Life and Works of Rizal

Chapter 9

Jose Rizal And Philippine Nationalism

– National Symbol
Chapter 9
Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism –
National Symbol
Introduction
“I have observed that the prosperity or misery or each people is in direct proportion to its
liberties or its prejudices and, accordingly, to the sacrifices or the selfishness of its
forefathers.”
-Juan Crisostomo Ibarra

According to National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), official national
symbols of the Philippines represent the country’s traditions and ideals and convey the
principles of Philippine sovereignty and national solidarity. With this, a country has their own
national symbols to identify themselves from others and to unite its citizens through
nationalism.

Specific Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Interpret views and opinions about Bayani and Kabayanihan in the context of Philippine
history and society.
2. Assess the concepts of bayani and kabayanihan in the context of Philippine history.
3. Examine the values highlighted by the various representations of Rizal as a national symbol
4. Advocate values Rizal’s life encapsulates

Duration
Chapter 9: Jose Rizal And Philippine = 3 hours
Nationalism – National Symbol (2.5 hours discussion;
.5-hour assessment)
Lesson Proper
National Flag
The Philippines national flag, as defined by the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines, is made of silk, had a white equilateral triangle at the left containing a
sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, an upper
stripe of blue and a lower stripe of red. The sun stands for liberty; the sunburst of eight rays
for the first eight provinces to take up arms against Spain; and the three stars for the three
island groups of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The white triangle signifies
Filipino hope for equality; the upper blue stripe stands for peace, truth and justice; while the
lower red stripe stands for patriotism and valor.
You don’t throw away an old Philippine flag. Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 (Flag
and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) states that a flag worn out through wear and tear, shall
not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag
shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. That is why the
CCP was doing the right thing when it burned 100 worn-out out flags recently.

National Anthem
For more than a year, the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang remained without words.
Our national anthem was just music when it was first played by Banda San Francisco de
Malabon on the occasion of the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.
The words of Jose Palma’s ―Filipinas, Letra Para La Marcha Nacional‖ published on
September 3, 1899 was used as lyrics for the national anthem. In 1943, the Institute of
National Language was ordered by the late President Jose P. Laurel to translate the original
Spanish text into Filipino and English. But a more spontaneous and apt translation was
produced by a committee formed by the Department of Education thirteen years later. This
was entitled ―Lupang Hinirang.‖

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag Patriotic Oath of the Philippines

Ako ay Pilipino Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking lupang

Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at
Makabansa.
sinilangan,
Tahanan ng aking lahi, kinukupkop ako at
tinutulungang
Maging malakas, masipag at marangal
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
Diringgin ko ang payo ng aking magulang,
Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang
mamamayang makabayan,
Naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal nang
buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap,
pagsisikap Sa bansang Pilipinas.

National Flower: Sampaguita

The Philippine national flower is called ―sampaguita‖ which is generally known as
the Arabian Jasmine. Its white color symbolizes purity, simplicity, humility and strength.
Sampaguita or Arabian Jasmine (Jasminium sambac)- Philippine Sampaguita flower
is a white, star-shaped blossom which has a sweet fragrance. It opens at night and droops in
less than a day. The white flowers are often made into wreath and its extract made into
perfumes. Sampaguita is not a tree but a woody vine. The flower called was accepted as the
National Flower of Philippines in 1934 which also happens to be the National Flower of
Indonesia.
The national flower sampaguita symbolizes purity, simplicity, humility and strength.
Declared as the national flower by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy through Proclamation No. 652
s. 1934, the sweet-smelling white flowers of sampaguita (the plant is a woody vine or shrub)
has long been celebrated in song, stories and legends. Originally from India, they are often
made into garlands and its essence made into perfumes. The tiny flowers display their purity
in the evening when the flower buds begin to open at dusk.

National Tree: Narra

The Philippine national tree is called ―narra‖ generally known as rosewood. It was
made official by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy through Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934. In fact,
under the DENR Memorandum Order dated
February 5, 2013, cutting of Narra needs to be approved by the DENR Central Office,
particularly by the Office of the Undersecretary for field Operations.
Narra tree is a striking, large and strong shady tree. It is one of the most wanted wood
for furniture but because there are only a few trees left, cutting down a Narra tree is no longer
allowed. It is mostly found in Bicol, Mindanao and the Cagayan Valley forests. The Narra
trees grow all over the Philippine islands and are mostly found and grown in Bicol, Mindanao
and the Cagayan Valley forests.
A special permit is needed when cutting Narra, our national tree which is already
considered an endangered specie. It was declared by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy as the national
tree through Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934. Narra and other premium hardwood trees require
a special permit under DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) Adm.
Order No. 78, S. of 1987 and DENR Memo Circular No.22, S. of 1990. And under DENR
Memorandum Order dated February 5, 2013, the cutting of Narra needs to be approved by
the DENR Central Office, particularly by the Office of the Undersecretary for field
Operations.

National Bird: Philippine Eagle

The Philippine national bird is called ―Philippine eagle‖ scientifically known as
Pithecophaga jeffery. It was made official in 1978 by former President Ferdinand Marcos
through Proclamation No. 1732.
Philippine Eagle or also known as the monkey eating eagle stands over 3 feet (1m)
tall. It has a large, sharp, curved beak. It has feathers that seem to bristle on its head. It is a
giant forest raptor and is considered excellent hunters. It is considered one of the largest and
most powerful eagles in the world and one of the world's rarest and definitely one of the
world’s most seriously endangered vertebrate bird kind with only about 500 birds in the wild.
It lives in tropical rain forests and it lays only one or two eggs each year. There are only a
few of them now because of the disappearance of trees in our mountains.
The Philippine Eagle knows a thing or two about monogamy. Declared by Pres. Fidel
V. Ramos as the national bird through Proclamation No. 615 s. 1995, the Philippine eagle is
monogamous, with pairs mating for life. If one of the pair dies, however, the surviving eagle
will usually find another companion.
National Gem: Philippine Pearl

The Philippine national gem is called ―Philippine Pearl‖ as declared by Former

President Fidel V. Ramos through Proclamation No. 905 s. 1996. It is scientifically known as
Pinctada Maxima. In fact, world’s largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino diver in a giant
Tridacna (mollusk) under the Palawan Sea in 1934.

The world’s largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino diver in a giant Tridacna
(mollusk) under the Palawan Sea in 1934. Known as the ―Pearl of Lao-Tzu‖ and ―Pearl of
Allah,‖ the gem weighs 14 pounds and measures 9 1/2 inches long and 5 1/2 inches in
diameter. As of May 1984, it was valued at US$42 million. It is believed to be 600 years old
(Department of Tourism). Though it has now been trumped by another pearl in the Guiness
World Records, its size is still worthy of adoration. The Philippine pearl was declared as the
national gem by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos through Proclamation 905 s. 1996.

National Sport: Arnis

Arnis is to the Philippines like Japan’s Karate and Korea’s Taekwondo. It’s both a
martial art and a sport whose origins are still largely unconfirmed because of lack of
documentation. It’s known by two other names: Kali and Eskrima, and makes use of both
bladed weapons, batons/sticks, and bare hands. It became a national symbol in 2009 when
then-Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850 into law.

The official adoption of arnis as the national martial art and sport shall be promulgated
by inscribing the symbol of arnis in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission and
by making it as the first competition to be played by participating teams on the first day in
the annual Palarong Pambansa. The Philippine Sports Commission is the lead agency to
implement the provisions of this Act.

What follows here is the list of our country’s unofficial national symbols

Dr. Jose Rizal: National Hero

Long recognized in the country’s history books as our National Hero, Dr. Jose
Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda’s status as our national hero has not been the
subject of debate for the common Juan. Scholars, however, still argue about who should be
given the title: Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini,
Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela
Silang were listed down by former President Fidel V. Ramos as those worthy of being given
the title of National Hero. This list has not been acted on since being submitted by the
National Heroes Committee on November 22, 1995.

Anahaw: National Leaf

Often referred to as the National Leaf, the anahaw or round-leaf fountain palm is not
part of the country’s national symbols. Normally seen in the countryside as a roofing material,
anahaw leaves are seen as decorative pieces/plants in the metro.
The Filipino word "Anahaw" (ana-how) are nice-looking, tropical palm known for its
round fan-shaped leaves. Its leaf has some uses like: to fan yourself during hot days. The
Tagalogs of Quezon Province even use it to wrap their brown and delicious tikoy. Anahaw
leaves are also a widespread symbol in the Philippines that is often used in awards and medals
to represent high achievement, strength, and loyalty. The Anahaw leaf features a large, round
outline and is glossy green in color. It spreads out grandly from the center of the shaft and
opens to a full crest divided shallowly at the ends and is known to be one of the most beautiful
plant in the Philippines.

Mango (Mangifera indica): National fruit

A common sight in Philippine wet and dry markets, the mango has long been seen as
the National fruit. As popular as it is for making desserts, there is no law that proclaims it as
a national symbol.
Philippine Mango is a bizarre tropical fruit prevalently known to be yellow in color
which achieves its addictive taste through its scrupulous harvest procedures. Philippine
Mango is recognized worldwide for its best qualities, which cannot be beaten by any kind of
mangoes around the globe. It is a wonder fruit of versatile ways to enjoy its taste. Green
mango can be served as a salad constituent, while golden yellow mango has diversities of
ways to relish its uniqueness. It can be served as plain, processed, dried or frozen, this
delicious fruit is world known for its sweetest character. Philippine mango is an ideal dessert
served in many ways and has been known as the ―Fruit of the Gods‖.

Carabao: National Animal

If common men have dogs as their best friend, then the carabao or Philippine water
buffalo is the Filipino farmer’s best friend. They’re beasts of burden, able to do almost
everything that needs to be done on the rice fields, including carry the farmer and his goods.
But, without any laws to recognized them, they’ll remain an unofficial symbol of the
country.
The carabao or kalabaw in Filipino is a tamed type of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis or
sometimes bubalus carabanesis) in the Philippines. Being the farm animal of choice for
pulling the plow and cart used to tow farm produce to the market, carabaos are warmly
associated with farmers. Its life span is 18 to 20 years and the female carabao can deliver one
calf each year.

Bahay Kubo: National House

The humble bahay kubo or nipa hut is still seen in some parts of the country,
particularly in the provinces. While it has long been a symbol of Filipino homes, it has not
been recognized as a national symbol.
Bahay kubo is a shelter made out of bamboo and palm leaves. It is a good place to
take rest and eat typical food in the farm because of its material which allows good
ventilation. The roof of the first Philippine houses, nipa huts, or bahay kubo, were high
inclined and typically open gabled to allow for ventilation. The steeply sloping pitch also
protected from the wind and rain in the typhoon season. The roof also provides wide
extension roof space to provide shade from the hot sun.

Bangus: National Fish

Bony, yet prized for its belly fat, which almost everyone fights for on the dinner table.
The bangus or milkfish has long been seen as the country’s national fish, yet without a law,
it’s status will never be official.
Deboned milkfish, or "boneless bangus," has become popular in stores and markets
because milkfish is known for being bonier than other food fish in the Philippines. Bangus is
a popular table fare among Filipinos. To the biologist, it is a naturally strong fish since it is
capable in adapting and thrives even in the limited, unusual environment of the fishpond.
This feature is not frequently found in most other fish class.
Lechon or Roasted Pig: National Dish
The lechon is a very popular and famous food among Filipinos. Lechon (litson in
tagalong) is roasted whole pig cooked over burning charcoals. It is a dish that is almost a
fixed part and menu centerpiece of any Filipino celebration which is usually prepared for
fiestas, family celebrations (like parties and marriages) and also a favorite dish during
Christmas. Lechon is the Spanish name for pig, in the Philippines it means a spit-roasted pig.
Lechon is prepared by filling the inside of the animal pig with herbs and vegetables. The pigs
are slowly hand roasted on top of charcoal for hours till their skin turns into reddish brown
and the inside flesh becomes tender. Philippine Lechon is often served with a thick liver sauce
cooked with vinegar, sugar and herbs.

Philippine National Costume for Men

Barong Tagalog is an untucked or loose shirt of delicate fabric showing Chinese, airy tropical
appearance Indo-Malayan and elongated effect of Hindu influences and the decorative captivity of
European men's clothing. The barong appears to have preserved its fundamental look since it was
first worn. Almost unnoticeably, through the years, the barong's round neck, straight long sleeves
and mid-thigh hemline were resourcefully customized with collar, cuffs and side slits.

Philippine National Costume for Women

Baro't Saya is a collarless blouse and skirt which means baro at saya (blouse and
skirt). From the original, half-naked style, the bare upper torso was slowly covered with a
short-sleeved, collarless blouse called "baro". The whole look has developed into a many-
layered collection of the kimona or inner shirt, the baro outershirt with its typically delicate
materials, fine embroidery and wide sleeves.

Bakya: National Footwear

This footwear is made from local light wood like santol and laniti. It is cut to the
desired foot size before being shaven until smooth. The side of the bakya is thick enough to
be carved with floral, geometric or landscape designs. Afterwards, the bakya could then be
painted or varnished. Uppers of plastic or rubber will then be fixed firmly using clavitos or
tiny nails and the bakya is now ready to wear. The word bakya may also be used in the
Philippines to indicate something that is of "low class", "unsophisticated" or "cheap".

Kalesa: National Vehicle

Philippine kalesa is a horse-driven carriage that looks like an inclined cart, was
introduced during the 18th century. The kalesa has two round wheels on each side and two
rows of seats that can accommodate four persons. The driver sits on a block of wood located
at the front of the cart near the horse. This was one of the methods of transportation introduced
in the Philippines in the 18th century by the Spaniards that only nobles and high ranked
Spanish officials could afford. The Ilustrados, who are the rich Filipinos who had their own
businesses, used the kalesa not only for traveling but as a way of transporting their goods as
well. They are hardly ever used in the streets nowadays except in tourist spots and some rural
areas.
Other things have been cited over time as a national symbol, yet have never been
recognized. The battle has raged on between which should be recognized as the National
Dance: Tinikling or Cariñosa. A still-to-be-settled debate has also raged online between those
who love sinigang (sour soup) and those who love adobo as to which should be recognized
as the national dish.
Find and allocate distinct time comprehending the key information and ideas from these
texts.
▪ Republic Act No. 8491- An act prescribing the code of the national flag, anthem,
motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines.
o https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-8491/
▪ Selection and Proclamation of National Heroes and Laws Honoring Filipino
Historical Figures
o https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/selection-and-
proclamation-of-national-heroes-and-laws-honoring-filipino-historical-
figures/
▪ Republic Act No. 9850 An Act Declaring Arnis As The National Martial Art And
Sport Of The Philippines
o https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2009/12/11/republic-act-no-9850/

References/Additional Resources/Readings

▪ Jose Rizal: Life,works and writings of a genius,Writer,Scientist and national Hero ;

Second Edition by Gregorio F.Zaide,Ph.D. and SoniaM.Zaide,Ph.D.

▪ https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/polytechnic-university-of-the-
philippines/buhay-mga-gawain-at-sinulat-ni-rizal/rizal-module-9-philippine-
nationalism-national-symbol/14000278

▪ Zulueta, Franisco. Rizal: Life, Works and Ideals. Echanis press, Inc. 760 Boni Ave.,
Mandaluyong City, 2004 Can be accessed through:
http://www.archive.org/stream/philippinescentu00riza/philippinescentu0Oriza_djvu.
bt

▪ Nolasco, Ricardo Ma. D. Pinagmulan ng Salitang Bayani" sa Diliman Review, vol 45,
no. 2-3, 1997, pp. 14-18

▪ Joaquin, Nick, A question of heroes. Pasig: Anvil, 2005. (Chapters on Rizal,

Bonifacio, and Aguinaldo.)

▪ Lahiri, Smitha. "Writer, hero, |a myth, and spirit: The changing image of Jose Rizal."
Cornell University papers on Southeast Asia.