Reimagining Rizal: Reframing Rizal’s Novels through the Lens of Sustainability and Ecological Ethics
Document Type
Paper presentation
School Name
Philippine Normal University
School Code
N/A
Abstract / Executive Summary
This paper argues for a shift in how we approach José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, moving away from static historical analysis toward a framework of sustainability education. By treating these canonical works as "ecological texts," we can bridge the gap between 19th-century colonial struggles and modern-day environmental crises. Through an examination of key narratives—specifically Sisa’s displacement, Ibarra’s infrastructure projects, and the student-led activism in Fili—this study maps Rizal’s "social cancers" onto modern issues of corruption, poverty, and climate vulnerability. The research details a curriculum that utilizes design-thinking workshops and simulated youth climate summits to align literary study with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings suggest that this approach does more than just deepen students' literary appreciation; it fosters a grounded sense of ecological consciousness and civic agency. Ultimately, this paper argues that Filipino literature can serve as a practical site for student innovation, transforming Rizal’s work from static historical requirement into a relevant tool for addressing global sustainability challenges.
Keywords:
5 lowercase keywords, except for proper nouns, separated by semicolons (10 pt. Times New Roman) sustainability education; Filipino literature; SDGs;
Reimagining Rizal: Reframing Rizal’s Novels through the Lens of Sustainability and Ecological Ethics
This paper argues for a shift in how we approach José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, moving away from static historical analysis toward a framework of sustainability education. By treating these canonical works as "ecological texts," we can bridge the gap between 19th-century colonial struggles and modern-day environmental crises. Through an examination of key narratives—specifically Sisa’s displacement, Ibarra’s infrastructure projects, and the student-led activism in Fili—this study maps Rizal’s "social cancers" onto modern issues of corruption, poverty, and climate vulnerability. The research details a curriculum that utilizes design-thinking workshops and simulated youth climate summits to align literary study with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings suggest that this approach does more than just deepen students' literary appreciation; it fosters a grounded sense of ecological consciousness and civic agency. Ultimately, this paper argues that Filipino literature can serve as a practical site for student innovation, transforming Rizal’s work from static historical requirement into a relevant tool for addressing global sustainability challenges.
