HOW RIZAL BECAME OUR NATIONAL HERO (A LECTURE ON THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL)

Summary

In this lecture, the instructor explores the historical context and factors that led to Dr. Jose Rizal being recognized as a national hero in the Philippines. The Taft Commission's criteria for a national hero, which included being a pacifist, contributed to Rizal's selection over figures like Bonifacio. The lecture also discusses the influence of the Katipunan, Rizal's execution as a catalyst for revolution, and the global eulogies that followed. It highlights how biographers and figures like Emilio Aguinaldo contributed to Rizal's hero status, questioning if an official declaration is still necessary.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Taft Commission, led by William Howard Taft, established criteria for recognizing national heroes, including being Filipino, deceased, having a great love for the country, and being of pacifist orientation.
• 🏆 Dr. Jose Rizal was considered a national hero partly due to his pacifist nature, which aligned with American interests in preventing further revolts against their rule in the Philippines.
• 🔥 The Katipunan, a revolutionary society against Spanish rule, revered Rizal, using his surname as a password and his image as an inspiration, which contributed to his hero status.
• 🌟 The execution of Dr. Rizal on December 30, 1896, was a significant catalyst in solidifying his status as a national hero, sparking a fiercer revolution against Spain.
• 🌐 Eulogies for Rizal were held worldwide after his execution, increasing his fame and recognition as a hero not only in the Philippines but also internationally.
• 📖 Biographers and writers like Rafael Palma and Ferdinand Blumentritt contributed to Rizal's fame by writing about his life and works, further cementing his legacy.
• 🏛️ Emilio Aguinaldo, a key figure in the Philippine Revolution, played a role in Rizal's heroization by commemorating his execution as a day of mourning.
• 🏞️ Rizal's image was widely used on Philippine stamps during the American period, spreading his portrait globally and increasing his popularity posthumously.
• 🗽 There has been no official declaration naming Dr. Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines, leaving room for discussion on whether there should be one.
• 🤔 The lecture concludes by posing a question for consideration: Should there be an official declaration of Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines?

Q & A

Who was William Howard Taft and what was his role in the Philippines?

William Howard Taft was an American statesman who served as the 27th President of the United States and later as the 10th Chief Justice of the United States. In the context of the Philippines, he led the Taft Commission, which was established to help the Philippines transition to self-governance and to determine the criteria for who could be considered a national hero.

What were the criteria set by the Taft Commission for a person to be considered a national hero?

The criteria set by the Taft Commission for a person to be considered a national hero included: being Filipino, already deceased, having possessed great love for the country, and being a man of pacifist orientation.

Why was Dr. Jose Rizal considered a national hero by the Americans?

Dr. Jose Rizal was considered a national hero by the Americans because he was a man of peace, which aligned with their desire to avoid inspiring further revolts against their presence in the Philippines. His pacifist orientation was seen as a stabilizing influence.

How did the Katipunan contribute to Rizal's recognition as a national hero?

The Katipunan contributed to Rizal's recognition as a national hero by adopting his surname as a password, tearing their saddles during the 'Cry of Pugadlawin' with Rizal's name as their battle cry, and having his portrait in every camp. These actions showed their high regard for Rizal and his influence on the revolution.

What was the significance of December 30, 1896, in the context of Dr. Jose Rizal's legacy?

December 30, 1896, marked the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, which became a significant catalyst for the revolution against Spain. His execution led to an increase in his popularity and the intensification of the revolution across the Philippines.

How did Emilio Aguinaldo contribute to Rizal's status as a national hero?

Emilio Aguinaldo contributed to Rizal's status as a national hero by ordering December 30, the anniversary of Rizal's execution, to be commemorated as a day of mourning for Rizal and other victims of the Philippine revolution.

Who were some of the biographers and writers that helped popularize Dr. Jose Rizal's story?

Some of the biographers and writers that helped popularize Dr. Jose Rizal's story include Rafael Palma, a Filipino politician and writer who considered Rizal as the pride of the Malay race, and Ferdinand Blumentritt, a friend of Rizal who named him the 'Great Malay' for his accomplishments and worldwide fame.

What role did the American period play in Rizal's image becoming more widespread?

During the American period, Rizal's image became common on Philippine stamps, and his portrait spread all over the world, making him even more popular after his death.

Has there been an official declaration of Dr. Jose Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines?

There has not been any official declaration of Dr. Jose Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines, leaving the question open for discussion and consideration.

What are some reasons historians give for Rizal's selection as the national hero?

Historians cite reasons such as Rizal being the first Filipino to inspire resistance against the Spanish, being an exemplary model of a man of peace, and the inherent sentimental and sensitive nature of Filipinos that resonated with Rizal's story.