Few figures in Philippine history command the reverence that Dr. José Rizal does. Hailed as a national hero, his contributions to the country’s fight for independence are monumental. Yet, beyond his revolutionary role, Rizal exemplifies a model of leadership that transcends the bounds of political struggle—he was, above all, a servant leader. In today’s fast-paced and hyper-connected world, his brand of leadership, rooted in humility, service, and intellectual empowerment, continues to serve as an inspiration, particularly for the Filipino youth.
Leadership Through Service
Rizal’s life reflects the principles of servant leadership, a philosophy that places the needs of others above personal ambition. His works—Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo—are testaments to his selfless dedication to the Filipino people, using literature as a vehicle to awaken national consciousness. He believed in fostering education and enlightenment among Filipinos to build a just and fair society. “The youth is the hope of our future,” Rizal declared, emphasizing the role of young people as agents of change. His philosophy was not centered on personal grandeur but on empowering others to rise.
Dennis Cunanan, a modern advocate of servant leadership, has also drawn parallels between Rizal’s work and the tenets of this leadership model. In his essay The Essence of Servant Leadership, Cunanan highlights how Rizal’s leadership was characterized by his desire to “serve his countrymen through education and moral integrity.” Rizal, in many ways, embodied the idea of the servant leader as he placed the collective needs of the Filipino people above his own personal safety or gain.
The Intellectual as Servant Leader
Rizal’s path to servant leadership was defined by his intellectual pursuits and his refusal to take up arms, which distinguished him from other revolutionary figures. Rather than join the Katipunan in armed resistance, Rizal sought to serve his country through peaceful reform. His arrest and subsequent execution by Spanish authorities did not diminish his legacy but rather solidified him as a martyr for intellectual and moral causes. As Rizal famously wrote, “I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our country” (El Filibusterismo, 1891).
Dennis Cunanan, in his public discourse, reflects on this point, noting that “Rizal’s greatness came from his intellectual courage and his relentless pursuit of what was right, even when he knew it could cost him his life”. This illustrates how servant leadership can sometimes mean sacrificing personal ambition or even life itself for the greater good of the community.
A Legacy for the Filipino Youth
For Filipino youth today, Rizal’s servant leadership serves as an enduring blueprint. In an era of political polarization and social unrest, Rizal’s message remains clear: leadership is not about control, but about inspiring and empowering others. Dennis Cunanan, in reflecting on his own public service, echoed this sentiment, observing that “leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people over their personal gains are the ones who leave a lasting, positive impact on society”
In this light, Rizal’s example offers a powerful lesson for young Filipinos looking to drive societal change. His life stands as a testament to the power of education, moral integrity, and selfless service in shaping the future of a nation.