National Historical Commission of the Philippines

Remembering Rizalismo
Remembering Rizalismo by Mona Lisa H. Quizon

To be Jose Rizal, the National Hero is to be immensely admired and also a huge challenge for him to do. However, he is no longer alive when he was proclaimed national hero of the Philippines. During his younger age, Rizal said to his sisters that someday people will build monuments in his honor, Rizal might have dreamed of becoming one of the important figures in our history or he just never thought that he will be what he is at present. Nonetheless, Rizals ideas served as inspiration to the challenges that we are facing today. He was a man of peace with a vision. During the time that our nation was struggling against foreign colonizers, Rizal chose not to take up the guns against the oppressive Spanish government and friars, but instead worked peacefully for reforms. He sought equality among fellowmen under the Spanish rules. When the revolutionary group of Andres Bonifacio encouraged him to join the revolution he turned them down and instead he told that the Philippines was not yet ready for an uprising. He believed that Filipinos were not equipped to challenge the Spanish forces in battle. Rizal emphasized the importance of education as a key to unlock the chains that prevent the Filipinos to step forward for freedom and face the world with pride. He envisioned Filipinos liberated with their own government. According to Rizal the glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin. Hate never produces anything but monsters and criminals He also showed sacrifices; he could have relished of his familys abundance and enjoyed all the travel opportunities that he had, but, instead, he help his countrymen to see the light of freedom through his writings. The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo awakened the souls of every Filipinos to assert their rights as citizens of this nation and more importantly as human beings. Because of his attacks to the Spanish government and church, he was sentenced to die by musketry. He showed heroism by ultimately sacrificing his life in Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896. Rizal stood as one of the great products of the Malay race. His peaceful means of reform makes him Asias first modern non-violent proponent of political reforms. He leads in the rejection of colonialism and the emergence of new Asian nations. Indeed, Rizals ideas continue to make sense. He exemplified virtues of honesty, integrity, patriotism and peace. It is up to us to continue his aspirations and legacies. As we commemorate the 112th Death Anniversary of our National Hero, let us plant in our hearts the legacies of Rizalismo.

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Generated: 23 May, 2011, 01:28