Medical Studies at the

University of Sto. Tomas

(1877-1882)
University of Sto. Tomas
- a Dominican school where Rizal studied
Medicine

“Don’t send him to Manila again; he knows

enough. If he gets to know more, the Spaniards
will cut off his head.” – Doña Teodora
Significant Time
April 1877
1877-1878 (1st term)
1877-1878 (17 years old)
1878-1879 (2nd term)
November 20, 1881 (20 years
old)
Significant Event
Enrolled at the UST and took up Philosophy and Letters
Studied philosophy program taking up:
1. Cosmology
2. Metaphysics
3. Theodicy
4. History of Philosophy
Returned to Ateneo, took up vocational courses for boys,
and completed the title “PERITO AGRIMENSOR” (expert
surveyor)
* agriculture, commerce, mechanics, and surveying
Shifted to medicine for two reasons:
1. Failing eyesight of his mother
2. Fr. Pablo Ramon’s advice (his former professor at Ateneo)
Received the certificate for being the expert surveyor
Significant Time Significant Event
1879 LICEO ARTISTICO-LITERARIO DE MAYNILA (Artistic-Literary Lyceum of
Manila – a society of literary men and artists) held two literary contests:
1. For the Peninsulares
2. For the natives

1st literary contest: “A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA” (To The Filipino Youth) –

won first prize consisting of a silver pen
*Classic in Philippine Literature for two reasons:
1. Great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino
2. Expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the
Filipnos, and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the
Fatherland”

2nd literary contest: Commemoration with the 4th centennial

commemoration of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, a noted Spanish
and author of “Don Quixote”
“EL CONSEJO DE LOS DIOSES” (The Council of the Gods) – won the prize
(a gold ring on which the bust of Cervantes was engraved)
Reasons why Rizal criticized UST
1. Filipino students were racially discriminated
by the Spaniards.
2. The method of instruction was obsolete and
repressive.
3. The Dominican professors were hostile to him
Reasons why Rizal went to Europe
1. continue his medical studies abroad
2. in Europe, the fee for medical studies was
cheaper
3. wants to fulfil his secret mission – to study
the lifestyle (way of living) of European people
particularly the Spaniards
Universidad Central de
Madrid
(CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF MADRID)
Significant Time Significant Event
May 1882 Boarded the vessel “Salvadora”

*reached Spain during the time of summer vacation for students

*he met former classmates from the Ateneo who usually met at the
“Plaza de Cataluña”
*submitted some articles in Diariong Tagalog (headed by the editor-in-
chief Francisco Calvo) such as:
1. Amor Patrio – Love of Country
2. Los Viajes – Travels
3. Revista de Madrid – Review of Madrid

November 3, 1882 Enrolled in the Central University of Madrid in two courses:

1. Medicine
2. Philosophy and Letters

*Academy of San Carlos – painting, sculpture, and foreign languages

(French, German, English)
*Hall of Sanz and Carbonell – shooting and fencing
Significant Time
June 21, 1884
1884-1885 (next academic year)
June 19, 1885 (24th birthday)
Significant Event
Completed his studies and was given the title
of LCENCIADO EN MEDICINA (Licentiate in
Medicine)
Studied and passed all subjects leading to the
degree of Doctor of Medicine
*was not awarded his Doctor’s Diploma for two
reasons:
1. Did not present his thesis required for
graduation
2. Did not pay the corresponding fees
Obtained the degree LICENCIADO EN FILISOFIA
Y LETRAS (Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters)
FREEMASONRY
- was an integral part of the reform movement
- was essentially anti-friar leading to Filipino propagandists to join
- Rizal joined the fraternity with a Masonic name “Dimasalang”
(ungraspable)

INFERENTIAL REASONS WHY RIZAL JOINED THE MASONRY:

1. The abuse committed by friars to the Filipino people
2. The possible help the Masons could extend as a protective shield to
use in his fight against evil forces of the tyranny and exploitation