Rizal Simplified

Reviewer
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MODULE 9

Written by José Rizal (1889-1890) in La Solidaridad, the essay examines the historical, social,
and political future of the Philippines.
Rizal warns Spain that if reforms are not enacted, the Philippines will eventually demand
independence.
He predicts the intervention of other powers (e.g., the U.S.) if the Philippines gains
independence.

Sections
1. Historical Context (Part I)
Spanish colonization disrupted Filipino culture and identity, leading to:
Loss of native traditions, pride, and history.
Widespread subjugation, poverty, and backwardness.
Over time, abuses and injustices awakened Filipino nationalism.

2. The Future of the Philippines (Part II)

Rizal discusses three possibilities:
The Philippines remains a Spanish colony but with more liberty and autonomy.
It gains independence, possibly through struggle.
It falls under the rule of another foreign power.
He warns that Spain's continued neglect and repression will provoke rebellion.

3. Need for Reforms (Part III)

Rizal suggests two major reforms for peaceful progress:
Freedom of the Press: To allow Filipinos to voice grievances and improve governance.
Representation in the Spanish Parliament: To ensure Filipino voices are heard in lawmaking.
Without reforms, Rizal predicts rebellion and violence, as oppressed people will choose to fight
rather than endure suffering.

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4. Independence and Its Challenges (Part IV)

Rizal predicts that if independence is achieved:
Filipinos will work hard to rebuild their nation and rediscover their cultural roots.
Other colonial powers (like the U.S. or Japan) might intervene but won't succeed in taking
control.

Unity among Filipinos will emerge stronger post-struggle, fostering a federal republic.
He highlights the unpredictability of history and urges Spain to act before it’s too late.

Rizal's Core Message

Reforms are essential to avoid a violent revolution.
Spain must respect Filipino rights, foster equality, and promote progress.
History shows that unjust colonial powers will inevitably lose their colonies.

Colonial Impact on Filipino Society

Destruction of Identity:

The Philippines lost its traditions, language, and history under Spanish rule.
Filipinos were made to feel ashamed of their own culture and to admire foreign customs.
The systematic erosion of Filipino pride led to a "broken spirit," making them subservient.
Cycle of Oppression and Awakening:

Initially, Filipinos endured oppression in silence due to ignorance.

Abuses and insults gradually awakened their sense of self-worth, sparking resistance.
Despite suppression, Rizal emphasizes that the Filipino spirit cannot be entirely extinguished.
The Future of the Philippines
Scenarios Rizal Predicts:

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Continued Spanish rule:

If reforms are enacted, Spain could maintain control peacefully.
Independence through conflict:
Without reforms, Filipinos would revolt.
Independence would be hard-fought, but unity and progress would emerge afterward.
Foreign Intervention:
Rizal doubts other powers (e.g., the U.S., Japan, England) would succeed in colonizing the
Philippines after independence.
Federal Republic:
Rizal envisions a government driven by unity, equality, and progress after liberation.
"Inevitable Change":

Ethical and intellectual growth among Filipinos is unstoppable, fueled by education, travel, and
awareness of global freedoms.
Rizal’s Reform Proposals
Freedom of the Press:

The press is crucial for transparency and accountability in governance.

Without press freedom, grievances fester, creating fertile ground for rebellion.
A free press would empower Filipinos to monitor abuses and propose solutions.
Representation in Spanish Parliament:

Filipino voices in Spain’s legislative body would:

Prevent mismanagement and abuses by colonial officials.
Allow Filipinos to advocate for their rights peacefully.
Without representation, discontent grows, making rebellion inevitable.
Risks of Neglecting Reforms

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Oppression Breeds Rebellion:

Poverty, insults, and injustice push people to prefer “a glorious death” over continued suffering.
Even peaceful Filipinos will fight when their dignity and future are threatened.
Violent Outcomes of Rebellion:

Bloodshed, destruction, and long-term resentment could result from a failed uprising.
A successful rebellion would leave Spain weakened, its prestige and resources drained.
Colonial Powers and Independence
Lessons from History:

No foreign power has maintained permanent control over a people with divergent cultures and
values.
Rizal compares the situation to Spain’s own history of driving out the Moors after 700 years.
Other Powers' Lack of Interest:

United States:
May intervene eventually, but it would face resistance and skepticism.
England:
Already controls key territories in Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore) and wouldn't risk upsetting
its balance of power.
Germany/France:
Too focused on Africa and other regions to seek control of the Philippines.
Filipino Unity and Progress
Emerging Nationalism:

Shared oppression is fostering unity among provinces and classes.

Education abroad is creating an enlightened, patriotic elite.

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Post-Independence Vision:

Filipinos will rebuild their economy, culture, and institutions.

Maritime trade and agriculture will flourish as Filipinos rediscover their industrious and
peaceful nature.
Warnings to Spain
Moral Responsibility:

Spain cannot justify the continued exploitation, abuse, and oppression of Filipinos.
True loyalty is earned through justice and fairness, not through fear.
Consequences of Delay:

If Spain continues its oppressive policies, it will lose the Philippines to rebellion or international
pressure.
Rizal hopes for peaceful reform but acknowledges the inevitability of independence if Spain
fails to act.
Rizal’s Style and Tone
Balanced but Bold:
Rizal critiques Spanish rule while maintaining respect and affection for Spain.
Historically Grounded:
He uses historical examples (e.g., Spain’s expulsion of the Moors) to support his arguments.
Prophetic:
Rizal accurately predicts the Philippines’ eventual revolution and independence, as well as
potential U.S. involvement.

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MODULE 10
1. Rizal as the Foremost Filipino Hero
 Rizal is widely regarded as the most prominent Filipino hero:
o Towns, streets, parks, and monuments are named after him.
o The Rizal Law mandates the study of his life and works in schools.
o Surveys consistently show that Filipinos identify him as the greatest national
hero.
2. Understanding the Terms "Bayani" and "Kabayanihan"
 Bayani: Rooted in the Filipino word bayan (community or nation), bayani refers to
someone who serves selflessly for the good of their community.
o Precolonial meaning: Brave, cooperative, and compassionate.
o Postcolonial meaning: Includes patriotism and the capacity to lead or inspire a
nation.
 Kabayanihan: Heroism; the act of demonstrating extraordinary sacrifice and service for
the welfare of others.
3. Comparison: "Hero" vs. "Bayani"
 Western "hero" (e.g., Hercules): Individualistic, focused on personal fame, extraordinary
strength, and supernatural abilities.
 Filipino "bayani":
o Works for the collective good of the community or bayan.
o Humble, selfless, and immersed in the culture and struggles of the people.
o Acts of kabayanihan are rooted in a strong sense of community and patriotism.

Rizal’s Heroism: How and Why?

1. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Criteria
 Hero Qualifications:
o Admirable leader, morally upright, and influential.
o Sacrifices purely for the nation without selfish motives.
o Contributes to the spiritual and social progress of the people.

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2. Rizal’s Legacy
 Zaide's Perspective:
o Rizal is the "top hero" due to his writings (Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo),
which exposed Spanish abuses and inspired the Filipino resistance.
o His ideas fueled movements like the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio.
 Salazar's Perspective:
o Rizal and other ilustrados (educated elite) can be seen as "heroes" because their
Western education set them apart from the common Filipino (bayan).
o Bonifacio and grassroots revolutionaries are closer to the term bayani due to
their direct connection and collective struggle with the people.

Modern Understanding of Heroes

 Over time, the concept of heroism evolved, with emphasis on:
o National Identity: A hero must embody the aspirations of the Filipino nation.
o People’s Validation: Heroes are recognized through public admiration and
collective acclamation, not just legislative proclamations.
1. Defining a Hero in Contemporary Terms
 Heroes are individuals who:
o Aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.
o Contribute to the quality of life and progress of their community.
o Are validated by the people, particularly the youth, for their enduring relevance.

Rizal as "Bayani" and His Kabayanihan

 Despite his Western education, Rizal experienced oppression as an indio (a native
Filipino under Spanish rule).
 His works reflect the collective suffering of Filipinos and serve as a unifying force against
colonial abuse.
 His writings and ultimate sacrifice (execution) embody both Western heroism and
Filipino kabayanihan.

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 The terms bayani and "hero" overlap in their focus on selflessness and service but differ
in cultural nuances.
 Rizal is both a hero and a bayani because:
o He pursued unselfish ideals for the betterment of the Filipino people.
o His life and works continue to inspire national pride and identity.

MODULE 11
1. Rizal’s Role in Philippine Nationalism
 José Rizal’s life, works, and writings contributed significantly to awakening Filipino
nationalism.
 His fight against Spanish tyranny was driven by love for the nation and not by personal
ambition or the desire to become a national hero.
 Rizal’s dedication and selflessness serve as a model of patriotism.

2. Defining a Filipino Hero

 Executive Order No. 75 (1993):
o President Fidel V. Ramos established the National Heroes Committee to define
criteria for national heroes.
o The committee emphasized fostering patriotism and recognizing those with
sterling character and achievements.
 Criteria for a Hero (as developed by the committee):
1. Sacrifices made for the nation.
2. Pure motives and morally valid methods in pursuing ideals.
3. Impeccable moral character.
4. Influence on their era and future generations.
5. Desire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.
6. Contribution to the nation’s quality of life and system of freedom.
7. Recognition by the people as an expression of national values.

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8. Vision and concern for future generations.

9. Demonstrated nationalistic ideals during threats of invasion or tyranny.
10. Comprehensive evaluation of their life and legacy, not just specific historical
events.

3. Rizal’s Life and Contributions

 Early Life:
o Born June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, to Francisco Mercado and Teodora
Alonso.
o Demonstrated early intellectual brilliance, learning to read and write by age
five.
o Studied at Ateneo Municipal and the University of Santo Tomas, later earning
his Licentiate in Medicine in Madrid.
 Skills and Achievements:
o Polyglot fluent in 22 languages, skilled in medicine, writing, art, sociology, and
more.
o Wrote Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, exposing Spanish abuses and
sparking Filipino resistance.
o Founded La Liga Filipina, promoting reforms through peaceful means.
o Advocated social reforms, built schools, and introduced agriculture and water
systems in Dapitan during his exile.

4. Rizal’s Execution and Legacy

 Arrested in 1896 and falsely accused of sedition and rebellion.
 Executed on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park), with his final
words, “Consummatum est” (“It is finished”).
 His writings and peaceful advocacy inspired the Philippine Revolution, leading to
independence in 1898.

5. Memorials and Recognition

 Global Monuments:
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o Statues and memorials exist in countries like Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, and
the U.S.
o Streets and landmarks in places like Seattle and New Delhi are named after
Rizal.
 In the Philippines:
o Rizal Park in Manila houses a monument near his execution site.
o Towns, streets, and schools are named after him, alongside scientific species
(e.g., Draco rizali, Apogania rizali).
 Annual Celebration:
o December 30 is observed as Rizal Day, commemorating his life and works.

 Rizal is celebrated for his peaceful yet powerful contributions to Philippine

independence.
 His writings remain a cornerstone of Philippine education, analyzed to understand his
vision and values.
 His enduring legacy includes fostering Filipino nationalism, inspiring future
generations, and serving as a unifying symbol of freedom and reform.

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