ASSIGNMENT NO.

Name: Gerald Paul Eday Course and BSE 4A

Section:
First Semester, A.Y. 2024-2025 Score:

José Rizal's Exile, Trial, and Death

Objective:
To understand the events, challenges, and significance of the last years of José Rizal's
life, focusing on his exile, trial, and death, and to analyze his enduring legacy in the
Philippines.

Instructions:

 Research and summarize the key events during José Rizal's exile, trial, and
death.
 Analyze the impact of Rizal’s actions and writings during this time on the Filipino
nationalist movement.
 Reflect on how Rizal’s legacy and martyrdom contributed to the broader fight for
Philippine independence.

1. Exile in Dapitan (1892-1896)

During his exile in Dapitan (1892-1896), José Rizal made significant contributions to the

community despite being punished by the Spanish authorities. He worked as a doctor,

offering free medical care and treating various illnesses, earning the respect and

admiration of the locals. Rizal also taught children, setting up a small school where he

taught subjects like reading, writing, and science.

Rizal helped improve the local economy by introducing new farming techniques and

encouraging the growth of different crops. He also assisted in building infrastructure,

including a water supply system, a hospital, and roads, which improved the town's living

conditions.

In addition, Rizal promoted culture and education by establishing a library and museum,

and organizing social and intellectual activities. He even formed a group called the

"Dapitan Literary and Scientific Society" to encourage learning and scientific research.

Overall, Rizal's time in Dapitan was marked by his dedication to improving the lives of

the people and promoting education, health, and social progress.

Healthcare: Rizal provided free medical care to the residents, treating illnesses and

performing surgeries, which improved their well-being.

Education: He set up a school, teaching children subjects like reading, writing, and

science, empowering the next generation and promoting intellectual growth.

Economic Improvement: Rizal introduced new farming techniques and helped build

infrastructure, such as a water supply system and roads, which improved the local

economy and living conditions.

Cultural Promotion: He established a library and museum, encouraging a love for

Filipino culture and heritage while organizing cultural and intellectual activities.

Rizal’s efforts in Dapitan reflect his belief in practical reforms that benefit the

community. Despite being in exile, he remained committed to improving the lives of his

fellow Filipinos through healthcare, education, and cultural development.

2. The Trial of José Rizal

José Rizal was arrested by the Spanish authorities because they saw him as a threat.

His writings and ideas encouraged Filipinos to demand reforms and better treatment

under Spanish rule, which made the authorities nervous.

Rizal was charged with:

Rebellion: He was accused of being involved in the Philippine Revolution, though he

wasn’t directly part of it.

Sedition: His writings, especially Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, criticized the

Spanish government and the church.

Illegal association: He was wrongly linked to revolutionary groups like the Katipunan.

Blasphemy: Some accused him of disrespecting the Catholic Church.

Trial Proceedings and Injustices

Unfair trial: The trial was rushed, and the authorities had already decided he was guilty.

No proper defense: Rizal wasn’t allowed to properly defend himself, and the trial was

more about silencing him.

Pre-determined verdict: The outcome was never in doubt, and Rizal’s fate was sealed

before the trial even began.

Rizal used his trial to defend his ideas:

He explained that his writings were meant to expose the truth and promote reform, not

rebellion.

He argued for peaceful change through education, not violence.

Despite the injustice, he remained calm and dignified, becoming a symbol of resistance.

Rizal’s arrest and trial showed the Spanish government’s effort to silence those who

challenged their rule. Despite the unfair trial, Rizal used the opportunity to stand firm for

reform and justice, becoming a martyr for Philippine independence.

2. Execution and Death at Bagumbayan (Luneta)

José Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park)

after being falsely accused of supporting the Philippine Revolution. Though he had not

participated in the rebellion, his writings, especially Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo, inspired Filipinos to seek change. Rizal was sentenced to death by the

Spanish authorities, and on the day of his execution, he faced a firing squad with

courage and dignity, refusing to kneel.

Rizal’s final moments carried deep symbolism. He faced death with dignity, standing

firm and showing his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Before his execution, he

wrote a poem titled Mi Último Adiós (My Last Farewell), in which he expressed his deep
love for the Philippines and his hope for its future. He urged his fellow Filipinos to

continue fighting for their freedom.

Rizal’s execution had a powerful impact on the Filipino people. His death turned him

into a martyr for the cause of independence, inspiring many Filipinos to join the fight for

freedom. It became a catalyst for the revolution, uniting Filipinos and strengthening the

resolve of those already involved in the struggle against Spanish rule.

Rizal’s death on December 30 became a symbol of the Filipino desire for freedom and

justice. His dignified final moments and the message in his poem Mi Último Adiós

inspired the Philippine Revolution, encouraging future generations to continue the fight

for independence.