CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO

Module 06

Introduction

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the three writings of Rizal: (a) The
Philippines: A Century, Hence; (b) To the Young Women of Malolos; and (c) The
Indolence of the Filipinos. The first one is an essay wherein Dr. Rizal described
the glorious past of the Filipino people, examined the different causes of the
miseries experienced by the Filipinos when the Spaniards arrived and colonized the
country, and predicted the tragic end of Spain’s superiority in Asia. The second
work presented the necessary qualities that Filipino women should possess, and the
third writing argued that the Filipinos are not by nature indolent. In this module,
you will learn the different mechanisms of celebrating the kabayanihan of Dr. Rizal
[as a bayani and a national symbol].

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

a) Examine the values highlighted by the
various representation of Rizal as a
national symbol.

b) Advocate values Rizal’s life

encapsulates.

LET’S DO YOUR CLUSTER DIAGRAM

Since this is the last topic of the course, students
are assumed to have learned the different important
values and ideals highlighted by Rizal’s life.
Thus, in this activity, students are expected to
create a cluster diagram on the values highlighted
by Rizal’s life.

After doing your Cluster Diagram, let us feed

your mind more by reading these materials:

1. Ricardo Nolasco “Ang Pinagmulan ng Salitang

Bayani” (2001)
2. Ang Bayani Bilang sakripisyo: pag-aanyo ng
pagkabayani sa agos ng kasaysayang Pilipino by Zeus
Salazar
3. Who made Rizal our Foremost National hero, and
Why? By Esteban De Ocampo
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
Module 06

CELEBRATING DR. JOSE P. RIZAL AS BAYANI

“The Filipinos commonly look for someone to idolize –saints, politicians,
artists, models, etc., somebody they will glorify and imitate. Since the
time of the declaration of Philippine independence, many were
acknowledged as Filipino heroes, more so today, that every individual
who becomes so popular or the main character in any particular event is
given the title “hero”. The essence of the word “hero” in the past is
declining, today one is not required to die or do such a gallant act to
be given the noble title or that some just won a boxing match. Time has
really evolved and so does our standard in defining a Filipino hero”
(Galang, 2012).

“But what is a hero? Dr. Esteban de Ocampo, a known historian, stated

in his book about Rizal that a hero means a prominent or central personage
taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or event; a person of
distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering;
and a man honored after death by public worship because of exceptional
service to mankind. The true heroes of Philippine history deserve to be
called so for they did not have any idea that one day they will be
measured up, they just acted upon their principles” (Galang 2012).

“The notion of celebrating heroes was introduced to the Philippines in

1900 when the Philippine Commission (Pardo de Tavera, Legarda, Luzurriaga
(Filipino members) and headed by William Howard Taft) approved Act No.
137 combining the districts of Morong and Manila to be named as “Province
of Rizal,” in honor of the most illustrious Filipino. This Act was
disputed by many, but the basis of the Commission was so strong that it
has surpassed the public’s questions” (Galang, 2012).
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Module 06

“Since then, heroes were celebrated here and there,

citing their names in every politician’s speeches,
A hero means a prominent or
declaring holidays, naming streets, constructing central personage taking an
monuments, etc. in their honor. Until one day, admirable part in any
realizing that so many names were acknowledged as remarkable action or event; a
heroes, the need to evaluate the situation was person of distinguished valor
or enterprise in danger, or
proposed. During Marcos’ presidency, he tasked the fortitude in suffering; and a
National Heroes Commission to come up with the man honored after death by
criteria for a national hero. On March 28, 1993, public worship because of
through the President’s Executive Order No. 75, exceptional service to
mankind. The true heroes of
the National Heroes Committee was created,
Philippine history deserve to
commissioned to study, evaluate, and recommend be called so for they did not
historical figures to be declared as national have any idea that one day
heroes. The Committee composed of worthy members, they will be measured up, they
with a series of discussions came up with the new just acted upon their
principles.
criteria” (Galang, 2012).

The set of criteria is composed of 10 standards and these are the following:

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. The 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. 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.

Using these standards, Dr. Jose P. Rizal became our national hero. This is
furthered by the enactment of the Republic Act 1425 or also known as “Rizal
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
Module 06

Using these standards, Dr. Jose P. Rizal became

our national hero. This is furthered by the
enactment of the Republic Act 1425 or also
known as “Rizal Law.”

The implementation of this law has rekindled

the declining awareness and interests of the
Filipinos to always observe the spirit of
nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism; the
“Cowardice rightly understood begins
different writings of Dr. Rizal continuously
inspire the young generation to realize and
with selfishness and ends with shame.”
embody the different ideals and values a
-Dr. Jose P. Rizal-
Filipino must possess.

CELEBRATING DR. JOSE P. RIZAL AS A

NATIONAL SYSMBOL
“The whole nation observes the death anniversary
of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero, every 30th
day of December. This is to commemorate the
martyrdom and nationalism of Dr. Rizal which is
highlighted by the raising of the Philippine flag
and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Luneta Park,
Rizal Shrine in Calamba and Zamboanga and Rizal
Monument in Baguio City. With this, 30 December is
proclaimed as a national non-working holiday. The
annual commemoration is usually done with a
particular “theme” to arouse the nationalistic
fervor of the people and join hand in hand in the
celebration of Rizal’s martyrdom (Palafox, 2012).

“Another reason for the said

celebration is perhaps to bring the
“The doctrines of Rizal are not for one epoch but for
Filipinos together as they
all epochs. They are as valid as today as they were immortalize Rizal and his
yesterday. It cannot be said that because the political significance in contemporary times.
ideals of Rizal have been achieved, because of the As a matter of fact, both June 19 and
change of institutions, the wisdom of his counsels or December 30 are of historical
the value of his doctrines have ceased to be relevance to the life of Rizal as the
opportune. They have not.” former is his date of birth while the
-Rafael Palma- latter is his date of death”
(Palafox, 2012).
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“The observance of Rizal Day goes back to the

decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on Dec. 20,
1898, declaring Dec. 30 as the anniversary of Jose
Rizal’s death and also as “a national day of
mourning”, for Rizal and other victims of the
Spanish dominion throughout its three centuries
rule. He issued a directive that all national
flags shall be hoisted at half-mast from 12:00 noon
on December 29 and all offices of the government
shall be closed the whole day on December 30 as a
sign of mourning. This decree appeared in the
government organ, El Heraldo de la Revolucion
issued on December 25, 1898, in two languages,
Tagalog, and Spanish” (Palafox, 2012).

“The first-ever celebration of Rizal Day in the Philippines was held in

Manila on December 30, 1898 by the Club Filipino which coincided with the
unveiling of the Rizal monument in the town Daet in Camarines Norte. The
monument was the first-ever erected in honor of Rizal. Aguinaldo’s
revolutionary government did not last long when the Americans came in and
established their rule in the country. The Americans, conscious of the
veneration of Filipinos for Jose Rizal, and perhaps to enliven the spirit
of the people, came out with Act. No. 243 that was enacted on September 28,
1901 which granted the right to use public land upon the Luneta in the City
of Manila upon which to erect a statue of Jose Rizal from a fund to be raised
by Public subscription. The committee tasked to raise funds by subscription
and the for causing the erection of the monument and the expenditure of the
funds consisted of Pascual Poblete, Paciano Rizal, Juan Tuason, Teodoro R.
Yangco, Mariano Limjap, Maximo Paterno, Ramon Genato, Tomas G. del Rosario
and Dr. Ariston Bautista, most of whom had personally known Rizal. The shrine
was finally unveiled on December 30, 1913 during Rizal’s 17th death
anniversary. On February 1, 1902, the Philippine Commission enacted Act. No.
345, which set December 30 of each year as Rizal Day, and made it one of the
ten official holidays of the Philippines” (Palafox, 2012).

“December 30 as national holiday continued as statutes were enacted by

succeeding presidents. Republic Act No. 229 was enacted by President Quirino
on June 9, 1948 to create a committee to take charge of the proper celebration
of Rizal Day in every municipality and chartered city. On November 8, 2002,
Pres. Arroyo enacted Administrative Order No. 44 directing the chairman of
the National Historical Institute to spearhead the observance of the 106th
anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on December 30, 2002”
(Palafox, 2012).
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
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“Dr. Rizal is unquestionably the greatest hero and martyr of our nation.
The day of his birth and the day of his execution are fittingly
celebrated by all classes of our people throughout the length and breadth
of this country and even Filipinos and their friends abroad. His name
is a byword in every Filipino home while his pictures adorn the postage
stamp and money of widest circulation. No other Filipino hero can surpass
Rizal in the number of monuments erected in his honor, in the number of
towns, barrios, and streets named after him, in the number of educational
institutions, societies, and trade names that bear his name, in the
number of persons, both Filipinos and foreigners, who were named because
of their parents’ admiration for Dr. Rizal, and in the number of laws,
executive orders, and proclamations and bulletins, memoranda, and
circulars of both the bureaus of public and private schools” (De Ocampo
n.d as cited by Zaide & Zaide, 1994).

You know what, students:

Dr. Jose P. Rizal deserves all the praises
and recognitions. Indeed, his ideals and
teachings are not for one epoch only. May
you have learned many things!!! Let’s live
with his ideals; maybe by trying our best
we can strike a significant change or development,
Maybe we can save the declining democracy of the
Philippines for the future generation!!
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
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OUR MODERN HEROES

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us to a standstill with unparalleled
and unforeseen impact in our lives. Front-liners are risking their lives
to serve the country – to lead the battle against COVID-19; they are our
"modern-day heroes.” We should always strive to make sure that their
sacrifices will not be put in vain and, this is by simply following all
health protocols.
For several months, our doctors, nurses, teachers, military and police
personnel, and civil servants have been at the forefront of our nation’s
battle against the deadly disease. Their jobs have taken a heavy toll
on their physical and mental well-being but, they are still working for
the country. The selflessness, dedication, and bravery that they have
illustrated undoubtedly bring them in the same league as our national
heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to attain our
independence from foreign oppressors. Moreover, it is also revealed that
during these challenging times, every Filipino is a hero. Everyone is
doing a daily sacrifice for the family and the country.
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
Module 06

WATCH THESE VIDEOS!

Lecture Video: Celebrating Rizal as Bayani and National
Symbol

1.The Politics of the COVID-19 in the Philippines

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z9W7X48_KY]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Fib2YMotg]

2.West Philippine Sea Dispute

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZVUkE1EIl4&t=2s]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgjmlrZ9iDw&t=2s]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNH8PHdwho8&t=2s]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXM00fyFDNg&t=202s]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjfR3VeckuI]

Questions to Ponder:

1. Why is it important to acknowledge Dr. Jose P. Rizal as bayani and

national symbol?
2. What are his ideals or teachings that we can use in addressing the
issues that you have watched or learned from the suggested videos?

Dear students we are almost at the end of our third module.

Before we evaluate what you have learned, here are the key
points that you have to keep in mind!!

LESSON SUMMARY
A hero means a prominent or central personage taking an admirable part
in any remarkable action or event; a person of distinguished valor or
enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; and a man honored after
death by public worship because of exceptional service to mankind. The true
heroes of Philippine history deserve to be called so for they did not have
any idea that one day they will be measured up, they just acted upon their
principles.
There is a constant need to rekindle the declining awareness and interests
of the Filipinos to always observe the spirit of nationalism, patriotism,
and volunteerism; the different writings of Dr. Rizal continuously inspire
the young generation to realize and embody the different ideals and values
a Filipino must possess.
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
Module 06

REFERENCES
Galang, D. (2012). The Gates to Heroism: Defining a Filipino Hero. National
Historical Commission of the Philippines. Accessed through this link:
https://nhcp.gov.ph/the-gates-to-heroism-defining-a-filipino-hero/
Palafox, Q. (2012). Why We Celebrate Rizal Day Every 30th day of December.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Accessed through this
link: https://nhcp.gov.ph/why-we-celebrate-rizal-day-every-30th-day-of-
december/

Zaide, Gregorio F. & Zaide, Sonia M. (1994). Life, Works, and Writing of a
Genius, Writer, Scientists, and National Hero. Quezon City: All-Nations
Publishing Co., Inc.
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
Module 06

VALIDATION TIME!!
This section aims to assess your understanding of the
discussion provided in this module. Let us see if you
have learned.

SHORT TEST/QUIZ: You are tasked to complete their short

test/quiz.

The test is divided into two:

1. Identification
2. Essay

PERSONAL JOURNAL. Design a Personal Journal demonstrating the

spirit of nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism. This
output aims to celebrate Rizal as a national hero by
incorporating the values and ideals that his life and works
had presented/manifested.

Moreover, this output should focus on the issues of

territorial dispute over West Philippine Sea and/or the COVID-
19 pandemic.

i. Identify the causes and effects of this issue.

ii. Enumerate the possible solutions to this issue that will
demonstrate the following values: patriotism,
nationalism, and volunteerism.
iii. From your list of suggested solutions, choose one that
you can do or perform during this pandemic.
iv. Note or record the processes or steps that you will be
doing to execute your chosen solution.
v. What is/are your personal realization(s) while doing the
activity?

Rubric for Assessment:

Content: 40
Relevance: 20
Presentation: 20
Organization: 10
Technicalities: 10
 CELEBRATING RIZAL AS A NATIONAL HERO
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“Who is that girl/boy I see

Staring straight back at me?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?”

#REFLECTIONANDSHARING
Reflection Video: Submit a five-minute video summarizing all
your realizations (things that you have learned in this
subject). Share these realizations to at least two people
(family members or friends); document (by including in your
video output) your conversations with them.

Rubric for Assessment:

Content: 40
Creativity/Originality: 25
Relevance: 25
Presentation: 10

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Your hard work deserves a recognition! You’ve made it!

Life’s lesson: Indeed, success or winning is not for
quitters! Keep winning. Keep shining! Fighting!!!