ADHA THEZA NAPUTOL

BS CPE

Like every man, he had his own faults and weaknesses. But unlike most others, he has been exalted
in countless ways. Monuments have been built in his memory not only in the Philippines but even in other
countries, streets in every Philippine city and town are named after him, countless articles have been written
in praise of him, lectures are held year after year on his life and works, and there is even a required course
on his life and works in the college curriculum. No one questions his passionate love for the land of his
birth, his major role in the nascent Filipinos’ struggle for reforms and liberties, his vital contributions to the
birthing of the nation. His novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” are said to have been the
“guiding force for other patriots to rally for the country’s cause.” Inquirer columnist Randy David says he
was “the first of his generation to self-consciously claim the term ‘Filipino’ as an identity” for the native
indios. Historian Gregorio F. Zaide described him as “one of the world’s greatest personalities,” a “many-
splendored genius.”