José Rizal: The National Hero of the Philippines

• José Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and polymath during the Spanish colonial period
• He is considered the national hero of the Philippines
• He was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna
• He was executed by the Spanish colonial government on December 30, 1896, in Manila

Early Life and Education

• His full name is José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
• His parents were Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda
• He came from a wealthy and influential family
• He received his early education at home and in a private school
• He studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he excelled in academics and writing
• He obtained a degree in land surveying and assessment
• He also studied philosophy and letters at the University of Santo Tomas
• He later studied ophthalmology in Spain, France, and Germany

Literary Works

• Rizal is best known for his two novels, Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo
• Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) was published in 1887
• It exposes the abuses and corruption of the Spanish clergy and colonial government in the Philippines
• El filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) was published in 1891
• It is a sequel to Noli Me Tángere and delves deeper into the themes of revolution and social change
• He also wrote numerous essays, poems, and articles
• "Mi Último Adiós" (My Last Farewell) is a poem he wrote on the eve of his execution
• He wrote "To the Young Women of Malolos," a letter addressing the importance of education for women

Political Activism and the La Liga Filipina

• Rizal advocated for peaceful reforms in the Philippines under Spanish rule
• He became a prominent member of the Propaganda Movement
• The Propaganda Movement sought to expose the abuses of the Spanish colonial government
• It aimed to promote reforms through literature and peaceful means
• He founded the La Liga Filipina in 1892
• La Liga Filipina was a civic organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and promote social and economic development
• The Spanish authorities considered La Liga Filipina subversive
• Rizal was arrested and exiled to Dapitan in Mindanao

Exile in Dapitan

• Rizal was exiled to Dapitan from 1892 to 1896
• In Dapitan, he practiced medicine, pursued scientific studies, and engaged in community development projects
• He built a school, a hospital, and a water system
• He also collected specimens of plants and animals

Trial and Execution

• Rizal was arrested and tried for sedition, rebellion, and conspiracy
• These charges stemmed from his association with the Katipunan
• The Katipunan was a revolutionary society that sought Philippine independence through armed struggle
• Rizal maintained that he was not involved in the Katipunan's activities
• He was found guilty and sentenced to death
• He was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) in Manila

Ideals and Legacy

• Rizal's writings and activism inspired the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule
• He advocated for education, social justice, and national identity
• His ideals continue to resonate in the Philippines
• He is revered as a symbol of patriotism and national pride
• His works are studied in schools
• His image is featured on Philippine currency and stamps
• Rizal Day is celebrated annually on December 30 to commemorate his life and legacy