Rizal's Heroism

Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism
Rizal had been outspoken in his opposition to the Spanish government, but in
a peaceful and constructive manner. For him, "the pen was mightier than the
sword," and he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government
officials as well as Spanish friars through his writings.
Rizal published essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish

newspaper La Solidaridad while in Barcelona. The majority of his
publications, including essays and editorials, focused on individual rights and
independence, particularly for Filipinos. He even advocated for the
Philippines to become a province of Spain as part of his reforms.
Among his best works, however, two novels stood out: Noli Me Tángere
(Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed).
Rizal severely denounced Spanish colonial power in the country and exposed
the faults of Philippine society at the time in both works. Because he wrote
about the injustices and brutalities perpetrated by Spaniards in the country,
the authorities prohibited Filipinos from reading the divisive works. However,
they were unable to entirely prohibit it. As more Filipinos read the books,
their eyes were opened to the fact that they were being subjected to horrible
abuses at the hands of the friars. These two works by Rizal, today considered
literary masterpieces, are thought to have triggered the Philippine
Revolution inadvertently.
When he returned to the Philippines, Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina, a

progressive organization. This civic movement campaigned for social reforms
through the use of the legal system. Along with his novels and writings, Rizal
was now viewed as an even greater threat by the Spanish government,
leading to his exile in Dapitan, northern Mindanao.
This, however, did not deter him from carrying on with his reform ambitions.
Rizal established a school, hospital, and water system in Dapitan. He also
taught farming and worked on agricultural ventures such as making rope
from abaca.
After volunteering to fly to Cuba to treat yellow fever victims, Rizal was
granted leave by then-Governor-General Blanco in 1896. However, the
Katipunan was in the midst of a full-fledged revolution at the time, and Rizal
was accused of being a member of the secret militant society. On his route
to Cuba, he was caught in Barcelona and returned to Manila to face the court
martial. Rizal was accused with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion, and was
put to death by firing squad as a result.
Days before his execution, Rizal sent his motherland and compatriots
farewell in one of his final letters, Mi Utimo adiós, or My Last Farewell. Dr.
José Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, in what was then known as
Bagumbayan (now known as Luneta). When he heard the order to shoot him,
he turned to face the squad and exclaimed, "Consummatum est" (It is
ended). According to historical records, the Filipino martyr and hero was
killed by a single gunshot.
Today, the Filipino people remember and honor Dr. Rizal's genius,
compassion, courage, and patriotism. Students and professionals are
constantly analyzing his two novels.
Colleges and Universities in the Philippines even require students to take a

course centered on Rizal's life and writings. Every year on December 30th,
Filipinos honor Rizal's life and works by celebrating Rizal Day. Filipinos reflect
on how his foundation of La Liga Filipina and his two novels influenced the
early stages of the Philippine Revolution. People appreciate his argument for
achieving liberty through peaceful methods rather than through violent
revolution.
In Rizal's honor, tributes and statues of the national hero can be found not
only in the Philippines, but also in chosen places around the world. He is
commemorated with a road in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri neighborhood and a
street in Medan, Indonesia. The José Rizal Bridge and Rizal Park in Seattle are
both named after the late hero.
There are streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a province

named after him in the Philippines. Rizal has also inspired the names of three
species: the Draco rizali (a little lizard known as a flying dragon), Apogania
rizali (a very uncommon type of beetle with five horns), and Rhacophorus
rizali (a strange frog species).
To honor all he achieved for the country, the Philippines created a memorial
park for him, currently known as Rizal Park in Manila. There is a memorial
there with a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, an obelisk, and a stone base
that is supposed to contain his ashes. The memorial is located near the spot
where he was executed in Luneta.

Rizal's Heroism

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rizal's Heroism

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rizal's Heroism

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism

Rizal published essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish

When he returned to the Philippines, Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina, a

Colleges and Universities in the Philippines even require students to take a

There are streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a province

You might also like