José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
- Born:
- June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
- Died:
- December 30, 1896, Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park), Manila, Philippines
- Nationality:
- Filipino
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Poet, Ophthalmologist, Journalist, Propagandist, Reformist
Early Life and Education
- Fourth of eleven children born to Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso Realonda.
- Received early education from his mother and private tutors.
- Studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating with honors.
- Attended the University of Santo Tomas, initially studying philosophy and letters, later shifting to medicine.
- Completed ophthalmology studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid, Spain.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent figure in the Propaganda Movement advocating for reforms in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.
- Founded La Liga Filipina, a civic organization aimed at uniting Filipinos and promoting progress.
- Published numerous articles and essays in La Solidaridad, the newspaper of the Propaganda Movement.
- Practiced medicine as an ophthalmologist in various locations, including Hong Kong.
- Exiled to Dapitan in 1892, where he continued his medical practice and engaged in community development projects.
- Accused of inciting rebellion and executed in 1896.
Notable Works
- Noli Me Tángere (1887)
- El filibusterismo (1891)
- Annotation to Antonio de Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (1890)
- Mi Último Adiós (Last Farewell) - a poem written before his execution.
Legacy and Impact
José Rizal's works and life inspired the Philippine Revolution and his writings continue to be studied and revered as a symbol of Filipino nationalism and a call for social justice. He is considered the national hero of the Philippines.