TOPIC: RIZAL AND NATION-BUILDING

Lesson Introduction:
Rizal had envisioned in the past a future generation of enlightened and educated Filipinos; a time
when Filipinos would read his writings not as a heretic but as a person with the same national sentiment as
he had once. Today, Rizal is not just read out of appreciation but also as a primary weapon to dictate the
identity of the Filipinos, which in turn has a direct correlation to building the nation. This lesson aims to
point out the role of Jose Rizal in today’s process of nation-building.

Lesson Discussion:
Philippine History is a repository of the nation’s collective memory. It should n ot be seen as a
mere subject waiting to be memorized by students. It should be taken from the heart. Like breathing out
and breathing in, studying History should be second nature to all Filipinos. This is the reason why History
is translated in Filipino as Kasaysayan. Its root word is Saysay (essence). The narrative of the past must
be seen as vital to their existence.
Likewise, studying the life, works and writings of Rizal must be well entrenched in every Filipino’s
soul. Lessons about his life, like his education, lovers, past time, etc, are all useless if not applied in real
life. The same idea can be seen in logic behind the annual commemoration of Rizal Day. How many
among the youth today imbibe the essence of Rizal Day? Rizal Day is not just a non-working public holiday
to serve as an opportunity to stroll around malls, swim in the beaches, and watch movies on Netflix. It is
an opportunity for everyone to fulfill what Gemino Abad referred to as the crucial infinitives in life “to
read, to think, to write” Just like what Rizal did in the past, everyone is enjoined to participate in political
and social processes of building the nation, not necessarily great things right away but in small yet impactful
ways. Especially the youth, they are expected to be “Rizal-like” in terms of deep nationalism.

Answer the following questions in two or three sentences.

1. How can History contribute to the process of nation-building?

2. How can the study of life, works and writings of Jose Rizal contribute to the process of nation-
building?

3. What are the crucial infinitives in life according to Gemino Abad?

4. Reflect on Rizal’s role as a symbol of nation-building. As a student, how can you become a
herald of nationalism?