LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

INTRODUCTION
RIZAL LAW/REPUBLIC ACT 1425
Senator Jose P. Laurel (author of the RA): Since Rizal was the
founder of Filipino nationality and the architect of the Filipino
nation, there is a need to know and imbibe the great ideals
and principles for which he died.

OBJECTIVES of RA 1425
• To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and
nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died;
• To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and
works in shaping the Filipino character; and
• To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of
Rizal’s life, works, and writings.
GOALS IN TEACHING RIZAL COURSE IN HIGHER
EDUCATION:
• To recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideals,
thoughts, teachings, and life values to present
conditions in the community;
• To apply Rizal’s ideas in the solution of day-to-day
situations and problems in contemporary life;
• To develop an understanding and appreciation of
the qualities, behavior and character of Rizal; and
• To foster the development of moral character,
personal discipline, citizenship and vocational
efficiency among the Filipino youth.
RIZAL, A TRUE FILIPINO
 Filipinos, ourselves, chose Rizal as the National Hero
which were manifested in the following:
1. The Katipuneros considered him the honorary leader
of KKK.
2. His advice was sought after by Dr. Pio Valenzuela.
3. Rizal’s name was one of the passwords of KKK.
4. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared December 30 as the
anniversary of Rizal’s execution at Bagumbayan, which
became the basis of our celebration of the Rizal Day.
5. On Dec. 30, 1898, a group of Masons erected the first
monument of Rizal in Daet, Camarines Norte.
 6. A lot of main streets and avenues were named
after him.
7. One province was named after him.
8. At least two universities were named after him.
9. One peso coin bears the face of Rizal.

In making Rizal as our Filipino National Hero, a number

of conclusions can be drawn (Guerrero, 1998).
1. Since the Filipinos love peace, they have chosen to
magnify a man of peace above the men of war.
2. Because Filipinos are lovers of freedom and
justice, they have given their worship to a man who
gave up all comforts and pleasures of peace for their
sake.
3. Filipinos prize virtue more than victory, and
sacrifice above success.
Guerrero (1998) :
Rizal was the first Filipino.
RIZAL, PIONNER ASIAN NATIONALIST LEADER
• Coates (1968): At the time that Gandhi and Sun Yat-
Sen were still students, Rizal was already articulating
lucidly in his speeches, articles and letters in Asia and
Europe.
• De Ocampo (1969): Rizal was the first exponent of
Asian nationalism since he was the source of
inspiration for the outbreak of the Philippine
revolution of 1896, which can be considered as the
first genuine uprising by an Asian people against
Western colonialism.
• Fisher (1962): Rizal was the Pioneer Exponent of
Liberal Democracy in Asia which includes the
following ideas on liberal democracy:
 the worth and dignity of an individual
 the inviolability of human rights
 the innate equality of all men and races
 the necessity for constitutional government
 due process of law
 popular sovereignty as the basis of all political
authority
 faith in human reason and enlightenment
 the right to public education
 belief in social progress through freedom
MAJOR PERIODS IN THE LIFE OF RIZAL

• First period (1861 – 1872)

• Second period ( 1872 – 1882)

• Third period (1882 – 1892)

• Fourth period (1892 – 1896)