Why jose rizal became the first apostle and prime mover of philippine nationalism?

Question

his contribution

Answer 1

He was a maverick who proposed institutional reforms and instilled nationalistic pride in the masses with his literary works, in the process rocking the boat and drawing ire from the establishment. A steadfast pacifist opting for peaceful solutions, he didn't join Bonifacio's militant rebel forces, but his execution in 1896 may have become the catalyst that further stirred and strengthened the liberation movement - which ironically he considered futile - against Spain.

Answer 2

Because Erap was nowhere to be found that time.