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, Educator, Reformist
Early Life and Education
- Received early education from his mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda.
- Attended Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now Ateneo de Manila University), graduating with honors.
- Studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas, specializing in ophthalmology.
- Furthered his medical studies in Madrid, Paris, and Heidelberg.
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 promoting unity and progress among Filipinos.
- Used his writings and activism to raise awareness about the social injustices and political oppression in the Philippines.
- Practiced ophthalmology to support himself and provide medical services to the community.
- Exiled to Dapitan, Mindanao, where he continued his medical practice, established a school, and engaged in community development projects.
- Volunteered as a military doctor in Cuba to serve the Spanish colonial government, hoping to prove his loyalty and secure reforms for the Philippines.
Notable Works
- Novels:
- Noli Me Tángere (1887)
- El Filibusterismo (1891)
- Poetry:
- Mi Ultimo Adiós (My Last Farewell)
- A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)
- Essays:
- Sobre la indolencia de los filipinos (On the Indolence of the Filipinos)
- Other: Various articles and correspondences published in La Solidaridad.
Legacy and Impact
José Rizal's writings and activism inspired the Philippine Revolution and played a crucial role in shaping Filipino national identity. He is considered the national hero of the Philippines, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated for their literary and historical significance. The story about Dr. Jose Rizal is essential to understanding Philippine nationalism and its struggle for independence. His execution by the Spanish colonial government solidified his status as a martyr and a symbol of resistance against oppression.