“THE FIRST FILIPINO”

by: León María Guerrero

An influential person in Philippine history is the nationalist and scholar Jose Rizal. Rizal, who was born
in 1861, was a key figure in the struggle for the rights and dignity of the Filipino people during the
Spanish colonial era. His varied contributions to politics, education, and literature made him a national
figure in the Philippines.

The literary classic "Noli Me Tangere" by Rizal, together with its follow-up "El Filibusterismo," acted as
a potent indictment of the repressive Spanish rule and gave Filipinos a sense of identity as a people.
Inspiring a spirit of resistance and pride in Filipino heritage, Rizal skillfully revealed the inequities and
corruption of the colonial administration through his works.

In addition to his talent as a writer, Rizal supported education as a tool for personal growth. Since he
thought that education could free people from injustice and ignorance, he pursued studies overseas and
returned with degrees in philosophy, literature, and medicine. One of the most important aspects of Rizal's
legacy is his dedication to using education as a catalyst for social change.

In the end, Rizal's actions and beliefs led him to be executed by the Spanish in 1896, making him a martyr
for the cause of Philippine independence. His beliefs have inspired generations of Filipinos to pursue
freedom and self-determination, and his sacrifice stoked the flames of the fight against Spanish
colonialism. Jose Rizal's steadfast dedication to the advancement of justice, learning, and the Filipino
people's empowerment accounts for his lasting significance.

Jose Rizal's enduring significance emanates from his role as a multifaceted nationalist, intellectual, and
advocate for justice and education. whose literary masterpieces and martyrdom during the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonialism have left an indelible mark on the country's history, inspiring
generations to pursue freedom, self-determination, and societal transformation.

Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna. His family was wealthy while the Philippines
was under Spanish colonial rule. His father, Francisco Mercado, was a successful farmer, while his
mother, Teodora Alonso, was a well-educated woman from a family of excellent artisans. His rich
background and early schooling in Calamba and Binan greatly influenced Rizal's interest and prepared
him for his subsequent successes as a writer, scholar, and social change activist.
Jose Rizal's education began in the Philippines at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and later at the
University of Santo Tomas. Facing discrimination, he transferred to the Ateneo de Manila, completing a
land surveyor course. In 1882, he received a scholarship to study medicine and philosophy at the
Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain. Rizal's sojourn in Europe exposed him to political and social
issues, developing his nationalist beliefs. His schooling, both in the Philippines and overseas, played a
key role in preparing him for his role as a revolutionary and advocate for Philippine independence.

Jose Rizal, a brilliant writer and philosopher, authored numerous key works that became the foundations
of Philippine literature and contributed immensely to the nationalist struggle. Some of his most notable
accomplishments include:

• Noli Me Tangere: Published in 1887, this work is a harsh condemnation of Spanish colonial
power in the Philippines. It awakens the Filipino people's sense of national awareness by
exposing the injustices, mistreatment, and corruption that were common under the colonial
government.
• El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed): A sequel to Noli Me Tangere, this novel, published in
1891, delves deeper into the social issues and injustices faced by Filipinos. It explores themes of
revolution, sacrifice, and the consequences of colonial oppression.

During Spanish control, Jose Rizal, who played a pivotal role in the Philippine independence movement,
fervently supported nonviolent changes. Through "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," two of his
books, he attempted to use literature to bring attention to colonial injustices and encourage reform.
Unifying Filipinos for nonviolent social improvements was Rizal's goal as the founder of La Liga
Filipina. He promoted equality and civil freedoms while participating in the Philippine Reform Movement
and La Solidaridad. His attempts were met with opposition, despite his dedication, which sparked more
extreme groups. As a supporter of nonviolent change, Rizal's legacy continues to inspire conversations
about justice and national freedom.

Jose Rizal was a well-known Filipino nationalist who, in the late 19th century, used his literary works and
essays to persuasively criticize Spanish colonial rule. In books like "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," Rizal revealed the widespread mistreatment, racial prejudice, economic exploitation, and
intolerance towards religion that the people of the Philippines were subjected to. His critique of economic
exploitation concentrated on practices of land-grabbing, excessive taxes, and forced labor, while his
denunciation of racial prejudice was motivated by his personal experiences at the University of Santo
Tomas. In spite of his harsh criticism, Rizal supported nonviolent changes, as seen by his support for La
Liga Filipina and La Solidaridad, which placed a strong emphasis on equality and civil liberties. The
memory of Rizal serves as a moving reminder of the fight for justice and independence by the Filipino
people.

Jose Rizal had a significant and diverse part in the Propaganda Movement, a 19th-century reformist
endeavor that promoted political and social change in the Philippines when it was ruled by Spain. The
goals of the organization were greatly aided by Rizal and other Filipino expats living in Europe. "Noli Me
Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," two of his literary masterpieces, were effective in drawing attention to
social inequities and energizing support for reforms.

In La Solidaridad, a reformist newspaper published in Spain, Rizal took an active role in voicing Filipino
complaints and promoting equality and civil rights through his essays. In an effort to bring Filipinos
together in support of social reforms, he founded La Liga Filipina after returning to the Philippines. In the
struggle for Philippine independence, Rizal's emphasis on nonviolent reforms, awareness, and education
endured while being suppressed. With Rizal as a leading figure, the Propaganda Movement established
the foundation for later nationalist initiatives and made a substantial contribution to the developing story
of Filipino resistance to colonial rule.

Jose Rizal underwent a profound metamorphosis during his exile in Dapitan from 1892 to 1896, which
was distinguished by a distinctive fusion of intellectual, civic, scientific, and creative endeavors. Rizal
transformed Dapitan into a hub of productivity and community service, despite the limitations of his
exile.

First, Dapitan now has a school, thanks to the establishment of one by educationist Rizal. He taught a
variety of subjects, such as physics, languages, and art, with the goal of empowering and enlightening the
youth of the area. His conviction in the transformational potential of learning was mirrored in this
educational project.

In Dapitan, civic and public service turned into pillars of Rizal's life. By putting in place sanitary policies,
building a water system, and starting up infrastructure projects, he aimed to improve the townspeople's
quality of life and support the growth of the community. Beyond scholarly endeavors, Rizal's efforts
produced observable advancements that benefited the people.

During his exile, Rizal studied agriculture and botany in addition to his academic pursuits and civic
duties. He showed his dedication to sustainable development and scientific research by introducing new
crops and farming methods, as well as by doing research on the local flora. The contributions Rizal made
in this area demonstrated his many methods of nation-building.

Rizal's personal ties to the people of Dapitan helped to further characterize his exile. He gained the respect
and admiration of the neighborhood through his kindness, humility, and sincere care for their well. His
conversations demonstrated both his sincere desire to help the individuals he aimed to serve and his
commitment to social reform.
While Rizal was living in Dapitan, artistic endeavors were also thriving. He continued to produce
paintings, sculptures, and literary works despite the difficulties of exile. In addition to ingenuity, his
artistic works demonstrated fortitude in the face of difficulty.

The trial and execution of Jose Rizal were significant occurrences that shaped the last parts of his life and
demonstrated his steadfast dedication to the cause of Philippine independence. An outline of Jose Rizal's
trial and execution is provided below:

Trial:

Due to his supposed membership in the Katipunan, a covert revolutionary organization, Rizal was charged
with sedition, insurrection, and conspiracy in December 1896 and placed under arrest in Manila. At the
Bagumbayan, which is now called Luneta Park, Rizal stood trial before a Spanish military court.

Rizal acted elegantly and with dignity throughout the trial. In support of his writings, he pointed to "Noli
Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," saying that his goal was not to stir up insurrection but rather to
reveal the excesses and injustices of Spanish colonial administration. Rizal provided a persuasive defense,
yet he was found guilty and given the death penalty.

Execution:

At Bagumbayan in the early hours of December 30, 1896, Rizal was scheduled to be executed by firing
squad. He declined to have his hands blindfolded and instead strolled calmly to the execution place.
Echoing the words of Christ on the cross, he exclaimed, "Consummatum est!" (It is completed) as he
stood in front of the firing squad.

The Filipino people were greatly affected by Jose Rizal's execution. The flames of the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonial rule were kindled by his martyrdom. The passing of Rizal sparked a
sense of unanimity among Filipinos and gave them newfound zeal to pursue independence.

Jose Rizal's sacrifice came to represent the Filipinos' aspirations for independence, justice, and
selfdetermination. He is revered as a national hero in the Philippines, and his memory endures as a
lighthouse of optimism and fortitude in the face of injustice.

The legacy of Jose Rizal is fundamental to Philippine identity, permeating nationalism, literature, and
history. Rizal is highly regarded as the national hero. His literary classics, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," reveal the terrible reality of Spanish colonial power. These works perfectly capture the
effect of Rizal. The foundation of the country's historical consciousness is formed by these works, which
are essential to Philippine literature.

Rizal's influence goes beyond literature to include administration and education. Being a polymath, he
supported democratic ideals and education as a means of changing society. His 1896 martyrdom made
him a symbol of selflessness, encouraging future generations to pursue justice and autonomy.

Rizal's cultural significance is demonstrated by sculptures, monuments, and Rizal Day, which is observed
on December 30 every year. His image, which embodies bravery and tenacity, graces coinage. For
politicians, activists, and people alike, his legacy continues to be a source of inspiration, encouraging a
dedication to justice, equality, and knowledge.

All things considered, Jose Rizal's legacy is deeply ingrained in Philippine history, culture, and the
nation's unwavering quest for a better future.

José Rizal was a writer, nationalist, and revolutionary who played a significant role in Philippine history.
The novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," in particular, were written by him and were
influential in the Philippine movement for independence from Spanish colonial control.

• Advocacy for Nonviolent Reforms: Rizal was a reformist at heart who valued nonviolent protest
and education. He campaigned for the Philippines' representation in the Spanish Cortes and called
for changes to the country's educational system and Catholic Church.

• Criticism of Ecclesiastical Power: Rizal had harsh words for powerful religious orders in addition
to the Spanish government. He differentiated between faith and the institutionalized corruption of
the church, arguing for spiritual changes and the empowerment of Filipino clergy.

• Non-violent Ideology: Rizal advocated a non-violent strategy, in contrast to his contemporaries,

who supported armed rebellion. His political thought was characterized by his belief that moral
argumentation and intellectual discourse might be used as instruments for social change.

• Promoting National Identity: Rizal's emphasis on Filipino identity and pride in their country is a
fundamental component of his legacy. In order to free the Philippines from the bonds of colonial
enslavement, he saw a society in which its citizens valued and realized their potential.

• The Martyrdom and Its Repercussions: Although Rizal's 1896 execution was meant to put a halt
to the growing nationalist movement, it had the opposite effect. It inspired the Filipino people and
made Rizal a martyr and a representative of their fight for independence.
José Rizal left behind a legacy that extends beyond his extraordinary literary abilities and includes his
significant influence on the Philippine nationalist movement. His words helped Filipinos become more
aware of their country and shed light on the wrongs of colonial authority. The political beliefs of Rizal,
which included his support for nonviolent reform, his criticism of church authority, and his fostering of
national identity, had a significant influence on the development of Philippine nationalism. The pursuit of
social justice and self-determination is still motivated by Rizal's life and works, which serve as a light of
moral bravery and intellectual resistance that inspires future generations.

José Rizal's global significance stems from his personification of universal principles, such as the efficacy
of nonviolent reform, the value of education, and the contribution of intellectual debate to society's
transformation. His life and works have become global treasures, providing perspectives on national
identity, human rights, and colonialism that are relevant everywhere in the world.

The nonviolent resistance and intellectual engagement that are central to Rizal's approach to national
liberation are consistent with the strategies of global movements like those of Mahatma Gandhi and
Martin Luther King Jr. that aim to bring about change. His conviction that education can be a powerful
instrument for emancipation and empowerment is reflected in the number of global reform and education
projects.

Moreover, Rizal's literary works, particularly his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," are
noteworthy additions to global literature in addition to being Philippine masterpieces. They offer a critical
perspective on colonialism, highlighting enduring themes of social injustice, oppression, and the defense
of human dignity.

His multifaceted existence as a writer, physician, linguist, and scientist highlights the value of
interdisciplinary approaches in tackling difficult societal challenges; this is a concept that is becoming
more and more important in the modern, globalized world.

In summary, José Rizal's relevance transcends the Philippines and serves as a global emblem of the
ongoing fight against injustice and inequality for freedom, justice, and education.

In conclusion, Jose Rizal left an enduring impact on nationalism, literature, and education that makes his
legacy essential to the Filipino identity. His literary works exposed the harsh realities of Spanish colonial
power, laying the groundwork for Philippine literature and establishing a strong bond with the country's
history.

Beyond literature, Rizal's impact may be seen in governance and education, since he personifies
enlightenment and democracy. His martyrdom serves as a reminder of resiliency and selflessness,
inspiring future generations to strive for justice and autonomy.
Being a cultural icon, Rizal's picture appears on bills and in monuments, providing inspiration and
bravery on a continuous basis. Leaders, activists, and people are still guided by his enduring influence,
which instills a commitment to justice, equality, and knowledge.

Essentially, the history, culture, and aspirations of Philippine society are shaped by Jose Rizal's legacy,
which is woven across the country with a focus on justice, freedom, and patriotism.

GEED 037 – LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

PROF. JACINTO VALIVA

SUBMITTED TO:

CATHERINE C. CALVEZ

SUBMITTED BY: