Jose Rizal: The First Filipino Nationalist
Jose Rizal: The First Filipino Nationalist
Jose Rizal: The First Filipino Nationalist
Jalandoon
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.
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
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
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!