Positive

According to Hernan Abaya, 1984, the nationalist reawakening began on the UP

campus, sparked by the teaching of Rizal’s life and his writings made compulsory by the
Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo law, co-authored by Recto and Laurel. This is a
statement from a person who was able to witness the condition of the country before
and after the Rizal law was implemented. He saw the change and the positive effect of
the law to our country back then.

The youth was made aware of the contributions and the principled life of Jose Rizal who
was an emblem of substantial nationalism and unconditional love for the country. He
embodies brilliance coupled with humility and prestige that goes along with service. This
Republic Act has pushed for Rizal to be a role model for the youth of this country.

Through this republic act the essence of freedom and independence was emphasized
to the youth. Also, it has been implied through this act that national identity is a very
important legacy that our heroes have achieved through sacrificing their own lives. They
have passed it on to us, and it is our role to nurture and protect it.

1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for
which our heroes lived and died
2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the
Filipino character
3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works,
and writings.
Negative

The Republic Act of 1425 just caused havoc within educational institutions. Take the
case of UP a couple of years after this law’s implementation. The UP Student Catholic
Action and numerous publications and students were pushed to go against their
President, Dr. Singco because they feel that the University is starting to become
godless. It has just caused a mass confusion between faith and nationalism.

The faith of the people is being compromised. This law is endangering the Christian
growth of the students who are still in their formative years. This can drive the youth to
question the credibility of the church and its teachings and traditions.

According to a survey that we have conducted in our university, the Rizal course is not
actually significant for the students. It has just been a laborious subject that adds
unnecessary work load to students, and it sometimes drives the students to lose focus
on their majors.
Are they worthy of being called heroes?

OFWs have the strength in the face of pain or grief. When I say pain and grief, these
are the moments when they felt alone, sad, ill, and homesick. They have endured these
emotions just to stay in their work and able to send money at home.

They gamble or risk their life in another country, not knowing what will happen to them
as they arrive in their designated area. They don’t know the culture of that place, but still
they able to handle their self. They continue to face their unpleasant conditions of their
working place and the behavior of their workmates and manager. On top of this, they
don’t show their fears to their boss even if they are already afraid.

OFWs think of their family first before they think of themselves. They sacrifice a lot for
the sake of others. They strive hard to ensure that their kids’ future would be bright and
that they would live a life that they dream of. They don’t care if they experience difficulty
as long their left families have an ease and comfort life.

There are two things that stick out of being an OFW that makes them a hero. One is
their great sacrifice of being apart with family, especially their children. It includes as
well their disconnection during the celebration of special occasion that they truly
treasure and miss. Plus, it is hard for them not to see their child grows beside them.

Two, they uplift our economy through the remittances that they send in the Philippines.
It alleviates poverty and creates stable cash flow and circulation in our economy. They
keep our country afloat by providing liquidity amid global financial crisis. In short, they
just don’t secure the needs of their family, but our country as well.

That’s why OFWs are our modern hero in this time.

Criteria to become a hero

1. Motives and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal.

- Being overseas Filipino entails a lot of sacrifices. Not seeing your love ones
for more than year is just so painful. This just proved the strength and
courage our modern day heroes have.
- Truly these modern day heroes are not just working for their families but
representing the whole nation of the Philippines. Working with courage, honor
and integrity. The hard reality is that OFWs may continue emigrating because
of limited job opportunities at home but Filipinos are full of enthusiasm and
are always ready to face the challenges in life.

2. The moral character of the person.

- At first it is hard, but with patience and diligence, things will work out well.
This is the motivation of an OFW. No Dreams are too hard to reach. Keep on
believing, keep on pushing, go an extra mile, and carry an extra load with a
cheerful heart. Always think this an opportunity to give the best for your family
than feel guilty while you left them. Time will come you will eventually come
home but for the moment think why in the first place you choose to work
abroad. This can help you to be in the right path and pursue your dream.