Dr. Jose Rizal: Philippine National Hero

Topics for Today:

• Introduction: – The Rizal Law

• Should Rizal be Philippine National Hero?– Pros and Cons– Defining a Hero– Are these Definitions Applicable to Rizal

• Concluding Activity:– Rizal: A Challenge for Today’s Filipino Youth

Studying the life of Jose Rizal is mandated by the law.

is known as the Rizal Law, sponsored Claro M. Recto and Jose P. Laurel.

Enacted on June 12, 1956 by president Ramon Magsaysay. Provides that the life, writings and works of Rizal, particularly his novels – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – shall be a part of the curricula of schools, colleges and universities, public and private.

The preamble states that it is the duty of schools “to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the duties of citizenship.”

Should Rizal be the Philippine National Hero?

PROS: CONS:

What is a hero?

1. One whose life, works and words (writings) can inspire people to be men and women for others;

2. One who is honored and idolized by the people;

3. One who willingly sacrificed his life for the sake of others.

Are These Definitions Appropriate to Rizal?Are These Definitions Appropriate to Rizal?

• Unknown to Rizal, the Katipunan was inspired by his very spirit and ideas.

• Rizal’s mission and his concepts of nationalism became the rallying force of the revolutionary leaders who took over the leadership of the country after Rizal’s death.

1. One whose life, works and words (writings) can inspire people to be men and women for others;

In organization, the Katipunan leaned heavily on the La Liga Filipina.

Rizal’s portrait was displayed at the Katipunan headquarters.

Are These Definitions Appropriate to Rizal?Are These Definitions Appropriate to Rizal?2. One who is honored and idolized by

the people;

To Rizal’s contemporaries, he was a great leader.To the present generation, he is a savior and redeemer.

Rizal’s monument in every town• The Rizal law• some quotations about Rizal from great & known people

Indicators:

Pres. Manuel Roxas

IN RIZAL, WE HAVE A MAN WHOSE WISDOM WAS UNIVERSAL, WHOSE

THOUGHTS WERE THERE NOT ONLY FOR HIS TIME, BUT ALSO OURS. THERE ARE FEW GENIUSES OF

ANY AGE OF WHOM THAT CAN BE SAID.

IN RIZAL, WE HAVE A MAN WHOSE WISDOM WAS UNIVERSAL, WHOSE

THOUGHTS WERE THERE NOT ONLY FOR HIS TIME, BUT ALSO OURS. THERE ARE FEW GENIUSES OF

ANY AGE OF WHOM THAT CAN BE SAID.

William Dean Howells an American realist author and literary critic

THAT BEAUTIFUL SOUL… BORN WITH A

GIFT OF SOAR BEYOND THAT OF ANY OR ALL

THE AUTHORS OF OUR ROARING SUCCESS…

THAT BEAUTIFUL SOUL… BORN WITH A

GIFT OF SOAR BEYOND THAT OF ANY OR ALL

THE AUTHORS OF OUR ROARING SUCCESS…

..THE MOST IMPORTANT MAN NOT ONLY OF HIS COUNTRY BUT OF

THE WHOLE MALAYAN RACE.

Ferdinand Blumentrittan Austrian riend of Rizal

HE IS THE RARE COMET OF THE

PHILIPPINE SKIES.

Many famous authors described Rizal as:

“The First Filipino” - Leon Ma. Guerroro

“The Pride of the Malay Race” - Roman Ozaeta

“The Pioneer Exponent of Democracy in Asia” - Marguerite J. Fisher

“A Man with an Eternal Cause”

- Frank Lubach

He died by being shot in a century-old war and while trying to save an entire race from drowning.

Are These Definitions Appropriate to Rizal?Are These Definitions Appropriate to Rizal?3. One who willingly sacrificed his life

for the sake of others.

Rizal did not just die by being shot accidentally in a battle or while trying to save another man from drowning.

Rizal’s death was a result of his courageous free decision to stand firmly for justice and truth. Rizal’s death was a result of his courageous free decision to stand firmly for justice and truth.

He had chances to escape death.

However, it would mean to lay down his fight for justice and truth.

RESPONSES TO INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE:

1. COUNTER-VIOLENCE

2. PASSIVITY

3. ACTIVE-NON-VIOLENCE

This does not solve the problem but rather perpetuates injustice and creates a chain of violence.

For Rizal, this response will just result to spilling blood uselessly.

This neither solves the problem, because by being passive, one allows the unjust & oppressive situation to remain.

Causes: a.) ignoranceb.) fear / cowardicec.) benefitting out of the unjust situation

This is what Rizal refered to as MORAL REVOLUTION.This is a Christian response to injustice & violence.

ELEMENTS OF ACTIVE-NON-VIOLENCE:

• Absolute Respect for Human Dignity• Universal Love (love based on commitment to

love all men indiscriminately; not based on emotion)

• Preferential Option for the Oppressed• Change of Heart leads to Change of Structures• Being Ready to Lay Down One’s Life

Oh how beautiful to fall to give you flight,

To die to give you life, to die under your sky,

And in your enchanted land eternally sleep.

Rizal understood very well why he died.

The greatest power in this world is the helplessness of a humble lover.