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MODULE 1 SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal)

MODULE 1 Introduction

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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Ac vity Descrip on Time to

Complete
Asynchronous O ine Individual and Group Ac vity
1. Forma ve Ac vity 1. Super-Me 20 min.
Ac vity Ac vity 2. Superhero Rescue
Ac vity 3. Are you more of a hero or villain?
2. Readings
Readings:
Sec on 1. Concept of Hero, Martyr, Patrio sm and
Na onalism
60 min.
THE GATES TO HEROISM: DEFINING A FILIPINO HERO
by Diana A. Galang
h p://[Link]/the-gates-to-heroism-de ning-a-
lipino-hero

Sec on 2. RA 1425 (Rizal Law)

RA 1425 60 min
h ps://www.o cialgaze [Link]/downloads/
1956/06jun/[Link]

Supplementary Readings:
60 min
“The Trials of the Rizal Bill”, Laurel, Jose Jr.
Historical Bulle n vol. 4, no.2 (1960): 130-
139
Schumacher, J (2011). The Rizal Bill of 1956.
Horacio de la Costa and the bishops.
Philippine Studies 59(4), 529-53.

Hau, C. (2000). Introduc on. Necessary Fic ons,

1946-1980 (pp1-14). Quezon City,
Philippines: Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Sec on 3: Supplementary Laws and Direc ves to

RA 1425
60 min.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND LEGAL BASIS OF RIZAL
DAY AND OTHER MEMORIALS IN HONOR OF JOSE
RIZAL )
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.
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This module provides a discussion on the historical context and important

provisions of the Rizal Law and the vital arguments and controversies leading to its
enactment. Additionally, it is also imperative to reflect on the impact and significance of
studying the Rizal Law which allows us to better understand its content, importance and
relevance in the 21st century.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

a. discuss and differentiate the concept and ways of a hero, martyr, patriotism
and nationalism;

b. explain the history of the Rizal Law and its important provisions;

c. critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal Course to the present day
Philippines;

d. identify the outstanding attributes of Jose Rizal why he is considered as the

national hero of the Philippines; and

e. exhibit the values of devotion to study and the pursuit of wisdom, freedom,
humility and common good.

Section 1. Concept of Hero, Martyr, Patriotism and Nationalism

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to discuss and differentiate the concept
of hero, martyr, patriotism and nationalism.

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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Overview

Every society, communities and families have always someone to look up to. These
individuals are considered by some as a hero or a martyr. The road to heroism is not easy,
nor does becoming a martyr. The road to heroism, martyrdom and demonstration of
patriotism and nationalism is not easy, it requires more than sacrifices but meaningful
contribution to a community or societies. The good deeds must be in the context of the
communities or societies and for bigger good than the individual. Only those who possess
the strong commitment and relentless desire to bring justice and peace can succeed in
becoming as a hero or martyr.

Hero, Martyr, Patriotism and Nationalism: Meaning, characteristics and aims

Some of the definitions of a Hero. . .

1. Etymology: The word hero comes from the Greek ἥρως (hērōs), "hero" (literally
"protector"

or "defender")

2. Generally, it refers to a person admired for achievements and noble qualities.

3. A person who is admired for having done something very brave or having achieved

something great. (Cambridge dictionary, 2017)

4. Sometimes, the word hero can have a highly subjective label. A hero considered by the

young may not be considered as a hero by adults. For this reason, it becomes very essential

to place qualifiers as to who really are heroes.

5. Some of the outstanding and distinctive characteristics of a hero are : Brave /

Courageous,

A good and strong leader, Altruistic (puts other first e.g. risks or gives life for others), Clever,

Visionary (has far reaching ideas), Good or Moral (strong beliefs or principles), Had integrity

(stands up for what they believe and act accordingly), Tenacious (keeps going despite

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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challenges), Decisive, Focused / Single minded (has a purpose), Inspiring / Charismatic,

Determined, Ambitious, Wise, Honest, Kind / Compassionate, Just and fair minded.

6. There are two factors that lead to people acting heroically: (1) The circumstances they
find

themselves in, and (2) How they react to these circumstances (i.e. the characteristics of

the person involved)

7. These reasons why heroes are needed in the society because they tap the basic human

needs for survival, nurturance, growth, education, safety, security, healing, happiness,

health, hope, wisdom, and justice.

Martyr …

1. Etymology: Old English martir, via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek martur

‘witness’ (in Christian use, ‘martyr’).

2. A person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to

renounce a religion, or a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially

life itself for the sake of principle. (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

3. Martyrdom was first recognized in Catholicism, where in the first and second centuries,

Romans would put Catholics to death because of their faith. This led to the definition of a

martyr as being someone who would die for their faith. Today, a martyr complex is still

seen in some religious groups. A martyr complex can also be seen in families and

relationships. Although this type of martyrdom is not extreme and people aren't necessarily

murdered, it still can lead to the destruction or death of a relationship.

( h t t p s : / / s t u d y. c o m / a c a d e m y / l e s s o n / w h a t - i s - a - m a r t y r - c o m p l e x - d e f i n i t i o n -
[Link])
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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4. Certain characteristics can help identify someone who has a martyr complex. These

people tend to exhibit different psychological traits that follow the pattern of the disorder:

Low self-esteem, an exaggerated sense of responsibility to others, fear of being

abandoned and difficulties adjusting to change.

Patriotism…

1) Etymology: The English term patriot is first attested in the Elizabethan era; it came via

Middle French from Late Latin (6th century) patriota, meaning "countryman", ultimately

from Greek πατριώτης (patriōtēs), meaning 'from the same country', from πατρίς

(patris), meaning 'fatherland'. "(Henry George et al, A Greek–English Lexicon, πατρι–

ώτης". [Link]. Retrieved 2013-11-03).

2) Patriotism can be defined as love of one’s country, identification with it, and special

concern for its well-being and that of compatriots. (Stanford Encyclopedia of

Philosophy, 2017)

3) One who is patriotic is always ready to make any sacrifice for his country. He will never

live selfishly for himself alone.

4) Stephen Nathanson (1993, 34–35) defines patriotism as involving: (a) Special

affection for one’s own country, (b) A sense of personal identification with the country

(c) Special concern for the well-being of the country, and (d) Willingness to sacrifice to

promote the country’s good.

5) There are five types of patriotism: (1) Extreme Patriotism, (2) Robust Patriotism, (3)

Moderate Patriotism, (4) Deflated Patriotism, and (5) Ethical Patriotism

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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Nationalism…

1) Etymology: "devotion to one's country, national spirit or aspirations, desire for

national unity, independence, or prosperity (1844). Earlier it was used in a theological

sense of "the doctrine of divine election of nations" (1836). Later it was used in a

sense of "doctrine advocating nationalization of a country's industry" (1892). An

earlier word for "devotion or strong attachment to one's own country" was nationality

(1772)

2) Nationalism gives more importance to unity by way of a cultural background,

including language and heritage. It implies to a person that his country is the most

superior among other countries and he will defend it no matter what.

In this section, we are going to read and discuss Rizal Bill and its eventual ratification into
Republic Act 1425 also known as the Rizal Law meant to deal with the demand for the
Filipinos’ commitment to the “ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived
and died.”

3) Historically, nationalism has been used to define and explain everything from radical

political and militaristic movements like Nazism to strong protectionist policies

controlling modern foreign policy and economy. Nationalism centers on a country's

culture, language, and often race. It may also include shared literature, sports, or the

arts, but is primarily driven by cultural associations. And, it promotes the nation at the

expense of others. Nationalism has a positive view of conquering other nations as it

sees itself as the ultimate nation. Any ideologies that undercut or contradict the nation

are opposed. (Sraders, Ann.(2018). What is Nationalism? Its History And What It

Means in 2018. The Street. New York, USA.

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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Source :
h ps://

[Link]/What-is-the-di erence-if-any-betweenna onalism-and-patrio sm

Watch video:
Patriotism vs Nationalism @ [Link] v.
Nationalism | Robert Reich

THE GATES TO HEROISM: DEFINING A FILIPINO HERO

by Diana A. Galang h p://[Link]/the-gates-to-heroism-de ning-a- lipino-hero/

It is common for Filipinos to look

for someone to idolize –saints, politicians, artists, models, etc.,
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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somebody they will glorify and imitate. Since the time of the declaration of Philippine
independence, 109 years ago, many were acknowledged as Filipino heroes, more so today, that
every individual who become so popular or the main character in any particular event is given the
title “hero”. The essence of the word “hero” is past declining, today one need not to die or do such
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. Will our forefathers who gave their
lives for freedom feel insulted for this? Are these the Filipinos we’ll look up to for guidance through
the times, aren’t our children losing the true meaning of heroism by our doings? All these things
we should ask ourselves before giving the title “hero” to anyone.

But what does being a hero mean? 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 didn’t have any
idea that one day they will be measured up, they just acted upon their principles. The concept of
honoring heroes came only 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. Actually, this Act was disputed by many but the
basis of the Commission was so strong that it has surpassed the public’s questions.

Since then, heroes were celebrated here and there, citing their names in every politician’s
speeches, declaring holidays, naming streets, constructing monuments, etc. in their honor. Until
one day, realizing that so many names were acknowledged as heroes, need to evaluate the
situation was proposed. During Marcos’ presidency, he tasked the National Heroes Commission
to come up with the criteria for national hero. On March 28, 1993, thru the President’s Executive
Order No. 75, the National Heroes Committee was created, commissioned to study, evaluate and
recommend historical figures to be declared as national heroes. The Committee composed of
worthy members, with a series of discussions came up with the new criteria.

The criteria are composed of 10 standards: First is the extent of a person’s sacrifices for the
welfare of the country. Second, 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). The third is the moral character of
the person concerned (the person should not have any immorality issue that affected his ideal).
The fourth is the influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age. Fifth
is that 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). Sixth is that 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). Seventh is, heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and
destiny of a nation. Eight, a hero is part of the people’s expression (the citizen must have
recognized and acknowledged the person as a hero). Ninth, a hero thinks of the future, especially
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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the future generations, his concern for the future generations must be seen in his decisions and
ideals). Lastly, 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 particular person a hero.

Filipino’s expectations of public figures are different now than it was more than a hundred years
ago, maybe because of the realization that no one is perfect. This is the reason why today so
many were acknowledged as heroes and many were voted in important governing positions with
flaws and questionable characters. Lucky are those who aspire one day to be called a hero that
the criteria was already set to pattern their decisions with. I hope that the criteria for national
heroes will not only be checked against the historical figures but also with the politicians to whom
we will entrust the power to govern our country

Section 2. RA 1425 (Rizal Law)

In this section, we are going to read and discuss Rizal Bill and its eventual ratification into
Republic Act 1425 also known as the Rizal Law meant to deal with the demand for the
Filipinos’ commitment to the “ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived
and died.”

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to:

1. explain the history of the Rizal Law and its important provisions; and
2. critically assess the effectiveness of the Rizal Course to the present day
Philippines.

OVERVIEW

Republic Act 1425, known as the Rizal Law, mandates that all educational institutions in the
Philippines to teach the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal. Its primary aim is to inculcate
in students an increased sense of nationalism at a time when Filipino identity is threatened
by various factors.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

[Link]
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS,

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES COURSES ON THE LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS OF JOSE
RIZAL, PARTICULARLY HIS NOVELS NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO,
AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-
dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died;

WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose
Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have
shaped the national character;

WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds
of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be
suffused;

WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to
regulation by the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal
discipline, civic conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship; Now, therefore,

SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges
and universities, public or private: Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English
translation shall be used as basic texts.

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith
measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing
and printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty
(60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those
of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. The Board shall
promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons of
religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision
contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the
course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take
effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official Gazette.

SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their
libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The said
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in
English as well as other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.





















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required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and universities.

The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books,
depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.

SECTION 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog
and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions;
and cause them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through
the Purok organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country.

SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine
hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious
doctrines by public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.

SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be

appropriated out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry
out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 12, 1956

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.

Supplementary Readings:

1. “The Trials of the Rizal Bill”, Laurel, Jose Jr. Historical Bulletin vol. 4, no.2 (1960): 130-

139.

2. Schumacher, J (2011). The Rizal Bill of 1956. Horacio de la Costa and the bishops.

Philippine Studies 59(4), 529-53.

3. Hau, C. (2000). Introduction. Necessary Fictions, 1946-1980 (pp1-14). Quezon City,

Philippines: Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Section 3: Supplementary Laws and Directives to RA 1425

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.















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HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND LEGAL BASIS OF RIZAL DAY AND OTHER MEMORIALS IN
HONOR OF JOSE RIZAL
By: Quennie Ann J. Palafox

For over a century now, the nation has never failed to observe the anniversary of the
martyrdom our great national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. This year, the President will lead the
simultaneous raising of Philippine flag at half-mast and wreath offering at the monument of
Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila, Calamba, Laguna and in Dapitan, Zamboanga del
Norte on December 30, 2010. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Rizal: Haligi ng
Bayan”.

Although frequently at the center of controversies and criticism of the public, the
government must be given credits for its efforts in ensuring that the memory of Rizal stays
in our hearts through the issuance of legislative acts, decrees and other proclamations
honoring him.

Two years after the execution of Rizal in Bagumbayan, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo issued on Dec.
20, 1898 a decree designating 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 government
throughout its three centuries of oppressive rule. He made a directive that all national flags
shall be hoisted at half-mast from 12 noon on Dec. 29 and all offices of the government
shall be closed the whole day on December 30 as a sign of mourning. On December 30,
1898, Filipinos celebrated Rizal Day for the first time and chose Club Filipino in Manila to be
the venue.

The Americans, to win the sympathy of the Filipinos, and to convince them that they were
proFilipinos more than the Spaniards, gave Rizal official recognition. This was to make them
conform to the new government. Rizal acquired the official title of title of Philippine National
Hero in 1901 under the country’s first American civil governor, William Howard Taft. On the
recommendation of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, the Taft Commission renamed the district of
Morong into the Province of Rizal through Act 137 on June 11, 1901. This was one of the
first official steps taken by the Taft Commission to honor Rizal. Since then, Jose Rizal came
to be known as the National Hero

It was also during the American times that Rizal’s death anniversary was made an official
holiday. 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. As the nationalist spirit of the Filipinos was at the highest point during that time,
they were able to convince the government to erect a monument for Rizal. Thus, Act No.
243 was enacted on September 28, 1901 granting the right to use public land upon the
Luneta in the City of Manila upon which to erect a statue of Jose Rizal.

So important was the observation of Rizal Day that President Quirino approved on June 9,
1948 Republic Act No. 229 which prohibits cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai every 30th
of December of each year, in order to have proper observance of Rizal Day.
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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To give ample time to prepare for the birth centenary of Jose Rizal in 1961, the Rizal
National Centennial Commission was created by Executive Order No. 52, issued by Pres.
Ramon Magsaysay on August 10, 1954 to undertake the construction of a National Cultural
Shrine and other memorials to be dedicated to Jose Rizal. JRNCC became Rizal Presidential
Committee on 1 July 1962 after President Diosdado Macapagal issued Executive Order No.
14.

Jose Rizal’s vast role in the attainment of the nation’s freedom led to the issuance of
Republic Act 1425 on June 12, 1956. Commonly known as the Rizal Act, it was sponsored
by Senator Claro M. Recto. It requires the curricula of private and public schools, colleges
and universities courses to include the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his
novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in order to educate the students about the
concept of nationalism.

A few days before the celebration of the birth centenary of Jose Rizal in 1961, Pres. Garcia
issued Executive Order No. 429 on June 2, creating a decoration intended to perpetuate
Rizal’s memory, to be known as the Rizal Pro Patria Award. It was to be awarded by the
President of the Philippines to those who have rendered outstanding work for the benefit of
their community. Among the recipients of this decoration in the past were N. V. M. Gonzalez,
Alejandro Roces, Juan Nakpil, Felipe Padilla De Leon, and Wilfredo Ma. Guerero.

In Manila streets were named with reference to the national hero, Jose Rizal. In Sampaloc,
two streets are named after his pen names, Laong Laan and Dimasalang. Blumentritt, a
main thoroughfare, was named after Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt, Rizal’s friend, while Dapitan
street situated near the University of Santo Tomas was named after a municipality in
Zamboanga del Norte, where Rizal was deported in 1892. Other street names have
references to Rizal’s novels such as Sisa, Basilio, and Simoun.

Rizal monuments are concrete memorials to his legacy. The most prominent is the Rizal
monument in Manila, unveiled on December 30, 1913 in line with the 17th Anniversary of
the martyrdom of Jose Rizal. However, the Rizal monument in the town Daet in Camarines
Norte holds the distinction of the first ever erected in honor of Rizal.

In the 1920s, Rizal Day was very popular and a much awaited event with the entire city
going to Luneta to spot the parade of the Rizal Day, a parade as glamorous as the carnival
parade of February. In his memorable Rizal Day address, Pres. Quezon declared through
Commonwealth Act No. 184 the adoption of Tagalog as the basis of the national language
of the Philippines on December 30, 1937.

The Rizal Day celebration of December 30, 1942 required the display of Japanese flags in
Filipino homes. Attended by Jorge Vargas Benigno Aquino, Sr, and Jose P. Laurel, Sr., a
Nippongo program on Rizal was held in 1942, during which the hero’s “Ultimo Adios” was
recited in Japanese. This event also witnessed the inauguration of Kalibapi.
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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Just after the war in 1946, the country saw floral offerings and a civic parade in observance
of Rizal Day in 1946. President Roxas was joined by high officials of the national
government and representatives of the United States Army and Navy and foreign nations
who offered wreaths at the foot of Rizal’s monument.

On December 30, 1950, all Philippine flags throughout the island were raised at half-mast in
all public buildings and vessels to commemorate the martyrdom of Rizal. There was also
floral offering at the Rizal monument at Luneta and concert in the afternoon.

A crowd estimated to be from 300-500, 000 persons gathered at the Luneta on December
30, 1953 to attend the inauguration of Ramon Magsaysay as president of the Republic of
the Philippines. The Constitution had made the Rizal Day event even more memorable
having specified the date of the day for the inauguration of President of the Republic as
stipulated in Sec. 4 of Article VII of the 1935 Constitution. However, this was moved to June
30 by virtue of the 1987 Constitution which is being observed until now.

December 30, 1996 was the centenary of the martyrdom of Rizal. Highlights included the
tracing of the last walk of Rizal from his detention cell at Fort Santiago followed by the
reenactment of the hero’s execution and flag raising at Luneta Park, Manila. A monument of
Rizal was also inaugurated on 5 December 1996 along the Avenida de Las Islas Filipinas in
Madrid, Spain.

Rizal Day is a day of appreciating Jose Rizal as a hero, an icon and a perfect example on
how to be a Filipino. To quote the late Sen. Blas Ople, “Jose Rizal remains the supreme hero
of the Philippines because of the quality of his sacrifice, his absolute dedication to the
interest of his people, and his achievement in many fields of endeavors”.

Section 4. Rizal as a Hero

This section discusses conceptions about Rizal as a hero and criteria on what makes a
person worthy to be a hero.

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to identify the outstanding attributes of
Jose Rizal why he is considered as the national hero of the Philippines.

Rizal, the hero

Philippine Daily Inquirer / December 30, 2018
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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Jose Rizal is, in the annals of heroism, an anomaly. He was a man of science, a scholar and writer,
and to many young Filipinos is idealized as a model son and something of a ladies’ man.

Unlike other national heroes, he did not bear arms or lead an army. Indeed, he preached against an
armed rebellion, believing his country folk were yet unprepared for battle and so concluded that a
revolution was bound to fail. But neither was he a milquetoast. While in Madrid, he challenged fellow
propagandist Antonio Luna to a duel after Luna disparaged Nellie Boustead while in a drunken rage.
Nellie apparently favored Rizal over Luna, and hearing the young lady maligned, Rizal challenged
Luna to a gun duel. The gunfight did not proceed, fortunately, after Luna sobered up. Reports have
it that, while a superior swordsman, Luna was not as good with a pistol as Rizal was.

Rizal also challenged to a duel Wenceslao Retana, a minor official in the Spanish colonial
bureaucracy who became the foremost opponent of Filipino propagandists in Spain. In an
article in an anti-Filipino newspaper in Madrid, Retana claimed that the reason Rizal’s family
and friends were ejected from their Calamba properties was that they failed to pay rent. It
was an injustice that rankled Rizal deeply, especially since stories reached him that his
beloved mother was paraded before the townsfolk with her hands in shackles. It is believed
to have sparked Rizal’s simmering anti-Spanish sentiment.

And so an incensed Rizal challenged the Spaniard to a duel, a challenge left unmet after
Retana retracted his claims in a later article. The Spaniard would later become an ardent
devotee, and after the hero’s death wrote the first book-length biography of Rizal.

Proud and quick to take offense, sensitive to slights and determined to prove by personal
example the superiority or at least the equality of Filipinos to any other peoples on earth,
Rizal was uniquely situated to take on the mantle of national hero.

Some have claimed that Rizal was nothing more than a “creation” of the American colonial
powers who deemed the scholar-writer a safer and thus more palatable model of heroism

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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than the more volatile Andres Bonifacio, whose enduring image is, despite contrary
scholarship, the firebrand in peasant wear holding aloft a bolo and the Katipunan flag.

But this flies against accounts of how Rizal—and later, his surviving family—was beheld by
his contemporaries. During his exile in Dapitan, Rizal was visited by an emissary of the
Katipunan who sought to convince him to lend his person and reputation to the
revolutionary cause. Rizal rebuffed him

Historian and Inquirer columnist Ambeth Ocampo, in an account of Rizal’s execution,

describes the scene as Rizal is led on foot from his cell in Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan:
“The streets were lined with people who wanted to see the condemned man, since Rizal
was many things to different people: ‘leader of the revolution,’ physician, novelist, poet,
sculptor, heretic, subversive. Rizal was a person one could not be neutral about. Like him or
hate him, he was a celebrity.”

In a time when it took at the very least some weeks for news to cross the ocean from
Spain to these islands, Rizal and his fellow propagandists were virtually the sole voices of
Filipino opposition to Spanish colonial policy. His novels articulated the inchoate anger of the
people against the symbols of Spanish oppression: the military, the civil authorities, the
clergy. At a time when armed conflict consisted of bolos and spears and a few rifles
employed against a wellarmed military force with long arms, cannons, swords and mounted
troops, Rizal chose to fight with words—scathing, bitter, pained and pointed—and aimed
these at the heart of the colonizer. He may have eschewed active, bloody battle, but he was
no coward.

His words were missiles that covered a broad ground and outlasted his own brief life. And
their enduring influence explains why he is a hero.

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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The making of a Philippine na onal hero

The Manila Times, 2015.
[Link]
philippinenational-hero/213977/

As the country spends this long weekend to mark National Heroes Day tomorrow, August
31, The Sunday Times Magazine decided to look into the process of how a Filipino—whose
love, loyalty, and allegiance to country is both admirable and immeasurable—is officially
proclaimed a Philippine icon of the highest esteem.

Does a hero’s life story need to be presented to a particular body? Does thorough research
need be done to authenticate one’s valor for country? Does a Filipino need to be martyred
to become a national hero?

With all these questions, The Sunday Times Magazine excitedly began its own research into
the making of a Philippine national hero, only to be met, however, by surprising and
complicated revelations.

No such hero
“No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming
any Filipino historical figure as a national hero.”

J
Jose Rizal has never been proclaimed a national hero

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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This is what the “Selection and Proclamation of National Heroes and Laws Honoring Filipino
Historical Figures” has stated in the 2002 executive summary report done by the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). According to Alvin Alcid, chief of research
of Publication and Heralding Division of NHCP, this was submitted to the Reference and
Research Bureau and Legislative Research Service of the House of Congress.

Based on this official document, even Dr. Jose Rizal who is taught in school as the Philippine
National Hero, has never actually been conferred this title. Nevertheless, NHCP clarifies that
the position Rizal now holds in the Philippine history is a tribute and honor to a national
hero.

“However,” the statement clarified, “because of their significant roles in the process of
nation building and contributions to history, there were laws enacted and proclamations
issued honoring these heroes.”

Implied heroes

Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president

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As early as December 20, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree declaring
December 30 of every year a day of national mourning in honor of Rizal and other victims of
the Philippine Revolution.

When William Howard Taft arrived in the Philippines in June 1900 and became the chairman
of the 2nd Philippine Commission, the American governor general suggested to name Rizal
a national hero.

On June 11, Act No. 137 was formulated which organized the “politico-military district of
Morong” into the “Province of Rizal,” in honor of Rizal, the great hero and martyr.

Another hero given an implied recognition as a national hero is Andres Bonifacio. His birth
date of November 30 was declared a national holiday through Act No. 2946, enacted by the
Philippine Legislature on February 16, 1921.

On February 23, 1918, Act No. 2760 confirmed and ratified all steps taken for the creation,
maintenance and improvement of national monuments, and particularly for the erection of a
monument in memory of Andres Bonifacio

Acclaimed heroes

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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Marcelo H. del Pilar is the leading propagandist for reforms in the country

Despite the lack of any official declaration explicitly proclaiming the country’s most famous
freedom fighters and martyrs as national heroes, they remain admired and revered for their
important roles in Philippine history. For according to historians, heroes should not be
legislated; rather, their appreciation is better left to academics. Acclamation for heroes in
their opinion is recognition enough.

Nevertheless, the Philippine government have made attempts in the past to identify and
officially recognize Filipino heroes.

On March 28, 1993, President Fidel Ramos issued Executive Order 75 creating the National
Heroes Committee under the Office of the President.

The committee was tasked to study, evaluate and recommend Filipino national personages/
heroes in due recognition of their sterling character aand remarkable achievements for the
country.

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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Melchora Aquino, the Grand Woman of the Revolution

Dr. Onofre Corpuz and Dr. Alfredo Lagmay came up with a six-item criteria for the purpose,
which was adopted by a Technical Committee comprised of Samuel Tan, Marcelino Foronda,
Bernardita Churchill, Serafin Quiason, Ambeth Ocampo (then known as Dom Ignacio Maria),
Prof. Minerva Gonzales, and Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil. The criteria contained the following:

1) Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the
nation’s freedom.

2.) Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for
a nation.

3.) Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.

4.) A hero is part of the people’s expression.

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5.) A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations.

6.) 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 particular person a hero.

After two years of deliberation, the National Historical Commission, comprised of the
country’s top historians, selected nine individuals and recommended their declaration as
“national heroes.” Shortlisted were Rizal, Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini,
Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela
Silang.

Heroes in waiting
Unfortunately, the NHC recommendation submitted on November 22, 1995 to then
Secretary Ricardo Gloria of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS, now
known simply as Department of Education) was never acted upon.

NHCP’s explanation regarding this pending approval states, “This was probably because [the
recommendation] might trigger a flood of requests for proclamations. Another possibility is
that the proclamations can trigger bitter debates involving historical controversies about the
heroes.”

The NHCP maintains, however, that the agency is certain of the laws and proclamations
made in honor of all Filipino heroes, collectively celebrated for the first time in the 1931
National Heroes Day. Moreover, the year 1996, the centennial of the Philippine Revolution,
had also been declared the “Year of Filipino Heroes,” with August 30 of every year dedicated
as National Heroes Day. The date of choice is the commemoration of the Cry of Pugad
Lawin, which signaled the start of Bonifacio’s Katipunan-led revolution in 1896.

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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In 2007, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Republic Act 9492, which
mandated that if the date of any regular or nationwide special holiday falls on a Wednesday,
the holiday is to be observed on the Monday of that week. In addition, if a holiday falls on a
Sunday, then the holiday shall be observed on the Monday of the following week. In effect,
the celebration of National Heroes Day since then has been assigned to the last or fourth
Monday of August.

With all these facts uncovered, celebrating National Heroes Day is still observed by
government as a very important holiday in the Philippines. For whether legislated or not,
Filipino heroes deserve the veneration of generations of Filipinos who enjoy the freedom
they now have. More importantly, it is in remembering them and their selfless love for
country that will inspire future Filipino heroes to rise up.

Supplementary Readings:

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Reading, understanding, and apprecia ng Rizal, h ps://[Link]/voices/imho/

readingunderstanding-apprecia ng-jose-rizal

“Who made Rizal Our Foremost Na onal Hero, and Why? by Esteban A. de Ocampo, Appendix
A, p. 271, Rizal: Life, Works and Wri ngs of a Genius, Writer, Scien st, and Na onal Hero,
Gregorio F. Zaide, Sonia M. Zaide

REFERENCES

Reading, understanding, and appreciating Rizal, [Link]

understanding-appreciating-jose-rizal

The Gaters to Heroism

[Link]

“The Trials of the Rizal Bill”, Laurel, Jose Jr. Historical Bulletin vol. 4, no.2 (1960): 130-139

“The Rizal Bill of 1956 : Horacio de la Costa and the Bishops by Schumacher, John”,
Philippine Studies 59 no.4(20111):529-553

The making of a Philippine national hero, The Manila Times, 2015. https://
[Link]/2015/08/29/weekly/the-sunday-times/the-making-of-a-philippine-
national-hero/213977/

“Who made Rizal Our Foremost National Hero, and Why? by Esteban A. de Ocampo,
Appendix A, p. 271, Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and
National Hero, Gregorio F. Zaide, Sonia M. Zaide
Republic Act 1425. (1956). Retrieved from [Link]
1956/06jun/[Link]

“The making of a Philippine national hero”, The Manila Times, 2015. Retrieved from URL:
[Link]
philippinenational-hero/213977/

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]
2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
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[Link]

[Link]

2020-21 Module Packet for SSci 7 (The Life and Works of Jose Rizal), College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Educa on, University of San Agus n
Iloilo City, Philippines.

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