CHAPTER IV
Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad
Overview
This Chapter presents Dr. Jose Rizal's life in relation to his higher education in the
Philippines, specifically his time at the Ateneo de Municipal, University of Santo Tomas and
his education abroad. He spent his education in Manila from 1872-1882. Ateneo de
Municipal is a school run by the Spanish Jesuit Congregation. Following his education at
Ateneo, he went on to the University of Santo Tomas. The Spanish Dominican Congregation
ran the institution. This Chapter will also discuss his life in other countries, specifically his
achievements, higher education and travels.
Rizal enrolled and began studying at Ateneo de Municipal when he was eleven years old. He
was a member of organizations and had written significant poems. He completed his
secondary education while also earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ateneo. The
educational system of the Jesuits taught him discipline, character development and religious
instruction. As a result, he learned the true value of education in a person's life, as well as the
importance of remaining strong in the face of adversity. Rizal studied Philosophy and Letters
at UST, as well as a preparatory medical course. Unfortunately, after finishing his fourth year
of medical school, Rizal decided to study in Spain.
This section will also go over Dr. Jose Rizal's life when he went abroad to further his
education. He was able to travel to various parts of Europe in order to complete his mission
of observing the various aspects of development in those countries. Above all, Rizal was
able to write and produce novels such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which are
still significant and relevant to Filipinos today
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, learners are expected to:
●
●
●
explain the principle of assimilation advocated by the Propaganda Movement;
appraise Rizal's relationship with other Propagandists; and
analyze Rizal's growth as a Propagandist and disavowal of assimilation.
Motivational Activity
Guide questions:
1. How did Rizal become the best student at Ateneo?
2. What prompted Rizal to leave the country and travel to different places?
3. What was Rizal's take on education and society?
Core Content
4.1 EDUCATION IN MANILA AND EUROPE AND EARLY TRAVELS
RIZAL EDUCATION IN MANILA (1872-1888)
Ateneo was known to be the most prestigious college for boys because of its great
teachings. From 1872-1877, under the supervision of the Jesuit priests Rizal studied in Ateneo
de Manila. Rizal went to Ateneo Municipal, formerly known as Escuela Pia. In search for
Rizal’s formal knowledge as a high school student, his father wanted to send Rizal to Letran
but decided to have him enrolled at the latter instead.
Ateneo de Municipal
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/yxkfxbsj
Four months after the martyrdom of GOM-BUR-ZA and while his mother was in
prison, Jose Rizal went to Manila to study. At first, he passed the entrance exam at Letran, but
his father later decided to enroll him at Ateneo de Municipal, a Jesuit school known for
discipline and quality education.
Rizal was almost rejected for being late, small, and sickly, but he was accepted through
the help of Manuel Xerez Burgos, nephew of Father Burgos. He was registered under the name
“Rizal” to avoid suspicion because Paciano was linked to Father Burgos.
Ateneo offered a six-year course called Bachiller en Artes. Subjects included religion,
languages, history, geography, mathematics, sciences, poetry, rhetoric, and philosophy.
Students followed strict religious practices and discipline. Classes were divided into two
groups, Romans (boarding students) and Carthaginians (non-boarders), who competed in
academics.
In 1877, he graduated with the degree Bachiller en Artes with highest honors. He
wanted to prove that Filipinos could equal or surpass Spaniards in academics.
Aside from studies, Rizal joined religious and academic groups such as the Marian
Congregation, Academy of Spanish Literature, and Academy of Natural Sciences. These
shaped his leadership, discipline, and love for learning.
University of Santo Tomas
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/bdh2m5ny
Rizal enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas in April 1877, when he was nearly 16
years old, to study Philosophy and Letters.
He enrolled in this course for two reasons: first, his father liked it, and second, he was
still "unsure of what career to pursue." He wrote to Father Pablo Ramon, the Rector of Ateneo,
who had been kind to him during his time as a student there, seeking advice on a career choice.
1877-1879- he studied Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy, and Philosophy History
during his first year in the US.
1877-1879- Rizal began studying medicine the following school year enrolling in both
the preparatory medical course and the regular first year medical course.
He pursued medicine for the following reasons: (1) He desired to be a physician in order
to cure his mother's failing eyesight, and (2) Father Pablo Ramon, Rector of Ateneo, whom he
consulted for a career choice, finally responded to his letter, recommending medicine.
He enrolled in the Ateneo vocational course perito agrimensor (expert in surveying)
while studying at the University of Santo Tomas.
RIZAL'S FIRST TRAVELS ABROAD (1882-1887)
Rizal's journey to Spain
May 3, 1882
Jose Rizal’s departure for Spain was kept secret to avoid Spanish authorities and friars.
Even his parents didn’t know, because his mother would not allow him to leave. Only Paciano,
his uncle, sisters Neneng and Lucia, the Valenzuela family, Pedro Paterno, Mateo Evangelista,
the Jesuit priests from Ateneo, and a few close friends knew about it.
He traveled under the name Jose Mercado. Before leaving, he wrote farewell letters to
his parents and his sweetheart, Leonor Rivera.
He boarded the SS Salvadora bound for Singapore, where he was the only Filipino
among the passengers. To pass time, he played and won in chess games. The ship reached
Singapore on May 9, and Rizal toured the city’s gardens, temples, and the statue of Sir Thomas
Raffles. From there, he transferred to the French steamer Djemnah going to Europe.
On the voyage, Rizal improved his French and visited several places: Point Galle and
Colombo in Ceylon, Aden, the Suez Canal, and Port Said. He admired Colombo’s beauty, was
fascinated by camels in Aden, and enjoyed hearing many languages in Port Said.
June 11, he reached Naples, Italy, and the next day Marseilles, France, where he stayed
briefly before traveling by train to Barcelona. His long journey marked the beginning of his
studies and life in Europe.
Barcelona, Spain (1882)
Rizal arrived in Barcelona on June 16, 1882. At first, he disliked the city, finding it
dirty and its people unfriendly. Later, he grew to admire it as a free-spirited city with warm,
brave, and hospitable people. He enjoyed walking along Las Ramblas and was welcomed by
fellow Filipinos, including Ateneo classmates, who held a party for him.
In Barcelona, Rizal wrote his first article in Spain, El Amor Patrio (“Love of
Country”), which was published in Diariong Tagalog by Basilio Teodoro Moran. This essay
showed a new level in his nationalism.
While in Barcelona, Rizal received sad news: a cholera epidemic was killing many
people in Manila, and his beloved Leonor Rivera was growing weak due to missing him.
Paciano also advised him to continue his medical studies in Madrid, so in the fall of 1882,
Rizal left Barcelona for Madrid.
RIZAL
Madrid, Spain
HIGHER
EDUCATION
Rizal at 22. The first photo taken after his arrival in Spain
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/5awvxw7d
Rizal’s Studies in Madrid (1882–1885)
On November 3, 1882, Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid, taking
courses in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. He also studied painting and sculpture at the
San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts, took private lessons in French, German, and English, and
practiced fencing and shooting at the San Fernando Hall of Arms.
Rizal lived simply, budgeting his money and avoiding gambling, wine, or women. On
June 21, 1884, he finished his medical studies and received the degree Licentiate in Medicine.
The following year, he completed all requirements for the Doctor of Medicine degree and also
finished his studies in Philosophy and Letters with honors.
However, he did not receive the diplomas for Licentiate in Medicine and Philosophy
and Letters because he failed to present a thesis and could not pay the fees.
Romance: Consuelo Ortiga y Perez
Rizal visited the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey and met his daughter, Consuelo, who
admired him. Although Rizal was attracted to her, their relationship did not develop because
he was already committed to Leonor Rivera, and a friend was also in love with Consuelo.
Masonry and Liberal Influence
In Spain, Rizal became close to liberal Spaniards, many of whom were Masons.
Impressed by their criticism of government and friars, he joined the Acacia Masonic Lodge in
Madrid (1883) and later became a Master Mason at Lodge Solidaridad. He even received a
Master Mason diploma in Paris. Rizal hoped Freemasonry could support reforms in the
Philippines.
The Propaganda Movement
Filipino liberals and students in Europe formed the Propaganda Movement (1872–
1892) to push for reforms such as:
●
●
●
●
●
Equality for Filipinos and Spaniards
Civil liberties and freedom of speech and press
Representation in the Spanish Cortes
Filipinization of parishes
Government reforms and integration of the Philippines as a province of Spain
Rizal became the leading figure of the movement. His greatest contributions were his
novels: Noli Me Tangere (1886) and El Filibusterismo (1891), which exposed the abuses of
friars. Other key leaders were Graciano López Jaena (orator, launched La Solidaridad
newspaper in 1889) and Marcelo H. del Pilar (lawyer, reformist, later editor of La
Solidaridad).
Circulo Hispano-Filipino
In 1882, Rizal joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a group of Filipinos and Spaniards
advocating reforms. They published Revista del Circulo Hispano-Filipino, where Rizal
contributed writings, including his poem They Asked Me for Verses. However, due to
disagreements, lack of funds, and weak leadership, the group eventually dissolved.
Student Demonstrations
Rizal also joined student demonstrations (Nov. 20–22, 1884) in support of Professor
Miguel Morayta, who defended academic freedom. The protests were condemned by church
authorities and turned violent, injuring many students. Rizal narrowly avoided arrest thanks to
his friend Valentin Ventura.
Financial Problems
While studying abroad, Rizal’s family in Calamba faced crop failures, drought, locusts,
and high rents imposed by the Dominican hacienda. His allowances often arrived late, leaving
him hungry at times. Despite this, Rizal earned money by joining and winning contests.
RIZAL’S SPECIALIZATION IN MEDICINE AND ACHIEVEMENTS
After finishing his studies in Spain, Rizal went to France and Germany to specialize
in ophthalmology so he could treat his mother’s eye illness.
● Paris (1885): Worked as an apprentice to Dr. Louis de Wecker, a leading French
ophthalmologist. He also spent time with Filipino artists like Juan Luna and modeled
for Luna’s painting The Death of Cleopatra.
● Heidelberg, Germany (1886): Studied at the University Eye Hospital under Dr. Otto
Becker, attended lectures, and wrote his famous poem To the Flowers of Heidelberg.
He stayed with Dr. Karl Ullmer and began a lasting friendship with Ferdinand
Blumentritt.
● Leipzig: Attended lectures, met German scholars, translated stories into Filipino, and
worked as a proofreader to support himself.
● Dresden (1886): Met Dr. Adolph Meyer and admired the beauty of a Catholic Mass
there.
● Berlin (1886–1887): Trained under Dr. Karl Schweigger, became a member of
prestigious scientific societies, and presented a paper on Tagalog Metrical Art. He
also met scholars like Dr. Rudolf Virchow.
Rizal admired German customs and lived a disciplined life—studying, exercising, and
learning languages. However, he also experienced hardship, living in poverty one winter due
to delayed financial support from Calamba.
Publication of Noli Me Tangere in Berlin (1887)
Manuscript of Rizal's Great Novel, now in the National Library
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/5cz8uv4f
Despite poor health and lack of money, Rizal finished writing Noli Me Tangere in
Germany. Inspired by Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the novel exposed the abuses of Spanish rule in the
Philippines. Originally, Rizal planned to collaborate with fellow Filipinos in Europe, but he
ended up completing it alone. He had to remove the chapter Elias and Salome due to financial
constraints.
The novel was printed at Berliner Buchdruckrei Action Gesellschaft for ₱300 to
produce 2,000 copies. Maximo Viola, a friend and fellow student, helped finance the
publication by lending Rizal money for printing and living expenses. Grateful, Rizal gave Viola
the original proofs of the novel as a token of thanks.
During the printing, Rizal was briefly suspected of being a French spy because of his
fluent French, but he explained in German that he was a Filipino doctor, and was allowed to
stay.
Noli Me Tangere was published on March 21, 1887 and dedicated entirely to the
Philippines, which he compared to a cancer patient suffering even at the slightest touch. Copies
were immediately sent to his close friends like Ferdinand Blumentritt, who praised it as a
heartfelt and powerful work written “with the blood of the heart.”
Grand Tour of Europe with Viola (1887)
After publishing Noli Me Tangere, Rizal repaid Maximo Viola with money sent by his
brother Paciano. With the remaining funds, he and Viola began a European tour to observe
different countries and cultures.
They left Berlin on May 11, 1887, and first stopped in Dresden, where they visited Dr.
Adolph Meyer, the Museum of Arts, and attended the Floral Exposition. They also met Dr.
Feodor Jagor, who advised Rizal to write to Ferdinand Blumentritt before visiting him.
From there, they traveled to Leitmeritz, Czechoslovakia, where they met Blumentritt,
who warmly welcomed them and received them first at Hotel Krebs before bringing them to
his home.
Rizal’s pencil sketch with Dr. Ferdinand Bluementritt
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/54vdkyhk
From Czechoslovakia, Rizal and Viola went to Prague to see Copernicus’ tomb, then
to Vienna, where they visited churches, museums, galleries, theaters, and parks. On May 24,
1887, they traveled by boat along the Danube River, passing through Lintz, Salzburg, Munich,
Nuremberg, Ulm, and Stuttgart.
They continued through Baden, Rheinhall (Rhine Cascade), Schaffhausen, Basel, Bern,
Lausanne, and Geneva in Switzerland. Rizal celebrated his 26th birthday in Geneva by treating
Viola to a meal.
After Geneva, they parted ways—Viola returned to Barcelona, while Rizal went to
Italy, visiting Turin, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. In Rome, he admired the grand
churches of St. Peter and St. Paul. After a week of sightseeing, he prepared for his journey back
home to the Philippines.
First Homecoming
After five years in Europe, Rizal returned to the Philippines in August 1887, despite
the danger caused by his novel Noli Me Tangere. He wanted to treat his mother’s eye condition
and see how his book had affected Filipinos.
He traveled from Rome to Marseilles, boarded the steamer Djemnah, passed through
the Suez Canal, then transferred to the Haiphong in Saigon, which brought him to Manila on
August 5, 1887. He went home to Calamba on August 8, where his family welcomed him but
worried for his safety. Paciano even stayed by his side to protect him.
Rizal opened a medical clinic in Calamba, with his mother as his first patient. Soon,
people from Manila and nearby provinces came for treatment, and he earned about ₱900 a
month. He also opened a gymnasium for the youth, teaching them fencing, shooting, and
European sports while discouraging cockfighting and gambling. Sadly, Rizal was not able to
see his beloved Leonor Rivera during this visit.
Governor
General
Emilio
Terrero
Image
https://tinyurl.com/axj6khjt
retrieved
from
After his return, Rizal was summoned by Governor General Emilio Terrero to
explain the accusations against Noli Me Tangere. Rizal clarified that the novel exposed social
truths but did not promote radicalism. Impressed, Terrero asked for a copy and, aware of friar
hostility, assigned Rizal, a Spanish lieutenant as bodyguard.
The friars, led by Archbishop Pedro Payo, condemned the novel as heretical, antiCatholic, and seditious. The Permanent Commission on Censorship upheld this view, and the
novel was banned. Ironically, this increased public interest, with people reading it secretly.
Some supported Rizal, notably Fr. Vicente Garcia, who defended him by arguing:
1. Rizal was a learned man, not ignorant.
2. He criticized corrupt friars and officials, not the Church or Spain itself.
3. If reading the book was a sin, then its critics had also sinned by reading it.
In Calamba, Rizal supported tenants in land disputes against friars by urging them to
demand legal proof of ownership and report full rents for taxation. This led to tensions.
Rizal’s peaceful life was soon disrupted by his sister Olimpia’s death, false accusations
of being a German spy, Mason, or heretic, and repeated death threats. Governor General
Terrero, unable to guarantee his safety, advised him to leave the Philippines. In 1888, after
six months in Calamba, Rizal departed once again.
4.2 RIZAL'S SECOND TRAVELS ABROAD (1888-1892)
Rizal’s Second Travels Abroad (1888–1892) – Hong Kong & Japan
Departure (1888): Rizal left Manila on Feb. 3, 1888, aboard Zafiro for Hong Kong
after being forced to flee due to friar hostility. He was sad, seasick, and did not disembark .
Hong Kong: Stayed at Victoria Hotel, warmly welcomed by Filipinos, but spied on by
Jose Varanda. He witnessed Chinese New Year (Feb. 11–13) celebrations, Chinese theater,
Lauriat banquets, religious orders, and cemeteries.
Japan (Feb.–Apr. 1888): Traveled on the Oceanic steamer; disliked the food but
praised the ship’s cleanliness. His stay in Japan was one of the happiest periods of his life.
Lived in Tokyo for over a month, first in hotels, then at the Spanish Legation under
Juan Perez Caballero’s invitation (a surveillance tactic he accepted).
Learned Japanese language, arts, music, drama, and judo; toured museums, libraries,
shrines, and scenic villages (Nikko, Hakone, etc. Admired Japanese discipline, cleanliness, and
honesty, though disliked rickshaws.
Met and fell in love with Seiko Usui (O-Sei-San), a refined Japanese woman who
embodied his ideal of beauty, modesty, and intelligence. Their romance almost convinced him
to settle in Japan, and he immortalized her in his diary as his true love.
Lady O-Sei-San
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/yc4en8ze
Rizal’s Second Travels Abroad – U.S. & London
Leaving Japan (Apr. 13, 1888): Rizal declined a good job at the Spanish Legation
because of his mission for the Philippines. He left Japan on the Belgic with a heavy heart,
parting from O-Sei-San.
Companion: On the ship, he met Tetcho Suehiro, a Japanese writer and activist. They
became close friends during their journey to London, sharing their struggles for freedom.
United States (Apr.–May 1888): Arrived in San Francisco on April 28. Saw racial
prejudice against Chinese and Black people, which contradicted America’s ideals of
democracy. Admired the U.S. for its progress, industry, natural beauty, and opportunities for
immigrants. Traveled across several states and reached New York (May 13), where he saw the
Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and George Washington’s relics.
London
(May
1888–Mar.
1889):
Choose London to: (1) improve English, (2) study Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas at
the British Museum, (3) stay safe from Spanish persecution. Lodged first with Dr. Regidor
then boarded with the Beckett family, developing a brief romance with Gertrude Beckett.
Befriended Dr. Rost, who praised him as “a pearl of a man” and helped him access rare
historical works. Visited Paris (Sept. 1888) to research more sources, hosted by Juan Luna.
Went to Spain (Dec. 1888), where he met Del Pilar and Ponce, strengthening ties with the
Propaganda Movement.
Returned to London for Christmas with the Becketts. Elected honorary president of La
Solidaridad (founded Dec. 13, 1888). Published his first article in the paper, “Los Agricultores
Filipinos” (Mar. 25, 1889).
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/yrsat4ne
Rizal in London and Paris (1889)
La Solidaridad: A Filipino colony in Spain published this paper to promote equal
rights for Filipinos. Rizal contributed articles from the start.
Works in London: He wrote for Dr. Rost’s journal (Specimens of Tagal Folklore, Two
Eastern Fables), and produced pieces like La Vision del Fray Rodriguez and Letter to the
Young Women of Malolos.
Personal Life: Rizal developed feelings for Gertrude Beckett, but left London on
March 19, 1889, carrying fond memories.
Paris (Spring 1889): Stayed briefly with Valentin Ventura during the Universal
Exposition, where rents were high. In Paris, he published his annotated edition of Morga’s
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas.
Rizal in Paris in 1889
Image
https://tinyurl.com/mry3w7h3
retrieved from
Rizal in Paris and Brussels (1889–1890)
Paris
(1889):
Attended the Universal Exposition, where the Eiffel Tower was the highlight. Entered an art
contest (did not win). Founded the secret society R.D.L.M. (Redemption of the Malays) to
promote knowledge and uplift the Malay race.
Wrote The Indolence of the Filipinos and Por Telefono (satire against Fr. Salvador Font).
Joined the International Association of Filipinologists led by Blumentritt.
Brussels
(1890):
Lived with Jose Albert, later Jose Alejandro, at a boarding house run by the Jacoby sisters.
Focused on writing El Filibusterismo and articles for La Solidaridad. Practiced medicine and
gymnastics. Criticized fellow Filipinos in Madrid for gambling, which angered them.
Received sad news: his family and Calamba tenants were persecuted and evicted due to the
Calamba land dispute.
June 2, 1890: Learned of the deportation and suffering of family members, including the arrest
of his brother-in-law Manuel Hidalgo.
Madrid
(1890):
Arrived in August 1890 to legally defend his family and the Calamba tenants, but failed.
Heartbroken to learn that Leonor Rivera married a British engineer. Family tragedy worsened:
Paciano, Antonio, Silvestre, and Dandoy were deported to Mindoro, and his parents were
forcibly evicted from their home.
The Publication
Filibusterismo
of the El
(1891)
El Filibusterismo, Rizal's Second Novel
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/2cs4he5p
July 5, 1891: Rizal moved from Brussels to Ghent for cheaper printing costs. Lived in
a low-cost boarding house and chose F. Meyer-Van Loo Press for the printing. To fund it, Rizal
pawned his jewels, received funds from Jose Ma. Basa and Evaristo Arias, but still struggled
financially. Valentin Ventura came to his rescue by sending financial aid, allowing printing to
resume.
El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the martyred priests Gom-Bur-Za (Gomez,
Burgos, Zamora), executed in 1872.
Unlike Noli Me Tangere, it carried a darker, more pessimistic tone, reflecting Rizal’s
disillusionment with reforms. The dedication itself later became one of the bases of his trial
and
death
sentence
in
1896.
Rizal in Hong Kong (1891–1892)
Arrived in Hong Kong on November 20, 1891. Lived at 5 D’Aguilar Street and set up
a medical clinic, where he became known as a skilled ophthalmologist. Enjoyed a joyful family
reunion: his father, brother, in-law Silvestre Ubaldo, mother, and sisters (Lucia, Josefa,
Trinidad) joined him for Christmas 1891, one of the happiest in his life.
While in Hong Kong, he also drafted the Constitution of La Liga Filipina, a civic society he
would later establish in the Philippines.
Rizal’s professional card when in Hongkong
Image retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/2s43ykmj
Rizal’s Second Homecoming (1892)
May 1892: Despite warnings from family and friends, Rizal decided to return to Manila.
He gave Dr. Marque's two sealed letters marked “to be opened after my death.”
June 26, 1892: Rizal and his sister Lucia arrived in Manila and stayed at the Hotel de
Oriente near Binondo Church.
June 27: Took a train from Tutuban Station to visit friends.
July 6, 1892: During an interview at Malacañan Palace, the governor-general accused
Rizal of distributing anti-friar leaflets (Pobres Frailes) allegedly found in Lucia’s belongings.
Rizal denied the charges, but despite his appeals for investigation, he was arrested and
jailed in Fort Santiago.
Learning Activities
Activity 1: Personal Reflection
Give a concise explanation/discussion of the following:
1. What does Rizal’s discipline and motivation in his studies teach you about success?
2. Would you be willing to sacrifice comfort and safety for a bigger dream like Rizal did?
Why or why not?
3. How would you describe Rizal’s sacrifices for education, and how do they compare to
your own sacrifices as a student?
4. What lesson can you get from Rizal’s deep respect and admiration for other cultures while
still loving his own?
5. Describe Jose Rizal's attitude toward his studies. Do you share the same attitude with him?
What does Rizal's attitude toward education inspire you to do?
Criteria
Excellent (5)
Good (3–4)
Needs Improvement
(1–2)
Content
Answer all questions
correctly and
completely.
Answers most questions,
some details missing.
Answers few questions,
many details missing.
Clarity
Ideas are clear and
easy to understand.
Ideas are sometimes
clear, a bit confusing.
Ideas are hard to
understand.
Reflection Shows deep personal
insight and connection
to Rizal.
Shows some personal
insight, limited
connection.
Little or no personal
insight.
Grammar No or very few errors.
Some errors but still
understandable.
Many errors, hard to
read.
Activity 2: Group Presentation
Title: “If Rizal Were a Student Today”
Instructions for Groups:
1. Form groups of 4–5 members.
2. Discuss the guide prompt:
○ If Jose Rizal were studying in today’s Philippine education system, what
challenges would he face? How would he respond to these challenges based
on his values and character?
3. Each group should:
○ Identify at least three major issues in today’s education system.
○ Suggest practical and realistic solutions inspired by Rizal’s principles
(discipline, perseverance, patriotism, love for learning).
○ Summarize your ideas in a short group presentation (3–5 minutes). You may
use:
■ A manila paper or cartolina (bullet points only), OR
■ A PowerPoint/Google Slides with 3–4 slides.
Rubrics for Group Presentation (30 points)Total: 30 points
Criteria
Excellent (10)
Good (8)
Fair (6)
Needs
Improvement (4)
Content
Clear, complete, and
insightful; identified
3+ relevant issues and
realistic solutions
Mostly clear;
identified 2–3 issues
with good solutions
Somewhat clear;
identified 1–2 issues
with basic solutions
Unclear;
issues/solutions
incomplete
Organization
& Delivery
Presentation wellorganized, smooth,
and easy to follow
Presentation
organized, minor
lapses in clarity
Presentation
somewhat organized
but lacking flow
Presentation
unorganized and
hard to follow
Teamwork
All members actively
participated
Most members
participated
Few members
participated
One or two
members
dominated
Assessment Task
Read each statement carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. What was the former name of Ateneo Municipal where Rizal studied?
A. Colegio de San Juan de Letrán
B. Escuela Pia
C. Universidad Central de Madrid
D. Colegio de San Jose
2. Rizal was almost rejected at Ateneo because:
A. He failed the exam
B. He was small, sickly, and late
C. He had no recommendation
D. He lacked money
3. Who helped Rizal get admitted to Ateneo?
A. Fr. Pablo Ramon
B. Fr. Sanchez
C. Manuel Xerez Burgos
D. Paciano Mercado
4. In Ateneo, students were divided into two groups that competed in academics. They
were called:
A. Spartans and Trojans
B. Romans and Carthaginians
C. Greeks and Persians
D. Nobles and Plebeians
5. Rizal graduated in Ateneo in 1877 with the degree:
A. Licentiate in Medicine
B. Bachiller en Artes
C. Doctor of Philosophy
D. Perito Agrimensor
6. Aside from Ateneo, Rizal also enrolled in which vocational course?
A. Law
B. Surveying (Perito Agrimensor)
C. Pharmacy
D. Fine Arts
7. Why did Rizal shift from Philosophy and Letters to Medicine in UST?
A. It was his father’s wish
B. He wanted to be rich
C. To cure his mother’s failing eyesight
D. He wanted to join the Propaganda Movement
8. What alias did Rizal use when he secretly left for Spain in 1882?
A. Jose Burgos
B. Jose Mercado
C. Jose Alonzo
D. Jose Filipinas
9. Rizal wrote his first article in Spain, El Amor Patrio, in what city?
A. Madrid
B. Barcelona
C. Paris
D. London
10. In Madrid, Rizal studied at the:
A. Universidad de Barcelona
B. Universidad Central de Madrid
C. Universidad de Valencia
D. Colegio de San Fernando
11. Who financially helped Rizal publish Noli Me Tangere in Berlin?
A. Marcelo H. del Pilar
B. Maximo Viola
C. Graciano López Jaena
D. Paciano Mercado
12. To whom did Rizal dedicate El Filibusterismo?
A. His family in Calamba
B. Leonor Rivera
C. GomBurZa
D. The Filipino youth
13. While in Japan, Rizal fell in love with a Japanese woman named:
A. Consuelo Ortiga
B. Seiko Usui (O-Sei-San)
C. Gertrude Beckett
D. Josephine Bracken
14. What civic organization did Rizal plan and draft a constitution for in Hong Kong?
A. Katipunan
B. Propaganda Movement
C. La Liga Filipina
D. Circulo Hispano-Filipino
15. Why was Rizal advised by Governor General Terrero to leave the Philippines in
1888?
A. He was accused of espionage
B. His safety was threatened due to Noli Me Tangere
C. He was recruited for the army
D. He wanted to continue his studies abroad
Synthesis
Dr. Jose Rizal’s higher education journey demonstrates his intellectual brilliance, resilience,
and deep love for his country. At Ateneo de Municipal, he embraced Jesuit discipline, academic
excellence, and character formation, earning recognition as one of the best students of his time.
His experience at the University of Santo Tomas exposed him to racial discrimination, which
further awakened his awareness of social injustices. Seeking a better educational environment,
he continued his studies abroad, excelling in medicine, the humanities, and sciences while
immersing himself in liberal and nationalist ideas. His involvement in the Propaganda
Movement and the publication of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo reflected his growing
role as a reformist and nationalist. Ultimately, Rizal’s educational journey was not only for
personal advancement but also for empowering his fellow Filipinos to aspire for reforms,
equality, and national dignity.
Key Takeaways
●
Rizal excelled at Ateneo de Municipal, graduating with honors and recognized as the
“Pride of the Jesuits.”
● At UST, he studied Philosophy and Letters and later pursued medicine to cure his
mother’s failing eyesight.
● He experienced racial discrimination under Spanish friars, which influenced his
decision to study abroad.
● In Europe, Rizal earned a Licentiate in Medicine and further specialized in
ophthalmology in France and Germany.
● Rizal joined organizations such as the Propaganda Movement, Circulo HispanoFilipino, La Solidaridad, and the Masonic Lodge, where he advocated reforms.
● His novels Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891) exposed the
injustices under Spanish rule and fueled Filipino nationalism.
● Rizal’s life shows how education, discipline, perseverance, and patriotism can
transform an individual into a leader for national change.
Supplementary Resources
Videos: Over the Academic Wall. (2023)- Rizal’s life: Higher education and life abroad(Part
1).Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjPgRQPwbqc&pp=ygUqY2hhcHRlciBpdi
ByaXphbCBsaWZlIGVkdWNhdGlvbiBhbmQgcmF2ZWxz0gcJCbIJAYcqIYzv
Over the Academic Wall. (2023)- Rizal’s life: Higher education and life abroad(Part 2).
Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1sxJ2JVRJ8&pp=ygUqY2hhcHRlciBpdiByaX
phbCBsaWZlIGVkdWNhdGlvbiBhbmQgcmF2ZWxz0gcJCbIJAYcqIYzv
Book: Porras, C. S. T., Doctor-Salinas, E. C., Apsay, L. C., Cunanan, M. J. P., & Rillo, J. D.
D. (2022). The life and works of Jose Rizal (OBE-based). Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
References:
Craig, A. (1909). The Story of Jose Rizal. Manila, Philippine Education Publishing Co
Craig, A. (1913) Lineage, Life and Labors of Jose Rizal, Philippine Patriot Manila, Philippine
Education Company
Craig, A. (1918). Rizal's Own Story of His Life. Manila: National Bookstore, 1918
Derbyshire, C. (1912) The Social Cancer A Complete English Version of Noli Me Tangere
from the Spanish of José Rizal Manila: Philippine Education Company
Porras, C. S. T., Doctor-Salinas, E. C., Apsay, L. C., Cunanan, M. J. P., & Rillo, J. D. D.
(2022). The life and works of Jose Rizal (OBE-based). Lorimar Publishing, Inc.