University of La Salette

Santiago City

LEARNING MODULE
GEC 005- The Life and Works of Rizal
Prepared by: MONINA P. BADUA, MAED

MODULE 2: Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism-National Symbol

Introduction

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.
Symbols represent a wide variety of things. When people see a particular symbol, they associate
it with something meaningful or standard. With this, each country has their own national symbols to
identify themselves from others and to unite its citizens through nationalism.

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 (Yambao, 2017).

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Describe nationalism as an internalized feeling.
2. Trace the development of Rizal’s nationalism.
3. Examine the values highlighted by the various representations of the different national symbol.

MOTIVATION: Start the Ignition

What I Know about the concept of nationalism?

What I know about Jose Rizal’s nationalism?

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 CONTENT

Rizal and Development of Nationalism

Nationalism is a sense of loyalty or psychological attachment members of a nation share, based

on a common language, history, culture and desire for independence (Jackson &Jackson, 2000). It is a
feeling that drives a people together as a nation. It is love of country expressed in devotion to and
advocacy of national interest and independence. (Garcia & Cruz, 2015, p.2)

The awakening of Asia to the concept of nationalism began in the Philippines through the single-
handed work of Rizal. Later Asian nationalists were to acknowledge their debt to Rizal, with Gandhi
calling him “a forerunner and martyr in the cause of freedom.” Rizal foreshadowed the People Power
revolution in the Philippines and elsewhere in the late 1980s with his fundamental belief in the application
of morality to politics, in the power of truth, and in the possibility of change by non-violent action.
(Yambao, 2017)

Jose Rizal is commonly known as the “Father of Filipino Nationalism” and the First Filipino”,
not because he helped establish an independent Philippine state (in fact, he specifically and explicitly
denounced the 1896 Revolution against Spain), but because he was instrumental in the creation of the
conceptualization of “Filipino” as an ethnopolitical collective – as “a people”, or, in the language of
nationalism “the people”.2 In other words, Rizal is acclaimed the father “Philippine Nationalism” for his
intellectual and idealistic support for Philippine Independence. As an analysis of his works and speeches
will show, Rizal did not support violent uprisings or revolutions in calling for an independent state. (Ibid.)

Rizal was the first to give the name Filipino, in writing, to the people of the Philippines. Before
then, it applied only to Spaniards who lived in the archipelago; the natives were called Indios. In his
Annotations to Morga”sSucesos de las Islas Filipinas, Rizal pointed out that Filipinos had their own
culture before the coming of the Spaniards. In first championing nationalism in Asia, Rizal became the
pioneering exponent in Asia of the universal rights of man. Rizal saw that the real obstacle to the reforms
he and the others in the Propaganda Movement saw was the presumption of the racial inferiority of the
Indios. In life and in his works he recognized the equality of cultures, presaging the basic principle of
equality of cultures behind the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
From his childhood works, he took pride in his native language and culture. (Yambao, 2017)

Of vital importance to Rizal’s nationalism is education. Rizal believed that the real liberation of
his people lies in education, Rizal paid particular attention to the education of women. The case of
MalalaYousafzai of Pakistan who the Taliban tried to kill for her advocacy of girls’ education is

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 reminiscent of Rizal’s “Letter to the Women of Malolos” where he praised and encouraged the crusading
women for “it is the women who open the minds of men.” (Ibid.)

Rizal’s nationalism is of the inclusive, caring kind. This he spelled out in the aims of La Liga
Filipina: mutual protection in every want or necessity, defense against all violence and injustice, and
encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and commerce. It is a kind of nationalism that is compatible
with a caring, globalizing and interdependent world. (Ibid.)

Rizal in Noli Me Tangere writes, to borrow an expression from Faulkner, of a past that is not
past. The Noli is at the moment of immense topicality when one considers that the novel is about the
cruelties and abuses of a tyranny that enslaves under the name of religion. Many parts of the world,
including parts of the Philippines apparently, are threatened by movements to impose this tyranny. The
ways of the friars live on in the refusal of the Church to leave couples’ exercise of their reproductive
rights to their own judgment. (Ibid.)

Philippine National Symbols

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.

National Anthem: “LupangHinirang”

The Philippine national anthem is entitled
“LupangHinirang” and composed by Julian Felipe.
“LupangHinirang” was first played publicly on June 12,
1898 during the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Its lyrics were adopted from the Spanish poem, Filipinas,
which was written by José Palma.

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 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.

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.

National Bird: Philippine Eagle

The Philippine national bird is called “Philippine
eagle” scientifically known as Pithecophaga jefferyi. It was
made official in 1978 by former President Ferdinand
Marcos through Proclamation No. 1732.

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.

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.

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 National Coat-of-Arms
Republic Act No. 8491 dictates that the Coat-of-Arms shall
have:
“Paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent
studded with three (3) mullets equidistant from each other;
and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun
rayonnant with eight minor lesser rays. Beneath shall be the
scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,”
inscribed thereon.”

National Language – Filipino

With more than a hundred (close to two hundred) languages
and dialects in the Philippines, some people still get a little
testy over discussions about the national language. Some
contend that Filipino is but a formal term for what is
essentially Tagalog, in which case the implication is that all
others have been excluded. Others maintain that Tagalog is
but the nuclei of the national language.
In any case Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution states that:
“The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it
evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the
basis of existing Philippine and other languages.”

Republic Act No. 8491 states that the

national motto shall be: Maka-Diyos, National Motto
Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa

National Costume | Barong Tagalog (Male) and

Baro’tSaya (Female)
The national costumes of the country. For the males, it is the
upper garment worn over a camisa de chino (Chinese
undershirt). For females, it is the combination of a
baro(blouse) and saya(skirt), hence the name.

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 National Currency: Philippine Peso
The currency of the Philippines (officially, Republic of the
Philippines) is called the Philippine Peso. Its ISO 4217 code
is PHP and it has PhP or ₱ as symbol. The issuer of the
Philippine Peso is the Central Bank of the Philippines
(CBF).
The Peso is known in Filipino and Tagalog as "piso" and is
divided into 100 cents ("sentimo" in the previous
languages).
These currencies are issued by the Central Bank of the
Philippines. This Central Bank was created by the Republic
Act No. 265 on January 3rd, 1949. It is the BCF that
manages the banking operations and the country's credit
system. In addition, this Act gives the CBF all the powers to
print and mint Filipino money since then.

Republic Act No. 8491, Chapter V "The Great Seal":

SECTION 42. The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with
the arms as described in the preceding section, but without
the scroll and the inscription thereon. Surrounding the
whole shall be a double marginal circle within which shall
appear the words “RepublikangPilipinas.” For the purpose
of placing The Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be
deemed essential but tincture representation must be used.
The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto.

National Seat of Government: Malacañang Palace

The official residence of the President of the Philippines is

Malacañan Palace. Situated in the old Manila district of San
Miguel, over the 175 odd years that government has owned
the place, the buildings have been remodeled, expanded,
demolished and rebuilt, and adjoining lands bought. Most
recently, in 1978 to 1979 the Palace itself was drastically
remodeled and extensively rebuilt by then First Lady Imelda
Romualdez Marcos.

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 National Food: Adobo
In adobo, you can use chicken or pork in your main
ingredient.

National Boat: Balangay (HB No. 4953)

The Balangay is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out

plank edged through pins and dowels and is known as the
oldest watercraft found in the Philippines.

National Orchid: Waling-waling (HB No. 4952)

Waling-waling or Vanda Sanderiana is dubbed as the

“Queen of Philippine Orchids”. It is also worshipped as
Diwata (fairy) by the native Bagobos and discovered in the
year 1882. It is the rarest, most beautiful, and most
expensive orchid among thousands of species that can be
found in the country.

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,
ApolinarioMabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan DipatuanKudarat,
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.

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 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.

Mango: 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.

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.

Bahay Kubo: National house

The humble bahaykubo 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.

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.

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 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.
National Dance | Tinikling or Cariñosa

National Slippers: Bakya

Bakya or wooden clogs 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".

National Song: “Bayan Ko”

This song has accompanied almost every struggle since the turn of the
century to recapture the visions and ideals of the First Republic --
from the anti-American protest movement and millenarian revolts of
the 1920's and 30's, to the resistance against the Japanese occupation
in the 40's, the student revolt of the 70's and more recently, the 1986
"People's Power" revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
Original Tagalog lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus, melody by
Constancio de Guzman.

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 National Vehicle: Jeepney

Jeepney called "HaringKalsada" or King of the Road.

Yambao. (2017, April15) Learn about the Philippines’ National Symbols https://primer.com.ph/tips-
guides/2017/04/15/learn-about-the-philippines-national-symbols/

TASKS
Task 1. Trace the influences that led to the development of Rizal’s nationalism through an
illustrated timeline.

Provided herein is an illustrated Timeline Rubric to be used in evaluating your output in Task number one
(1). Review the rubric below for you to be guided in accomplishing the tasks.

Rubric for Illustrated Timeline

CATEGORY (20 pts) (15 -19 pts) (10-14 pts) (9 pts or below)
Content/Facts Facts were accurate Facts were accurate Facts were accurate Facts were often
for all events for almost all events for most (~75%) of inaccurate for events

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 reported on the reported on the the events reported reported on the
timeline. timeline. on the timeline. timeline.
Graphics All graphics are All graphics are Some graphics are Several graphics are
effective and effective, but there effective and their not effective.
balanced with text appear to be too few use is balanced with
use. or too many. text use.
Readability The overall The overall The timeline is The timeline is
appearance of the appearance of the relatively readable. difficult to read.
timeline is pleasing timeline is
and easy to read. somewhat pleasing
and easy to read
Requirements The timeline The timeline The timeline The timeline
contained 10 events contained at least 8- contained at least 6- contained fewer than
related to the topic 9 events related to 7 events related to 5 events.
being studied. the topic being the topic being
studied. studied.
(Rubric for Illustrated Timeline (n.d). Retrieved from:
https://www.anderson1.org/cms/lib04/SC01000609/Centricity/Domain/1389/Illustrated%20Timeline%20Rubric.pdf

Task 2. On the space provided below answer the following questions.

1. Explain the importance of having a sense of nationalism.

2. What is the essence of knowing the different national symbols of the Philippines?

Provided herein is a Short Essay Questions Rubric to be used in evaluating your output in Task number
one (2). Review the rubric below for you to be guided in accomplishing the tasks.

Rubric

Criteria Awesome (5pts) Nice Job (4 pts) Fair Attempt (3pts) Didn’t get it/No
Credit (2pts)
Completion All questions were At least 85% of the At least 85% of the Less than half of the
Number of questions successfully questions were questions were questions were
successfully completed. successfully successfully successfully
completed completed. completed. completed
Type of Responses Most of the answers Sporadic but more Less than half of the
Response to All of the answers to the questions than half of the answers were
questions are written were written in were written in answers were written in complete
in complete complete sentences. complete sentences. written in complete sentences.
sentences. sentences.
Quality of Not sloppy; very Not sloppy and Somewhat sloppy, Very sloppy and
Responses legible. Work is fairly legible. Work but can read some of illegible. Work
Quality of work exemplary; has less consists of 5 to 9 the writing. Work consist of too many
(Neatness) and than 4 spelling or spelling or consist of 10 to 15 spelling or
conventions adhered grammatical errors. grammatical errors. spelling or grammatical errors.
to. grammatical errors.

Short Essay Questions Rubric. Retrieved from https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=yes&code=N4AA82&

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 SYNTHESIS

In this Module, you have studied Jose Rizal and Philippine Nationalism-National
Symbol. Make a concept map summarizing what you have learned including your realizations about this
module.

REFERENCES:
 Garcia, C. D.,DeViana, A.V., Cruz, C.B. (2015). Rizal and the Development of Filipino Nationalism.
Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.
 Franciso, V., Francisco,P.M.,Dulay M.J., Batung, J.T.,Bumidang,J.G.(2018). Rizal A Modular Approach.
Mindshapers Co., Inc.
 Pangilinan, M.C.,Franco-Igloria,M.D., Pasague,E.A. (2018). Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal A
Modular Approach. Mindshapers Co., Inc.
 Wani-Obias, R.,Mallari A.A.,Regindin-Estela,J. (2018). The Life and Works of Jose Rizal. C & E
Publishing, Inc
 Yambao. (2017, April15) Learn about the Philippines’ National Symbols https://primer.com.ph/tips-
guides/2017/04/15/learn-about-the-philippines-national-symbols
 Learn about the Philippines' National Symbols. (2017, April 15). Retrieved August 29, 2020, from
https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2017/04/15/learn-about-the-philippines-national-symbols/
 Executive Order No. 313, s. 1940: GOVPH. (1940, December 23). Retrieved August 29, 2020, from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1940/12/23/executive-order-no-313-s-1940/
 Cepeda, M. (2019, December 04). House Passes Bills declaring Waling-Waling, Balangay as National
Symbols. Retrieved August 29, 2020, from https://rappler.com/nation/house-bills-3rd-reading-declaring-
waling-waling-balangay-national-symbols

Congratulations! This is the end of Module 2. I hope you enjoy and learned a lot in undergoing
the different activities provided above.

I am so proud of you!

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