CHAPTER 7

RIZAL'S MORAL LEGACIES FOR OUR DAILY LIFE

WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW RIZAL'S MORAL LEGACIES?

• Rizal's enduring greatness is rooted in the richness of his ideas and the nobility of his
examples. His legacy to humanity lies in the validity of his progressive thoughts and
soul-searching teachings. Rizal's prophetic insights and unparalleled visions guide
Filipinos on the path to progress, fostering full nationhood in economic, political,
educational, social, and cultural aspects through national solidarity. His inspirational
contributions continue to resonate.

LOVE OF GOD

"I Believe in the Existence of a Creator"

-Jose Rizal

• When he was studying in Madrid, Spain (1882-1885), Rizal assured his mother of his
trust in God.

• When his sister Olympia died after childbirth upon his arrival in the Philippines from
Europe in August, 1887. Rizal remarked: "I console myself saying that it was the will
of God and what He does must be the best.”

LOVE OF GOD
• In 1891. despite harassment and persecutions suffered by his family and other tenants in
Calamba, Rizal reiterated his faith in God to Blumentritt.

"What has happened to my family? When I think of my family. I am overcome by

such sorrows that if my faith in God has been less, I would have committed a folly"

LOVE OF GOD

• During his exile, Rizal regularly attended mass in the Dapitan church because he never
lost faith in God.

Once he wrote his sister:

"Tell everybody to have confidence in me and not to take me always for a child who
has to be guided in everything in what he must like and in what he must not like. If
my family has no confidence in me and always treats me like a child, how will others
treat me and what confidence will they have in my good judgement? I'm in the
hands of God and until the present I have no reason to say that He has abandoned
me"

LOVE OF GOD

• In his struggle for his country's freedom, Rizal called on his country- men to place their
confidence in God.
"God made man free and promised victory to one who perseveres, to one who
struggles, to one who acts justly God has promised man his redemption after the
sacrifice. Let man fulfill his duties and God will fulfill His.”

PURITY AND IDEALISM

Rizal emphasized the importance of purity of thoughts and clean behavior, stating that the
sacrifice must be pure and spotless to be acceptable. He urged others to seek perfection,
considering it a duty imposed by God. Rizal believed that the pursuit of perfection is
essential for union with God and emphasized the role of desirable virtues in achieving
this goal. He highlighted the Holy Bible's encouragement to seek wisdom, strength, and
understanding in this quest for perfection.

NOBLE CONDUCT

Rizal promoted the motto "Do Good Always," emphasizing the importance of clean
behavior and good conduct. He urged mothers to instill positive values in children, and
during his exile in Dapitan, he prioritized teaching good character. Rizal's conduct,
evident in his petition for a review of his exile, reflected nobility and commitment to
virtuous principles.

"Despite the rage which my enemies have treated me, wrote Rizal, despite the
persecutions that my family and myself have suffered, despite the traps they have
spread for me in very recent dates, never has a bastard idea occurred to me, never
have I resorted to an ignoble act to defend my ideal."

LOVE OF FELLOWMEN
Rizal urged love for fellowmen, advising mothers to teach this virtue. He emphasized the
benefits of helping the needy and stressed the reciprocal nature of assistance, stating that
neglecting others may lead to being neglected in return.

LOVE OF PARENTS
In October 1882, a week into his classes in Madrid, Rizal expressed gratitude to his
parents for their sacrifices and vowed to contribute to the common welfare. Before his
unjust execution on December 30, 1898, he bid farewell to his family, expressing
resignation and hoping for their peace despite causing them pain unwillingly.
CHARITY

"I Feel happy when I can give joy to somebody"

WHAT WORKS OF MERCY AND CHARITY DID RIZAL ACCOMPLISH?

- When he was a student in the university of Sto. Tomas (1878-1882), He taught Latin to
many boys in Calamba, Laguna during summer vacations.

During his exile in Dapitan, He taught several subjects including good manners and right
conduct to a number of boys. And many more...

LOVE OF COUNTRY

"My dream was my country's property"

"Man needs an objective to which he must aim his actions, he must delineate a purpose,
see beyond matter and the general hubhub, he needs something worthy of his faculties. " -
Rizal
- "Let us do always our duty, what is right, and let God do the rest" - Rizal

COURAGE

"If I'm to be condemned for dealing the welfare of my coum Condemn me"

"Now, if I'm to be punished or condemned for having desired the unity of my fellow
countrymen, the welfare of my countrymen, her material development, her equality as far
as possible to the provinces in Spain in order not to be called a colony, IF THIS IS
PUNISHABLE, CONDEMN ME." -Rizal

WILL-POWER

"Always with our gaze fixed on our country."

"The worst and cowardliest of man," wrote Rizal, "Is always something more than
a plant, because he has a soul and an intelligence, which, however, vitiated and
brutalized that may be, can be redeemed."

The product of the abuses, hypocrisies, violence and other passions that Rizal witness
since childhood is the Will-power of him to open the eyes of the naïve Filipinos He
firmly believed that it was his duty to redeem his people at any cost.

HONESTY

Rizal considered integrity and being a good person the greatest honor to parents. He
valued honesty and truth, exposing the flaws and virtues of the government. Believing in
the press's role to defend truth, he urged Graciano Lopez Jaena to prioritize truth in La
Solidaridad. Rizal emphasized the importance of objective judgment, urging his friend
Blumentritt to assess his work honestly.

DEVOTION TO TRUTH

"It is not good to hide the truth."

• Rizal's constant search for truth in serving his country was an inspiring virtue that
endeared him to his people. This is the same simple trait our people are looking from our
leaders.

Wanting to get at the cause of his people's backwardness, Rizal made intensive studies
and carried on extensive observations on the progress of nations.

SELF-SACRIFICE

Rizal exemplified abnegation, sacrificing personal desires for the country's welfare. He
believed in self-sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of others working for the
Philippines. Rizal's ambition was for justice, not personal positions, leading him to
withdraw from politics to avoid overshadowing the party and allowing others to triumph.

FORTITUDE
Rizal advocated fortitude, defined as strength of mind in facing adversity or peril. He
demonstrated this virtue in serving his country, emphasizing that fortitude in any
endeavor requires faith and hope. Rizal urged others not to fear the consequences of the
struggle, emphasizing the importance of showing resilience in the face of threats and not
being deceived by nonsense.

SERENITY

Rizal emphasized the necessity of serenity of spirit, which stems from strong personal
discipline and an unruffled mind. He recognized that fear and terror disrupt serenity,
especially in children. Rizal believed in cultivating confidence, assurance, and personal
pride to maintain inner and outer calm. His emphasis on tranquility and moral repose
remains relevant today.

SELF-CONTROL

"I Have Deprived Myself of Many Pleasures

What is Self-Control?

Self-control is the ability to check actions and feelings for the pursuit of what is good.
Rizal demonstrated self-control in Madrid by refusing to exhibit his pictures with
dedications. He admired Filipino women and expressed melancholy about the past,
comparing himself to travelers seeking uncertain futures. Despite feeling old for his age,
Rizal believed he had lived an honest life and maintained the capacity to love, though he
had not found anyone to love yet.

PRUDENCE

"For Reasons of Delicacy I have Suppressed My Corresponce"

Rizal showcased prudence by advising caution in response to news of a planned uprising.

He also exemplified obedience, emphasizing its importance and linking true piety to
obedience to what is right, prioritizing deeds over words.
CHAPTER 8

RIZAL'S EDUCATIONAL LEGACIES IN TODAY'S SOCIETY

THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT.

Elevating the educational level is crucial for civilization's progress, as outlined in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document emphasizes free and compulsory
elementary education, accessible higher education based on merit, and recognizes
education's role in developing the human personality and fostering respect for human
rights and freedoms, as stated in the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

"THE EDUCATION OF MY PEOPLE IS MY SUPREME ASPIRATION.".

Rizal expressed a struggle for rights and humanity, believing that God would support the
cause against the brutalization and oppression of six million Filipinos by Spain. He firmly
believed in the potential for reforms through education and liberty, asserting that without
them, no meaningful change could occur. Rizal envisioned that once Philippine
representation in the Spanish Cortes was achieved, efforts could be focused on educating
the people—a goal he deemed supremely important.
"IT IS THE DUTY OF MAN TO SEEK HIS OWN PERFECTION."

"Why is there a great interest in education among the Filipinos?" Rizal pointed out an
important duty for Filipinos to fulfill, which explains this great interest in education.
"Besides the duty of everyone to seek his own perfection," wrote Rizal, "there is the
desire innate in man to cultivate his intellect."

"MAN WORKS FOR A PURPOSE."

"Be perfect as Thy Heavenly Father is perfect."

Rizal emphasized that the purpose drives human action, seeking happiness, progress, and
perfection. His educational policy prioritized the inherent value of individuals, anchored
on a liberal education for the development of the whole person. Rizal rejected a narrow
focus on physical skills, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the mind and soul. His
government program reflects an awareness of intellectual and spiritual refinement as
essential qualities in man. Rizal viewed self-examination as a rewarding pursuit, echoing
Faulkner's belief that man will prevail as long as he aims for growth and perfection.

THE VALUES OF EDUCATION ACCORDING TO RIZAL

Our government is committed to giving everyone an opportunity to get an education

because it promotes individual and national progress.

All education institutions shall aim to Inculcate:

•LOVE OF COUNTRY
•MORAL CHARACTER AND PERSONAL •DISCIPLINE
•DUTIES OF CITIZENSHIP
•SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGICAL AND •VOCATIONAL EFFICIENT

- Wise education is the mother of virtues, shaping vigorous and virtuous individuals
intolerant of error and crime.
- A Christian education nurtured by principles of religion leads to goodness and
contributes to a country's progress.
- Complete and true education enables overcoming human suffering and fosters citizens
who contribute positively to society.
- Through wise education, art and science are born, leading to enduring peace and the
exaltation of the human mind.
- Rizal's desire for brilliance, enlightenment, intelligence, and progress in Filipinos
remains relevant in the educational policy of the government.
- Rizal emphasized virtues as the foundation of individual and national greatness,
advocating for education and work to build a worthy personality.
- The 1975 constitution reflects Rizal's wish for a complete, adequate, and integrated
education system aligned with national development goals.

What are these goals of national development?

The Educational Development Decree of 1972, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos,
outlines the following goals:

1. Achieve and maintain an accelerating rate of economic development and social

progress.
2. Ensure the maximum participation of all people in enjoying the benefits of such
growth.
3. Strengthen national consciousness and promote desirable cultural values in a changing
world.

The educational system aims to provide broad general education to help individuals reach
their human potential, enhance societal participation, and acquire foundational education
for productivity and versatility.

WITHOUT VIRTUE REDEMPTION IS IMPOSSIBLE

Rizal emphasizes true virtue as modest and simple, rooted in Christian values that are
universal and humbly heroic. He urges individuals to do good, make sacrifices, and
consider all as brothers. Rizal calls upon his countrymen to prioritize virtue for the
nation's welfare. His focus on virtue aligns with the constitutional provision for
educational institutions to develop moral character, as emphasized in the Rizal Law.

RAISE YOUR CHILDREN CLOSE TO THE IMAGE OF A TRUE GOD.

Rizal's educational philosophy starts with mothers, and he urges them to play a crucial
role in educating their children. He emphasizes instilling virtues like love, honor,
sincerity, and respect for God in their upbringing. Rizal sees the defective education of
children as a hindrance to a prosperous nation. In congratulating a friend on his son's
baptism, Rizal stresses the importance of a good education to prevent exploitation and
encourages noble sentiments for the well-being of the country.

EDUCATE OUR INTELLIGENCE AND HEART TO LIVE WORTHILY

• Emphasizes the importance of education for both the mind and heart.
• Stresses the idea that true worthiness is achieved through a balanced and well- rounded
education.
• Inspired by Rizal's belief that education is a powerful tool for societal progress and
individual fulfillment.

Life is a serious thing, and only those with intelligence and heart go through it
worthily... To live is to be among men and to be among men is to struggle.
On this battlefield (of struggle) man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no
other force but his

ONE WHO WOULD TEACH SHOULD BE BETTER THAN THE PERSONS

WHO NEED HER LEARNING

Rizal, in El Filibusterismo, emphasized the moral responsibility of teachers, stating that a

good teacher should possess an honorable personality to command respect. He advocated
teaching by example, defending Filipinos from unfounded charges of indolence. Rizal
expressed pleasure in hearing about someone teaching, highlighting the importance of
teachers being models of virtues and good qualities.

MAKE STUDY A THING OF LOVE AND JOY

Rizal stressed the importance of a respectful teacher-student relationship, rejecting

corporal punishment and emphasizing the impact of insults on human dignity, which can
lead to discontent and aversion to study.

I SAW TRUTH WHERE I HAD FORMERLY SEEN ONLY ERROR

In contemporary education, teachers and professors are obligated to enhance their

professional capabilities, creating an intellectually stimulating classroom environment.
This involves self-examination to understand and address shortcomings while
strengthening their strengths. Rizal's personal dedication to studying Spanish and various
subjects led to a transformation in his perspective, recognizing errors where he once saw
truth and vice versa.

TEACH US, EDUCATE US, ENLIGHTEN US

Rizal urged authorities to address educational problems, emphasizing that effective

teaching would eliminate indifference, apathy, and indolence. He compared the impact of
education to a blind man experiencing light, suggesting that exposure to a better life
motivates individuals to seek happiness and improve their circumstances.

14. RIZAL'S IDEAS ON EDUCATION IN RELATION TO THE ROLE OF THE

GOVERNMENT.

1.Rizal urged the Spanish authorities to address educational issues, emphasizing the
responsibility of those entrusted with education to shape future citizens. President
Ferdinand E. Marcos responded by appointing a commission to survey educational
problems, leading to the issuance of the Educational Development Decree of 1972. This
decree outlined national development goals, educational aims, guiding principles,
development projects, and the financing of education, emphasizing the necessity of
substantial aid for the success of education.

2. Rizal emphasized the foundational role of schools in society during the laying of a
school's cornerstone, declaring it the basis of society and the key to shaping the future of
nations.

3. Rizal ardently wished for mass education, stressing its vital role in enlightening and
uplifting the people. The Educational Development Decree of 1972, aligned with the
New Society's goals, emphasized mass education's importance in individual and societal
development.

4. Rizal advocated for primary education, recognizing its fundamental nature. This
aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was echoed in the 1973
Constitution.

5. Rizal supported vocational education, proposing the creation of schools in provincial

capitals. The government, in line with the New Society's objectives, emphasizes
vocational education to enhance citizen productivity.

6. Rizal valued the utility of science, and institutions of higher learning enjoy academic
freedom under the 1973 Constitution. He asserted that knowledge should be freely
shared, including the freedom of professors.
8. Rizal emphasized personal discipline:
- Personal discipline is crucial for individual and national progress, requiring good
judgment and self-control.
- In Noli Me Tangere, Rizal conveyed a challenging thought on personal discipline
through a school teacher.

9. Rizal emphasized fulfilling civic duties:

- Duties include loyalty to the Republic, honoring the Filipino flag, defending the State,
contributing to development, upholding the Constitution, and obeying laws.
 - Cooperation with authorities is essential for a just and orderly society, indispensable
for the New Society's success.

10. Rizal's love of country and education:

- Republic Act No. 1425 urged schools to teach Rizal's life and works, aligning with the
government's patriotic policy.
- Rizal's deep love for the Philippines was evident, emphasizing the duty to love and
work for the country's welfare.

1. I love my native land, the Philippines, because to it I owe my life and my happiness.
2. Whatever our conditions might be, let us love our country always and let us not wish
anything but her welfare..
3. I, too, have a mission to fulfill, as, for example, alleviating the sufferings of my people.
My mission is to make men worthy...
4. The thought of my whole life has been love of country and her moral and material
development.
5. The good of my country is all that I pursue..
6. I have glimpsed a little light and I believe it is my duty to show it to my countrymen..
7. I have always loved my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until the last
moment, should men prove unjust to me."

11. Rizal believed in man's duty to respect the rights of others:

1. Learning the science of life implies living harmoniously with others.

2. Respecting the rights of others is an obligation according to the 1973 Constitution.
3. Rizal advocated for thoughtful judgment and positive regard for fellow citizens.

12. Rizal aimed to stimulate arts and letters:

- President Marcos' Presidential Decree No. 49 encourages intellectual property
protection, fostering arts, letters, and scientific research.
- The decree grants creators ownership of intellectual creations, promoting innovation.

13. Rizal supported an education meeting modern demands:

- Rizal proposed a curriculum covering various subjects, including ethics, law, science,
languages, and physical activities.
- Aligning with Rizal's vision, institutions of higher learning enjoy academic freedom
per the 1973 Constitution.

14. Rizal championed teachers' right to better pay:

- International Commission on the Development of Education recommends teacher
training for holistic education.
- Rizal's experience highlights challenges faced by educators, emphasizing the need for
recognition and fair compensation.

15. Rizal practiced a work-oriented type of education:

- Rizal's school in Dapitan focused on practical skills, combining academics with
hands-on activities.
- The curriculum included language studies, mathematics, agricultural work, and
community projects, promoting a well-rounded education.

CHAPTER 9
RIZAL'S INTELLECTUAL LEGACY IN SELECTED POEMS
"Sa Aking Mga Kababata" by Rizal calls Filipinos to unite, embrace their native
language, and safeguard their cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of language
in national identity.

Rizal's love for poetry

Influenced by his studies at Ateneo, became a powerful tool to express his patriotism,
advocate for education, and reflect his ideals of moral conduct. His poem "Education
Gives Luster to the Motherland" underscores the transformative power of education in
enlightening individuals and uplifting the nation, highlighting Rizal's early awareness and
love for his Motherland.

To the Filipino Youth

Emphasizes language's role in connecting nations, marking Rizal's initial expression of
nationalism. Urges Filipino youth to use talents for national success, refining arts and
sciences, fostering strong nationalistic courage.

In Heidelberg
Depicts Rizal's longing for the Philippines through natural imagery. Asks Heidelberg's
flowers to convey messages of peace, virtue, and courage to his countrymen.

Hymn to Labor
Praises the hard work and industry of Lipa's people, composed for Lipa's city
declaration ceremony in 1888.

My Retreat:
Describes Rizal's exile in Dapitan, emphasizing a positive perspective on life's
challenges through retreat and reflection in nature.
My Retreat

Jose Rizal describes in "My Retreat" his exile in Dapitan. From 1892 to 1896, he lived an
unexciting but fruitful life. Even in his exile, Rizal proved that life can still be abundant
and full of achievements. He lived as a merchant and a farmer and built three houses
made from bamboo, wood and nipa. Interestingly, his houses were of varied geometrical
shapes.

THE SONG OF THE TRAVELER

When he wrote this poem, he was going to travel to Europe and then to Cuba. It was with
this joyous thought of resuming his travels that he wrote his heart-warming poem.

This poem speaks of Rizal's homesickness despite his enjoyment of freedom in abroad.
The poem is mainly about the struggles and loneliness of an immigrant. Rizal describes
the hardship of being far away with loved ones..

MY LAST GOODBYE

(MY LAST FAREWELL)

MI ULTIMO ADIOS (MY LAST FAREWELL)

"Mi Ultimo Adios" was the last poem written by Dr. Jose P. Rizal on December 29, 1896,
the night before his execution. He entrusted it to his sister Trinidad, who found the folded
paper in a small alcohol stove. The poem, unsigned and undated, was later titled by
Mariano Ponce in 1897. Published in La Independencia in 1898 as "Last Farewell," it
voices Rizal's patriotic sacrifice for his beloved country, bidding farewell to his land,
family, friends, and expressing readiness for peaceful rest in death.

CHAPTER 10
INTELLECTUAL LEGACIES IN NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL
FILIBUSTERISMO

National Identity and Pride:

Rizal's novels played a pivotal role in shaping the Filipino national identity. They
instilled a sense of pride among Filipinos by portraying their history, culture, and
struggles.

Social Awareness:
The novels address social issues and injustices during the Spanish colonial period.
Understanding Rizal's messages helps people become more socially aware and
encourages them to critically examine societal problems.

Historical Context:
Rizal's works provide valuable insights into the historical context of the Philippines
during the 19th century. They offer a glimpse into the political, social, and economic
conditions of that time.

Call for Reforms:

Rizal used his writings to advocate for peaceful reforms rather than violent revolution.
Understanding his approach helps shape discussions on civic responsibility, governance,
and social change.

Literary and Artistic Influence:

Rizal is not only a national hero but also a literary figure. His novels are considered
masterpieces of Philippine literature. Studying them contributes to a deeper appreciation
of Filipino literature and arts.

Inspiration for Change:

His
Rizal's life and works continue to inspire individuals to strive for positive change in their
communities. ideals and principles remain relevant in discussions about nation-building
and civic engagement.

Educational Value:
Rizal's novels are often part of the educational curriculum in the Philippines.
Understanding them aids in the holistic education of individuals, fostering critical
thinking and a sense of responsibility.
In summary, comprehending Rizal' s legacies in his novels is essential for fostering a
strong national identity, promoting social awareness, understanding historical context,
advocating for reforms, appreciating literature and the arts, drawing inspiration for
positive change, and contributing to a well-rounded education.

AND RIZAL WRITES A SPOLIARIUM

SPOLIARIUM
•Painting by a Filipino painter, Juan Luna in 1884
•A painting which depicts dying gladiators
•Largest painting in the Philippines
•the most iconic painting by a Filipino.

It illustrates two dead gladiators being dragged by Romans at the center. On the left,
scavengers eye the dead men's possessions while a Roman beside them raises a fist in
protest. A woman mourns a loved one on the right side while an old man searches for a
body amid the smoky haze. The depiction of Roman cruelty in the painting has been
interpreted as an allegory for the state of the Philippines under Spanish rule.

It expresses the spirit of our social, moral and political life, man- kind subjected to harsh
tests; unredeemed make reason and as piration in an open struggle with preoccupations,
fanaticism, and in- justices

Spoliarium awakened and inspired Jose Rizal to carve a mark of his own glory by writing
Noli Me Tangere.

Why did Rizal write the novel and call it Noli Me Tangere?

Noli Me Tangere (Do Not Touch Me) are the words of Jesus Christ to Mary Magdalene
when she visited the tomb of Christ early on the morning of Easter Sunday.

Noli Me Tangere (Do Not Touch Me), for I have not yet as- cended to my Father, but
go to my brethren and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and
your God......

Christ must not be touched for He is holy and Mary Magdalene was a sinner.

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE MAIN PLOT NOLI ME TANGERE

Crisostomo Ibarra, the son of a wealthy landlord, Rafael Ibarra, is betrothed from early
youth to Maria Clara, the only daughter of Santiago (Capitan Tiago) de los Santos, a
wealthy landlord, too. Crisostomo is sent abroad to study During his absence his father,
her, who has Spanish blood himself, runs afoul with the authorities by accidentally killing
an ignorant Spanish tax- collector who threatened him because he came to help a little
boy who was harmed by the tax-collector, an ex-artilleryman. Rafael Ibarra dies in jail
and, as a free thinker who had stopped going to confession, is denied Christian burial by
Father Damaso Verdolagas, the parish priest of their lakeside home-town of San Diego.

When Ibarra retums from Europe after seven years, Captain Tiago gave an aristocratic
dinner in his honor at his pretentious house at Calle Anloague in Binondo, Manila. One
Lieutenant Guevara, a trusted friend of Crisosto- mo's father, later informs Crisostomo of
the death of Don

Rafael. When Ibarra learns of his father's fate, he is at first overcome with rage.
Dedicated to the uplift of his people through education, he puts aside his plans for re-
venge in order to secure official approval for the building of a town school, his gift to
Maria Clara. At the laying of the school's cornerstone Ibarra is almost killed in an
obviously contrived accident and is saved only by the warning of Elias, a mysterious
pilot whom Ibarra had rescued from death from a crocodile during an outing on the lake.

Father Damaso is vehemently and openly opposed to the marriage of Ibarra to Maria
Clara.

At a public dinner after the school founding ceremony he insults the memory of Ibarra's
father. Ibarra loses control of himself and is about to kill Father Damaso when Maria
Clara stops his avenging hand. Ibarra, automatically excommunicated for laying violent
hands on a priest, is forbidden to see Maria Clara again. Father Damaso arranges for her
marriage instead to a Spanish relative of his, Alfonso Linares. Worse is still to happen.
Father Salvi's head sacristan recruits the desperate and oppressed in San Diego for an
uprising in the name of and allegedly with the money of Ibarra. The uprising is
denounced by the parish priest to the alferez and is suppressed. The young liberals of the
town, with Ibarra at their head, are seized and charged with rebellion. There is no proof
against Ibarra until Maria Clara is persuaded to surrender to Father Bemardo Salvi and
the authorities some letters of dubious loyalty which Ibarra had written to her from
abroad. Ibarra is found guilty but he is liberated from jail by Elias He confronts Maria
Clara with her treachery and she confesses that she wa forced to exchange his letters for
some of Father Damaso, which Father Salvi had found in the parish house. The letters
would have proved that her real father was the friar.

Ibarra, having forgiven Maria Clara because they really love each other, he flees with
Elias up the river to the lake but they are sighted by a constabulary patrol; one of them is
killed; who survives, remains a mystery. A dying man buries Ibarra's treasure at the foot
of his grandfather's grave. Maria Clara, believing Ibarra dead, refuses to go ahead with
her marriage to Lánares; she had planned to run away afterwards to join her lover. Father
Damaso pleads wtih her, but then and there realizes how much she loved Ibarra He had
only opposed their marriage and persecuted Ibarra's family because, as his real father, he
could not bear the thought of her becoming the wife of a native, without privileges,
without rights. When she threatens to kill her self, he consents at last to her entering
anunnery of Poor Clares; here the chaplain is Father Salvi, who is waiting for the
promotion which is due him for suppressing the uprising in San Diego. The story ends
with a glimpse of a beautiful young nun standing on the ridge of the roof of the convent
"with arms and face raised toward the sky as if praying to it." Was she bewailing her
wrongs amidst the thunder and lighting of the storm?

FILIBUSTERISM IS PUBLISHED

Rizal began his The Filibusterismo in October 1887 and published it in the year 1891 in
Ghent.