MODULE 1 - INTRODUCTORY NOTES ON RIZAL
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
1. explain the importance of studying the life and works of Jose Rizal;
2. enumerate the ways and manners by which Rizal is honored; and
3. examine the significance of Rizal’s death.
MODULE OUTLINE:
Why Study Rizal?
Black Propaganda
Significance of Rizal’s Death
Ways and Manners by which Rizal is Honored
Why Study Rizal?
In the 21st century, the challenge for students is to understand the purpose of studying
Rizal. Scholars and academicians are one in saying that a mandated course on Rizal is as helpful
as any other course that teaches values that a student may carry for the rest of his or her life.
Studying Rizal in the 21st century helps students make sense of the present by looking
back at the past. For instance, Rizal’s illustration of 19th century Philippines in his works may
aid today’s generation in recognizing the ills of present day Philippines.
With students exposed to many foreign influences, studying Rizal may remind and urge
them to understand the real essence of being a Filipino. Significant historical figures like Rizal
help the younger generation navigate Philippine history and understand why being aware of
social issues are important in the formation of one’s national identity.
The practicality of studying Rizal in this day and age is seen in how Rizal’s experiences
and ideologies are instrumental in grasping the current context of Philippine society. The
mandated course on Rizal aids in developing the critical thinking skills of students. The different
challenges and dilemmas that Rizal faced in his life teaches them to be aware of and not
apathetic to the issues happening around them.
And finally, Rizal, then and now, is a worthy role model and a constant inspiration to all
Filipinos. He is considered the father of Filipino nationalism. In every aspect of his being, Rizal
is worthy to emulate especially in the ideals he held as a nationalist. He was not only intelligent,
he was also humane, creative, and innovative. As an inspiration to the Philippine nation, Rizal
will always be a valuable subject inside and outside the classroom in understanding how the
Philippine nation cam to be.
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In the 1970’s attempts were made to change Rizal with Bonifacio as the national hero by:
 Student activists
 Militant groups
 Labor unions/movements
Black Propaganda:
 American sponsored hero – His writings were not against the Americans.
 He’s an ultimate symbol of cruelty by the Spaniards, if made one, the Filipinos
would eventually admire him.
 He will overshadow the significance of the other heroes especially those who are
revolutionary in nature.
 No participation in the 1896 revolution
 Chauvinist (sexist; excessive blind patriotism) and Sadist (delight in physical or
mental cruelty)
 Father of Adolf Hitler
 Mama’s boy
 Gay/Homosexual
 Small sex organ
 Planned his death – because he had a venereal disease (syphilis)
 Not a nationalist
 Agent of Germany/serving foreign interest
 Atheist
Significance of Rizal’s death – became a catalyst in making the KKK (Kataas-taasang,
Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) a national revolution.
Ways and Manners by which Rizal is honored:
1. A required subject of any course in college as mandated by the Constitution.
2. His birth (June 19, 1861) and death (December 30, 1896) are commemorated.
3. Places, persons, animal/plant species, products, etc. are named after him for his honor.
Here are some examples:
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Rizal avenue – longest street
Rizal island – Zamboanga del Norte
55 towns have barrios called Rizal
Schools, hospitals & establishments are named after him (e.g. halls &
museums)
Products – matches & kerosene
Seed 1 (a cultured rice variety named Rizal by UPLB)
Names of children
Rare specimen he collected and named after him
dragonfly - Draco Rizali (Wandolleck)
bettle - Apogonia Rizali (Heller)
frog/toad - Rachophorous Rizali (Boetger)
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Stamps, paper bills, coins
Poems, articles, essays, songs, and books
Organizations & government agencies
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Monuments - There are at least 118 Rizal monuments in the Philippines.
Oldest (1898) in Daet, Camarines Norte
Tallest (1927) 60 ft. high in Mauban, Quezon
Biggest (2011) in Calamba, Laguna.
Panay (12 ft. tall) in Numancia, Aklan
Rizal monument in Luneta is probably the most popular,
most visited, most guarded and most photographed
monument. It is not only built with precious metal and
stone, but it also housed his remains. It became
controversial in 2015. Torre de Manila, a residential
condominium project described by opponents as an eyesore
around the skyline of a heritage site.
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Shrines
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Dapitan
Fort Santiago, Intramuros
Ancestral House, Calamba, Laguna
Luneta Park
Rizal Park, Ilocos Norte
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Religious Movements
Aglipayan/Philippine Independent Church (in 1905
canonized Rizal & Gomburza
Pulajanes ("those wearing red") of Papa Faustino Ablen of
Leyte was part of a revolutionary spiritual movement
known as Dios-Dios.
Banal - Leyte
Pantay Pantay - Legaspi (Rizalinas/Rizalinos)
Rizalina – Tarlac (nunnery for priestess)
Sambahang Rizal – Nueva Ecija (Gospels – Rizal’s
teachings)
Rizalista
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Other countries
* There is an exact replica of the Rizal Monument in Madrid,
Spain. There are also monuments of Rizal in Wilhelmsfeld
(Germany), Jinjiang, Fujian (China), Cherry Hill Township (New
Jersey), San Diego (California), and Seattle (Washington),
Reforma Avenue in Mexico City (Mexico), La Molina in Lima
(Peru), Litomerice (Czech Republic), and Singapore.
* Indonesia – newborn babies named after him
* Japan – marker for Fil-Japanese friendship
* Switzerland, England, France - plaque
* USA – Maryland – Rizal Park; Chicago – Statue
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* Mexico – Rizal monument first to be built outside of the
Philippines.
* Russia – read his novels
* Germany – townhouse, park, a scholarship grant for Filipino
students
* Canada – monuments in Montreal, Earl Bales Park in
Toronto and Ontario
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