The Legacy of Rizal

    Dr. Jose Rizal, born on the 19th of June, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna. He is a renowned writer and polymath in the Philippine history. Rizal truly left a huge mark on the identity of Filipinos. His life and works remain to be alive even after many generations. Although the Philippines has no official national hero, Filipinos recognize Rizal as our "Pambansang Bayani." People's unending appreciation for Dr. Jose Rizal is one evidence of his great contributions to the country and its people. Through this blog, Rizal's legacy  that influenced many Filipinos will be unraveled. 

  Rizal was an advocate for education. He firmly believed that a quality education is key to social progress. He emphasized education as means of enlightenment and empowerment which led him to establish an organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and promote education. Although the organization was short-lived due to political opposition, it served as the foundation for future movements that uses education for national awakening. Rizal's educational vision also included shaping ethical values. He recognized that education consist of both moral principles and academic pursuits. 

    Through Rizal's literary works such as his poems, novels, essays, and letters, he was able to express his innermost thoughts and communicate with his compatriots. Whenever I hear the name "Jose Rizal," Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo comes to mind. These two were and still are a few of Rizal's greatest novels.  These novels aren't just fiction, but rather a reflection of the country's circumstances during the Spanish colonial rule. Rizal revealed the different "kanser ng lipunan" or problems that badly impact the country as a whole. These novels woke the Filipinos, which made them question their circumstances and yearn for a change. 

    Nationalism was encouraged by Rizal's constant devotion to the idea of a united and sovereign Philippines. In his well-known essay "The Philippines a Century Hence," he predicted a time when Filipinos would win over colonialism. The heart and mind of Filipinos were sparked by Rizal's patriotism. His writings influenced other heroes such as Andres Bonifacio to begin a revolution.

    Dr. Jose Rizal's contributions are truly impactful. Choosing to use a pen and a paper  instead of swords to fight the Spanish colonialism while succeeding to encourage Filipinos to achieve independence explains how powerful Rizal truly was. His writings, educational programs, reformist beliefs, and unwavering nationalism all contributed to the Philippines' ultimate freedom from colonial rule. The teachings and ideas of Rizal continue to inspire the Philippines as it evolves, guiding the country towards greater prosperity.

REFERENCES:

Blogger

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Jose Rizal Portrait

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Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

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Rizal

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