National Heroes of the Philippines Quiz

National Heroes Committee

• The National Heroes Committee was formed in 1993 by President Fidel V. Ramos to evaluate Filipino historical figures, recommend possible heroes, and recognize contributions to the country.
• The committee's main task is to evaluate and recommend Filipino national personages/heroes, recognizing their notable character and remarkable achievements.
• Criteria for selecting national heroes include motive and methods for achieving the ideal, moral character, and influence on their time and subsequent generations.

Rizal Day

• December 30th is recognized as Rizal Day, commemorating the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal.
• This day was officially declared a national day of mourning in 1898 by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
• The Province of Rizal was established in 1902 by the Taft Commission in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Bonifacio Day

• November 30th is celebrated as Bonifacio Day in remembrance of Andres Bonifacio's birthday.
• This day was declared a legal holiday in 1921 by the Philippine Legislature.
• It commemorates the contributions and leadership of Andres Bonifacio in the Philippine Revolution.

Treaty of Biak-na-Bato

• The Treaty of Biak-na-Bato was signed in December 1897 between the Spanish and Filipinos, with Emilio Aguinaldo as a key figure.
• It led to the opportunity for Aguinaldo to interact with the Americans and ultimately ended Spanish colonial control.

Philippine Independence

• Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, after returning from Hong Kong.
• He became the first president of the Philippines.

Jose Rizal Recognition

• Rizal’s works and influence extended beyond the Philippines; his novels and poems were published in Europe.
• Dr. Rudolph Virchow, president of the Berlin Anthropological Society, acknowledged Rizal's contributions with scientific neurological services in 1897.
• A eulogy for Rizal was delivered by Congressman Henry Allen Cooper. His efforts led to the Cooper Law or the Philippine Bill of 1902, which aimed to improve the status of the Philippines.
• The American government sponsored the creation of a monument for Rizal in Luneta in 1913.
• In 1956, the Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425) was sponsored by several prominent lawmakers, including Jose P. Laurel, Claro M. Recto, Jacobo Gonzales, and Lorenzo Tanada. The law aimed to promote Rizal's works and legacy.

Rizal as National Hero

• While Rizal is widely revered as a national hero, there is no official proclamation confirming his status.
• His position is cemented through the continuous veneration and recognition of his contributions towards societal transformation.

Andres Bonifacio as National Hero

• Andres Bonifacio is regarded as a national hero, although not officially proclaimed.
• His birthday is celebrated as a national holiday.

Rizal Law

• The Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, mandated the study of Jose Rizal's works in all educational institutions in the Philippines.
• The law aimed to instill nationalism, patriotism, and a deeper understanding of Philippine history and culture among students.
• It was also intended as a means of promoting critical thinking and personal reflection on the issues that Rizal tackled in his writings.

The Katipunan

• The Katipunan (KKK), established by Andres Bonifacio, aimed for Philippine independence through revolution.
• Rizal was acknowledged by Bonifacio as a hero, and his image was honored and used in the Katipunan's activities.
• The Katipunan expanded throughout the Philippines.
• Rizal was used by the group to collect money for their cause.

Conflict between the Katipunan Leaders

• The conflict between the Magdiwang and Magdalo factions of the Katipunan contributed to division and eventually led to the execution of Andres Bonifacio.
• The KKK's struggle against the Spanish ultimately led to the execution of Rizal, thus starting the Philippine Revolution.

Emilio Aguinaldo and the First Republic

• Emilio Aguinaldo became the first president of the Philippines.
• The death of Jose Rizal sparked the Filipino fight for independence from Spain.
• Aguinaldo's administration proclaimed December 30th as Rizal Day.

Conclusion

• Although the text is not explicitly framed within a specific historical context, it provides a glimpse into Philippine history, highlighting the contributions of key figures and events that shaped the country's path to independence.
• The text focuses on the recognition and commemoration of significant historical figures, particularly Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. It also emphasizes the importance of studying their lives and works to understand the complexities of Philippine history and the values they embodied.
• The study of history is critical in understanding the foundation of the present and is vital to shaping future generations' understanding of identity, values, and nationhood.

Test your knowledge about the National Heroes Committee and the significant figures it recognizes, including Dr. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. This quiz covers the criteria for selecting heroes and important commemorative dates related to them. Explore the legacy of these national icons and their enduring influence on Filipino history.