History logo

The Revolutionary Legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal

The Hero of the Philippines

By Ziain MoralesPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
Dr. José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

This article will explore the life and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, a renowned Filipino nationalist, writer, and philosopher who is widely considered the national hero of the Philippines. Dr. Rizal was a key figure in the Philippine Revolution, a nationwide uprising to end Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. His writings, which helped to galvanize the Filipino people in pursuit of independence, have been translated into numerous languages and are still widely studied and discussed today. In addition to his writings, Dr. Rizal was also a medical doctor, a polymath, and a passionate advocate for human rights. This article will explore the life of Dr. Rizal and his impact on the Philippine nation.

Dr. Jose Rizal is a national hero and martyr of the Philippines. He was an inspirational leader of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. His works and writings contributed to the development of Philippine nationalism and the eventual independence of the Philippines.

Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba City, Laguna, Rizal was a polymath who excelled in many areas. He was an excellent writer, poet, novelist, physician, painter, sculptor, engineer, architect, and scientist. He was also a skilled politician and diplomat, representing the Filipino people in negotiations with foreign powers.

Rizal was highly educated and was able to speak and write in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Tagalog, and German. He was also a prominent member of the Propaganda Movement, a group of Filipino intellectuals who sought to reform Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

Rizal wrote several books that were critical of Spanish colonialism and the Catholic Church in the Philippines. His works include the novels ‘Noli Me Tangere’ (Touch Me Not) and ‘El Filibusterismo’ (The Subversive), and a poem ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’ (My Last Farewell). He also wrote numerous articles and essays about independence, human rights, and social justice.

Rizal was arrested in 1896 and executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896. His death sparked the Philippine Revolution, which eventually led to the Philippine independence in 1898.

In 1961, Dr. Jose Rizal was declared a national hero of the Philippines and his works are required reading in schools. He is an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy in the Philippines and his legacy is remembered every year on his birthday, June 19, which is commemorated as a national holiday.

Dr. Jose Rizal is an important part of Philippine history and will always be remembered as a symbol of freedom and a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.

The Filipino people celebrate the life of Dr Jose Rizal,

The day of Rizal’s death is commemorated as a national holiday in the Philippines. The celebration includes a variety of activities such as public lectures, seminars, parades, and festivals. During the celebration, Filipinos pay tribute to Rizal’s courage, resilience, and patriotism.

The celebration begins with a flag-raising ceremony in the morning, with a military and police honor guard, along with a wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony is followed by a special mass dedicated to Rizal’s memory. During the day, there are various cultural performances that highlight Filipino culture and heritage. There are also educational activities for both children and adults, such as essay writing and public speaking competitions.

At the end of the day, a grand parade is held in the evening, with people dressed in traditional Filipino costumes marching down the streets, accompanied by colorful floats, and marching bands. The parade culminates in fireworks display in the evening, which is a spectacular sight to behold.

The celebration of the life of Dr Jose Rizal is an important reminder of the struggle for freedom, and the courage of the Filipino people. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Rizal and countless other Filipino patriots who fought for the independence of their country.

BiographiesBooksEventsPlacesTriviaWorld HistoryFigures

About the Creator

Ziain Morales

I'm a writer with a passion about stories of the past. My articles are informative my readers can expect to find stories that are both educational and entertaining. I'm dedicated to providing them stories to understand the past.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.