LIA ANN B.
TUAZON SUMMARY OF MODULE IN MIDTERM
BSED SCIENCE 3A
In 1887, Dr. Jose Rizal returned to the Philippines after completing his studies in Europe. He
was warmly welcomed back to his hometown of Calamba and established a medical clinic. His
first patient was his nearly blind mother, and his medical skills quickly earned him a reputation
as a skilled and compassionate doctor. Rizal's homecoming was initially peaceful, but it was
soon marred by controversy.
Rizal's novel, "Noli Me Tangere," which exposed the abuses of the Spanish friars and the
oppressive colonial rule, angered the friars and the Spanish authorities. Despite warnings from
his brother and friends, Rizal chose to return to the Philippines to witness the impact of his novel
on the people and to operate on his mother's eyes. However, his return was met with suspicion
and hostility.
He was summoned to Malacañang, the presidential palace, to answer questions about the
"subversive ideas" in his novel. The friars accused him of inciting rebellion and sought to ban his
novel. Although the Governor General found no subversive ideas in the novel, it was still
banned due to pressure from the friars. Despite the ban, "Noli Me Tangere" continued to
circulate underground and became a symbol of resistance against Spanish oppression.
Undeterred by the ban, Rizal embarked on his second trip away from the Philippines in 1888.
He traveled to Hong Kong, Macao, and Japan, where he fell in love with a Japanese woman.
However, his dedication to his country led him to leave for the United States to continue his
mission of serving his people and advocating for reforms.
In London, Rizal worked on annotating Antonio de Morga's book, "Sucesos de las Islas
Filipinas," which chronicled the history of the Philippines. He considered this work his greatest
achievement, as it shed light on the rich history of the Philippines before Spanish colonization.
Rizal's annotations highlighted the contributions of the indigenous people and challenged the
prevailing narrative of Spanish superiority. During his time in London, Rizal also received news
of the persecution of Filipino patriots who had signed the "Anti-Friar Petition of 1888." This
further fueled his determination to fight for his country's freedom and to expose the injustices
committed by the friars and the Spanish colonial government.
In 1889, Rizal visited Paris during the Universal Exposition. He formed the Kidlat Club with other
Filipino patriots and initiated the idea of forming a new society called "Indios Bravos." His time in
Paris was marked by intellectual discussions, writing essays, and defending his novel against its
critics. Rizal continued to advocate for reforms and the recognition of the rights of the Filipino
people.
Rizal's second trip away from the Philippines was a period of intense dedication to his country
and its people. He faced challenges and opposition, but his resolve remained unshaken. His
works during this time, including the annotated edition of Morga's "Sucesos" and his essays,
shed light on the injustices faced by the Filipino people and inspired others to fight for their
rights and freedom.
Ultimately, Rizal's contributions to Philippine history and his unwavering commitment to his
country's freedom made him a national hero. His writings and actions continue to inspire
Filipinos to this day, reminding them of the importance of fighting for justice, equality, and
independence. Rizal's legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, intellectual prowess, and love for
his country.
