Eujann: Jose Rizal’s Contribution

The tale of Jose Rizal's bravery is shaped by the calm, unwavering power of ideas rather than by political office or military triumphs. Through his life and writings, Rizal questioned the wrongs of colonial rule and encouraged Filipinos to believe that their country was capable of freedom and dignity. Knowing why Rizal is our national hero entails knowing why his impact persists after the fall of empires and the passing of generations.

Rizal's most significant contribution to the nation came through his words. His works Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed the cruelty, corruption, and abuse of authority that characterized Spanish colonial government. These stories, featuring regular persons suffering from injustice, let Filipinos identify their common experiences and anguish. Readers saw that their issues were not isolated or personal, but rather part of a bigger system that needed to change. This awakening of communal consciousness paved the way for the emergence of Filipino nationalism.

In pieces published in La Solidaridad, Rizal carried on this effort by discussing civic virtue, identity, education, and citizens' roles in determining their own destiny. At a time when many felt helpless, his words provided a composed, rational, and convincing voice. Many Filipinos first saw themselves as a part of a greater country when they read the Noli or the Fili.