Rizal's First Return to the Philippines (1887-1888) PDF

Rizal's First Return to the Philippines (1887-1888) By: Roselein Faith Reteracion Claire Papelera Angel Rapista Rona Grace Rapista José Rizal, a well-known Filipino nationalist and writer, returne...

Rizal's First Return to the Philippines (1887-1888) By: Roselein Faith Reteracion Claire Papelera Angel Rapista Rona Grace Rapista José Rizal, a well-known Filipino nationalist and writer, returned to the Philippines on August 5, 1887, after living in Europe for five years. His return was important not just for him personally, but also for the Philippines, as it marked a time when he wanted to address social issues and help his countrymen fight for freedom from Spanish rule. Rizal had several reasons for coming back to the Philippines. First, he wanted to help his mother, Teodora, who was suffering from an eye condition. Second, he felt a strong responsibility to support his fellow Filipinos who were oppressed. Third, he wanted to see how his novel, Noli Me Tangere, was affecting people's views. Finally, he wanted to check on his love, Leonor Rivera, who was still in the Philippines. When Rizal arrived in Calamba, he was warmly welcomed by his family and friends. However, they were also worried about his safety because of the controversies surrounding his novel. Despite their concerns and warnings from others, Rizal was determined to return home, believing he could make a difference. After arriving in Calamba, Rizal quickly set up a medical clinic to help the local community. He began by treating his mother's eye condition, although he could not perform surgery right away. This clinic allowed him to care for his mother and serve others, showing his commitment to helping his fellow Filipinos. Rizal became known as "Doctor Uliman," and his reputation spread quickly. Many patients from Manila and nearby areas came to see him. In just a few months, he earned 900 pesos, and by February 1888, he had made a total of 5,000 pesos from his medical practice, showing how much people valued his help. The controversy over Noli Me Tangere grew when Rizal was called in by Governor-General Emilio Terrero. The governor had received reports claiming that the novel contained dangerous ideas that could lead to rebellion. This situation highlighted the rising tensions between Rizal and the Spanish colonial government. During his meeting with Governor Terrero, Rizal defended his novel, explaining that it aimed to reveal the truth about the problems in Philippine society rather than encourage violence. His strong arguments temporarily protected him from the authorities, but the underlying issues remained unresolved. Despite Rizal's defense, the pressure from Spanish officials continued to increase. Reports about his activities and writings reached higher levels of the government, leading to more scrutiny and threats against him. The environment became more dangerous, putting Rizal in a difficult position. Given the growing threats to his safety, Rizal decided to leave the Philippines again in early 1888. This decision was tough for him, but he realized that he needed to protect himself. Leaving would also allow him to continue his education and activism abroad, which would shape his future efforts for Philippine independence. Rizal's return and the publication of Noli Me Tangere had a huge impact on Filipino society. The novel inspired many people to speak out against colonial rule and became a symbol of resistance. It motivated a new generation of activists who wanted to fight for the rights of their fellow Filipinos. Rizal's first return to the Philippines was a crucial moment in his life and Philippine history. His experiences during this time strengthened his commitment to fighting for independence and laid the groundwork for his future work as a leader and reform advocate. Rizal's legacy still inspires Filipinos today in their ongoing struggle for justice and freedom.