De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Graphic Design and Multimedia Department

The Influence of Jose Rizal’s

Literary Works in
21st Century

Name: Ryan Carlo D. Fabillar

Course & Section: MMA32
Subject: G-SOSC002
Professor: Jumel G. Estrañero
University: De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
 INTRODUCTION

Jose Rizal’s timeless quotation, “The Youth is the hope of our future” still has an
impact even to our generation today. Most people would identify this short line in no time of
uttering it. The life of Jose Rizal strongly gives hope to the life of many Filipinos. It sparks and a
sense of humanity, heroism, and patriotism to each time we feel despaired with the
circumstances the world bring forth to us. The values that Rizal posses marks the true identity of
the Filipino culture that even though we are despaired with kindness, we continue to show
courageousness and bravery during the trying times. On the Rizal webinar series held by The
National Research Council of the Philippines of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST-NRCP) last April, a group of different viral sensation and TikTok influencers from all
over the Philippines were invited for a Ted-talk stirred webinar titled “Inspirations from Rizal:
The Youth Speaks on the Philippines 100 years hence.” This was a youth people's exercise that
was intended to be an online active learning event that covered the impact of our national hero,
particularly on young people. Participants did in fact sense the power of their dynamism and
energy while listening to the speakers' captivating remarks. The webinar, in the opinion of Dr.
Aimee Lynn Dupo, a DOST-NRCP Member at Large, fulfilled Rizal's role as a scientist who
popularized science in the modern era.
The DOST's undersecretary for research and development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L.
Guevara, stressed in her message that the webinar participants embodied our nation's heroes.
Guevara also emphasized the need for us to constantly remember Rizal's life by emulating his
nationalist views, advocacy activities, and contributions to science—not just for ourselves but
also for the Filipino people. TikTok influencer Mona Magno-Veluz, a.k.a. Mighty Magulang,
asserts in her presentation that many people haven't had the opportunity to learn about Jose.
TikTok influencer Mona Magno-Veluz, a.k.a. Mighty Magulang, asserts in her presentation that
many people haven't had the opportunity to learn about Jose. By understanding the significance
of Rizal's life and work, the youth of today might rediscover the greatness of our national hero
with new eyes. Beyond his literary and scientific accomplishments, Rizal's diligence is what
inspires Veluz. She claimed that Rizal passed away at the extremely early age of 35 and that if he
had not spent his days working, he would not have been able to accomplish all of his
achievements. For her, Rizal understood that success and skill required hard effort and
perseverance.

She was further motivated by Rizal's devotion to his family and the fact that he never left
them. By understanding the significance of Rizal's life and work, the youth of today might
rediscover the greatness of our national hero with new eyes. Beyond his literary and scientific
accomplishments, Rizal's diligence is what inspires Veluz. She claimed that Rizal passed away at
the extremely early age of 35 and that if he had not spent his days working, he would not have
been able to accomplish all of his achievements. For her, Rizal understood that success and skill
required hard effort and perseverance. She was further motivated by Rizal's devotion to his
family and the fact that he never left them.
 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

According to Doblado (2020) Filipino people do not yet realize and practice the essence
and the real message of Rizal’s writings. Doblado added that Rizal is still relevant even in
modern society because the social ills that he condemned more than a hundred years ago are still
prevalent in the Philippines today. The only difference and the sad truth is that the new inflicters
are also Filipinos. "He was a social analyst during the Spanish period. He brings up problems
like corruption, exaggeration, exploitation. What is sad is, ‘when we say corruption, it seems
modern because until now there has been corruption, until now there has been exploitation, until
now there has been abuse of office or position. It was even better during Rizal's time, foreigners,
Spaniards did it to the Indians, in our modern time, both of us Filipinos do it.” The social ills that
Rizal denounced more than a century ago are still present and continue to get worse in the way
the Philippines is run today, proving that he is still relevant in today's world. He described all the
issues the nation is currently dealing with, including governmental corruption, mistreatment,
exploitation, and other unfair practices. The terrible part is that it now involves fellow Filipinos
who engage in those unjust actions solely for their own selfish gain. In connection to Rizal's
work, Filipinos were aware of the issues facing their nation from the beginning, yet they
persisted in leading prejudiced and unequal lives without coming up with a concrete plan to put
an end to the odious practices.

The works of Jose Rizal, particularly the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which
left a more enduring influence, inspired the Andres Bonifacio-led revolution in the Philippines.
This is one of the strongest defenses offered by those who think Rizal deserves to be honored as
the nation's hero. Throughout the Spanish era, many Filipinos found inspiration in Rizal. Rafael
Palma, a historian, asserts that Rizal was more deserving of the honor of being called a national
hero. Rizal was even credited with suggesting

PThat Antonio Luna command the revolutionary forces was a good plan to reduce deaths
when facing the formidable Spanish militia because Luna has studied military science. Only a
well-equipped and adequately armed army, in Rizal's opinion, could guarantee victory.

RECOMMENDATION

Private schools must continue teaching the life of Rizal to students starting their first
grade year level. The earlier they learn the life of Rizal the more they will be familiarized on his
great contribution to his country Philippines and his heroism to his fellow Filipino. Also, Rizal’s
life shouldn’t revolve around the classrooms, rather there should be more museums dedicated to
the novels and books of him, there can be more than school books and videos that played during
classes that kids can learn and absorb. If there will be more learning visuals available for public
use, there is a higher possibility that Jose Rizal wouldn’t only be remembered on a short period
of time. Jose Rizal’s literary works should be made more interesting for the everyone especially
for young ones who find reading books boring. They should be exposed more to theatre plays
that narrates the novels of Rizal like the El Filibusterismo.

Learning the life of Rizal is mandated by the law, Republic Act 1425 which also known
as Rizal law, The law's sponsor, Senator Jose P. Laurel, argued that since Rizal was the father of
Philippine nationalism and made significant contributions to the country's current standing, it is
only fitting that the country's youth and all citizens learn about and imbibe the lofty ideals for
which he gave his life.

CONCLUSION

In these trying times, Filipinos would do well to reflect on the moral principles Rizal
upheld in order to give our own struggles for survival some context. Rizal represented and
realized the best that the Filipino people have to offer. The Katipunaneros were motivated by his
victories and hardships, even in the face of certain defeat, to start the Revolution in defiance of
overwhelming odds and establish Asia's first independent Republic. And even today, Rizal
continues to inspire our generation to work toward establishing a country where every Filipino
can live in genuine freedom.

MESSAGE TO PROFESSOR

In the previous classes we had, there is only one thing that I realized and that it is, I am
not yet fully aware and well informed about the life of Jose Rizal and his deeds. I’d like to thank
Sir. Jumel for providing us the wisdom we all need to have in order for us to be educated and
become literate in terms of Jose Rizal’s different life journey. I wish that Sir. Jumel continues to
pursue his passion in teaching and become an inspiration to many other students like how he
became an inspiration to us his students in Kursong Rizal. I’m glad that Sir. Jumel became our
professor because he really is a very kind-hearted person. God bless you, Sir. Jumel and thank
you for the time we had for our Kursong Rizal course.
 REFERENCES

Yanuario, R. A. G. (n.d.). Youth Speaks! Rizal is an inspiration to our generation.

Www.dost.gov.ph. https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/74-2022-news/2728-
youth-speaks-rizal-is-an-inspiration-to-our-generation.html

Reyno, Ma. C. (2012, September 18). Timeless Lessons from Rizal - National Historical
Commission of the Philippines. National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
https://nhcp.gov.ph/timeless-lessons-from-rizal/

“Rizal is still relevant in a modern society.” (2020, January 7). Palawan Daily News.
https://palawandailynews.com/feature/rizal-is-still-relevant-in-a-modern-society/

‌ oncepcion, H. (n.d.). What is the importance of studying Rizal. Www.academia.edu.

C
https://www.academia.edu/12954675/What_is_the_importance_of_studying_Rizal

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