Jose Rizal

and The
Philippine
Nationalism
 DR. JOSE P. RIZAL, PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL HERO
Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only
admired for possessing intellectual brilliance but also for taking a
stand and resisting the Spanish colonial government. While his
death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will
always be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino
people and the country.
Among his best works, two novels
stood out from the rest – Noli Me
Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El
Filibusterismo (The Reign of the
Greed).
The pen was mightier
than the sword
Upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal formed a
progressive organization called the La Liga Filipina. This
civic movement advocated social reforms through legal
means. Now Rizal was considered even more of a threat
by the Spanish authorities (alongside his novels and
essays), which ultimately led to his exile in Dapitan in
northern Mindanao.
 Before the execution
Days before his execution, Rizal bid farewell to his
motherland and countrymen through one of his final
letters, entitled Mi Último Adiós or My Last Farewell. Dr.
José Rizal was executed on the morning of December
30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now
referred to as Luneta).
 Before the execution
Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced
the squad and uttered in his final breath:
“Consummatum est” (It is finished). According
to historical accounts, only one bullet ended the life
of the Filipino martyr and hero.
 After his death
After his death, the Philippine Revolution
continued until 1898. And with the assistance
of the United States, the Philippines declared
its independence from Spain on June 12,
1898.
 Today
Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion,
courage, and patriotism are greatly
remembered and recognized by the Filipino
people. His two novels are continuously being
analyzed by students and professionals.
 – December 30 each year –
The Filipinos celebrate Rizal Day – December 30 each year –
to commemorate his life and works. Filipinos look back at
how his founding of La Liga Filipina and his two novels
had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine
Revolution. The people also recognize his advocacy to
achieve liberty through peaceful means rather than violent
revolution