RIZAL - WEEK 1 TO 3

Bayani

The word "___" in Filipino or Tagalog has a rich and layered etymology that reflects both linguistic evolution and cultural values

Tagalog "bayani"

Borrowed from Kapampangan "bayani", which itself comes from Proto-Philippine baʀani, and ultimately from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian baʀani, meaning "brave, bold; dare to do"

Cognates of bayani

Cebuano: bagani; Maranao: bagani; Malay: berani; Marshallese: peran

Bayani in Filipino Culture

In Tagalog, bayani means "hero", but it also carries deeper connotations

Bayani as mutual aid

A person who engages in mutual aid or cooperative endeavor

Bayani as free service

Someone who offers free service for the benefit of the community

Bayanihan

The Filipino tradition of communal unity and cooperation

Cultural Significance of Bayani

The term bayani is not just about individual heroism but also about selflessness, solidarity, and service to others—core Filipino values

Christopher Reeve

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Joseph Campbell

• “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

• March 26, 1904 – October 30, 1987. He was an American writer. He was a professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College.

Maya Angelou

• “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.”

• An American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry

Napoleon Bonaparte

• “True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat.”

• Later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French general and statesman who rose to prominence during the French Revolution.

Arthur Ashe

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

Arthur Robert Ashe Jr.

July 10, 1943 – February 6, 1993. He was an American professional tennis player

Nelson Mandela

• “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

• Rolihlahla Mandela; 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013. He was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who served as the first president of South Africa

Tom McCall

• “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it's my responsibility to make it better.”

• March 22, 1913 – January 8, 1983. He was an American politician and journalist in the state of Oregon

Society without heroes

Often described as fragmented, cynical, and lacking moral direction.

Loss of Identity and Unity

Heroes serve as symbols of shared values and national pride. Without them, a nation may drift like “a ship without a compass,” as seen in Nigeria’s struggle to identify universally admired figures

Cultural and Moral Decline

In the absence of heroes, societies may turn to celebrities or influencers who lack the depth of character and sacrifice that true heroes embody. This shift can erode cultural values and historical continuity

Emptiness and Disillusionment

George Roche writes that a world without heroes leads to pervasive unhappiness. People chase pleasure and self-fulfillment but remain unsatisfied because they lack higher ideals to strive for

Warning from History

“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” This quote, often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, emphasizes that honoring heroes is essential for a nation’s survival and resilience

Jose Rizal

"A nation without heroes is a nation of cowards."

Traditional Archetypes

Often warriors, kings, or mythical figures (e.g., Achilles, King Arthur, Joan of Arc)

Traditional heroes

Embodied physical strength, bravery in battle, and loyalty to their people

Diverse Archetypes

Can be activists, scientists, healthcare workers, whistleblowers, or even everyday people

Modern heroes

Emphasize empathy, resilience, and social impact over physical prowess, skill or expertise in a particular activity or field

Myth and Legend

Stories passed down orally or through ancient texts

Yesterday's heroes

Their deeds were often exaggerated or symbolic, representing ideals of their time

Today's heroes

Social media and global news allow heroes to be recognized instantly

Modern hero stories

Their actions can inspire movements across borders

Yesterday's heroes and morality

Clear distinction between good and evil

Traditional hero expectations

Heroes were expected to uphold honor, justice, and sacrifice

Today's heroes and morality

Heroes today often face moral ambiguity

Modern hero methods

They may challenge authority, break rules, or face criticism for their methods

Traditional hero influence

Influence was mostly local or regional

Traditional hero recognition

Recognition came slowly, often posthumously

Modern hero influence

Can affect global change (e.g., Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg)

Modern hero recognition

Their stories are shared widely and can mobilize international support

Rizal Law

Republic Act 1425

Senator Jose P. Laurel

The Father of Rizal Law

Senate Bill 448

In 1956 he filed the Senate Bill 448 or the Rizal Bill, but it was so rough due to several persons who tried to block its approval

Sen. Deocoroso Rosales

Devout Catholic and brother of the former archbishop of Manila

Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo

Catholic Action of the Philippines, President

Sen. Mariano Cuenco

A brother of an Archbishop in the local diocese of the Philippines

Jesus Paredes

Radio commentator

Fr. Jesus Cavana

Member of the Paulist Order who wrote a pastoral letter

The Friars

Persons listed among those who opposed the approval of the Rizal Law

Champion of Rizal Law

• Sen. Jose P. Laurel

• Claro M. Recto

• Other Illustrious Nationalists

• Order of the Knights of Rizal

Rizal Bill

Congress passed the Rizal Bill (Senate Bill 448)

Republic Act No. 1425

n Act to Include in the Curricula of All Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities Courses on the Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal, Particularly His Novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution Thereof, and for Other Purposes

Approval of R.A. 1425

• June 12, 1956

• The Rizal Bill was signed into Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425) by President Ramon Magsaysay

Presidential Memorandum Order 247

Dated December 26, 1994. President Ramos directed the DECS and CHED to immediately and fully implement R.A. 1425

Legislated

Founded on Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law)

Mandated

It is ordered by Presidential Memorandum Order 247 and CHED Memorandum Order 6 dated February 15, 1996

CHED Memorandum Order 6

CHED ordered all colleges and universities to offer Rizal course as a separate three-unit course immediately

Commission Taft

The commission that selected the national hero of the Philippines during the American period

William Howard Taft

President of the first commission of Estados Unidos

Dr. H. Otley Beyer

Proposed 4 bases

Marcelo Hilario del Pilar y Gatmaitán

• Commonly known as Marcelo H. del Pilar and also known by his pen name Plaridel

• A Filipino writer, lawyer, journalist, and freemaso

Reform Movement

Del Pilar, along with José Rizal and Graciano López Jaena, became known as the leaders of the Reform Movement in Spain

Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta

• A Filipino army general who fought in the Philippine–American War

• Regarded as one of the fiercest generals of his time