The Man Who Fought with pen and paper

 The Philippine people recognize Jose Rizal as their national hero because his life represents their national identity development. Rizal created a vision of Philippine identity which he demonstrated through his intellectual work and artistic achievements to show his countrymen their fundamental human worth. His most important social contribution stemmed from his exceptional intelligence which he used to awaken national awareness that enabled people to challenge unfairness while they maintained hope for social change.

Through his masterpieces, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal gave a powerful voice to the silent agony of a people under colonial rule. His narratives presented an unfiltered view of reality which revealed systemic abuse and corruption that people refused to acknowledge. The readers discovered fictional content which showed their actual lives because they recognized their common struggles and understood that togetherness would bring them freedom.

Rizal maintained his unshakeable faith that education and nonviolent methods of social change would create better societies. He believed that a society which underwent proper enlightenment would bring about progress without any loss of its essential humanistic qualities. He selected reason as his guiding principle throughout the difficult times of persecution, exile, and execution while choosing to dedicate himself to serving others instead of seeking revenge.