website: http://school-principal.blogspot.com/2011/06/rizals-
thoughts-on-education.html
Propesor Esteban A. de Ocampo: Rizalista at Mananalaysay. (2020). Retrieved December 12,
2020, from Muntingnayon.com website: https://muntingnayon.com/103/103937/
This is because Dr Jose Rizal didnt become our National... (2018, October 19). Retrieved
December 12, 2020, from Coursehero.com website:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p78gquk/This-is-because-Dr-Jose-Rizal-didnt-become-
our-National-Hero-by-way-of/
Rizal’s concept of Education. (2020). Retrieved December 12, 2020, from Muntingnayon.com
website:https://muntingnayon.com/104/104917/#:~:text=Rizal%20always%20considered
%20education%20as,liberal%20one%20available%20to%20Filipinos
6 Filipino Historians Talk National Heroes. (2015). Retrieved December 12, 2020, from
Gridmagazine.ph website: https://www.gridmagazine.ph/story/6-filipino-historians-talk-
nationalheroes?
fbclid=IwAR3yLa2_NK5aeQ_VBDQ27uTGEvh6v7ZW46FKsFykaGX140cVOlMjp1pfEvM
Rizal’s concept of Education. (2020). Retrieved December 12, 2020, from Muntingnayon.com
website:https://muntingnayon.com/104/104917/#:~:text=Rizal%20always%20considered
%20education%20as,liberal%20one%20available%20to%20Filipinos.
Historical Context and Legal Basis of Rizal Day and Other Memorials in honor of Jose Rizal -
National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (2012, September 18). Retrieved
December 12, 2020, from National Historical Commission of the Philippines website:
https://nhcp.gov.ph/historical-context-and-legal-basis-of-rizal-day-and-other-memorials-in-
honor-of-jose-rizal/#:~:text=The%20Americans%2C%20to%20win%20the,conform%20to
%20the%20new%20government.&text=Since%20then%2C%20Jose%20Rizal
%20came,known%20as%20the%20National%20Hero.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 21

 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, ARTS and SCIENCES
Short term, A.Y. 2020-2021
RIZAL 1013: Life and Works of Rizal
CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING WORKSHEET (MODULE 6)
Name: Scores:
Course Contact
and Year: No.:
Instructor Code:

LEARNING TASK
THE MODERN-DAY RIZAL
Instructions: Identify someone in the Philippines who can be regarded as the modern-day Rizal.
Consider the checklist of Rizal’s values below to help you choose. Explain your choice. Write
your essay in 200-400 words. Insert the picture of that person.
Rizal’s Values
Faith Temperance
Love Prudence
Hope Resilience
Peace Compassion
Patience Mercy

Criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Introduction: The introduction is inviting, states the main
topic and position, and previews the structure of the paper.
There is one clear, well-focused thesis statement.
Supporting details: Relevant, telling, quality details give the
reader important information that goes beyond the obvious
or predictable.
Organization: Ideas flow together smoothly and form
coherent arguments.
Writing Mechanics: No errors in grammar, spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation that distract the reader from
the content.
TOTAL SCORE:________

QUIZ
TRUE OR FALSE
Instructions: Read each statement then determine if it is TRUE or FALSE. Put a Check () if it is correct,
and if otherwise put a Cross ()
________1. No law, executive order, or proclamation has been enacted or issued that
officially proclaims any Filipino historical figure as a national hero. 
________2. Hatred and Revenge is one of the dominant theme in Noli Me Tangere. 
________3. Noli Me tangere is dedicated to GOMBURZA. 

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 22

________4. El Fili was published in Ghent while Noli was published in Berlin. 
________5. Rizal spent more effort writing El Filibusterismo, if one looks at the making of
the two novels
________6. The Noli Me Tangere is labeled a love novel and the work of the heart by
reviewers, while El Filibusterismo was a political novel and a work of the mind.

________7. Jose Rizal was the first person to use the term “Filipino”. 
________8. Rizal's foremost dream was for the Philippines to be known as a nation of
writers and intellectuals. 
________9. William Howard Taft issued a decree that declares December 30 as a day of
national mourning for the heroes and victims of the Philippine Revolution. 
________10. The year 1986 was declared as the "Year of the Filipino Heroes" in time for the
centennial anniversary of the Philippine Revolution. 
________11. Rizal formed Dapitan's first farmers’ cooperative. 
________12. Rizal was instrumental in the creation of the conceptualization of “Filipino” as
an ethnopolitical collective. 

IDENTIFICATION
Instruction: Supply the word/d being described in each question.
Apogania rizali 1. The scientific name of the rare king of beetle named after Jose
Rizal.
Richard Kissling 2. He designed the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park.
Hibiya park 3. The name of the park where the Rizal bust is built.
Rhacophorus 4. Its modern name is harlequin tree frog and it was named after
rizali Jose Rizal.
Luneta Park 5. The present name of Bagumbayan.
Seiko Usui 6. According to Rizal, she was the epitome of everything the hero
loved about Japan.
Lincoln Park 7. The park where the full-body statue of Rizal is erected.
Florante Caedo 8. The sculptor who built the statue of Rizal in Madrid.

RZAL 1013 (Life and Works of Rizal) | 23