Rizal as a symbol and
Nation Building

Rizal’s Dying Wish
1. he should be buried in the Earth , preferably in
Paang Bundok (now North Cemetary) with a stone
and a cross on top

Rizal’s Dying Wish
2. That his name, date of birth and death must be
reflected

Rizal’s Dying Wish
3. a fence that would mark his grave
4. no anniversary celebration must be conducted

What turn’s out?
1. Buried in Paco cemetery and later transferred beneath his
monument in Luneta on December 12, 1912.
2. Nation built him instead a grand stone monument
3. Fence was made in a big park which became a tourist spot
4.The whole nation commemorates his death every year
with full military honors.

During the meeting of the Katipunan, Rizal’s
portrait was hung on the walls of the meeting room
so that members could see his face clearly; and as
being the honorary President of the secret society.

“TWO” Rizal’s that appeared in the History
1. Historic Rizal: who lived and died in the 19th century; born & raised in
Calamba, studied in Ateneo de municipal, travelled and studied abroad;
published the NOLI and El Fili; founded the La Liga Filipina and the Martyr of
Bagumbayan in 1896.
2. Symbolic Rizal: found in the peso coin; postage stamps, icon of Rock, inT-
shirts…open to many meanings

Rizal’s vision for the future generation
1. a generation of enlightened and educated
Filipinos
2. Filipinos reading his writings would have the
same national sentiment as he had once

•TODAY, Rizal is not just read out of appreciation but
as primary weapon to dictate the identity of the
Filipinos, which in turn has direct correlation to
building the nation.

Lines from his writing: Mi Ultimo Adios” that
sighted the meaning of sacrifice for the sake of the
nation
Translated by Andres Bonifacio as “ Sa Huling Pahimakas ni
Dr. Jose Rizal”
Masayang sa iyo’y aking idudulot
Ang lanta kong buhay na lubhang malungkot
maging maringal man at labis ang alindog
sa kagalingan mo ay akin ding handog

Sa pakikidigma at pamimiyapis
Ang alay ng iba’y ang buhay na kipkip
Walang agam-agam maluwag sa dibdib
Matamis sa puso at di ikahahapis

Importance of Studying Rizal
•1. applicati0n to real life his life, education and past times
•2. reflection on commemorating Rizal Day
•3. everyone is enjoined to participate in political and social
process of building the nation, especially the youth where
they are expected to be “Rizal-like” in terms of deep
nationalism