Life and Works of Rizal
Life and Works of Rizal
Life and Works of Rizal
OF RIZAL
CONCEPTS ABOUT RIZAL
Early Life: José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda was born on June 19,
1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. He came from a wealthy and educated
family.
Education: Rizal pursued higher education in various countries, including Spain,
where he studied medicine, literature, and philosophy. He became fluent in multiple
languages, which allowed him to communicate his ideas effectively.
Writing: Rizal was a prolific writer and penned several literary works and essays
that criticized Spanish colonial rule and advocated for reform and independence. His
most famous works include "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," which
exposed the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial government.
Activism: Rizal's writings and activism earned him the support of many Filipinos
who sought change. He used his writings to inspire Filipinos to work towards social
and political reforms peacefully.
Exile: His advocacy for reform led to his exile to Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao,
by Spanish authorities. During his exile, he continued his work in education and
community development.
Return and Revolutionary Involvement: Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892 and
founded the La Liga Filipina, an organization aimed at achieving reforms through
peaceful means. However, his association with the group led to his arrest and
imprisonment.
Execution: On December 30, 1896, Rizal was executed by firing squad in Manila. His
martyrdom sparked further outrage and contributed to the momentum of the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
Legacy: José Rizal is considered a national hero in the Philippines. His writings and
ideals continue to inspire Filipinos in their quest for freedom and justice. Rizal's life and
work are celebrated annually on Rizal Day, and his principles of peaceful reform and
love for one's country remain relevant today.
A true martyr - Rizal spoke out for injustice when others were complacent. His ideas helped
formulate a national identity for the Philippines, which was a new concept in Asia, then
under colonial rule. He defended his beliefs to his death.
Concept of Rizal is that of 'national sentiment'. Rizal believed that the lack of national
sentiment was the cause of the numerous ills of Philippine colonial society.
Rizal's concept of nation refers to a people with a “soul” or “sentiment” A people who,
because of their solidarity, sense of dignity, and concern for justice, will not put up with any
tyrant or despot. His emphasis was on people taking responsibility.
What is the concept of Rizal in edand a prerequisite for social progress, Rizal claimed that
only through education could the country be saved from domination. ucation?
For Rizal, the mission of education is to elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and
to develop the people's mentality. Since education is the foundation of society
For Rizal, the mission of education is to elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and to
develop the people's mentality. Since education is the foundation of society and a prerequisite
for social progress, Rizal claimed that only through education could the country be saved
from domination.
Rizal's appreciation of education was influenced by his mother, Doña Teodora Alonzo. His
mother was considered his first teacher. At the age of three he learned the alphabet and also
taught him to appreciate Spanish poetry. He even recognized the importance of industrial
education as well.
What is the greatest lesson in life that Rizal reminded you of?
His life is full of learnings that every Filipino can reflect upon. The learnings we can get from
Jose Rizal are the importance of education, love for country, making good friends, nothing is
impossible, the value of time, and the superiority of pen against sword.