English Research Paper Final

Approval Sheet
This research paper entitled “Why Rizal became the Philippine National Hero?” has been submitted and successfully defended by Group VIII (8).

Members:
Dianne Beleno
Gerald Lirag
Raymond Lomerio
Aiza Cuenca
Angelica Delos Reyes
Jonamie Ravelo

Remarks :
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Final Rating :

“Why Rizal became the Philippine National Hero?”
A Research Paper
Presented to:
LCC Silvercrest Junior High School Department
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for English IV

Submitted by:
Group VIII (8)
Leader: Dianne Beleno
Members: Gerald Lirag Raymond Lomerio Aiza Cuenca Angelica Delos Reyes Jonamie Ravelo
Submitted to:
Fourth year - St. Mary Ms. Noemi Rosita
2014-2015

Dedication

We, the researchers would like to dedicate this research to the students and people whose mind are confused when it comes to the question “Why Jose Rizal is our national hero?” We also dedicate this to the students of future generations who will be studying the same research.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to extend our wholehearted appreciation to the following special persons who gave their full support in the completion of this research.
To our supportive family who gave their full effort, love and motivation to accomplish this research paper. To our friends who gave even a simple contribution they can just to extend help. Also, to our kind hearted subject teacher Ms. Noemi Rosita for molding us to produce a better research paper. Above all, to our Almighty God our good shepherd for giving us strength, knowledge and spiritual support in order for us to fulfill this research.

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Dedication …………………………………………..………. iii.
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………...……. iv.

Table of Contents
I. Introduction …………………………………….…………… 1 a. Thesis Statement b. General Objective c. Specific Objectives d. Scope and Limitation e. Significance of the Study f. Definition of Terms
II. Review of Related Literature ………………………………………………… 6
III. Discussion ……………………………………………….... 9
IV. Summary ………………………………………………… 18 Conclusion Recommendation
List of Reference ………………………………………….…....21
Curriculum Vitae …………………………………………………..22
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
The study is about Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National hero. It tackles about the process on how he became a national hero; if there’s an influence brought about by other country/s about it; the reason/s why Dr. Jose Rizal was chosen to be the Philippine National Hero: and not if there was a national hero considered in other countries or it was just here in the Philippines.
Heroes are critical components of the identity axis of nationalism. An individual generation of national hero enhances the individual’s sense of belonging to the national collective. By creating a sense of national kinship, heroes facilitate a person’s internal allegiance to the national collective.
Jose Rizal is one of the most sacred figures in the Philippine History. He was a multi-faceted intellectual and a political activist, best known for hid political writings that inspires many.
The Philippine Revolution ultimately led to his execution against the Spanish colonizers. Rizal was the noblest product Philippine ever had.
However, there are still some inquiries, arising about this topic. And because, having a National Hero is essential to our history, many wanted Bonifacio and other heroes to be called as such. At present, we can see many monuments and street names next to Dr. Rizal. Thus, he was referred the Philippine National Hero. He uses
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his brain to revolt. This research will be of a great help in answering those questions. Now let’s this operation start

A. Thesis Statement

Lingering question remains unanswered. People have different opinions on this question and still the truth is unrevealed. Various ideas came to and fro about the answer. However, those answers were uncertain and will just bear a smile if defended. Although, Rizal was said to fight in silent rebellion with a pen rather than a sword, inquiries about considerations for other heroes still arise. All we know is that, these individuals gave their country men someone to look up to, emulates or even pattern lives after that they stood up for what they believed in using the best possible way that they know.

B. General Objective

The research’s aim is to clarify everything in a question, “Why Jose Rizal is our national hero?” to finally give the answers in this question and to know more about Jose Rizal’s heroism and his undying love for our mother nation. We are also aiming to know the difference between Rizal and Bonifacio, what are their similarities for these two were most likely to be compared.. We also want to answer the questions that for quite sometimes unanswered. We are hoping that we can help the students by means of our researches and the references that we used.

C. Specific Objective

Curiosity about why Rizal was named to be the Philippines National Hero drove the research to come up with the following specific objectives:
1. To answer the questions, “Do other nations (specifically Americans) lead a significant influence in deciding our national hero?”
2. To know the reasons why Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Sultan Kudarat, and many other heroes not recognized as such?
3. To know what are the criteria for designating the title “Philippine National Hero?” and how did Rizal be able to meet those criteria. Also to answer if Rizal was able to reach all of those?
4. To know if there is really an official declaration of Philippine National Hero happened.
5. To fill the blank space minds of students with the same inquiry.

D. Scope and Limitation

Using references such as books, journals, and Internet, the research obtained necessary information that may answer and filled blank space minds of Filipinos with bountiful and significant knowledge. From the stated sources, the study shall answer the researcher’s five specific objectives. The study covers a short autobiography of Dr. Jose Rizal, his contributions to the society; comparison among other Filipino heroes; declaration of National Hero; and advice or sharing of the knowledge researchers gathered among others; and our answers to our specific objective.

E. Significance of the Study

It is important to study the topic, “Why Jose Rizal Became the Philippine National Hero?” because it can clarify the confusion some people are facing. There are many question, speculations and false response on this issue that’s why it is essential to know the real reason behind Rizal’s recognition as our national hero.
It is also, to avoid debates that tackle Rizal’s recognition as our national hero and Andres Bonifacio’s bravery to cast the invaders away. Until now, “Rizal vs. Bonifacio who deserves to be our National Hero” leaves only a blank in the minds of Filipino’s, especially students. That is why, the research aim to clarify everything and provide an answer to the blank space it marks in the mind of Filipino’s. This will be a great help!
Part of our history was those persons who sacrificed their lives in the best way they can knew and can. They’re the one we call now as our heroes. And t is important to focus even a glance, to this study for us to understand further why Rizal shall be called our National Hero.

F. Definition of Term:

1. Linger- to continue to exist as time passes
2. Allegiance- loyalty to a person, country, group etc.
3. Patriotism- love that people feel for their country
4. Revolution- a sudden, extreme or complete change bin the way people live
5. Casualties- a person who hurt or killed dying an accident
6. Society- people who are fashionable and wealthy
7. Grief- a deep sadness
8. Novel- new and different from what has been known before
9. Deed- something that is done; an act or action
10. Hero- a person who is greatly admired
CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature
The researchers used the following references that some researchers had for the topic “Why Rizal Became the Philippine National Hero?”:

The following are the criteria for being a National Hero as set by the Philippine National Heroes Committee in 1993-1995:
1. Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.
2. Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation.
3. A hero is part of the people’s expression. 4. A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations.
5. The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero.
(http://www.scribd.com/doc/102670977/Why-Rizal-Was-Made-Our-National-Hero#scribd)

From a journal, started by an American governor William Howard Taft proclaimed to Peter de Tavera, Luzurriga and Legarda, members of the Philippine Commission, who’s under him that the Filipinos needed to have a National Hero.
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It reported that in the said meeting, the candidates for National Hero were Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Graciano Lopez ,Jose Rizal, Gen. Antonio Luna, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio .
The one who was in favored of all is Jose Rizal and then, it appeared in the history.
(De Ocampo, Esteban; Why Jose Rizal is the greatest hero)
“Pen is mightier than the sword as what others and Filipino’s believed. The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting impression.”
(www.google.com/why Jose Rizal is our National Hero)
“Rizal believes that we must love our mother nation not just because it is a must but also because all our joy, bravery and strength are all in our country or nation. Jose Rizal led our country to the way of victory through the character that he used in his novels. Kabesang Tales who wants to have his own land, Sisa who is poor and because of her status in the society the Spaniards chose to let him suffer, Ibarra and Pilosopong Tasyo who have the same objective. The objective is to help the nation no matter how hard it is. All of the characters involved in Rizal’s novels are inspiring and can light up the patriotism in the heart of Filipino’s Rizal also believed that only an army that was well prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory.”
(www.google.com and utak-berde/Article by:
Irish Angelica V. Ibon. Utak Berde taon 2: Blg. Tulad ni Rizal)

It is said that one of the reasons why Rizal was chosen to be the national hero because Rizal has a concept about education. He said that Filipinos need education and knowledge in order to be free. This idea was used by the Americans on their reforms to convince the people and to promote this concept of Rizal. On the other hand, they saw Andres Bonifacio, known for his dignity in obtaining the liberty by means of weapons. For the Americans, using this concept of Bonifacio is like wrecking their own objective of convincing Filipinos not to use deadly weapons and rebel against them.
(“History of the Filipino People”; Teodoro Agoncillo)

Jose Rizal is long accepted as a hero by the Filipinos. W can’t deny his dedication on his works just to obtain change in the society. Rizal’s family is rich and he makes lot of money because of his profession. We cannot deny that he can just leave the problem in the society and just live peacefully with his wealth. But he chooses to fight against the Spaniards Empire by means of his works even if it means to be killed.
( “Rizal Without Overcoat”; Ambeth Ocampo)

CHAPTER III
Discussion:

A hero may be easy to spell but it is never easy to become. Heroes are people who have gained enormous identity among others. They are role models, well-respected, nationalistic and have contributed to society causing national unity resulting to something really big like freedom.

In 1901, US President McKinley established a commission that sought to create a Philippine national hero; this commission was headed by William H. Taft.

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The purpose of the commission was to unite the Philippines by showing a Filipino model. It must be noted that in these times the Philippines were divided due to the fresh war that the Philippines had with its new colonizers, the Americans. There were six choices as to who would best fit to be the Philippine National Hero. These were: Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Antonio Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Apolinario Mabini. Aside from having wisdom, the selected hero should have high respect and acceptance from the Filipino people for them to easy introduce the humbug idea of peace as they start to colonize the Philippines. The one who was chosen and accepted by the Americans is Dr. Jose Rizal and the history happened.

It is true that United States has a relation regarding the selection of our National Hero. They did not choose Andres Bonifacio because they know that Bonifacio is a revolutionary person who rebelled against the Spaniards to let his nation free from slavery and obtain peace and justice. In the researcher’s point of view, the American’s thought that Bonifacio opposes the colonizer rule and might be a cause of their plan’s breakdown if Filipinos will simulate his act of rebellion against the colonizers. It is clear that the Americans want our national hero to be anti-rebel to be a perfect role model for the Filipino. Another thing is that, Rizal fight for his principle, “Education is the key to freedom”. Americans used this idea to start off their plan of colonizing our country.
A proof for this is the event where Marcelo H. del Pilar wrote a letter to Andres Bonifacio saying that they really need to rebel against the Spaniards to cut the cords of slavery among the Filipinos. But Rizal cursed the revolution because as an illustrado, he naturally misjudged the strength and intelligence of the masses. He believed that freedom is give to those who are deserving just like a medal as a prize won for having a good character. He felt like, our nation is not ready for the battle for the people needs knowledge and education first.
In late 19th Century, Rizal became the voice of a people long oppressed by centuries-old Spanish rule. As an educated man, he was exposed to some of the abuses by Spanish friars and government officials. As a founder and member of the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization, he originally pushed for reforms of Spanish conial rule. It also led to the creation of the Katipunan headed by Andres Bonifacio
As far as the researcher’s know, when La Liga Filipina was gone, Bonifacio founded the Katipunan inspired by the objective of La Liga Filipina. So, without La Liga, Bonifacio will not be able to build another organization that will fight against Spaniards. This may already substantiate that Rizal deserves his title since without La Liga Filipina, Andres Bonifacio and his army would have been non-existent. The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who believe that Rizal is rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos during the Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was more deserving of the national hero title. Rizal was even thought to have suggested that Antonio Luna lead the revolutionary forces since Luna has studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against the powerhouse Spanish militia. Rizal believed that only an army that was well prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory .

Everything started with Rizal. Philippine Revolution against Spain started what was known as the first Republic led by Emilio Aguinaldo. According to Rafael Palma, Rizal was more deserving of the National Hero title. Rizal also suggested that Antonio Luna will be the one that lead the revolutionary forces since Luna studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against the power house Spanish military.
Rizal studied in Europe to know more of the invaders and to find way on how to defeat them in a way that blood will not be able to scattered. He fought in silence.
The researcher’s also consider the fact that Bonifacio is a citizen whom is fighting for his family as well. One of the researchers’s watched a documentary about the life of Bonifacio and she therefore knows that when Bonifacio’s parents died, this man’s stone heart for Spaniards started to grew. Bonifacio’s parents are both are a status of average in the society. His mother is a teacher while his father is a government employee. They are not that rich but they can support their family’s need. But when they died because of Spaniards, Bonifacio’s status in the society became lower and it might be one of the reasons why he chose to be a rebel in the society. He didn’t even finish his studies while Rizal did. Education background maybe one of the reason why Bonifacio didn’t even see the possible outcome when he fought by sword and the possible outcome or product of a silent war like that Rizal did. Jose Rizal discovers something when he was still studying words pacing back and forth in the back of his mind.
Bonifacio just accept the way of fighting and killing maybe because of grief and anger he felt when he saw and experience the sufferings of his fellowmen. It too many times before Rizal’s novel became a real book. Financial crisis is one of the factors that he considered. His family continued to send money to him in order to publish his books. Someone help him through. And because of this man his books was already one of the popular novels in society.
The researchers must not just focus on how Rizal became our National Hero. The researchers also consider the ups and downs in life while he was still publishing or while his novels are still on published. Sometimes Rizal wants to give up but every time he was thinking on how many lives can be saved by means of his novel, every tiredness was just a piece of lie in the book of his mind.
It was not just his down while publishing his novel. It is also his struggles when his first child became a cherubin. On the young age, Rizal lost his child right after it was delivered by his mother. He also lost his beloved father. This is the reason why his aim to defeat the invaders became his inspiration to fight silently.
One of the remarkable features of Rizal as a writer was his characters in each novels. The researchers found out that Sisa, one of Rizal’s characters in his novel Noli Me Tangere. Sisa was a mirror of our mother nation during the invasion of Spanish. She was a lovable mother for her two sons, Crispin and Basilio and a martyr wife for her husband that is addicted to gambling and vices. But eventhough she sacrifices everything, the fate still brought her in a way of grief. Her two sons died because of Spaniards. Sisa became insane. But though she didn’t know what she was doing, the words uttering in her mouth is the pain that she experiences to the hands of cruel and brutal invaders.
For Rizal, violence or armed resistance only as a last resort and considered the restoration of the people’s dignity as a justification means of achieving national liberation and self-rule. On the other hand, Filipino’s are also grateful to Andres Bonifacio’s legacy, his advocacy to an armed resolution. By Rizal’s writing, the Filipino opened their eyes that it is possible to be free and by Bonifacio’s revolution, the Filipino gave action to the reality. However, it is not the position or rank as a hero will be the basis to define who is greater than who. It is not just the deeds that they did upon our country in order to set us free. Rizal and Bonifacio did their very best to fought and set aside all the odds. All they know was that our country have to be free from the hand of invaders. The researcher’s give the importance that it is not necessary needed to have th ”title” because both Rizal and Bonifacio, or any other heroes have awakened the Filipino’s patriotic spirit. They are the proof of undying freedom in our nation. They both show us the importance of unconditional love. They open our hearts to face the bravery and fight for our rights. Because of their heroism we can dance freely, sing independently and say “I am a Filipino” proudly.
Back to the topic, “ Why Rizal Became the National Hero?” the researcher’s got the information of the criteria for being a National Hero as stated in the Review of Related Literature. The researcher’s point that Dr. Jose P. Rizal is more than qualified. According to Gregorio T. Zaide, a prolific historian, he mentioned that as early as Rizal was 8 years old, he has bestowed his nationalism when he wrote a poem in Tagalog ―Sa AkingMga Kababata‖ in which he encouraged the Filipino children to love their native language ―”Onewho doesn’t love his native tongue, is worse than putrid fish and a beast”,‖ which is in Tagalog,―”Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa Sariling Wika, ay higit pa sa mabaho at malansang isda”, who can ever forget those lines from his poem (To My Fellow Children).His name can be found in almost all corners of the Philippines. Roads, schools and even a province are named after him. His image can be found in peso bills and coins. Monuments are erected in his name (foremost of this can be found in Rizal Park in Manila). These are manifestations of the country 's reverence accorded to Jose Rizal as a national hero.

In the whole world, it is not only the Philippines that has a hero. Many other nations were colonized by the other bigger nations like America, France and Spain. Having a tendency of colonizing the other country, of course there will be also a hero who will fight for their freedom. In India, there is Mahatma Gandhi; Fukuzawa Yukuchi in Japan; Kwon Hyi-ro for South Korea; and Abdullah bi Abdulaziz in Saudi Arabia. They all fought for their rights and liberty and both of them are considered as a hero. However, despite of being a famous hero in their nation, still, they aren’t proclaimed as a National Hero of their country. There is no such thing as “national” in the other nation because for them, yes they’re the heroes, but they don’t want to proclaim a main hero for their country because all of the heroes who fought for their rights are all brave and smart and each of them exerted their own effort and contribute for the whole nation. Dr. Jose Rizal proclaimed as the Philippine National Hero. Does he deserved it? Is he just a national hero because of the Americans? The Americans caused why Filipino celebrates his death anniversary, why he’s pictures are on the Philippine money, why it is taught to children to respect and know Rizal as the greatest among other heroes and other tributes. Rizal never established freedom for the country and he disagreed the fight against the government at the first place. He claimed to have a change from the inside by using propagandas, education for all, and revelation of love for the country. But the point is, Dr. Jose Rizal is well-known and is accepted by all Filipino people right from the start before the Americans got here in the Philippines. We, Filipinos, cannot deny his dedication for his works just to change the kind of society where Filipino lives. It is true that the Americans pushed Rizal to be the national hero for their own colonizing interest but people can’t remove the truth that Rizal has right to be honored and right to gain respect from the Filipino without the need of any of the promotion from the Americans because the proclamation of him is done base on how Filipinos accept and respect him.

CHAPTER IV.
Summary

Is there really an official declaration of Philippine National hero is one of the objectives given by the researchers. One of the reasons why the researchers chooses that objective was what, the researchers became curious on how Rizal became a national hero even that we can’t remember any declaration mentioned in Rizal’s biography.
If Rizal is the national hero, why not Bonifacio, Kudarat and Mabini? They also have that potential to be the national hero and they fought for our country’s freedom. The researcher’s do not aim to have any comparison. They researchers just want to have a data. Because being a national hero is higher among heroes
When Rizal was recognized as the National Hero, there might be a criteria for the title “Philippine National Hero”. The researchers want to clarify if Rizal reached those criteria that is why he is our national hero until today. The researchers are aiming to know if Rizal meets all those criteria.
During the time that Rizal was recognized as our national hero, this research is also looking forward to if the Americans influence others in deciding for our national hero. If they led any campaign debates or articles expressing on how Rizal became the National hero and Rizal is deserving to be our national hero.
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This generation of students are asking on how and why Rizal was our national hero. They are not doubting. They are just curious. This research aims to fill the blank space minds of students when it comes to this research and the question, why Rizal is our national hero.

Conclusion

The researchers therefore conclude that, choosing our national hero will not solely based on what is officially declared as such. Rather, it is on who is being recognized by a person for who is right and just in his/her mind, soul and heart.
In the case of Dr. Jose Rizal, he had undergone a test/criteria and passed it. It is during the time of former President Fidel Ramos. There were ten candidates back then, and our Dr. Jose Rizal was the one chosen. The researcher’s weren’t questioning about the greatness of our other heroes, because somehow they’d been part of this journey towards democracy. Although Rizal was proclaimed the National Hero after the Americans, he met a certain criteria for declaring such. There are also other heroe called in other nations. However, there’s no “national” level. Meanwhile, other Filipino weren’t chosen because some of them fought in a rebellious way which opposes the American’s propagandas. Dr. Jose Rizal isn’t just for Americans; he’s also a hero for the Filipinos. This conclude that he was upright to be the one. Lastly, let’s just be proud of having this very genuine product from the Philippines, whom we can called as our brother, as our Role model, and as our national hero!

Recommendation

In part of this research paper, the researchers from LCC Silvercrest Junior High School recommend this research to the writers, students, teachers, and to every Filipino. This research contains facts, informations, and opinions that may help them in studying not just the history of the Philippines but the life of Jose Rizal, who was known as our National Hero.
All the information here are the facts from different references --- from journals, books, and internet. All are based from historians. That is why this research is suitable for students and teachers of all kind.

List of References

www. Google.com: Why Jose Rizal is our National Hero www. Google.com: utak-berde/article by: Irish Angelica V. Ibon: utakberde taon 2: Blg. 1 tulad ni Rizal de Ocampo, Esteban: Why Jose Rizal is the greatest Filipino Hero www.scribd.com: Why Rizal Was Made Our National Hero
Agoncillo, Teodoro: History of the Filipino People
Ocampo, Ambeth: Rizal Without Overcoat

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References: www. Google.com: Why Jose Rizal is our National Hero www. Google.com: utak-berde/article by: Irish Angelica V. Ibon: utakberde taon 2: Blg. 1 tulad ni Rizal de Ocampo, Esteban: Why Jose Rizal is the greatest Filipino Hero www.scribd.com: Why Rizal Was Made Our National Hero Agoncillo, Teodoro: History of the Filipino People Ocampo, Ambeth: Rizal Without Overcoat 21.