Life and Works of
Rizal
Rizal in the Eyes of
the Filipinos
PRESENTED BY : IRON BORRES
AND JEMAR GUIR ITAN
• We begin this book with a
question: Who is the
greatest hero of the
Philippines? When asked
this question, a Filipino
might answer: “Jose Rizal.”
The Humanity of Heroes
• Heroes are ordinary humans shaped by their
time and environment. They become heroes by
responding to the challenges of their era,
making a significant impact on their country.
While studying their lives, their flaws may
surface, but these should not overshadow
their contributions. Focus on how their actions
improved the nation, as their achievements
often outweigh their shortcomings.
The Criteria for Heroes
• A hero is someone admired for their
exceptional qualities, leadership, and
sacrifices for the greater good. In the
Philippines, there’s no law declaring José
Rizal a hero. Instead, he earned the title
through the admiration and recognition of
the Filipino people. Tributes to Rizal, like
monuments and naming streets after him,
show how much he is honored.
• The National Historical Commission of the Philippines
(formerly NHI) requires at least 50 years to pass before
officially confirming someone as a hero. This ensures their
contributions remain appreciated across generations,
proving their lasting impact.
• The historical committee of the National Heroes Commission came
out with the characteristics of a person to be examined before he
could be considered a hero. These are the extent of the person’s
sacrifices for the welfare of the country.
• In 1965, the National Heroes Commission defined a hero as
someone with exceptional talent, courage, and selflessness who
inspires their people during challenging times. A hero puts the
country’s needs above personal interests and continues to inspire
others long after their death, earning respect and gratitude from
future generations.
1. Motives and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (e.g., welfare of the country). In
the attainment of the ideal, did the person concerned sacrifice purely and exclusively for the
welfare of the country or were there any selfish or ulterior motives in the making of such
sacrifices? Were the methods employed in the attainment of the ideal morally valid?
• Example: José Rizal fought for Filipino rights through peaceful
reforms and education, showing selflessness and moral integrity. In
contrast, someone who helps but benefits personally may not be
seen as purely heroic.
2. The moral character of the person. Did he do anything
immoral to taint his personal character? If there was any
immorality, did it affect his work, society, or ideal?
• Example: José Rizal had personal flaws, but these didn’t
affect his dedication to fighting for the country’s freedom.
His moral integrity remained intact in his work and ideals.
3. The influence of the person to his age
or epoch and the succeeding eras.
• Example: José Rizal’s writings
inspired Filipinos to fight for
independence during his time and
continue to remind future
generations about patriotism and
freedom.
• The criteria for heroism are strict and involve careful scrutiny to
ensure only those truly deserving are called heroes, as the term is
often overused today.
OTHER DEFINITION :
1. Creating the National Heroes Committee (1993):
President Ramos formed a group to decide which Filipinos should be
national heroes. They studied their lives and contributions.
2. What makes a hero (June 1993):
Historians met and agreed that heroes fight for the country’s
freedom and improve the nation. They bring order and help make
laws, like Apolinario Mabini and Claro M. Recto.
3. Qualities of a hero:
Heroes think about the whole country, not just their region. They’re
willing to sacrifice and improve people’s lives, like Jose Rizal,
Andres Bonifacio, and others.
4. Understanding heroes takes time (1995):
It takes years for people to fully appreciate a hero’s contributions.
Future generations also play a big role in keeping their memory
alive.
5. What Dr. Quiason said about heroes:
Heroes change history and inspire progress. They think about ideas
and the future of their country.
6. Choosing heroes carefully:
Politicians shouldn’t decide who heroes are. Historians and experts
should study them, and public admiration is enough to honor them.
7. Special days for heroes:
Rizal Day (December 30): Honors Jose Rizal and others who fought in the
revolution.
Bonifacio Day (November 30): Celebrates Andres Bonifacio, who led the
revolution.
National Heroes Day (Last Sunday of August): Honors all Filipino heroes.
Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21): Remembers Ninoy Aquino, who fought against
dictatorship.
8. The public decides heroes:
The people, not the government, decide who their heroes are by
honoring their memories over time.
9. Rizal’s lasting impact:
Jose Rizal is still admired more than 100 years later, proving he is a
true hero. Other heroes like Bonifacio, Mabini, and others are also
remembered for shaping the nation.
