ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE

TUKURAN CAMPUS

RIZAL’S EXILE IN DAPITAN

In Partial fulfillment of the Course

GE 106- Life, Works and Writing of Rizal

Submitted by:
EWAY, SARAH H.
LAGUNAY, NEIL
CASTILLO, JAEL
MANLIGRO, JAD
CUSTODIO, NOVA MAE

Submitted to:
MR. DOODS EDWARD D. CADUTDUT JD.

MAY 14, 2025

 RIZAL’S EXILE IN DAPITAN

BEGINNING OF EXILE IN DAPITAN

Rizal's exile in Dapitan began on July 17, 1892, when he was deported from Manila
due to his involvement with the Liga Filipina and his writings that criticized the Spanish
colonial government. During his four-year exile, Rizal lived a productive life, practicing
medicine, teaching, farming, and engaging in community development projects. He
established a school, hospital, and farm, and even invested in land after winning a
lottery prize. Rizal's exile in Dapitan showcased his versatility and contributions to the
community, despite being isolated from the rest of the Philippines.¹

RIZAL’S DEBATE ON RELIGION AGAINST FR. PATSTELLS

During his exile, Rizal engaged in a debate on religion with Father Pastells, a Jesuit
priest. Rizal's views on religion were shaped by his experiences with the Catholic
Church and its role in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Although he
maintained friendly relations with Father Pastells, Rizal refused to renounce his views,
which led to a series of debates. This exchange highlights Rizal's commitment to his
ideals and his willingness to engage in intellectual discussions, even in the face of
adversity.

RIZAL’S DUEL AGAINST JUAN LARDET

While José Rizal was living in Dapitan (a town in Mindanao) during his exile, he did a
lot of things—he was a doctor, a teacher, a farmer, and even did small business.
One day, Rizal sold some logs (wood) to a French businessman named Juan Lardet.
The Problem
After buying the logs, Lardet complained.
He said the wood was too expensive and not good quality.
But instead of just talking politely, he wrote Rizal a rude letter and called him
dishonest.
Rizal was very offended. He was a man of honor, and he didn’t like being called a liar
or a cheat.
The Duel Challenge
Because of this insult, Rizal challenged Juan Lardet to a duel (a formal fight to defend
honor—usually with swords or guns).
He sent the challenge through his friend Dr. Pio Valenzuela. lardet got scared when he
received the challenge. He realized he went too far.
How It Ended
Juan Lardet quickly apologized in writing.
Rizal accepted the apology, so the duel never happened.
Why This Matters
Rizal showed that he would stand up for his name.
Even though he was peaceful, he was ready to fight to defend his honor.
In the end, he handled the issue without violence.

THE VISIT OF FR. SANCHEZ

Father Sanchez was a native of Spain and was born in 1838. He came to the
Philippines in 1865 and taught at the Ateneo de Manila for many years. He was a
well-respected scholar and was known for his kindness and compassion.
Father Pastells, the superior of the Jesuits in the Philippines, instructed two Jesuits in
Mindanao to try to persuade Rizal to return to the Catholic faith. He also assigned
Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, Rizal's favorite teacher at the Ateneo de Manila,
to Dapitan and also he was the only Spanish priest to defend Rizal's novel Noli Me
Tangere in public.
When Father Sanchez arrived in Dapitan, he and Rizal had friendly theological
discussions almost daily. However, Father Sanchez was unable to convince Rizal to
change his views on religion Despite their disagreement, Father Sanchez enjoyed
Rizal's company and assisted him in beautifying the town plaza. On his birthday, Rizal
gave Father Sanchez a manuscript entitled Estudios sobre la lengua tagala (Studies
on the Tagalog Language), a Tagalog grammar that he had written.
Rizal and Father Sanchez had a close relationship that lasted for many years. They
shared a love of learning and a deep commitment to social justice. Even though they
disagreed on religious matters, they remained friends and respected each other's
views.
RIZAL’S LIFE IN DAPITAN
Rizal could have stayed in the Dapitan parish convent if he retracted his anti-Catholic
pronouncements and made a general confession of his past life. Not willing to accept
these conditions set by the Jesuits, he chose to live at the commandant’s residence
called “Casa Real.” he became good friends with Captain Ricardo Carnicero and even
wrote him a poem on his birthday, August 26, 1892.
In September 1892, Rizal, Carnicero, and a Spanish resident of Dipolog francisco
Equilor they won Php 20,000 in the Manila Lottery (ticket no. 9736). Rizal used Php
6,200 of his share to buy land near the coast of Talisay, Dapitan. There, he built three
houses made of bamboo, wood, and nipa. He lived in a square house; the hexagonal
one was a barn for chickens, and the octagonal house served as lodging for his pupils.
He also built a school where he taught boys reading, writing, arithmetic, geography,
and languages, and later built huts for out-of-town patients.
During his exile, Rizal lived a productive life. He practiced medicine, taught pupils, and
engaged in farming and horticulture. He planted fruit trees and raised animals. The
school he started in 1893 began with only three pupils but later had more than 20.
Rizal’s day started at 5 a.m., tending his plants and animals, followed by breakfast and
treating patients who came to his house. He also rowed to Dapitan to attend to other
patients. After returning to Talisay for lunch, he taught his students from 2 p.m. to 4 or
5 p.m. In the afternoon, he worked on the farm with his pupils. At night, he spent his
time reading and writing.

RIZAL’S ENCOUNTER WITH THE FRIAR’S SPY

In November 1893, a man named Pablo Mercado visited Rizal in Dapitan and claimed
to be a relative. Mercado offered to be a confidential courier for Rizal's letters and
writings. Rizal became suspicious of Mercado and invited him to stay the night. The
next day, Rizal went to the comandancia and denounced Mercado as an impostor.
Mercado was arrested and investigated. It was revealed that Mercado's real name
was Florencio Namanan, and he was a spy for the friars. Commandant Sitges
quashed the investigation and released Mercado. Rizal was surprised and requested
a copy of the investigation, but Sitges denied his request.
The friars were opposed to Rizal's ideas about reform and independence for the
Philippines. They sent Mercado to Dapitan to spy on Rizal and try to find evidence of
his involvement in revolutionary activities. Rizal was able to see through Mercado's
lies and expose him as a spy. The friars were not happy with the outcome of the
investigation and tried to keep it secret.
RIZAL’S OCCUPATION IN DAPITAN
During his exile in Dapitan from 1892 to 1896, Dr. José Rizal engaged in various
occupations that reflected his multifaceted talents and deep commitment to community
development.
Physician
Rizal quickly became known as a skilled physician, treating both locals and foreigners.
His medical practice began shortly after his arrival when he treated a man injured by a
firecracker during the town fiesta. He often provided free medical services to the poor.
Educator
He established a school for boys, offering free education in subjects like reading,
writing, Spanish, mathematics, and sciences. Rizal emphasized discipline and
practical skills, fostering a holistic learning environment.
Farmer and Agricultural Innovator
Rizal invested in agriculture by purchasing a 16-hectare farm, which he expanded to
70 hectares. He cultivated crops such as cacao, coffee, sugarcane, and coconuts. He
introduced modern farming techniques and imported agricultural machinery to improve
local farming practices.
Engineer and Community Planner
Applying his engineering knowledge, Rizal designed and built a water system to
supply clean water to the community. He also drained marshes to combat malaria and
improved the town's lighting by installing coconut oil lamps.
Scientist and Environmentalist
Rizal conducted scientific studies, collecting local flora and fauna specimens. He
corresponded with European scientists, contributing valuable data about Philippine
Entrepreneur
He engaged in various business ventures, including a partnership in abaca trading.
Rizal also managed a brick-making machine he invented, contributing to local industry.
Community Projects for Dapitan
Manila 19 June 2021 — The Climate Change Commission honors Dr. Jose Rizal’s
patriotism and unequivocal dedication and commitment to serving the country in
commemoration of his 160th birth anniversary today.
Citing historical accounts, while in exile in Dapitan, Dr. Jose Rizal contributed to the
construction of the town’s first water system, the development of hills into orchards of
fruit-bearing trees, the creation of livelihoods from these projects, and the draining of
marshes to rid the community of malaria.
He also helped plan the now sprawling city in Zamboanga by carrying out various
projects such as the construction of an aqueduct that provided people with clean water
and the building of fish pens. He also advocated for the draining of swamps to avoid
being breeding places of mosquitoes, use of coconut oil lamps to light up streets, and
turning the town into a green space by planting trees. He was engaged in farming,
planting trees and crops, and showing the local people how to improve their
agricultural productivity through enhanced methods like irrigation

RIZAL’S CONTRUTIONS TO SCINECE

Dr. José Rizal's contributions to science and public health are well-documented
through various historical and academic sources. His work in ophthalmology,
particularly his successful cataract surgeries on his mother, has been highlighted in
the Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology, which details his training under renowned
ophthalmologists and the techniques he employed . Additionally, the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) has recognized Rizal's impact on medical science
through lectures and honors, emphasizing his role as a medical scientist .​

While Rizal's involvement in natural history is acknowledged, specific references to his

identification of Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi are not found in the provided
sources. However, his extensive studies in various scientific fields, including ethnology
and psychology, are well-documented, with works like "La Curación de las
Hechizados" reflecting his early contributions to these disciplines.​

For further information on Dr. Rizal's scientific endeavors and their impact on
Philippine science and public health, the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) provides resources and recognition of his contributions

RIZAL’S LINGUISTIC STUDIES

Jose Rizal was a skilled polyglot, fluent in at least 22 languages, which played a
significant role in his intellectual and nationalistic pursuits. He believed language was
a powerful tool for cultural development and national identity. Rizal used his linguistic
abilities in his literary works, such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, blending
Spanish and Tagalog to reflect Filipino culture. He advocated for the use of native
languages while recognizing the importance of foreign languages for intellectual
growth. Rizal also contributed to the study of Philippine languages, including creating
a Tagalog dictionary and grammar. His efforts in linguistics helped foster Filipino pride
and unity, and his writings remain influential in promoting language as a tool for social
change.Departm

RIZAL’S POEM IN DAPITAN

During his exile in Dapitan, Jose Rizal continued his literary and intellectual pursuits,
producing several notable poems. His most famous work from this period, "Mi Último
Adiós" (My Last Farewell), was written the night before his execution in 1896. The
poem expresses his deep love for the Philippines, his sorrow for the nation's suffering,
and his hope that future generations would continue the fight for freedom. In addition
to this, Rizal wrote other poems like "El Canto de la Dalisay" (The Song of the Pure
One) and "Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo" (A Remembrance of My Town), reflecting his
patriotism, personal connections, and nostalgia for his homeland. His poetry during
this time focused on themes of nationalism, sacrifice, hope, and his unwavering
commitment to his country. These works left a lasting impact, symbolizing Rizal's
dedication to the cause of Filipino independence.

DR. JOSE RIZAL’S EXILE IN DAPITAN AND HIS RELATIONSHIO WITH THE
KATIPUNAN

Dr. Jose Rizal, a prominent Filipino nationalist and writer, was exiled to Dapitan,
Zamboanga, in 1892. His exile was a direct result of the Spanish colonial
government's fear of his influence and writings, which were seen as subversive. While
in exile, Rizal continued his work as a physician, teacher, and agricultural reformer,
significantly impacting the community.

RIZAL’S DEPARTURE FROM DAPITAN

Rizal left Dapitan in July 1896. He volunteered to serve as a military doctor in Cuba
during the Cuban Revolution. This was a strategic move, as he hoped to serve his
country while avoiding direct confrontation with the Spanish authorities in the
Philippines. However, his intentions were ultimately thwarted, and he was arrested
upon his arrival in Spain, ultimately leading to his execution in 1896[__LINK_ICON].

RIZAL AND THE KATIPUNAN: A COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP

The Katipunan, a revolutionary society founded by Andres Bonifacio, aimed for

Philippine independence from Spain. While Rizal was not directly involved in the
Katipunan's founding, there's evidence suggesting some level of indirect connection.
The Katipunan sought Rizal's guidance, sending Dr. Pio Valenzuela to Dapitan to
discuss their plans. However, Rizal advised against a premature revolution, believing
the Filipinos were not yet prepared.

Despite his disapproval of the Katipunan's timing, Rizal's ideals of reform and eventual
independence resonated with the group's goals. His writings and influence fueled the
nationalist sentiment that ultimately led to the Philippine Revolution. The relationship
between Rizal and the Katipunan remains a subject of historical debate, but it's clear
that both played crucial roles in the struggle for Philippine independence.
REFERENCES
Benong, J. A. (2024, January 23). Rizal and Father Sanchez. Scribd
Scribd. (n.d.). Lesson 7: Week 7, Rizal's Life and Exile in Dapitan. Retrieved from
https://www.scribd.com/document/562390347/Lesson-7-Week-7-Rizals-Life-Exile-in-D
apitan?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.joserizal.ph/dp01.html?utm_source
https://climate.gov.ph/news/517

dostv.ph

paojournal.comdostv.ph

Zaide, G. (2006). Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and
National Hero. All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc.
Jocano, F. L. (1998). Filipino Cultural Heritage: Philippine Studies and Culture.
University of the Philippines Press.
Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). History of the Filipino People. Garotech Publishing.
Constantino, R. (1975). The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Tala Publishing Services.
DOST-Philippine National Language Institute (PNLI). (2020). Jose Rizal’s Role in
the Development of Philippine Languages. www.dost.gov.ph.

Zaide, G. (2006). Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and
National Hero. All-Nations Publishing Co., Inc.
Jocano, F. L. (1998). Filipino Cultural Heritage: Philippine Studies and Culture.
University of the Philippines Press.
Constantino, R. (1975). The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Tala Publishing Services.
Rizal, J. (1896). Mi Último Adiós (My Last Farewell). Translated by Charles E. B.
Wood.
Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). History of the Filipino People. Garotech Publishing.
DOST-Philippine National Language Institute (PNLI). (2020). Jose Rizal’s
Contributions to Philippine Literature and Poetry. www.dost.gov.ph.
GROUP CONTRIBUTION

Eway, Sarah Jane H. : Research the second subtopics and making the written
report
Lagunay, Neil : Research his subtopics and wrote in manila paper
Castillo Jael B. : Research his subtopics and wrote in manila paper
Manligro, Jad. : Research his subtopic and wrote in manila paper
Custodio, Nova Mae. : Research his subtopics and wrote in manila paper