Course Code: CRI 171

Course Title: Nationalism and Patriotism

Teacher’s Guide: Module #5
Rizal was called as the Father of Filipino
Name:___________________________________ Nationalism; and
_____________________ Section: ____________ 2. Recognize the fact that Rizal should be
Schedule: ____________
awarded the said title as the “ Father of
Class number: ______ Date:______________
Filipino Nationalism.

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Introduction
Materials: Ballpen, Paper, Notebook &
SAS
References:
De Ocampo, E. (1962). Dr. Jose Rizal,
Father of Filipino Nationalism. Journal of
Southeast Asian History, 3(1), 44-55.
doi:10.1017/S0217781100000545

Lesson Title: Dr. Jose P. Rizal as the “Father Delmendo, Sharon. The Star-Entangled
of Filipino Nationalism” Banner: One Hundred of America in the
Learning Targets: Philippines. Rutgers University
At the end of the module, students will be able to: Press, New Brunswick:2004. P 21.
1. Recall the significant reasons why Dr. Jose

How are you class? I hope you’re doing great. Today, our topic is all about, “Dr. Jose P. Rizal as the
“Father of Filipino Nationalism”. But before that, let’s have a recap of our lesson last meeting. Yes,
anybody from the group who can recall what our lesson was in the last module? (The teacher must ask
at least two (2) students to answer). Okay, great! So, our lesson last meeting was all about, “The Start of
Filipino Nationalism”. You have learned last meeting the significant persons and dates that contributed
to the start of Filipino nationalism. Today we will be talking about two things: first, we will determine the
fundamental reasons why Rizal was awarded the title as the “Father of Filipino Nationalism including
some legal basis of recognizing the works of our national hero. Are you guys ready? Alright, let’s begin
with this first activity!

B.MAIN LESSON
Content and Skill-Building

Jose Rizal is commonly known as the “Father of Filipino Nationalism”, not because he helped
establish an independent Philippine state (in fact, he specifically and explicitly denounced the 1896
Revolution against Spain), but because he was instrumental in the creation of the
conceptualization of “Filipino” as an ethnopolitical collective – as “a people”, or, in the
language of nationalism “the people”.
In other words, Rizal acclaimed the father “Philippine Nationalism” for his intellectual and idealistic

Course Code: CRI 171

Course Title: Nationalism and Patriotism
Teacher’s Guide: Module #5
Schedule: ____________
Name:___________________________________ Class number: ______ Date:______________
_____________________ Section: ____________

support for Philippine Independence. As an analysis of

his works and speeches will show, Rizal did not support
violent uprisings or revolutions in calling for an
independent state. He was not a war monger but rather an
academic seeking as much as possible a peaceful, logical,
and political solution for the independence of Filipinos from
colonial rule over the political and social aspects of life in
the Philippines. He preached for and encouraged Filipinos
to recognize their potential as Filipino citizens and also
their obligations and duty to their motherland.

First and foremost, Rizal was a strict critic of the Filipino people and how their demeanor
reflected upon the motherland. In his essay entitled, “The Indolence of the Filipino”, Rizal makes the
bold statement that, “Indolence in the Philippine is a chronic malady, but not a hereditary one. The
Filipinos have not always been what they are, witnesses whereto are all the historians of the first years
after the discovery of the Islands”. He is not afraid to point out idleness he notices within his fellow
countrymen. At the same time, he takes the position this flaw of laziness did not originate among the
native Malayan people who first inhabited the Philippine islands but rather rose out of the colonial
occupation of the Philippines over the past centuries. Forced labor, outlandish taxes, colonial
bureaucracies, etc present themselves as a few of the misfortunes that coincide with colonial rule.

Furthermore, Rizal was an intellectual promoter for Philippine nationalism as opposed to

taking the violent extremist approach to opposing to foreign occupation.

For example, Rizal wrote a “Letter to His Countrymen” while held as a prisoner at Fort Santiago.
He was captured and imprisoned because his name was labeled with the Katipunan revolutionaries
without his consent. Even with his strong advocacy for Philippine liberty, Rizal stated: I have given proof
that I am one most anxious for liberties for our country, and I am still desirous of them. But I place as a
prior condition the education of the people that by means of instruction and industry our country may
have an individuality of its own and make itself worthy of these liberties…holding these ideas, I cannot
do less than condemn, as I condemn this uprising – as absurd, savage, and plotted behind my back –
which dishonors us Filipinos and discredits who could plead our cause. Rizal opposed this rebellion due
to its rash methods and temporary goals achieved through violence. Rizal’s desired liberation for the
Philippines through diplomatically sound and socially practical methods. Agreeably Philippine
historian, H. de la Costa, writes: On many different occasions and in many different ways [Rizal] tried to
bring home the point that “there would be no tyrants if there were no slaves”. If Filipinos wanted to
enjoy the privileges of freedom, they had to learn how to carry its responsibilities. They had to
learn how to work together; how to adopt a common plan and carry it into effect.

Related laws concerning Rizal:

Course Code: CRI 171

Course Title: Nationalism and Patriotism
Teacher’s Guide: Module #5
Schedule: ____________
Name:___________________________________ Class number: ______ Date:______________
_____________________ Section: ____________

Republic Act No. 1425, approved on June 12, 1956 is entitled “An 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”.

President Carlos P. Garcia of the Philippines issued on December 12, 1960 “Proclamation No. 724
authorizing the Philippines International Fair, Inc. to hold an International Fair in the Sunken Gardens…
City of Manila, Philippines, from February 1 to March 31, 1961, in celebration of Rizal's Centenary
Birthday Anniversary in 1961 which has been declared as JOSE RIZAL YEAR with the slogan “VISIT
THE PHILIPPINES — SEE THE ORIENT”.

Administrative Order No. 137: Designating the National Rizal Day Committee

WHEREAS, the 30th day of December, 1950, is the 54th anniversary of the martyrdom of the greatest
Filipino hero, Jose Rizal;

WHEREAS, more than at any other epoch in the history of the Philippines, there is today an imperative
need of emphasizing and inculcating in the minds of our citizenry, particularly the youth of the land, a
more determined observance and enrichment of Filipino character, of which Rizal, by precept and by
example, was the greatest exponent; NOW, THEREFORE, I Elpidio Quirino, President of the
Philippines, do hereby call upon all officials and citizens of the Republic to observe the anniversary of
our national
hero’s death this year with the most appropriate ceremonies and programs expressive of Filipino
character as a fitting homage and gratitude to the memory of Rizal.

Act No. 345: An Act designating the days which shall be observed as public holidays in the
Philippine Islands. The first day of each week, commonly called Sunday, the first day of January, the
twenty-second of February, Thursday and Friday of what is commonly called Holy Week, the fourth of
July, the thirteenth of August, Thanksgiving Day, the twenty-fifth of December and the thirtieth of
December shall be public holidays

Republic Act No. 229: An act to prohibit cockfighting, horse racing and jai-alai on the thirtieth day of
December of each year and to create a committee to take charge of the proper celebration of Rizal Day
in every municipality and chartered city, and for other purposes.
C. LESSON WRAP-UP
Summary:
Jose Rizal is known as the “Father of Filipino Nationalism”, not because he helped establish an
independent Philippine state, but because he was instrumental in the creation of the conceptualization
of “Filipino”. In other words, Rizal acclaimed the father “Philippine Nationalism” for his intellectual and
idealistic support for Philippine Independence. As an analysis of his works and speeches will show,
Rizal did not support violent uprisings or revolutions in calling for an independent state. He was not a
war monger but rather an academic seeking as much as possible a peaceful, logical, and political
solution for the independence of Filipinos from colonial rule over the political and social aspects of life
in the Philippines.

Republic Act No. 1425, approved on June 12, 1956 is entitled “An 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”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Rizal a nationalist or a patriot?
Answer: Jose Rizal is both a nationalist and a patriot. Why? He is an advocate for great reforms during
Spanish era that shows his love for our country, the Philippines. ... Rizal just wants our country to be
one