why is Jose Rizal a national hero?

Answer 1

Jose P. Rizal was sponsored by the Americans during the 1901 Philippine Commission. As the new colonizers of the Philippine islands, the Americans wanted to have a Filipino who can be considered as a hero, and a national hero at that. He was among the five choices of heroes ranging from Marcelo H. Del Pilar to Antonio Luna. The initial winner by a unanimous vote was Marcelo H. Del Pilar. But with the addition of the fifth criteria for electing the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal was finally chosen due to his dramatic death by firing squad. It was then further affirmed in Philippine society to this day. Now, knowing the roots of Rizal's selection, would you still have him as your national hero?

Answer 2

Jose Rizal is considered a national hero in the Philippines because of his works that inspired and sparked the Filipino people's sense of nationalism and desire for independence from Spanish colonial rule. He fought for political and social reforms through his writings and peaceful activism, advocating for equality and justice. Rizal's martyrdom also contributed to his status as a national hero, as he was executed by the Spanish authorities for his beliefs.