1. Why Study Rizal?

It is of great importance that students understand the rationale behind having to take up a Rizal course in
college. For high school students, the Noli Me Tangere and the El Filibusterismo are injected into the Filipino
subject as part of the overall curriculum. In tertiary education, however, Rizal is a subject required of any
course, in any college or university in the Philippines.

Usually, during the first day of the course, the professor asks the well-overused questions:

Why study Rizal?

What is the importance of studying Rizal?

Why is Rizal one of the minor subjects taken up in college?

Why is Rizal included in the course outline?

What relevance does Rizal have in college education?

The answer to such questions can be summed up in two points:

First and foremost, because it is mandated by law.

Secondly, because of the lessons contained within the course itself.

Let us discuss those reasons one by one:

WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE IT IS MANDATED BY LAW

The teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings is mandated by Republic Act 1425, otherwise known as
the Rizal Law. Senator Jose P. Laurel, the person who sponsored the said law, said that since Rizal was the
founder of Philippine nationalism and has contributed much to the current standing of this nation, it is only
right that the youth as well as all the people in the country know about and learn to imbibe the great ideals
for which he died. The Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, seeks to accomplish the following goals:

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

To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings.

WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE OF THE LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE COURSE
Aside from those mentioned above, there are other reasons for teaching the Rizal course in Philippine
schools:

To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to present conditions and situations in
the society.

To encourage the application of such ideals in current social and personal problems and issues.

To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for.

To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship.

Log in

Sign up

What is the importance of studying Rizal’s life, his writings and other heroes?

November 17, 2013

What is the importance of studying Rizal’s life, his writings and other heroes?

It is important to study rizal’s life and his writings including other heroes because the contribution they give to
the country is priceless. We the youth know only the little background of their lives and works and we are
already moved, what about if we dig deeper into this? Of course we will learn many lessons and inspirations
with their works. The love they give for the country. Especially Dr. Rizal, who is the mightiest. The principle of
pen is mightier than the sword.

The wounds made by verbal weapons are won’t be healed easily and creates more damage to the personality
of the tyrant Spaniards that is why he is haunted by them. If all of the youth also inherit this kind of concern
and patriotism for the country, for sure we will have a nonstop cycle of dignified youths that soon will be
leaders.

But college came and I took a different perspective because of one thing: my Rizal professor told us that they
teach those courses because it's a law. The Republic Act No. 1425, An Act to Include in the Curricula of All
Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities Courses On the Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal,
Particularly His Novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution
Thereof, and for Other Purposes, commonly known as the Rizal Law, mandates all educational institutions in
the Philippines to offer courses about Jose Rizal.

But he didn't stop there. He told us how stupid we are not to want to know history, and it's evident on the
way we respond to the what is happening in the Philippines. If we are learned in history, we will not still be in
the society that Rizal drew in Noli and El Fili, but alas, most of their chapters are reflections of the present
Philippines still. From the falsehood of the Filipino Catholic church as 'church for the poor', to usurping of
lands from the indios, to mockery of too-Filipino-looking people (pango, kayumanggi, maliit).

Padre Salvi and Sisa's family story is parallel to Bishop Teodoro Bacani and his sex scandals, Tandang Selo's
family story is parallel to Hacienda Luisita's farmers' never-ending battle (I hope not) with the Aquino-
Cojuangco clan, and powdered Dona Victorina is parallel to every out-of-stock condition of whitening
products in the Philippine market.

If only these were taught to every Filipino since high school, no one would dare ask again of its relevance.
In the end, nothing's changed because we don't know the value and meaning of the things that are required
for us to learn.

Why Jose Rizal Is the National Hero?Jose Rizal became the National hero because he fought
from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through
his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression. He was a very
amazing person at his time.
It has always been a heated argument on who deserves to be called Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal
or Andres Bonifacio?

Why is Jose Rizal the national hero? It is interesting to note that Jose Rizal’s heroism was recognized first by
the colonizing Americans and later on by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Recommended by the US Governor Taf

The Americans through the American Governor William Howard Taf recommended to the Philippine
Commission, which was sponsored by the US, to declare Jose Rizal as a national hero for the Filipinos. The
Americans recommended Rizal because of the fact that he was executed by the Spaniards and of his peaceful
way to achieve liberty. Unlike Andres Bonifacio whose desire to achieve independence for his native land
required armed approach. The Americans deemed this approach to independence of Andres Bonifacio to be
unacceptable and may inspire other Filipinos to rebel against American rule. This is why Jose Rizal was chosen
over him as the national hero. Jose Rizal was declared as the greatest Filipino hero during the American
colonization afer the Aguinaldo led armed forces were subdued during the Philippine-American war.

December 30 as national day of mourning

General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first one to declare December 30 as a national day of mourning in honor of
Rizal and others who have died fighting the Spanish tyranny.

Pen as mightier than the sword

The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who
believe that Rizal is rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos during the
Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was more deserving of the national hero title.
Rizal was even thought to have suggested that Antonio Luna lead the revolutionary forces since Luna has
studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against the powerhouse Spanish militia.
Rizal believed that only an army that was well prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory .

Founder of La Liga Filipina

Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that led to the creation of the Katipunan headed by
Andres Bonifacio. This fact may already substantiate that Rizal’s title was deserving since without the La Liga
Filipina, Andres Bonifacio and his army would have been non-existent.

Everything started with Rizal. Philippine Revolution against Spain started what was known as the First
Republic led by Emilio Aguinaldo.

For Rizal, violence or armed resistance only as a last resort and considered the restoration of the people’s
dignity as a justification means of achieving national liberation and self-rule. On the other hand, Filipinos are
also grateful to Andres Bonifacio’s legacy, his advocacy to an armed revolution. We credit both Rizal and
Bonifacio to have awakened the Filipino’s patriotic spirit

According to Renato Constantino, when the American government conquered the island of the Philippines
from the Spanish government in 1896, the American government established a commonwealth government
afer the Spanish revolutionary government ceased to govern the country. At this time of the Philippine
history, Filipinos under the commonwealth government started to frame up Filipino national identities. When
the question on who would be the national hero arose, whether Rizal or Bonifacio, the American government
"guided" the Filipino people to choose Rizal. The American rationale was based on Rizal's peaceful
propaganda and diplomatic approaches in attaining Philippine freedom and independence, unlike Bonifacio
who chose a bloody revolution.

Whether this assessment is accurate or not, Dr. Rizal has been considered a hero of the Philippines from the
outset: a public holiday was declared honouring Dr. Rizal in 1898, whereas that for Bonifacio was not declared
until 1921. Dr. Rizal was considered to be his inspiration by Bonifacio himself. Even without the assistance of
US propaganda, Rizal would have been honoured as a hero in the Philippines. Perhaps the effect of the
propaganda was less to boost Rizal and more to denigrate Bonifacio.The step that I have taken, or am about to
take, is undoubtedly very risky, and it is unnecessary to say that I have pondered on it a great deal. I know
that everyone is opposed to it but I realize also that no one knows what goes on in my heart. I can not live
knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution because of me; I can not live seeing my brothers
[hermanos] and their large families persecuted like criminals. I prefer to face death and gladly give my life to
free so many innocent persons from this unjust persecution.

RIZAL :

I know that, at present, the future of my country gravitates in part around me; that with my death, many
would rejoice, and that, consequently, many are longing for my end. But what am I to do? I have duties of
consequence above all else; I have moral obligations toward the families who suffer, toward my aged parents
whose sighs pierce my heart; I know that I alone, even my death, can make them happy by returning them to
their country and the tranquilities of their home. My parents are all that I have, but my country has many
sons still who can take it to advantage.

Moreover, I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and for our
convictions. What matters death if one dies for what one loves, for one’s country and for those whom he
loves?

If I know that I were the only pillar of Philippine politics and if I were convinced that my countrymen were
going to make use of my services, perhaps I would hesitate to take this step, but there are still others who can
take my place, who can take my place to advantage. Furthermore, there are those who find me superfluous
and in no need of my services, thus they reduce me to inaction.
I have always loved my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until my last moment. Perhaps some
people will be unjust to me; well, my future, my life, my joys, everything, I have sacrificed for love of her.
Whatever my fate will be, I shall die blessing my country and wishing her the dawn of her redemption.

3.LIMITED HERO:Whenever we speak of Dr. Jose Rizal, we always think of our national hero as someone
who believed in the power of pen rather of the sword. He fought for our country's freedom through his
writings, unlike other heroes who literally raised their bolos and itaks just to have the independence we are
experiencing right now. And since elementary school, we are taught to observe and celebrate Rizal's
contribution to Philippines' Independence through commemorating his writings and death embedded in the
school curriculum. In high school, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the two powerful novel of Rizal were
also discussed. Life and works of Jose Rizal were imposed on students in college. Truly, being a national hero is
rewarding and poses as a figure for modeling nationalism and patriotism. People, especially the youth, are
encourage to look up to Jose Rizal.

However, criticisms follow and question Rizal's title of being the national hero. One of those who
deconstructed the credibility of Rizal was Renato Constantino. In his essay “Veneration without
Understanding,” he analyzed the real story behind the process of Rizal's being the national hero. Facets such
as Rizal's condemnation of revolution, his views regarding liberty and independence and how he
conceptualized being “Filipino” which did not appear on any history books that we have were tackled. The
author asserted that Rizal condemned revolution and his reality of what is independence and freedom was
different from what were reflected on the textbooks. Constantino is saying that Rizal's qualifications of being
our national hero are somehow questionable and unclear. And there are other “heroes” who really fought
tooth by tooth for our country and are far better contenders for the title “national hero.” Rizal's nationalistic
intentions were questionable. He only was given the title because of the influence of the Americans.