30/12/2024
[FEATURE]
From Pen to Patriotism: Rizal’s Legacy in the Fight for Freedom
By: Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez
Today marks the 128th Rizal Day. We honor the life and sacrifices of Dr. Jose Rizal, also known as José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. He was a polymath, patriot, writer, and revolutionist. He published his novel entitled Noli me Tangere (The Social Cancer) and its sequel, El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed). These works exposed the injustices and abuses committed by the Spanish colonial government and clergy in the Philippines, which established him as the foremost spokesman for the Philippine reform movement. He then published an annotated edition (1890; reprinted 1958) of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, trying to show that the indigenous people of the Philippines had a long history prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. Then he became the leader of the propaganda movement, writing numerous pieces for its newspaper, La Solidaridad. He also created political programs including the Philippines' integration as a province of Spain, representation in the Cortes (the Spanish parliament), the replacement of Spanish friars with Filipino priests, freedom of assembly and expression, and legal equality for Filipinos and Spaniards.
He founded a nonviolent reform society, the Liga Filipina, in Manila, and he was sent to Dapitan in northwest Mindanao. He stayed in exile for the following four years. In 1896, the Katipunan, a Filipino nationalist secret society, revolted against the Spanish. The military arrested and prosecuted Rizal for sedition, despite Rizal having no ties to that organization and no involvement in the revolt. After being found guilty, he was publicly executed by a firing squad in Manila.
Rizal Day celebrates Rizal's principles of nationalism and reform, as well as his contributions to Philippine society. It commemorates Rizal's legacy and reaffirms an awareness of national identity. His principles of patriotism, truthfulness, and dedication to the development of the people have inspired generations. His immense wisdom and prudence left a significant impact on us. He was truly a brave patriot who fought for us to the furthest extent ’til his last breath.
Dr. Jose Rizal, we stand in awe of you.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Rizal
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