GEN.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

A.Y. 2021-2022, First Semester

LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL

Name: Vincent S. Duhaylungsod

Degree & section: BS-Criminology 2E

Instructor: PAUL JOHN P. DE LA SERNA, LPT, MST

Individual Activities:

1. Identify parallel events in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that

are still relevant to the situation of the Philippines at present.

The Novel of Rizal which is the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El

Filibusterismo” aims to awaken the souls of the brave Filipinos and

enlighten the Filipino citizens about the state of the Philippines under

the Spanish regime in the nation. However, through the years of still

there are significant similarities in the Philippines in the novel and in

today’s contemporary world.

The relevant situation of the Philippines in the past up until today

was the disease in the system of government in the Philippines where

the authorities evidently display corruption, abusive use of power and

influences. There were also circumstances where the head of the

church are abusing its authority, where they involve themselves in

corruption and molesting people.

However, though the Philippines suffers from these corrupt and

self-centered authorities, there are still individuals who inherit the

legacy of our heroes, that despite of the unpleasant situation of the

systems in the Philippines, there are individuals who seeks to fight for

the rights and freedom of the Filipinos.

Therefore, the Philippines in the past and up the moment are in

no difference at all, we are still suffering from abusive acts and we are

continuing to fighting against corruption, maltreatment, abusive use of

power, discrimination and many more; but one thing is for sure that

even in the past or in the present there are still individuals who will

take the bold step to awaken and strengthen the Filipino values and

will bring back the dignity and rights of a Filipino.

2. Write an essay to answer the following:

 a. What is freedom?

Freedom is being free. Exercising the rights and freewill of an

individual is freedom. Expressing oneself without fear of discrimination

is freedom. Having a peaceful mind is freedom. Doing what is right

without restriction is freedom. The absence of discrimination,

oppression, maltreatment, and restraint is freedom.

The world we are living right now is somehow can be related to

freedom however we cannot deny the fact that there are people who

seeks nothing but power and that results to comprise others freedom.

 b. How is the lack of freedom portrayed in the novel?

There were several scenarios where lack of freedom is portrayed

in the novel. First, restricting women to acquire education and engage

them to work. Secondly, the discrimination of the Spanish people to the

Filipinos; Filipinos are called Indios. Lastly, the Philippines are ruled by

the Spanish authorities together with the friars abuse their power and

authorities.

 c. How is the situation in the novel different from the present time?

One of the significant differences of the novel and in today’s time

is that in the novel corruption and maltreatment was noticeable

however, in today era corruption and violence are in disguised. Hence,

protesting in the past is not acceptable on the other hand today people

who were protesting are observable. Lastly, the Filipinos in the novel

truly fight for their rights and freedom, which is contradictory in the

present time, the Filipinos of today who said to fight for the rights and
freedom of the people by running in the government truly runs for

power and influence, they are all self-centered and corrupt, disguising

themselves to be good yet it is totally different from what is expected.

Therefore, the only difference in the novel and in today’s era is

the method of doing the same actions.

 d. What is the role of the youth in the development of the future and

society?

The youth are the one who will inherit will and legacy of their

fathers, there will be the future leaders and driving force of the society.

As Gat. Jose Rizal said “ Ang Kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan.”

Indeed, the youth is hope of our nation, they are the successors of the

nation and to attain these realizations the current leader must influence

the youth and motivate them to do what is right.

Educating the youth will be the foundation of our nation,

equipping them with skills and strength to establish their personalities.

Molding values to the children will surely enable the nation or the

society to fully attain the hope we sought for.