How Rizal Ended Up as Our National Hero
Jose Rizal • Who made Rizal our National Hero?
William Howard Taft
TAFT • American governor-general in the Philippines • Declared Rizal as our national hero
TAFT • Americans have State flags, State birds, flowers, etc • They wanted the newly-acquired colony to have a set too. • The Americans looked around and what ever they find common, they assigned them as our national symbols. • Maya, bangus, narra, mango, carabao, etc
National Hero Candidates
Why Rizal? • He is a man of peace, Bonifacio is a man of war. • If Bonifacio is chosen, the natives might get inspired to start another war versus the Americans.
The Katipunan
The Katipunan • The KKK is also responsible for making Rizal our national hero.
The Katipunan • “Rizal” was their password before entering their hideout. • They shouted “Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay si Dr. Jose Rizal!” as they tore their cedulas during the Cry of Pugad Lawin
The Katipunan • “Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay si Dr. Jose Rizal!” was their battle cry every time they charged at the enemy. • They had a portrait of Rizal in every KKK camp.
The Spaniards, thru Rizal’s Execution
After December 30, 1896 • Rizal’s execution was a big catalyst in making him even more popular. • His value as a hero became stronger.
After December 30, 1896 • After Rizal’s execution, the Revolution against Spain grew fiercer • From the original 8 KKK provinces (represented by the Philippine sun), the people from all over the archipelago – Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao- joined the Revolution • Rizal fanned the flames of the Revolution
After December 30, 1896 • After Rizal’s execution, eulogies were held all over the world – in Europe, South America, Hong Kong, Singapore, and USA. • Rizal was very famous across the globe
Emilio Aguinaldo
December 30 • President Emilio Aguinaldo recognized the value of Rizal to the nation.
December 30 • On the second death anniversary of Rizal in 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo declared December 30 as a holiday to commemorate the death of Rizal.
December 30 • Even before the Americans made him a hero, Aguinaldo already made him one.
Rizal Biographers • Rafael Palma (The Pride of the Malay Race)
• Dr. Frank Laubach (Rizal: Man and Martyr)
Rizal Biographers • Books, and other literature about the life of Rizal proliferated during the American Period. • They were written mainly by Palma and Laubach
Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt
Blumentritt • Rizal’s European friend • In a eulogy for Rizal, Blumentritt said that “I have never seen a brown-skinned man who has greater accomplishments and world-wide fame than Rizal. Therefore, I name him, ‘The Great Malayan’.” • Europeans too, made him into a hero.
Rizal on Stamps and Currency
Rizal Stamps • During the American Period, Rizal was a common image on Philippine stamps • His portrait spread all over the world • He became even more popular after his death
Statues of Rizal • Statues of Rizal were erected everywhere. • In the Philippines and abroad
Statues of Rizal • In Luneta
• In Dapitan
Statues of Rizal • In Philippine Barrios
• In the USA
• Europe
Rizal Statues • Statues of Rizal were erected all over the Philippines- in every public school and town plaza. • Also abroad, in places where he once walked.
RA1425 • Half-a-century after his death, the leaders of our Republic elevated Rizal higher by legislating RA 1425.
RA 1425 • Sen. Claro M. Recto
• Sen. Jose P. Laurel
• Pres. Ramon Magsaysay
RA1425 • Rizal course is a REQUIRED course in college
So who made Rizal our National Hero? • All of the above