José Rizal

Filipino nationalist whose writings inspired the Philippine Revolution

José Rizal (1861–1896), a polymath and visionary, ignited Filipino resistance against Spanish colonial rule through his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These works exposed colonial abuses and galvanized a national identity.

A trained physician and polyglot, Rizal advocated for peaceful reform through education. His execution by the Spanish in 1896 turned him into a martyr, directly sparking the Philippine Revolution. Today, he is celebrated as the Philippines’ national hero.

Rizal’s legacy includes institutions like Rizal Park and his writings, which remain central to Filipino education. His emphasis on nonviolent resistance influenced global movements for independence and civil rights.