UNIT VI.
JOSE RIZAL AND PHILIPPINE NATIONALISM: NATIONAL
S
YMBOL
Overview
Our national symbols represent the ideals and represent our sovereignty as one
nation. These symbols have been legislated in our laws. Here in this unit, it will give you an
idea about Jose Rizal, a hero who symbolizes goodness that gave us freedom by using
goodness and Philippine Nationalism.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. examine the values highlighted by various representations of Rizal as a
national symbol; and
2. advocate for the values Rizal's life encapsulates.
Setting Up
Name: _____________________________________________________ Date:____________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________ Directions: Identify the
following statement.
_nationalism__________ 1. This involves the desire to attain freedom and political
independence, especially by a country under a foreign power.
National Commission This commission states that official national symbols
for Culture and the Arts represent L the country's traditions and ideals and convey the
2. principles of Philippine sovereignty and national solidarity.
Andres Bonifacio ___ 3. The only other hero given an implicit recognition as ct
Philippine national hero aside from Rizal
Pres. Fidel V. Ramos 4. The President who issued Executive Order No. 75 creating the
National Heroes Committee (NHC)
Rafael Palma _____ 5. According to this biographer, the doctrines of Rizal are not for
one epoch but for all epochs.
Sampaguita _______ 6. This is considered as the Philippine's national flower
Philippine Commission This approved Act No. 137 combining the districts of Morong
7. and Manila to be named as "Province of Rizal,in honor of Dn
Jose P. Rizal.
Don Francisco_______ 8. Rizal carved a life-size wood sculpture to express his love for
this person.
Elias and Salome_____ 9. The title of the deleted chapter of the Noli Me Tangere.
Chivalry ___________10. The totality of qualities expected of an ideal gentleman, especially
courtesy and a readiness to help the weak or women.
Lesson Proper
The way our national hero José Rizal is celebrated in the Philippines as a national hero finds
no match in the world. Shrines and monuments dedicated to his figure are abundant
throughout the country, and his name often indicates the most popular street or plaza in
town. Rizal is a subject in the university as it has become a symbol of Philippine patriotism.
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SYMBOL NATIONAL SYMBOL
Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes a Every country or state has its
symbol as an action, object, or event that own national symbols to
expresses or represents a particular idea distinguish itself from others
or quality. In a culture, some things are and to unite its people. It
conventionally associated with meaning provokes some sense of
and become symbols, either officially or nationalism.
traditionally.
National Symbols of the Philippines
• National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) – stated that the official national
symbols represent the country's traditions and ideals and convey the principles of
the Philippines' sovereignty and national solidarity.
Official National Symbols
LupangHinirang (national hymn) Sampaguita (national
Philippine National Flag flower)
Philippine eagle (national bird) Narra (national tree)
Philippine pearl (national gem) Arnis (national game)
Rizal as a National Symbol
Although Dr. Jose Rizal is widely recognized as our national hero, he nonetheless
belongs to unofficial national symbols. However, it does not make him less of a fitting
symbol of the Philippines Jose Rizal's name and memory have long been representing and
symbolizing our country. Even in the international arena, Rizal's name elicits the name of
our country. The monuments built by people in countries where he had been and his books
(and the books about him) in foreign libraries necessarily bear the name Philippines.
The day of Rizal's introduction to the world and the day of his execution are fittingly
celebrated by all classes of our kin all through the length and broadness of this nation and
even by Filipinos and their companions abroad. His name is a byword in each Filipino
home. At the same time, his image embellishes the postage stamp and (Philippine Coin) No
other Filipino saint can surpass Rizal in the number of towns, barrios, and avenues named
after him in the number of instructive establishments, social orders and exchange names
that bear his name in the number of people the two Filipinos and outsiders who were
named "Rizal" or "Rizalina" because of their folks' appreciation for the incomparable
Malayan. Who is the Filipino writer and thinker whose teachings and noble thoughts have
been frequently invoked and quoted by authors and public speakers on almost all
occasions? None but Rizal, and why is this so? Because as biographer Rafael Palma (1) said,
"The doctrines of Rizal are not for one epoch but all epochs. They are as valid as they were
yesterday. It cannot be said that because the political ideals of Rizal have been achieved
because of the change in the institutions, the wisdom of his counsels or the value of his
doctrines have ceased to be opportune.” Executive Order No. 75, 1993
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SEC. 2. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government, including
government-owned or controlled corporations, are hereby directed to extend the fullest support to the
National Heroes Committee.
SEC. 3. The private sector is hereby urged to assist the National Heroes Committee in the performance of its functions.
SEC. 4. The National Historical Commission shall act as Secretariat of the National Heroes Committee.
SEC. 5. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
It was done in the City of Manila, this 29th day of March in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and ninety-three.
(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) ANTONIO T. CARPIO
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
Source: Presidential
Management Staff
Office of the President of the Philippines. (1993). [Executive Order Nos. : 1 – 125]. Manila: Presidential
Management Staff.
Criteria for National Heroes: Executive Order No. 75, 1953
The notion of recognizing heroes began in 1900 when the Philippine Commission
approved Act No. 137, combining the Morongand Manila were known as Province of Rizal.
In honor of Dr. Jose Rizal from then on, some heroes commemorated everywhere in the
country. During the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, he tasked the NHC to come up with the
national hero criteria. After many years President Fidel V. Ramos, on March 28, 1993,
issued Executive Order No.75 means to study and recommend the proclamation of National
Heroes. After a series of through discussions the commission came up with new criteria
comprising 10 points or standards: The extent of a person's sacrifices for the welfare of the
country.
1. The motive and method employed in the attainment of the ideal.
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2. The moral character of the person concerned.
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3. The influence of the person concerned about his age/generation or the
succeeding ones.
4. True heroes are those who have a concept of nation and, after that, aspire and
struggle for the nation's freedom.
5. Heroes define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and order for a
country.
6. Heroes are those who provide the quality of life and destiny of a nation.
7. A hero is a part of people's expression.
8. The hero often thinks of the future, especially the future generations.
9. The choice of a hero involves recounting an episode or events in history and
the entire process that made this particular person a hero.
After two years of lingering debates and deliberations, the National Heroes Committee
recommended the following figures as national heroes:
• Jose Rizal Sultan DipatuanKudarat
• Andres Bonifacio Juan Luna
• Apolinario Mabini Melchora Aquino
• Emilio Aguinaldo Gabriela Silang
• Marcelo H. Del Pilar
Neither Pres. Fidel V. Ramos nor any individual from the organization followed up
on the council's suggestion. Choice and Proclamation of National Heroes and Laws Honoring
Filipino Historical Figures–expressed this was likely because this may trigger a surge of
solicitation for announcements. The decrees can trigger unpleasant discussions, including
valid debates about the saints.
There is no law, official request, or announcement that has been formally sanctioned
or given broadcasting Rizal or some other Filipino chronicled figures as a national legend.
Consequently, laws sanctioned and announcements gave regarding a few names due to their
significant jobs during the time spent country building and commitments to history. Even
Rizal was not officially proclaimed as a national hero; nonetheless, he was given an implicit
recognition as his day of execution, December 30, has been made a national holiday. Aside
from him, Andres Bonifacio’s day of birth, November 30, has been declared a national
holiday, too.
Despite the absence of any official proclamation, these historical figures remain
admired and revered for their role in Philippine history. Historians said that heroes should
not be legislated, and their appreciation should be better left to academics. Rizal holds the
status of being an all-around acclaimed Philippine national legend, somewhat a tribute to
the continued worship or approval of the individuals as an affirmation of his commitment to
the significant social changes that occurred in the Philippines.
Laws Honoring Heroes and Other Historical Figures
Jose Rizal
• Decree of December 20, 1898
It was declared by Emilio Aguinaldo that December 30 th of every year as the
national day of mourning for Rizal and other victims of the revolution.
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• Act No. 137
Organized the district of Morong into the Province of Rizal
Andres Bonifacio
• Act No. 2946
Enacted to make November 30 a legal holiday to commemorate the birth of
Andres Bonifacio
• Act No. 2760
Confirmed and ratified all steps taken for national monuments, particularly for the
erection of a statue of Andres Bonifacio.
Graciano Lopez-Jaena
R.A. No. 7090
Declares December 18th of every year as a special working public holiday
throughout the country or the Graciano Lopez-Jaena Day.
Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon
R.A. No. 7285
Declares February 19th of each year as a special non-working holiday in the
Province of Aurora to commemorate her birthday.
Julian Felipe
R.A. 7805
Declares January 28 of every year as a non-working special public holiday in the City
of Cavite to be known as Julian Felipe Day
Pres. Manuel A. Roxas
• Act No. 9067
Declares April 15th of every year as President Manuel A. Roxas Day, which shall be
observed as a special working public holiday in the Province of Capiz and City of
Roxas.
Benigno “NINOY” Aquino Jr.
• Act No. 9256
Declares August 21 every year as Ninoy Aquino Day and a non-working holiday to
commemorate his assassination.
Assessing Learning
Activity 15
Name: _____________________________________________________ Score:
___________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________ Date:
____________________________
Directions: Reflection paper about the article. Read online the article: “Writer, hero, myth,
and spirit: The changing image of Jose Rizal.” by Smith Lahiri
(http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Module/Modules/PhilippineReligions/article_rizal.
h tm). (Provide additional sheet if necessary) Guide Questions:
1. Based on your reading, what can you say about the article representation of Jose Rizal?
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The writer was fascinated in Rizal's novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Although
Rizal is more renowned for his political writings and role as a public intellectual in the first
wave of Philippine nationalism in the 1870s, she is far more interested in the voice of Rizal
the novelist. When she did her research here in the Philippines, she found many new
encounters with Rizal the novelist. She found herself surrounded by the image of Rizal the
national hero on movie billboards, TV advertisements, infomercials commemorating the
centennial of the Philippines' independence from Spain, and book displays in the national
bookstore. This Rizal jostled for face space with other heroes like Andres Bonifacio, but his
dreamy good looks gave him a distinct edge. Less prominent than the hero's image were his
political writings and views, which were nevertheless also receiving attention from
intellectuals and columnists. She also encounter another aspect of Rizal: Rizal the myth.
From her pre-fieldwork preparation and reading, she had learned that after Rizal's trial and
execution for sedition in 1896 by the Spanish authorities, he came to be viewed in popular
imagination as a Filipino Christ. The article elaborate on the "Rizalista" societies that
mushroomed in the twentieth-century Philippines and how they worship Rizal. She
discusses the cults and legends about Rizal and opined that his death did even more to
achieve this objective than his life's work. She learned that for the past couple of decades
Rizalista churches with their charismatic leadership, prayer sessions, songs, and collective
healing sessions invoking the curing power of Rizal have been in decline. While some have
been disbanded, others have lost members due to internecine squabbles or failure to attract
younger followers. She also learned about Amang Doktor (Father-Doctor), a cantankerous
spirit who appears to certain people as a wizened old man hunched over a walking stick.
According to her informants, they believed that Amang Doktor is José Rizal. The spirit of
the young patriot who was martyred at thirty-three has apparently grown old.
She also wrote about one event during Holy Week where believers met and conducted a
seminar. As the participants introduced themselves, she noted that while some called
themselves as "Rizalistas," others referred to Dr. José Rizal as a great patriot and soul whose
legacy still guided the Philippines in facing the uncertainties of an election and the
approaching millennium. The name of José Rizal appeared to serve as a kind of emblem
establishing this diverse array of individuals as a temporary community. The author met
Mama Rosa Palau, the owner of the place where the meeting took place. When a
misunderstanding occur between the participants, Mama Rose speak in trance as if she is
Amang Doktor and challenge the groups.
As reflected in the article the way José Rizal is revered as a national hero finds no match in
the world. Shrines and monuments dedicated to his figure are abundant throughout the
archipelago, and his name indicates often the most prominent street or plaza in town. Rizal
is a subject in the university as it has become a symbol of Philippine patriotism. Although
Rizal was already esteemed as a top intellectual and writer both in the Philippines and
Spain, the making of Rizal as a national hero was a legitimate and well-intentioned
operation carried out a few decades after his cruel execution during the American period.
And the problem with having him converted into a national hero is that it has resulted in
some unexpected consequences: an exaggerated focus in his life.
2. What is the main question that the article seeks to answer?
I think the author focused more on Rizal being the myth and why was Rizal become revered
as a Filipino Christ after his execution.
3. What is your own reflection based on the article and your understanding.
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I think during that time after Rizal was executed, people can not accept that their only for
freedom from Spanish tyranny died. In order to see a ray of hope during that dark times,
people resurrected Rizal in their mind so that their focus to liberate the country will not
die. And even when the Spaniards are gone, Rizal’s image and spirit remained in their
heart and mind which facilitate the formation of their group focusing on Rizal’s ideals
and visions.
Activity 16
Name: _____________________________________________________ Score: ___________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Rubrics for Scoring
Content and Quality of Ideas- 50%
Impact and Relevance: 50%
Directions: Compose/write a unified, coherent, and empathetic, reflective essay on the
question "How Rizal's novels awakened Philippine nationalism?"
Jose Rizal served as an inspiration for many people during his time. For him, a revolution is
not only about using bolos or firearms, but by using the pen which is mightier than the
sword.
His two novels Noli Me Tá ngere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the
Greed) contributed a lot in awakening Philippine nationalism. In both novels, Rizal harshly
criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country and exposed the ills of Philippine society
at the time. Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful and
progressive manner. Through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of
government officials as well as the Spanish friars. While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed
essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of
his writings, both in his essays and editorials, centered on individual rights and freedom,
specifically for the Filipino people. And because he wrote about the injustices and
brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities banned Filipinos from reading the
controversial books. Yet they were not able to ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the
books, their eyes opened to the truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the
hands of the friars. These two novels by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are
said to have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.
Activity 17
Name: _____________________________________________________ Score: ___________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Directions: Match Column A correctly with Column B. Write the corresponding letter before
the number.
__i___1. A B
This denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one's
__e____ nation. a. Integrity
2. The skill to assess and initiate things
b. Discipline
independently.
__g___3. The quality of being honest and having strong c. Nellie
moral principles Bousted
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___e__4. Rizal showed this virtue by working for the d. Willpower
betterment of his country.
e. Initiative
___b__5 It is the suppression of base desires.
. The care, caution, and sound judgment, as f. Prudence
___f.__6. well as wisdom in looking ahead
It is the ability to control or restrain oneself. g. Moral
Rizal's day of execution Courage
_ d___7.
__j_ 8. The woman behind Rizal and Luna's duel h. Olympia
__c___9.
i. Patriotism
__h____10. The sister of the national hero who died of
childbirth in 1887 j. December
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