Lesson 2: Concept of Hero

Concept of Hero in Filipino Culture and History

• the definition of the word “hero” in traditional western

dictionaries. Hero is normally defined here as an
illustrious man, often of divine descent, or with
distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, and fortitude
in suffering, who is supposed to be exalted after death.
Being an extraordinary person and individualistic is
apparent. This may be seen in the synonym of hero in
Microsoft word – Superman.
According to William Henry Scott, pangangayaw was
done because of four reasons

• 1) to secure resources, ranging from the occasional use

goods or bounty to human slaves;

• 2) to avenge a personal affront or family honor;

• 3) to fulfill mourning requirements to which the life of

enemies must be sacrificed; and lastly

• 4) for personal prominence or a mercenery reward.

A Bayani is more often than not
a true kawani or lingcod – bayan
(community servant) who
renders his or her help to those
in need in the community
without counting the cost. His /
Her ultimate goal is to maintain
peace and order. The concept of
bayanihan (cooperation) and the
word ipabayani (free labor
offered to/by someone) proves
the semantic essence of Bayani.
• Pedro Serrano Laktaw, elaborates the personality of a Bayani; a
person who fears no one (walang-takot), courageous (matapang),
firm (matibay), bold (mapangahas), but quiet (tahimik)and calm
(mahinahon).

• When the Spaniards conquered the Philippines. Instead of living

role models, the Spaniards had introduced the image of
obedience of saints and disciples whom the Filipinos had to
imitate in order to become good colonials
• The concept of a Filipino Hero in early Philippine societies,
therefore, is not a posthumous award given to dead people,
but rather a honorific role and title in the history.

• Jose Rizal, who was executed by the Spaniards, became the

leading national hero. Mabini, Luna, and Del Pilar also
became household names. The problem to the new
approach was that it coincides with the thrust of the
Americans to instill to the minds of Filipinos the American
culture
A modern – day concept of
the indigenous Bayani still
exist today. The Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFW) are
considered Bagong Bayani
(new heroes). Their work
abroad is said to be a
continuation of the culture of
pangangayaw. The word
mamayani, meaning to
prevail or triumph, has
become well-known.
Criteria for Recognizing Heroes

• the National Historical Commission of the

Philippines (NHCP) released some of the criteria for

recognizing heroes, through their Project Saysay

• The extent of a person’s sacrifice for the welfare of the
country (Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1965);
• The motive and methods employed in the attainment of the
ideal (welfare of the country) (Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1965)
• The moral character of the person concerned (Teodoro A.
Agoncillo 1965);
• The influence of the person concerned on his/her age and or
the succeeding age (Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1965);
• Those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and
struggle for the nation’s freedom (Onofre D. Corpuz 1993);
• Those who define and contribute to a system of life of
freedom and order for a nation (Onofre D. Corpuz 1993)
• Those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a
nation (Onofre D. Corpuz 1993)
• A part of the people’s expression (Alfredo Lagmay 1995)
• Person who thinks of the future, especially the future
generations (Alfredo Lagmay 1995)
• The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an
episode or events in history, but wof the entire process that
made this particular person a hero (Alfredo Lagmay 1995)
• Rizal as a Filipino Hero Jose Rizal as a Filipino hero
is state-sponsored through the Republic Act 1425
(Rizal Law).

• The Americans realizing the possibilities of a Rizal

cult in their colonial agenda, seized the opportunity
and made Rizal the “national” hero of the
Philippines
• Three steps, instead, were made by the American colonial
government to promote his heroism, namely:

• 1) the creation of Rizal Province

• 2) the erection of Rizal Monument

• 3) the declaration of Rizal Day on December 30 as public holiday.

• Vin 1995, midst the preparation of the nation for the upcoming
centennial celebration of the Philippine Revolution and Philippine
Independence Day, the National Heroes Committee created by
President Fidel V. Ramos released a list of recommended national
heroes
Jose Rizal
Andres Bonifacio
Emilio Aguinaldo
Apolinario Mabini
Marcelo H. Del Pilar
Sultan Dipatuan
Kudarat
Melchora Aquino
Juan Luna
Gabriela Silang
• The website of the National Commission on the
Culture and Arts states that “this might trigger a
flood of requests for proclamations” and might
“trigger bitter debates involving historical
controversies about the heroes.
 THANKYOU!

BPA 2A♥