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Jose Rizal'S Life: Exile, Trial and Death Learning Outcomes
Jose Rizal'S Life: Exile, Trial and Death Learning Outcomes
Jose Rizal'S Life: Exile, Trial and Death Learning Outcomes
Class Activity:
1. Read the constitution of La Liga Filipina and fill out a table (graphic organizer) with
the aims of La Liga Filipina in one column and examples of these aims could be
attained in another column.
2. Read Rizal’s last letters to family members and Blumentritt.
3. Read Teodora Alonzo’s letter to Governor General Polavieja and write a similar
letter persuading him to spare Rizal’s life.
In Dapitan, Jose had a very peaceful, happy, and enjoyable life and the way he
lived it was extremely good and deserving to be admired and copied. He made sure
his stay in Dapitan would be fruitful, so he engaged in manifold activities. His
excellent skill in the science of medicine spread like wild fire in Dapitan. His medical
practice attracted many patients who were mostly
poor. He put to good use the curative values of the
Philippines medicinal plants which he studied and
doled them out to his poor patients who could not
afford to buy imported medicine. He welcomed
both affluent and indigent patients. He normally
undercharged them if not for free and accepted any
payments in kind from those who had little or no
money.
With the assistance of Father Francisco Sanchez, his former Jesuit teacher,
Jose buckled down to work. He enhanced the town plaza and accentuated it with a
huge relief map of Mindanao, which can still be viewed today. One of the impressive
projects of Jose was the water system he designed and
constructed in order that people of Dapitan can have access
to clean water. In spite of lack of funds, exiguous resources
and no government assistance, he was able to build it,
armed only with his training in Ateneo, readings of
engineering books, sheer determination and ingenuity. To
reduce the occurrence of malaria, he drained the marshes
where mosquitos thrived. Utilizing the 500 pesos he
received from an English patient, he introduced a lighting
system made up of coconut oil lamps in glass protectors
which lighted up dark areas in the town.
Imbued with the value of education since childhood, Jose realized his dream to
establish his own school in which he applied the educational system he learned
abroad. The school opened with three pupils which increased to 16 and later to 21.
His lessons constituted of reading, writing languages (Spanish and English),
geography, history, mathematics (arithmetic and geometry), industrial work, study of
nature, and morals. He also trained and exposed them to gymnastics, boxing,
wrestling, stone-throwing, swimming, arnis (native frencing), and boating for physical
development and discipline. He did not charge his pupils for sharing his knowledge,
instead, he encouraged them to help him in his garden, farm, and construction projects
in the community.
Jose conducted scientific
studies in the rich virgin field if
Dapitan and collected specimens of
animals and plants. He forwarded these
specimens to the Dresden museum of
Europe and he received scientific
books and surgical instruments as
payment. He has an impressive
assemblage of his study of 346 shells
from 203 species. He obtained
knowledge on some rare specimens
which were named in his honor by
European scientists such as Draco rizali (a flying dragon), Apogonia rizali (a small
beetle), and Rhacophorus rizali (a rare frog).
While in Dapitan, Jose studied the Bisayan, Subanum, and Malayan
languages and wrote a Tagalog grammar. He wrote poems entitled: A Don
Ricardo Carnicero, Himno A Talisay (Hymn to the Talisay Tree) Mi Retiro (My
Retreat), El Canto del Viajero (The Song of the Traveler) and Josephine. He also
made some drawings and sculptures of people and things that captivated him.
Jose acquired lands in Dapitan which reached total holdings of 70 hectares,
where he constructed his house, school, hospital, and planted in his farm many fruit
trees, corn, coffee, cacao, sugarcane, and hemp. He also introduced and encouraged
the use of modern European and American methods of agriculture. He, however, did
not realize his dream of transforming Dapitan into an agricultural colony because he
did not get the acceptance and permission of the government.
In collaboration with Ramon Carreon, a Dapitan merchant, Jose was
successful in his business ventures in fishing, copra, and hemp industries. He
established the Cooperative Association of Dapitan Farmers to break the Chinese
business in monopoly in Dapitan. The confederation, according to Jose Rizal’s
Political and Historical Writings (1964) aimed “to improve the farm products,
obtain better outlets for them, collect funds for their purchases, and help the
producers and workers by establishing a store wherein they can buy prime
commodities at moderate prices.”
He devised an unusual “sulpukan”, a cigarette lighter made of wood which
employed the principle of compressed air. Subsequently, it was received by
Blumentritt as a gift. He also formed an idea of a machine for making bricks.
Patterned after a Belgian example, Jose’s version could produce about 6,000 bricks
daily.
In spite of his achievements in Dapitan, Jose felt empty. He missed his family,
relatives, and friends. He felt he needed somebody to rejuvenate him. Expressed in
Letters between Rizal and Family Members (1964), Jose found his answer in
Josephine Bracken:
In God’s own time, this “somebody” came to Dapitan, like a sunbeam
to dispel his melancholy mood. She was Josephine Bracken, an Irish girl
of sweet eighteen, “slender, a chestnut blond, with blue eyes, dressed with
elegant simplicity, with an atmosphere of light gayety”. She of Irish parents.
She was born in Hong Kong on October 3, 1876 of Irish parents – James
Bracken, a corporal in the British garrison, and Elizabeth Jane MacBride.
Jose and Josephine fell inlove with each other and decided to seal their
relationship with marriage but no priest would marry them. Even without the blessing
of the church, Jose and Josephine joyfully shared each other’s life in Dapitan. His
happiness doubled when he learned that Josephine was expecting a baby. By twist of
fate, the baby, only lived for three hours. He named his baby boy “Francisco” in
honor to his father.
In 1876, Andres Bonifacio and his Katipunan (revolutionary society he
founded on July 7, 1892) organized an armed rebellion. They assigned Dr. Pio
Valenzuela to notify Jose Rizal about their plan. To conceal his assignment, Dr.
Pio was accompanied by Raymundo Mata, a blind man to consult Jose’s medical
advised. Jose opposed the Katipuneros very bold and shocking uprising. He firmly
believed that they are not ready for a revolution. He added that they do not have
adequate arms and funds. He also declined the offer of Katipuneros to rescue him.
Several months before the Katipuneros communicated with Jose, Blumentritt
revealed to him the pitiful health situation (yellow fever epidemic) in war-ridden
Cuba and admonished him to volunteer as an army doctor there to end his exile. On
December 17, 1895, acting upon his friend’s counsel, Jose sent Governor General
Ramon Blanco a letter, offering his medical services in Cuba. He almost gave up
hope when he did not get a response after months had passed.
However, on July 30, 1896, when he least expected it, a letter from the
Spanish Governor arrived informing him of his proposal. This letter also
expressed that he would be given a pass so that he could travel in Manila, where he
would given a safe-conduct to Spain and subsequently to Cuba.
July 31, 1896 marked Jose Rizal’s emotionally charged departure from a
town he learned to love. Many teary-eyed Dapitan folks were at the shore to bid
goodbye to a person who unselfishly did all he can for their town. With weeping heart
brimming with tears of nostalgic memories, Jose gestured his farewell salute to the
town’s devoted and friendly folks.
Jose Rizal’s Trial
Andres Binifacio and his dauntless Katipuneros, on August 26, 1896, raised the
cry of rebellion in the hills of Balintawak (popularly known as “Cry of Balintawak”),
a few miles in north of Manila. In August 30, they assaulted San Juan, near the city of
Manila, but they were repelled with massive losses. In the aftermath of the Battle of
San Juan, Governor General Blanco declared a state of war in the eight provinces for
their insurgency against Spain-Manila (as a provice), Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas,
Laguna, Pampanga, Nueva Vizcaya, and Tarlac. Jose feared that the turbulent
insurrection would only beget much suffering and horrifying decimation of human
lives and property. He was also frighten of the likelihood of Spanish reprisal against
all Filipino patriots.
Amidst the chaos created by the uprising, Jose received from Governor General
Blanco two letters which exculpated him from the raging insurrection. In his last trip
abroad, Jose troubled by the violent attempt of the Katipuneros to end the rule of the
Spanish government, left for Spain on September 3, 1896. He, however, was
transferred to another steamer which he thought would take him from Spain to Cuba
to carry out his humanitarian offer which is to serve as military physician.
Unexpectedly, he was apprehended and unlawfully detained as a prisoner in a Spanish
steamer before reaching Barcelona. He was informed that he would be shipped back
to Manila on board the transport ship Colon. Upon arriving in Manila, on November
3, 1896, the heavily guarded Jose was transferred from the Colon to Fort Santiago.
KUNDIMAN
In the Orient beautiful
Where the sun is born
In a land of beauty
Full of enchantments
But bound in chains.
Where the despot reigns,
The land clearest to me.
Ah! That is my country,
She is slave oppressed
Groaning in the tyrant's grips;
Lucky shall he be
Who can give her liberty!
After studying the papers, Pena submitted the following recommendations: (1)
the accused be immediately brought to trial; (2) he should be kept in prison; (3)
an order of attachment be issued against his property to the amount of one
million pesos as indemnity; and (4) he should be defended in the court by an
army officer, not by a civilian lawyer (Zaide and Zaide, 2014).
With his counsel by his side, charges were read to Jose in his prison cell on
December 1 L 1896. He was accused, Medina ( 1998) disclosed, of being "the
principal organizer and the living soul of the Filipino insurrection, the founder of
societies, periodicals and books dedicated to fomenting and propagating ideas of
rebellion." Jose was not against the jurisdiction of the court, but asserted that he was
not guilty of revolution. He acknowledged that he authored the Constitution of the
Liga Filipina and empliasized that it was simply a civic alliance. He reiterated that he
had no political involvement si11 his exile to Dapitan. Or: December 13, 1896,
Captain Dominguez transmitted Jose's case to the new Governor General of the
Philippines, General Camilo G. de Polavieja who replaced General Ramon Blanco.
During the time Jose was in prison cell at Fort Santiago, he penned a
manifesto seriously asking the Filipino people to cease the needless and tumultuous
war. He encouraged them to attain freedom through education and habit of working
hard and steadily. Palma (1964) promulgated this manifesto as follows:
My Countrymen:
On my return from Spain, I learned that my name had been
used as a war cry among some who were in arms. The news painfully
surprised me, but believing it was all over, r kept silent over what r
considered irremediable. Now I hear rumors that the disturbances
continue, and lest any person should still go on using my name in bad
or good faith, to remedy this abuse and to undeceive the unwary, I
hasten to address you these lines so that the truth may be known.
From the beginning, when I had news of what was being planned, I
opposed it, fought it, and demonstrated its absolute impossibility. This
is the truth, and witnesses to my word are still living. I was convinced
that the idea was highly absurd and, what was worse, would bring great
suffering. I did more. When later, in spite of my counsels, the
movement broke out, I spontai1eo11sly offered not only my services,
but my life, and even my name so that they might use them in the
manner they saw fit to suppress the rebellion, for, convinced of the
evils that would befall them, I considered myself fortunate if, at any
sacrifice, I could prevent such useless misfortunes. This is equally of
record.
Also in the military court were Lt. Don LuisTaviel de Andrade (Jose's
defense counsel) Capt. Rafael Dominguez (Judge Advocate) Lt. Enrique de
Alconcer (Prosecuting Attorney) and observers which included Josephine
Bracken, a sister of Jose, newspapermen, and other Spaniards.
Judge Advocate Capt. Rafael Dominguez began the trial and explained
the case leveled against Jose. Jose was charged of three crimes: rebellion,
sedition, and illegal association. Lt. Enrique de Alconcer, prosecuting lawyer,
advanced a gingerly harangue, detailing accusations against Jose. He mercilessly
made an effort to persuade the members of the military court to punish the accused
with death sentence. Lt. Don Luis Taviel de Andrade, defense counsel of Jose tried
hard to come up with a convincing defense. He brought an end to his defense by
reminding the judges to be fair and avoid vindictiveness in their judgment. After Lt.
Don Luis Taviel de Andrade's defense, the court queried Jose if there is anything he
wanted to say. Jose confidently read a supplement to his defense. De Viana, Augusto
V. et al (2011) put forward Jose's supplementary defense as follows:
After learning the unjust decision of the court martial, Jose spent the next
twenty fours of his remaining life seeing and speaking to his friends, family and
Josephine Bracken whom he tied the knot with canonically on December 30,
1896 officiated by Fr. Balaguer. After the reading of the death penalty, Jose opted to
spent quiet moments in the prison chapel. He turned into writing when he was left
alone in his cell. He penned a letter to his brother Paciano, another one to his best
friend Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt, and another letter addressed to his father and
mother. It was also assumed that he signed a docunent abjuring Masonry (which some
scholars doubted).
My Last Farewell
Rizal was dressed elegantly in a black suit, black derby hat, black
shoes, white shirt and a black tie. His arms were tied behind from elbow to
elbow, but the rope was quite loose to give his arms freedom of movement.
As Jose calmly made his way to Bagumbayan, he remarked about the beauty
and serenity of the morning, uttered a few observations about Corregidor, the
mountains or Cavite and the Ateneo College. Upon reaching the place of execution,
Jose noticed the very large number of prying persons and soldiers waiting for them.
After final blessings were bestowed on him he said his adieu to Fr. March, Fr.
Villaclara and Lt. Taviel de Andrade. Jose's request that he be shot facing the
firing squad was denied because there was an order to shoot him in the back. The
normal pulse of Jose, felt by Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo, a Spanish military doctor,
proved that he did not fear death. Above the beating of the drums that filled the air
was the cold-blooded command "Fuego" (Fire) which ended Jose's life. He fell to
the ground three minutes past seven o'clock in the morning and was declared dead.
Expectedly, the passing away of Jose Rizal's was greeted with joy by his
enemies. On the contrary, those who love, respected and supported him were
brokenhearted and painfully inflamed. For them, he died a hero and martyr to
Philippine freedom.
Summative Evaluation
Film Viewing
Option 1: Jose Rizal, GMA Films, directed by Marilou Diaz Abaya
Option 2: Rizal sa Dapitan by Tikoy Aguiluz
Reflection paper about the film. Guide questions:
a. Describe the life of Rizal as represented in the film.
b. Based on your reading and class discussion, what can you say
about the film's representation of Jose Rizal?
c. What is the main question that the film seeks to answer?
d. What is your own reflection based on the film and your own
understanding?
Exercise 1
Modified true or false: Write true if the statement is correct. If false, encircle the word
that renders it wrong and supply the correct answer on the space provided.
5. _______________________ Jose named his baby boy 'Joselito" who sadly only
lived for three hours.
10. ______________________ The normal pulse of Jose, felt by Dr. Felipe Chavit
Castillo, a Spanish
military doctor, proved that he did not fear death.
Exercise 2
Directions: Match column A with the correct answer on column B, write only the
letter of answer on the space provided.
Column A Column B
Editorial, 11th Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Martyrdom. Manila: Manila Bulletin.
December 2007.
Guerrero, Leon Ma., The Forest Filipino: A Bibliography of Jose Rizal. Manila:
National Historical Institute, 1963, 1965, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1977, 1979, 1987,
1991.
Rizal, Jose P. Historical Events of the Philippine Islands by Dr. Antonio de Morga.
Manila: National Historical Institute, 1990.
Bantug, Asuncion Lopez (1982). Lolo Jose: An intimate portrait of Rizal. Manila:
Instramuros Administration.
Capino, Diosdado C., Gonzales, Ma. Minerva A. and Pineda, Filipinas. (1977). Rizal:
Life, Works and Writings. Quezon City. JMC Press.
Guerrero, Leon Ma. (1998). The First Filipino. Philippines: Guerrero Publishing.
Zaide, Gregorio and Zaide, Sonia. (1999). Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings.
Manila: All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc.
Zaide, Gregorio and Zaide, Sonia. (1997). Jose Rizal: Buhay, mga Ginawa at mga
Sinulat. Quezon City. All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc.
Capino, Diosdado G., Minerva A. Gonzalez, Ma., and Filipinas E. Pineda. Rizal's
Life, Works & Writings. Quezon City: Publishers Association of the Philippines,
1977.
Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and
National Hero Second Edition. All – Nations Publishing Co., Inc. Quezon City.
1999.
2. Purino, Anacoreta P.: Rizal, the Greatest Filipino Hero. Rex Book Store, Manila,
Philippines. 2008
3. José Rizal (1997). Prophecies of Jose Rizal about the Philippines: From the Pen of
the Visionary National Hero, Phenomenal Revelations and Coded Messages
about Events Past, Present and Future: Destiny of the Philippines …. Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
4. Valdez, Maria Stella S. (2007). Doctor Jose Rizal and the Writing of His Story. Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
5. Rizal, José. 1996. Noli me tangere, trans. Ma. Soledad Lacson-Locsin. Makati:
Bookmark.