Jose Rizal: The First Filipino Nationalist

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Name: Earl Francis M.

Jalandoon

Course & Section: BIT32

Subject: Ang Buhay at mga Akda ni Rizal

Professor: Mr. Jumel G. Estrañero

University: De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

“JOSE RIZAL: THE FIRST FILIPINO NATIONALIST”

I. INTRODUCTION

A historic figure in Philippine history, Jose Rizal is held in high regard. He was a well-
rounded scholar and political activist who is best remembered for his political writings, which
sparked the Philippine Revolution and finally resulted in his execution by the Spanish invaders.
Rizal had been outspoken in his criticism of the Spanish government, but he did so in a very
calm and forward-thinking way. He believed that "the pen was mightier than the sword," and
through his writings, he exposed the wrongdoings and corruption of both Spanish friars and
political figures. He wasn't a war-monger; rather, he was an intellectual working to find a
rational, logical, and nonviolent way to free Filipinos from colonial control over the country's
political and social spheres. He urged and preached for Filipinos to understand their potential
as citizens as well as their duties and obligations to their nation. For his intellectual and
idealistic advocacy of Philippine Independence, Rizal is recognized as the "Father of
Philippine Nationalism."

II. BODY

Rizal was able to enroll in the top schools in Manila since his family was a prosperous
landowner in Laguna. He even moved abroad to pursue further education, graduating from the
Universidad of Madrid with a medical degree.
LA SOLIDARIDAD

He joined the Propaganda Movement while he was living overseas, along with other
Filipino nationalists including Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Jose Ma.
Panganiban. Despite the fact that Rizal did not push for independence from Spain, the
organization promoted social and political reforms in the Philippines. He called for the
Filipinos to be treated equally, to be represented in the Spanish Cortes, to have the church
become more Filipino, and to have the abusive authority of the local Spanish rulers restrained.
He published several pieces in La Solidaridad, the group's Barcelona-based newspaper,
criticizing Spain's oppressive control over the Philippines.

NOLI ME TANGERE & EL FILIBUSTERISMO


His books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed the tyrannical government of
Spain as well as the local religious establishment. His people saw him as the inspiration for the
reform movement, and he was recognized as the leader of the Filipino reformists in Spain. In
both novels, Rizal vehemently denounced the Spanish colonial rule of the nation and
highlighted the problems with Philippine society at the time. Additionally, the government
forbade Filipinos from reading the controversial novels since he spoke about the injustices and
brutality committed by Spaniards inside the nation. However, they were unable to entirely ban
it. As more Filipinos read the literature, their eyes were opened to the fact that the friars were
abusing them indescribably. It is thought that these two works by Rizal, today regarded as his
literary masterpieces, were the inspiration behind the Philippine Revolution.

UNFATEFUL END
After his return, he established the La Liga Filipina, a group of Filipinos committed to
nonviolence, to advance the reforms he had in mind. Rizal was sent to Dapitan by the Spanish
government as it decided to become suspicious of his activities. He offered his medical
expertise when the Spanish-American War broke out in Cuba, but while traveling there, he
was detained and sent back to the Philippines. By that time, the Andres Bonifacio-founded
Katipunan had begun its revolt against Spain. Despite his opposition to waging a revolution
against Spain, he was detained and put on trial for sedition by the Spanish government. On
December 30, 1896, he was judged guilty and put to death by firing squad. His passing further
inspired the people, and on June 12, 1898, the Philippine Declaration of Independence was
proclaimed at Kawit, Cavite.

III. ANALYSIS

There was no Filipino before Jose Rizal, according to historians and local authors of books.
According to the scholars' statements, Lapu-Lapu, Pedro Paterno, and the Silangs were likely
not Filipinos. Prior to Rizal, everyone was merely defending their home and pursuing their
own interests. They were merely residents of their own countries. To maintain Mactan's
independence from the Spanish King, Lapu-Lapu fought war on Magellan. As with a Spanish
prince or duke, Pedro Paterno aspired to the title "Prince of Luzon." The Silangs fought back
against Ilocanos being mistreated. None of them fought on behalf of the Philippines or in their
national identity. Being referred to be a Filipino back then was more of a geographical moniker
than a metonym for nation's people. Because Rizal was the only one of many heroes to inspire
a nation, he is considered to be the First Filipino. His ideas and works were able to change not
only the hearts of Filipinos but also the entire world. Another thing to think about is Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the two books. The publications ignited a fire that contributed
to the success of the Philippine Revolution, reaching even the lowest classes of society and
inspiring people to denounce the friars' wrongdoings and get the freedom people so much
desired.

IV. RECOMMENDATION

Recommendation to the Filipino Citizens


We must recognize and value the circumstances that brought the country to what it is today
for the greater good. One of the things that inspired the Filipino people and ultimately gave
rise to the Philippine Revolution was Rizal's works. As a Filipino, Rizal exemplified the best
virtues. In the face of the most trying circumstances, he fought and prevailed, incited the
Katipuneros to revolt, and aided in the establishment of the first sovereign Republic of Asia.
Additionally, we must recognize and honor not only Jose Rizal but also every Filipino who
fought for the country's freedom. Without them, we might not be where we are right now.

Recommendation to the Future Researchers


For the convenience of upcoming researchers, carry out or broaden the study on Filipino
Heroes, learning more about them, and highlighting them in order to aid in a deeper
comprehension of Philippine history and to address additional issues that are connected to this
research.

Recommendation to Study the History of Filipino Heroes


Reading Jose Rizal's writings demonstrates the symbolism he employed in the fight for the
nation's liberty. His patriotic ideas served as inspiration for the novels, which portray the
oppression under the Spanish rulers. He employed his skills to inspire all Filipinos, subjugate
the Spaniards, and transmit to the following generation the crucial lessons that many Filipinos
had already learnt. Through studying the lives of heroes like Rizal, we can better understand
the principles on which our nation was built. We are rumored to become more conscious of
the sacrifices that our ancestors made in order for us to have an independent country, such as
Rizal giving his life.

V. CONCLUSION

Rizal was a man of ideas and thought. His works ignited our people's desire for liberty and
independence, which the more extreme elements headed by Emilio Aguinaldo and Bonifacio
courageously and obstinately pursued. He was raised to the pantheon of our heroes by his
heroic death at the hands of the colonists, which was finished off by his composition of the
great Spanish poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" on the eve of his execution. His birth, intellectual
prowess, literary accomplishments, ardent nationalism, upbringing, and background—
including his renowned love life—had romanticized his existence. His devoted countrymen,
who saw him as their foremost hero and the First Filipino, honored him in life and glorified
him in death.

VI. REFERENCES

A. (2021, December 28). Why is Rizal the greatest Filipino hero? - Ashlyrondib. Medium.
Retrieved July 1, 2022, from https://ashlyrondib.medium.com/why-is-rizal-the-greatest-
filipino-hero-7f07f7e90493

Ramones, R. (2008). Philippine Nationalism: An Analysis of the development of Philippine


National Identity [Rutgers College]. https://history.rutgers.edu/docman-
docs/undergraduate/honors-papers-2008/100-philippine-nationalism-an-analysis-of-the-
development-of-philippine-national-
identity/file#:~:text=Jose%20Rizal%20is%20commonly%20known,creation%20of%20the%
20conceptualization%20of
Dooc, E. (2020, June 19). The First Filipino. Business Mirror. Retrieved July 1, 2022, from
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/06/19/the-first-filipino/
Muralla, T. (2016, June 13). Rizal as the first ‘Filipino.’ THE MURALLA. Retrieved July 1,
2022, from https://themuralla.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/rizal-as-the-first-
filipino/#:%7E:text=Rizal%20is%20also%20the%20First,hearts%20but%20also%20the%20
world.

VII. MESSAGE TO YOUR PROFESSOR

I wanted to express my gratitude to my Rizal professor, Mr. Jumel, for having us as students
in this course. I appreciate everything you taught us, whether it was in the classroom or in real
life. We appreciate you sticking with us even when we are too shy or inactive to reply to your
messages. We appreciate you sharing your life lessons with us and helping us become better
versions of ourselves. It is good to have a professor who is reachable, therefore I appreciate
you always getting in touch with us and keeping us informed of what is happening.
We appreciate your dedication to teaching us despite the fact that our class is online and
there isn't much interaction. Never forget that you are not fighting this battle alone; we are
always ready to support. I appreciate everything. Till we meet again!

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