Philippines December 30, 2013
From Philstar
From Inquirer - Jose Rizal joins list of Nick Joaquin's dubious heroes
From Philstar - Why Co became Mercado became Rizal
His father's surname is Mercado. Why is he being called Dr. Jose Rizal?
"His father Francisco Engracio/ Mercado then married to Teodora Alonso) opted to use the Spanish surname Ricial (meaning greenfields) after a Gov Claveria decreed that Chinese immigrants and mestizo adopt a Spanish surname. Due confusion, they adopted Rizal Mercado as his surnname. Jose dropped Mercado when his brother Paciano was placed under surveillance due to his link with martyred priest Gumborza)
Today is the 117th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, whom our country venerate as our national hero. But no Philippine law has established that fact. Not even with an executive order.
Dr. Jose Rizal, who was executed on December 30, 1896 by Spaniards at Luneta for allegedly inciting the Filipinos has been long remembered as our national hero. But no such law or proclamation declaring such has been passed.
Only five Philippine icons have been declared officially as "national"
What are they:
Copied from the article:
"One: Narra was declared the national tree by Governor General Frank Murphy during the Commonwealth Era in 1934 through Proclamation No. 652. The name narra is actually a Hispanic corruption of the native term naga, which is how the tree should be called and after which Naga City was named. This tree is valued for its wood which is used in making furniture and houses. Its leaves and bark are used in traditional medicines by several ethnic groups in the country.
Two: Sampaguita was declared the national flower also at the same time as narra by Governor General Frank Murphy in 1934 through the same proclamation. This flower is also known as Arabian Jasmine in English. It is a small shrub or vine that bears small, sweet-smelling, white flowers used in making perfumes and tea in other parts of the world. Sampaguita flowers are made into garlands and leis and are used to welcome visitors and as offering to religious icons. The sampaguita symbolizes purity, simplicity, humility and strength.
Three: The Philippine Eagle, formerly known as the monkey-eating eagle was proclaimed the national bird by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995 through Proclamation No. 615. He said that the eagle’s uniqueness, strength, power, and love for freedom exemplify the Filipino people. This bird is endemic in the forests of the country. However, it has become endangered for extinction because its habitat is increasingly being destroyed.
Opinion ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Five: Arnis was declared as the national sport and martial arts in 2009 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through Republic Act 9850. This is played by using two sticks, usually made of yantok or kamagong, as weapons or extensions of the arms. Arnis began even before the Spaniards came and is also called eskrima, kali and garrote. In other Philippine dialects it is called pananandata in Tagalog,; pagkalikali in Ibanag; kabaraon and kalirongan in Pangasinan; and didja in Ilocano.
The recommendation for national heroes was made by National Heroes committee on November 15, 1995 created by Executive Order No. 5 under Pres FVR. They recommended 9 heroes:
1. Jose Rizal
2. Andres Bonifacio
3 Emilio Aguinaldo
4. Marcelo H del Pilar
5. Juan Luna
6. Melchora Aquino
7. Dipatuan Sultan Kudarat
8. Gabriela Silang
9. Apolinario Mabini
So far no action has been made on this recommendation.
Why cant our public officials officially declare him as the National Hero? Why? They are busy declaring themselves and their clans?dynasties as the heroes?
Are we right on continuing honoring of heroes who do not have legal basis to be one. The street names are better for having legislation to enable such naming
"Our heroes are product of our thinking. We create our Gods and heroes. And even our own fears."
Seems like a famous quote from a Nora Aunor movie.
