RIZAL AS AN AMERICAN SPONSORED HERO | PART 2

Summary

This discussion delves into the concept of Philippine nationalism and the portrayal of national heroes, focusing on Dr. Jose Rizal. It critiques the American colonial influence in promoting Rizal as a national hero, contrasting him with other figures like Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio, and Apolinario Mabini. The talk highlights the establishment of Rizal Province, the allocation of land for a Rizal monument, and the declaration of Rizal Day. It also mentions President Aguinaldo's decree recognizing Rizal's death anniversary as a national day of mourning. The discussion questions the legality of Rizal's hero status and sets the stage for further exploration of the criteria for national heroism.

Takeaways

• 😀 The discussion revolves around the concept of Philippine nationalism and the heroes who embody it, particularly focusing on the debate about whether Rizal is an American-sponsored hero.
• 🏛️ William Howard Taft, the head of the Second Philippine Commission, is identified as a promoter of Rizal's recognition as a national hero, possibly without fully understanding his ideas.
• 🌟 The Second Philippine Commission, composed of American and Filipino commissioners, played a role in shaping the early American rule of the Philippines and in the selection of heroes.
• 📜 Acts 137, 234, and 345 were legislative steps taken by the Americans to honor Dr. Jose Rizal, despite no law officially declaring him a national hero.
• 🗺️ Act 137 established the province of Rizal, which was formerly part of Manila, highlighting the geographical significance of Rizal's name in the Philippines.
• 🗽 Act 234 allocated land for the construction of a monument to Dr. Rizal in Luneta, indicating a form of recognition and commemoration by the American colonial government.
• 📅 Act 345 declared December 30th as Rizal Day, institutionalizing the commemoration of Rizal's execution and his contributions to Philippine nationalism.
• 🎖️ Other Filipino heroes like Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio, and Apolinario Mabini were considered but were deemed unsuitable due to their militant, radical, or unregenerate natures.
• 🇵🇭 President Emilio Aguinaldo of the revolutionary government issued a decree recognizing December 30 as the anniversary of Rizal's death and a national day of mourning for other martyrs.
• 🏢 The American colonial government and the revolutionary government both took steps to honor Rizal, although the methods and motivations differed significantly.

Q & A

Who is William Howard Taft and what was his role in promoting Rizal as a national hero?

William Howard Taft was the head of the Second Philippine Commission, also known as the Top Commission. He played a significant role in promoting Dr. Jose Rizal as a national hero of the Philippines, alongside two Filipino commissioners, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera and Jose Luzuriaga.

Why did the American colonial officials and conservative Filipinos consider Rizal over other contenders like Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, and Mabini?

Rizal was chosen over other contenders because he was seen as a moderate hero. Emilio Aguinaldo was considered too militant, Andres Bonifacio too radical, and Apolinario Mabini unregenerate. Rizal's intellectual and peaceful approach to defending his country was more palatable to the American colonial authorities.

What is the significance of Act 137, Act 234, and Act 345 in relation to Dr. Jose Rizal?

Act 137 created the province of Rizal on June 11, 1901. Act 234 allocated land for the establishment of a monument to Dr. Rizal in Luneta, enacted on September 28, 1901. Act 345 declared December 30 of each year as Rizal Day, enacted on February 1, 1902.

Why was there no law passed by the Americans to officially recognize Rizal as a national hero?

Despite the recognition of Rizal's significance through various acts and initiatives, there was no specific law passed by the Americans to legally declare Dr. Jose Rizal as a national hero of the Philippines.

What did President Emilio Aguinaldo's decree on December 20, 1898, state regarding Rizal's memory?

President Emilio Aguinaldo's decree declared December 30 as the anniversary of Rizal's death and a national day of mourning, not only to commemorate Rizal's death but also to honor other Filipino martyrs who fought against Spanish tyranny.

What was the instruction regarding the flag on December 29, as per Aguinaldo's decree?

According to Aguinaldo's decree, on December 29 at noon, the government flags should be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect for the death of Dr. Jose Rizal and other victims during Spanish tyranny.

Why was Emilio Aguinaldo initially rejected as a national hero by the American colonial officials?

Emilio Aguinaldo was initially rejected as a national hero because he was seen as too militant and resistant to surrendering to the Americans. He was only considered after he was captured by American forces and officially surrendered in April 1901.

What was the reason behind the rejection of Andres Bonifacio as a national hero?

Andres Bonifacio was considered too radical and militant, being the leader of the Katipunan, which was a revolutionary society. The American colonial officials feared that choosing him as a national hero might encourage further resistance and violence among the Filipinos.

Why was Apolinario Mabini not chosen as a national hero by the American colonial officials?

Apolinario Mabini was not chosen as a national hero because he was seen as unregenerate and had refused to surrender to the American authorities. He was also imprisoned and only surrendered in 1903, which contributed to his rejection as a national hero.

What is the significance of Rizal Day as declared by Act 345?

Rizal Day, as declared by Act 345, is significant as it commemorates the life and death of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. It serves as a day to honor his contributions to Philippine nationalism and his fight for the country's freedom.