P1. HIS 007 Life and Works of Rizal

• Republic Act No. 1425 or known as the Rizal Law

This law mandates all educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about José Rizal.

Americanism

• was widespread in our society

• general inclination of the Filipinos to be loyal to the United States and the Americans

Senators Claro M. Recto and José P. Laurel

• sought to address this problem by promoting the teachings of Riza

Pro catholic Senators

• They believed that Rizal's writings attacked the Church. 

• Catholic Church served as the main opposition to the bill. 

1956.

• The Rizal Bill became a law in

The Philippines in the 19th century context

• marked by colonial oppression, social injustice, and political turmoil

• Rizal fought against these injustices, aiming to catalyze political, economic, and socio-cultural change

• forefront of the nationalist movement, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the revolution that followed

• Political Context

• 19th century was a time of great change for many countries

• a continuation of harsh treatment for the Filipino people

• frequent changes in leadership and internal conflicts in Spain directly affected the Philippines

• racial discrimination

• forced labor

• power of the friars or frailocracy

• lack of representation in the Spanish Cortes meant that the Filipino people had no voice in their own government.

Economic Context

• the 19th century saw a boom in European industry thanks to powerful steam engines

• Suez Canal was built to connect Europe and Asia directly

• travel time from Spain dropped from over two months to just 30 days

• allowed Filipino elites, or Ilustrados, to send their children to European universities

• the Propaganda Movement was formed to expose the Philippines' plight and pressure Spain for change

Socio cultural Context

• the 19th century brought a wave of new ideas to the Philippines

• the rise of the Enlightenment

• the Ilustrados, learned about revolutions in other countries and began to yearn for similar freedoms

• rise of a middle class, the Principalia

• allowed Filipinos to rent land from friar estates

• friars who owned the land often exploited the tenants by raising rents and taxes.

Church Abuses

The immense power and influence of the Catholic Church, particularly the friar class, was a major point of contention.Filipinos resented the control over education, land ownership, and daily life wielded by the friars. Accusations of corruption, brutality, and stifling intellectual development were frequent.

Inequality and Discrimination

Philippine society was deeply stratified, with Filipinos at the bottom, Spaniards at the top, and the Mestizos (mixed race) occupying an ambiguous middle ground. This rigid structure limited opportunities for Filipinos, fostering resentment and a desire for social change.

Limited Representation and Lack of Freedom

Filipinos had little say in their own governance. They were

excluded from positions of power and decision-making. Issues like freedom of speech and assembly were

severely restricted, fueling frustration and a yearning for self-determination.

The Galleon Trade and Economic Stagnation

While initially profitable, the Galleon Trade became outdated and restrictive. It limited economic opportunities for Filipinos and favored Spanish interests. The 19th century saw calls for modernization and opening up trade, sparking debate about economic policy.

The Reform Movement vs. Revolution

There were differing opinions on how to achieve change. Rizal and other Ilustrados (enlightened Filipinos) advocated for peaceful reforms through education and assimilation.

Others, increasingly frustrated, believed revolution was the only answer. This ideological divide was a significant controversy.

Wednesday, June 19, 1861

Jose Rizal was born in the moonlit night of

lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna

Jose Rizal was born in

Teodora Alonso

His mother was his first

teacher.

(Chinese,

Spanish, Japanese, Filipino)

multicultural ancestry gave him a

broad cultural awareness.

Principalia or Creole

Rizal’s family belonged to the

middle-class status,

.

José Rizal's was filled with warmth and love from his

family.

● He had an aya, who became a source of wonder, regaling him

with enchanting tales

● At age 3, he had a nipa cottage in their garden - his sanctuary. It

was also at this age when Rizal learned to read and write under

the patient guidance of his mother, his first teacher.

● Rizal’s First Sorrow – at four years old, his beloved younger sister

Concha passed away.

Maestro Celestino and Maestro Lucas Padua

tutor for early instruction

Leon Monroy

tutor for Spanish and Latin; passed away after 5

months

Maestro Justiniano Cruz

- Rizal’s new teacher in Biñan

- known for his strict discipline

- valued preparedness

- used rewards and punishments

- instilled discipline that would prove valuable in Rizal’s

future studies

Rizal Challenge

● Rizal received corporal punishment from his teacher, Maestro

Cruz. He reflected in his diary that he focused on the lessons

learned rather than the number of beatings endured. He viewed

this demanding approach as a form of motivation to excel.

● Rizal was bullied by Pedro; Rizal defeated Pedro and earned

respect from his peers. This incident highlights how José

developed various skills beyond academics, showcasing his

strength and resilience.

December 17, 1870.

Jose Rizal returned home to Calamba on a Saturday

afternoon, After a long period away,

he was reunited with his family and felt the warmth of

their love.

1861

June 19

Jose

Rizal is born in

Calamba,

Laguna

1864

Rizal learns the

alphabet from his

mother, Teodora

Alonso

1865

Rizal's sister,

Concepcion, dies

at the age of three.

1865-1867

Rizal receives

informal education

from his mother and

private tutors

1870

December: went

back home to

Calamba

1869

June: Rizal set for

Biñan for his primary

formal education

1868

Rizal goes on a

pilgrimage to

Antipolo with his

father.

Teodora Alonso

Rizal's mother, a highly intelligent and cultured

woman, instilled in him a love for learning, religion, and arts.

Francisco Mercado

Rizal's father, a strong and independent

man, taught him the value of hard work, honesty, and

self-respect.

Paciano Rizal

Rizal's older brother, a mentor and confidant,

influenced his nationalist sentiments and revolutionary ideals.

Siblings

Growing up with eleven siblings fostered in Rizal a

strong sense of family and camaraderie. Their close-knit

relationship provided emotional support and a sense of

belonging.

Manuel Alberto

Concerned about Rizal's frail physique, Uncle Manuel introduced

him to physical activities. He trained Rizal in swimming, fencing, wrestling, and other

sports, helping him develop strength and agility.

Jose Alberto

A painter by profession, he introduced Rizal to the world of art. This

exposure to aesthetics likely contributed to Rizal's appreciation for beauty and

creativity.

Gregorio

Known for his scholarly pursuits, Uncle Gregorio instilled in Rizal a love

for learning and the importance of education. His guidance encouraged Rizal's

intellectual growth.

Doña Teodora Alonso

As mentioned, Rizal's mother was his first

teacher, teaching him basic reading, writing, and prayers.

Maestro Celestino

One of Rizal's first private tutors, providing

him with basic education.

Maestro Lucas Padua

Another early tutor who contributed to

Rizal's foundational knowledge.

Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz

This was Rizal's teacher in

Biñan, Laguna. Known for his strict discipline, Cruz was

instrumental in Rizal's intellectual growth. He recognized Rizal's

potential and pushed him to excel.

Ateneo Municipal de Manila

Establishment: 1865, Jesuit institution

Rizal’s Enrollment: Help from Manuel Burgos

Instructors: Father Jose Bech, Francisco de Paula

Sanchez, Father Jose Vilaclara

Segunda Katigbak

, a wealthy young woman from Lipa, met

Jose Rizal at his grandmother's house in Manila when she

was 14 and he was 16.

● He wrote poems and sketched her, but their connection

remained innocent.

● Rizal was aware that Segunda had already promised to

marry another man, Manuel Luz.

University og Santo Tomas

Enrollment: Enrolled in Philosophy and Letters

in 1877; shifted to Medicine.

Experiences: Romantic encounters, academic

challenges, and literary recognition

"A La Juventud Filipina" and "El Consejo de los Dioses."

Rizal won literary awards

Leonor Valenzuela

Love Letters in Disguise: During his

sophomore year at UST, Rizal

boarded at a house next door to the

Valenzuelas. He developed a

fondness for the family's daughter.

Leonor Rivera

The most

significant romance during Rizal's

UST years was with

his cousin from Camiling.

Why Rizal’s Educational Journey Matters Today

● Rizal's experiences mirror student struggles today.

● He teaches us to seek education that liberates, not limits.

● His disillusionment reminds us to speak out against

injustice.

● His journey from privilege to purpose is a model of moral

leadership.