ADHA THEZA NAPUTOL

BS CPE1

His novels awakened Philippine nationalism

Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful and progressive manner. For him,
“the pen was mightier than the sword.” And through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of
government officials as well as the Spanish friars. While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed essays, poems, allegories,
and editorials to the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of his writings, both in his essays and editorials,
centered on individual rights and freedom, specifically for the Filipino people. As part of his reforms, he even called
for the inclusion of the Philippines to become a province of Spain. But, among his best works, two novels stood out
from the rest – Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed). both novels, Rizal
harshly criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country and exposed the ills of Philippine society at the time. And
because he wrote about the injustices and brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities banned Filipinos
from reading the controversial books. Yet they were not able to ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the books,
their eyes opened to the truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the hands of the friars. These two novels
by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are said to have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.
 His legacy lives on
After his death, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. And with the assistance of the United States,
the Philippines declared its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. This was the time that the Philippine flag was
waved at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite. Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion, courage,
and patriotism are greatly remembered and recognized by the Filipino people. His two novels are continuously being
analyzed by students and professionals. Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to take
a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Every year, the Filipinos celebrate Rizal Day – December
30 each year – to commemorate his life and works. Filipinos look back at how his founding of La Liga Filipina and
his two novels had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine Revolution. The people also recognize his
advocacy to achieve liberty through peaceful means rather than violent revolution.