Hershey B.
Flores
BSTM101B
A National Hero’s Legacy of
Reform and Patriotism
Introduction:
José Rizal is widely considered the greatest national hero of the Philippines. His intellectual
achievements, political writings, and his ultimate martyrdom have cemented him as a symbol of
Filipino nationalism. However, debates have persisted over his approach—whether his method
of advocating for peaceful reforms through education and dialogue was enough to ignite true
change or if the violent revolution spearheaded by others like Andres Bonifacio was the more
effective path to independence. This paper asserts that Rizal’s method of reform and his
advocacy for national awakening through education laid the groundwork for Filipino unity and
identity, and ultimately led to the nation’s freedom, even though it required revolution to achieve
final independence.
Rizal’s Approach: Advocacy for Peaceful Reforms
José Rizal was a man of education and ideas. His key contribution to the Filipino independence
movement lay in his intellectual pursuits, particularly his two famous novels, Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo. These books exposed the social injustices and abuses perpetuated by the
Spanish colonial regime and the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Rizal believed that the
Filipino people needed to be awakened to their oppression through education, civic involvement,
and peaceful reform.
Unlike revolutionaries such as Bonifacio, Rizal did not believe in achieving freedom through
violence. He argued that the Filipino people must first gain self-respect and collective identity to
successfully and sustainably liberate themselves from foreign rule. His works emphasized the
importance of education in empowering Filipinos to understand their rights and fight for them
within the boundaries of the law, advocating for the transformation of Filipino society without
bloodshed.
The Role of Rizal’s Martyrdom in the Revolution
While Rizal did not advocate for violent revolution, his ultimate sacrifice in December 1896—
executed by the Spanish colonial government for inciting rebellion—became the catalyst for the
Philippine Revolution. His death ignited the Filipino people’s desire for independence, turning
him into a martyr and symbol of national unity. While Bonifacio’s Katipunan led the armed
struggle, Rizal’s writings and the memory of his sacrifice gave moral authority to the fight. His
life demonstrated that the intellectual groundwork and awakening of national consciousness were
essential precursors to the eventual armed revolt.
Rizal’s Legacy and Relevance Today
Rizal’s approach remains relevant to this day, especially in modern Filipino society. His
advocacy for reforms through education and national unity can be seen in the country’s
continued struggle against corruption, inequality, and poverty. Rizal believed in the power of
dialogue and the importance of education in nation-building. His lessons are pertinent in the 21st
century, where nations face the challenge of achieving long-term peace and progress without
resorting to violence.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, José Rizal’s vision of peaceful reform through education was critical in
awakening Filipino nationalism and establishing the identity needed for eventual independence.
While the path to freedom ultimately required armed revolution, Rizal’s ideas formed the moral
and intellectual foundation for that struggle. His enduring legacy is not only that of a hero and
martyr but of a thinker who understood that true change must begin with the awakening of the
people’s minds. Therefore, Rizal’s contributions remain essential to understanding the
Philippines’ journey to independence and continue to inspire the nation in its pursuit of justice
and progress.
References:
Schumacher, J. N. (1997). The Propaganda Movement: 1880-1895: The Creation of a
Filipino Consciousness, The Making of the Revolution. Ateneo de Manila University
Press.
Ocampo, A. (2011). Rizal Without the Overcoat. Anvil Publishing.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (2011). José Rizal: Life and Works.
Constantino, R. (1969). The Philippines: A Past Revisited.
