The Knights of Rizal with Consul General Senen Mangalile at the Philippine Consulate New York | Photo via Facebook
As we begin to wrap up 2023 and start a new year, I am reminded of the 127th anniversary of the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero. I have since joined the Knights of Rizal in Long Island (KORLI) and learned more about his life and works.
And today, as the nation remembers his ultimate sacrifice, I find it crucial to reflect on his enduring legacy and how it resonates in the Philippines today.
Rizal’s life and works were a testament to fighting injustice through peaceful means. Born in 1861 under Spanish colonial rule, he witnessed firsthand the oppression and discrimination faced by his countrymen. He channeled his pain and anger into powerful penmanship, penning novels like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that exposed the ills of colonialism.
These literary masterpieces weren’t merely fictional accounts but scathing indictments of the Spanish regime’s abuses. Rizal meticulously documented the rampant corruption, social inequalities, and cultural suppression that plagued the Philippines. His words resonated with the Filipino people, igniting a sense of nationalism and a yearning for freedom.
However, Rizal’s activism wasn’t confined to writing. He co-founded the La Solidaridad, a newspaper in Spain that advocated for political reforms in the Philippines. He also established the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and peacefully campaign for self-determination.
Unfortunately, the Spanish authorities saw Rizal’s growing influence as a threat. He was falsely accused of rebellion and inciting an armed uprising, charges fueled by his writings and activism. Despite having no direct involvement in the Philippine Revolution that erupted shortly after his arrest, Rizal was condemned to death by a firing squad on December 30, 1896.
Rizal’s execution sent shockwaves across the Philippines and beyond. His death became a rallying cry for the revolutionaries, igniting the flames of the revolution ultimately leading to the country’s independence in 1898.
As a journalist, I considered finding Rizal’s legacy in a modern context. How does Rizal’s legacy translate to the Philippines of today? While the colonial yoke has been thrown off, new forms of injustice persist. Poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses remain significant challenges.
“Let Rizal’s ideals resonate far and wide, reminding us that the fight for justice and freedom is a continuous struggle, one that each of us has a responsibility to carry forward beyond social gatherings, ranks, and rituals.”
In this context, Rizal’s message of peaceful resistance and unwavering love for the Philippines is more relevant than ever. His life and works serve as a constant reminder that change can be achieved through education, critical thinking, and collective action. He inspires Filipinos to be vigilant against any form of oppression, to fight for social justice, and to strive for a better future for their nation.
I think his life and works are a global inspiration. Rizal’s impact extends beyond the borders of the Philippines. He is recognized as a worldwide symbol of resistance against oppression and a champion of human rights. His works have been translated into numerous languages and are studied in universities worldwide.
For Filipinos living abroad, Rizal is a powerful reminder of their heritage and identity. He inspires them to uphold their ancestors’ values and contribute to the betterment of their homeland. Hopefully, the Knights of Rizal, which has chapters globally, can truly achieve its vision and mission to inspire future generations, particularly the youth, which Rizal said is the hope of the motherland.
Moving forward, as KOR builds and extends chapters worldwide, not merely for lip service but working actively towards embodying his ideals in our own lives, I believe KOR and potential members who are “knighted” can do this by:
- Promoting education and critical thinking: Rizal believed education was the key to unlocking individual and national potential. We can honor his legacy by advocating for quality education for all and encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue.
- Fighting for social justice: Rizal spoke out against injustice and fought for the rights of the marginalized. We can continue his fight by working towards a more equitable and just society in the Philippines and abroad.
- Upholding national pride and identity: Rizal was fiercely proud of his Filipino heritage. We can honor his legacy by celebrating our culture and traditions and promoting national unity.
- Embracing Rizal’s values and principles actively: we can ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations, both in the Philippines and worldwide. His life and works are a timeless testament to the power of peaceful resistance, unwavering love for one’s nation, and the unwavering pursuit of a better future.
Let Rizal’s ideals resonate far and wide, reminding us that the fight for justice and freedom is a continuous struggle that each of us has a responsibility to carry forward beyond social gatherings, ranks, and rituals.
Non Omnis Moriar (Not all of me will die!)
