THE DEATH OF OUR NATIONAL HERO, JOSE RIZAL:

A LEGACY OF PATRIOTISM, SELF-SACRIFICE, AND LOVE FOR COUNTRY

Group 2 – Chapter 5 [Part III]

MAIN CONTRIBUTOR: PINEDA, MATT ELIJAH T.

MEMBER: MADRONIO, REYNANTE JR
MARCELINO, LEXIE VILE
I. INTRODUCTION

The death of Jose Rizal marks a significant event in Philippine history as it

signifies the country's struggle for independence and national identity. Rizal was
an influential figure who actively fought against the Spanish colonial regime
through his writings and activism. In his novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," Rizal exposed the injustices and abuses committed by the
Spanish authorities and the Catholic Church, which led to his arrest, trial, and
eventual execution in 1896 (Zaide, 2008).

Rizal's death has become a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and love for country,
inspiring generations of Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms (Agoncillo,
1990). He dedicated his life to the pursuit of education and social justice,
emphasizing the importance of national unity, integrity, and self-sacrifice in the
face of oppression. His legacy continues to influence contemporary Filipino
society as his teachings and ideals continue to inspire Filipinos to strive for
excellence, social responsibility, and integrity.

II. DISCUSSION

This paper aims to explore the values that Rizal embodied and how his death
exemplified those values. It will discuss the significance of Rizal's patriotism,
self-sacrifice, and love for country and how these values remain relevant and
important to Filipinos today.

Patriotism

Rizal was a patriotic person who deeply loved his country and worked hard to
uplift and serve his people. According to Agoncillo (1990), Rizal's patriotism was
evident in his advocacy for the country's welfare and development, which he
saw as intertwined with the well-being of its people. Rizal recognized the
potential of his country, but he also acknowledged its weaknesses and the need
for reforms.

Rizal believed that the country's development was linked to education and
economic progress, and he strove to promote these values throughout his life.
He was a scholar and a doctor, using his talents and skills to benefit the Filipino
people. Rizal also recognized the importance of social justice, democracy, and
individual liberty, which he believed were essential to achieving national
progress and development.

Rizal's patriotism is exemplified in his novel Noli Me Tangere, which exposed the
social injustices and corruption in Spanish colonial society. The novel highlights
the plight of the Filipino people and their suffering under colonial rule. Rizal's
love for his country is also evident in his other works, including El Filibusterismo,
which depicts the corruption and greed of those in power and the struggle of
the oppressed masses to achieve justice.
Self-Sacrifice

Rizal believed in self-sacrifice and was willing to endure personal hardships for
the greater good. As noted by Constantino (1970), Rizal's willingness to sacrifice
himself for his country was evident in his decision to face execution rather than
betray his principles or fellow Filipinos. Rizal's martyrdom became a symbol of
resistance against oppression and an inspiration to future generations of
Filipinos.

Rizal's self-sacrifice is evident in his works, particularly in his poem "Mi Ultimo
Adios," which he wrote on the eve of his execution. The poem reflects his deep
love for his country and his acceptance of his fate as a sacrifice for the greater
good. Rizal's martyrdom inspired Filipinos to continue the fight for their freedom
and independence and to uphold the values of justice, democracy, and
individual liberty.

Love for Country

Despite experiencing injustice and oppression, Rizal remained steadfast in his

love for his country and his desire to see it thrive. He believed in the power of
education to transform society and advocated for the development of Filipino
nationalism and identity. Rizal recognized that a nation's strength lies not only
in its physical resources but also in its cultural heritage and the character of its
people.

Rizal's love for his country is evident in his works, particularly in his essay "The
Philippines a Century Hence." The essay discusses the potential of the
Philippines as a nation and the challenges it faces in achieving progress and
development. Rizal recognized the importance of national unity, social justice,
and individual liberty in achieving national goals.

Legacy

Rizal's legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to this day. His values
of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and love for country remain relevant and important
in the face of modern-day challenges, Rizal's values remain significant and
relevant. For instance, his advocacy for education as a tool for social
transformation is still applicable today, as education remains a key factor in
achieving development and progress. Rizal believed that education would help
Filipinos to be independent, to think critically, and to become active participants
in the nation's development. His call for education is still being echoed today by
different sectors of society, as education continues to be a priority in the
country's development agenda.

Moreover, Rizal's values of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and love for country

continue to inspire Filipinos to work towards the common good. Rizal's life and
death remind us of the importance of putting the interests of the nation above
our own, and of being willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. Filipinos
are still facing many challenges today, such as poverty, corruption, and political
instability, but Rizal's example serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration,
encouraging us to continue the struggle for a better Philippines.
III. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the death of Jose Rizal signifies his steadfast dedication to the
values of freedom, justice, and nation-building. As noted by Agoncillo (1990),
Rizal's unwavering commitment to his principles and fellow Filipinos led to his
ultimate sacrifice. Despite the oppression and injustice, he experienced, Rizal
never lost faith in his country and people. He believed in the power of education
and Filipino nationalism to transform society, and his actions and writings
inspired subsequent generations of Filipinos to continue the struggle for their
freedom and independence.

Jose Rizal embodied many values that are still relevant and significant today.
He was a patriot who loved his country deeply and worked hard to uplift and
serve his people. He believed in the power of education to transform society
and advocated for the development of Filipino nationalism and identity. Rizal's
death became a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution and inspired subsequent
generations of Filipinos to fight for their freedom and independence. His legacy
continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to this day, reminding us of the
enduring struggle for justice, freedom, and nation-building, and inspiring us to
strive for excellence, integrity, and social responsibility in all aspects of our lives.

Rizal's life and legacy continue to serve as a source of inspiration for Filipinos,
reminding them of the importance of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and love for
country. As noted by Constantino (1970), Rizal's example is a beacon of hope
and inspiration for future generations, who will continue to carry on his legacy
and fight for a better future for all. Rizal's legacy also emphasizes the
significance of striving for excellence, integrity, and social responsibility in all
aspects of life.

In conclusion, the death of Jose Rizal remains a significant event in Philippine

history, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his values and his people. His
life and legacy continue to inspire and motivate Filipinos to this day, reminding
them of the importance of working towards a just and free society for all.

IV. REFERENCES
Abinales, P. N., & Amoroso, D. J. (2005). State and society in the Philippines.
Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: Garotech

Publishing.

Constantino, R. (1970). The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Quezon City: Tala

Publishing Services.

Zaide, G. F. (2008). Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer,
Scientist, and National Hero. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store.
V. CHALLENGE

This challenge is all about putting yourself in Jose Rizal's shoes and imagining
how you would use your own talents and skills to make a positive impact on
your community.

Write an essay outlining your vision for creating a better future for the
Philippines, and explain how you would embody the values of patriotism, self-
sacrifice, and love for country in your efforts. Be creative and don't be afraid to
think big!

VI. CHALLENGE - CRITERIA

Criteria for evaluation include the following:

Creativity and originality (10 points): Did the essay offer unique ideas and a
fresh perspective on how to tackle contemporary issues in the Philippines?

Clarity and coherence (10 points): Was the essay well-written, easy to follow,
and free from errors?

Relevance and depth of analysis (20 points): Did the essay offer insightful and
thoughtful analysis of the challenges facing the Philippines, and how Rizal's
values could be applied to address them?

Use of credible and relevant sources (10 points): Were sources used to support
arguments and were they relevant and credible?

Total possible points: 50