Rizal Lesson 2 (Concept Of A Hero) 2024-25 PDF

LESSON 2 CONCEPT OF A HERO I. Statement of the Purpose This lesson traces the concept of hero in the Filipino culture and history to assess whether its traditional sense is confined only to the likes of Rizal, on one hand, or may be applied to normal people, like th...

LESSON 2 CONCEPT OF A HERO I. Statement of the Purpose This lesson traces the concept of hero in the Filipino culture and history to assess whether its traditional sense is confined only to the likes of Rizal, on one hand, or may be applied to normal people, like the “millennials" and “Generation-Z” on the other hand. II. Desirable Prerequisite Skills The student is expected to have understood the need and relevance of taking Rizal as mandated subject and as well as why the past events still have parallelism to the present time. III. Instructional Objectives At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to a) trace the Filipino concept of hero / bayani through times; b) analyze the criteria set by the nation in recognizing heroes; and c) assess the heroism of Rizal using the definitions and criteria of heroes. IV. Inputs People tend to misconstrue the title "hero" as an award given to dead people. Doing great things is likewise misinterpreted as something only heroes, like Rizal, can achieve. Worse, as the popular Filipino adage “Mahirap magpakabayani. Ang bayani ay binabaril sa Luneta" implies, people become individualistic, devoid of care for others. Such views, unfortunately, hinder their sights on the various possibilities they can do for the country. Reminder 1. Work hard 2. Prepare yourself in doing your activities. 3. If you have something to clarify, don't hesitate to connect and communicate with your teacher/facilitator. Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 1 of 8  CONCEPT OF HERO IN FILIPINO CULTURE AND HISTORY One may notice the limited approach in the definition of the word "hero" in traditional western dictionaries. Hero is normally defined here as an illustrious man, often of divine descent, or with distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, and fortitude in suffering, who is supposed to be exalted after death. Being an extraordinary person and individualistic is apparent. This may be seen in the synonym of hero in Microsoft Word—“Superman." The Filipino concept of hero, on the other hand, is a much broader concept, albeit stripped of grandeur. Known as Bayani, Bagani, Magani, or Wani in various Filipino ethno-linguistic groups, a hero in early Philippine societies was just a normal warrior of the community. His simple tasks were based on daily needs of the village. Pangangayaw or raiding into unallied territory is an example of this. According to William Henry Scott, pangangayaw was done because of four reasons, namely: 1) to secure resources, ranging from the occasional use goods or bounty to human slaves; 2) to avenge a personal affront or family honor; 3) to fulfil mourning requirements to which the life of enemies must be sacrificed; and lastly 4) for personal prominence or a mercenary reward. It is important to point out that a Bayani does not work alone; he or she always exerts efforts together with his/her comrades in the community. Hence, the root word of Bayani is bayan (community/town/nation). When pangangayaw is done, the group of Bayani returns home; thus, fulfilling what Zeus Salazar said about the bayani as a person who leaves his/her town and then returns. The tattoo, used as the protection of kaluluwa (soul) of a bayani, his kris/kampilan (weapon), his putong (head gear), and other garments colored red are his iconic physical features. It is noteworthy to mention, however, that early Filipino heroes were neither savages nor blood-thirsty killing machines. A Bayani is more often than not a true kawani or lingkod-bayan (community servant) who renders his or her help to those in need in the community without counting the cost. His/Her ultimate goal is to maintain peace and order. The concept of bayanihan (cooperation) and the word ipabayani (free labor offered to/by someone) proves the semantic essence of Bayani. The characteristics of early Filipino heroes are worth emulating. The Boxer Codex (1590), an ancient document about the early Philippine societies, defines a Bayani as a person with a high status and dignity. Pedro Serrano Laktaw, in his dictionary, elaborates the personality of a Bayani: a person who fears no one (walang-takot), courageous (matapang), firm The Boxer Codex (1590) Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 2 of 8  (matibay), bold (mapangahas), but quiet (tahimik) and calm (mahinahon). Qualities of the main characters of Philippine epics, like Lam Ang, Labaw Donggon, Tuwaang, etc., on the other hand, represent the actual Bayani. All these qualities are clearly present in a living human. The concept of a Filipino Hero in early Philippine societies, therefore, is not a posthumous award given to dead people, but rather an honorific role and title in the society. Native Filipino Warriors Nevertheless, changes occurred when the Spaniards conquered the Philippines, Instead of living role models, the Spaniards had introduced the image of obedience of saints and disciples whom the Filipinos had to imitate in order to become good colonials. Vida Sancti, or the lives of (dead) saints become the good foundations of good qualities of life. Doctrina Christiana or prayer and doctrine books became a textbook of faith. The Americans, on the other hand, propagated a secular view on heroes. Hero-worshipping of American soldiers who died during the Philippine-American War (then dubbed as Philippine Insurrection) like Gen. Henry W. Lawton, Col. John M. Stotsenburg, and Col. Harry Egbert, was promoted through monuments and annual commemoration rituals to justify the need for American tutelage in the Philippines. Filipino heroes were also venerated during this period. Jose Rizal, who was executed by the Spaniards, became the leading national hero. Mabini, Luna, and Del Pilar also became household names. The problem to the new approach was that it coincides with the thrust of the Americans to instill to the minds of Filipinos the American culture. This was done through the study of American heroes and past presidents like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Franklin. A modern-day concept of the indigenous Bayani still exists today. The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are considered Bagong Bayani (new heroes). Their work abroad is said to be a continuation of the culture of pangangayaw. The word namayani, meaning to prevail or triumph, has become well-known. The concept of the Filipino Bayani is indeed embedded in the blueprint of Filipino well-being. The Pintados (Boxer Codex 1590 and Catriona Gray's National Costume at Miss Universe 2018. Can you tell the connection? Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 3 of 8 Criteria for Recognizing Heroes A hero is a social construct. Since that is the nature of the process, recognizing heroes is always subjective. To bridge the gap, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) released some of the criteria for recognizing heroes, through their Project Saysay. The criteria are listed below: 1. the extent of a person's sacrifice for the welfare of the country (Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1965); 2. the motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (welfare of the country) (Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1965); 3. the moral character of the person concerned (Teodoro A. Agoncillo 1965); 4. the influence of the person concerned on his/her age and or the succeeding age (Teodoro Agoncillo 1965); 5. those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation's freedom (Onofre D. Corpuz 1993); 6. those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and order for a nation (Onofre D. Corpuz 1993); 7. those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation (Onofre D. Corpuz 1993); 8. a part of the people's expression (Alfredo Lagmay 1995); 9. person who thinks of the future, especially the future generations (Alfredo Lagmay 1995); and 10. the choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero (Alfredo Lagmay 1995). HISTORY FACT The National Historical Institute (NHI; Presently the National Historical commission of the Philippines), the country’s agency in charge of historical matters, prescribes the passage of 50 years before a person is conformed as a hero. If the person is still being admired after that period and his ideas and ideals are still invoked and appreciated, the person has passed the test of time and is considered a hero. Rizal as a Filipino Hero Jose Rizal as a Filipino hero is state-sponsored through the Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law). His heroism, however, is not a post-World War II phenomenon. Two years after Rizal's death, the first commemoration was held on December 30, 1898 when the then President of the First Philippine Republic, Emilio Aguinaldo, declared in Malolos, Bulacan, a day of National Mourning. Various provinces like Tayabas and Batangas were reported to Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 4 of 8 observe the solemn commemoration in front of Rizal's portrait. But this was not the start of the long years of veneration. It is documented that during the meetings of the Katipunan, a portrait of Rizal was hanging in the room where members were made to believe that Rizal was an honorary member of the secret society. The Americans, realizing the possibilities of a Rizal cult in their colonial agenda, seized the opportunity and made Rizal the "national” hero of the Philippines. Among the choices they had, three criteria were used in the selection: 1) a hero who is not violent and militant, and if possible, preferred peaceful means like education; 2) a hero who had no qualms on American imperialism; and 3) a hero who is already dead. It is obvious here that Del Pilar, Mabini, Bonifacio, and Aguinaldo were not qualified as heroes. It is a no- brainer that the Americans would pick Rizal ahead of others. In 1901, William H. Taft, President of the Second Philippine Commission, had appointed Rizal to embody the brand of nationalism propagated by the American colonial government. However, there was no actual law during the American Regime that explicitly declared Rizal the official hero of the country. Three steps, instead, were made by the American colonial government to promote his heroism, namely: 1) the creation of Rizal Province; 2) the erection of Rizal Monument; and 3) the declaration of Rizal Day on December 30 as a public holiday. Since then, Rizal's image as a hero of the Philippines has become a viable enterprise for stamp, chart, post-card makers, and other printed materials. This was heightened when in 1956, the Rizal Law was conceived, since books, textbooks, and lessons were necessary for educational purposes. In 1995, amidst the preparation of the nation for the upcoming centennial celebration of Philippine Revolution and Philippine Independence Day, the National Heroes Committee created by President Fidel V. Ramos released a list of recommended national heroes. These were as follows: 1. Jose Rizal 6. Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat 2. Andres Bonifacio 7. Juan Luna 3. Emilio Aguinaldo 8. Melchora Aquino 4. Apolinario Mabini 9. Gabriela Silang 5. Marcelo H. del Pilar The aforementioned list is not yet approved. The website of the National Commission on the Culture and Arts states that "this might trigger a flood of requests for proclamations" and might "trigger bitter debates involving historical controversies about the heroes." Various laws honoring/commemorating Filipino historical figures were instead passed into law. Today, there are four major national celebrations with Rizal as an important subject: June 12 (Independence Day), June 19 (Birth Anniversary), last week of August (National Heroes Week), and December 30 (Rizal Day). Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 5 of 8  HISTORY FACT In Daet, Camarines Norte (Albay Region), Filipino masons erected a simple monument dedicated to Rizal on December 30, 1898. The monument bears the words “A Jose Rizal;” “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Felibusterismo,” the titles of his two prominent novels; and the word “Morga” which refers to the book Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” which Rizal annotated in 1890. The monument in Daet antedated the Rizal Monument which was constructed at the Luneta Park in Manila in 1911. The monument in Luneta was constructed through public subscription by Filipinos. V. Activity A. Reflect on the Filipino concept of a hero. Now that the nature of the concept of “hero" has been clarified as not to be a posthumous award, how can a student like you become a bayani in your own way? B. It is said that along our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Frontliners were the present-day heroes. Using the criteria presented in this reading, are they worthy of being called heroes? Justify your answers. Could other parameters be used to update the definition of a hero fifty years after debate of the National Heroes Commission? List down at least three items. Could these justify the classification of the OFWs and frontliners as modern-day heroes? Task 1: Make a group summary 1. With your class group, share what you have written in Activities A and B. 2. Make a summary of all the member answers. 3. Strictly follow this sample filename: Rizal_Lesson2_CourseYrBlk_GroupNumber (e.g.Rizal_Lesson2_BSSW3_Group7) then turn this in to our Google Classroom. Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 6 of 8  JUST A REMINDER The below Activity C serves as your individual practice test to assess your learning in Lesson 2. No submission required. Please be guided. Thank you.  C. The test items that follow will find out what you have learned in Lesson 2. Give the correct answers being asked. 1. Philippine history has benchmarking names for heroes to serve the daily needs of a village such as Bayani, Bagani Magani and Wani. But in the early days these men or bayani in the community were called _____. A. local heroes B. mercenaries C. warriors D. protectors 2. The representation of Bayani later on has changed in time specially during the Spanish period were they have introduced a new form of role models in order to still have the touch of a bayani. What was the move of the Spanish authorities? A. Introduced saints for people to imitate B. Introduced the image of obedience of saints and disciples whom people had to imitate to become good colonials C. Introduced disciples for people to imitate D. Introduced priesthood to promote religiosity 3. For the latter role of the Americans in depicting a bayani, what was then the promotion or propaganda of the Americans as substitute to how the Filipinos would venerate heroes? A. promotion through monuments B. annual commemoration rituals C. worship dead American soldiers D. options A and B are correct 4. In the modern-day scene, a hero is not seen as a perfect being or has to go through the life struggles that our martyrs have been through, but instead should be understood in a different way. Which would be? A. Heroes are also human, for us to appreciate B. they necessarily need veneration and worship C. their lives need to be studied D. all above options are correct Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 7 of 8 5. What was the very first celebration attributed to Rizal specifically right after his death by then late President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo? A. Rizal Day B. The National Day of Morning, December 30, 1898 C. The National Day of Mourning, December 30, 1898 D. The National Day of Mourning, December 31, 1898 [ This ends here.  ] Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings (Rizal) Jose Michael B. Apan, BUTC Page 8 of 8