Dr. Jose Rizal from the Lens of Criminology Students: Amplifying Knowledge about the Hero

This study investigates the level of knowledge about Dr. Jose Rizal among Criminology students in the Philippines who poised to become the future police officers. While considered the modern-day heroes- a concerning gap exists where students recognize Rizal but lack of deep understanding of his life, contributions and national significance. Employing a descriptive quantitative approach, the researcher surveyed 254 Criminology students from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University who are selected through stratified random sampling to answer the 50-item researcher’s made questionnaire aligned with “Life Works and Writings of Jose Rizal†course syllabus. The findings disclosed that the Criminology students have an average level of knowledge about Dr. Jose Rizal with no significant difference based on sex. However, year-level variations emerged. First year, third year, and fourth year displayed “average†knowledge level, while second year exhibited “low†level. Interestingly, the fourth year had the highest mean score suggesting some accumulation of knowledge throughout the years. The results also confirmed that the higher the year level, the higher the knowledge they gained about the hero as reflected on their test scores. These results underscore the need to heightened Rizal education within Criminology programs. Appreciating Rizal’s life, and contribution can instill the values of bravery and nobility to serving and protecting the nation-ideals that resonate with the oath of police officer. By emulating Rizal’s spirit, future officers can become true modern-day heroes.