RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal Prepared by Kiwi © 19/06/2019

RA 1425: The Rizal Law

The Rizal course is mandated by law.
Republic Act 1425 – The Rizal Law
An Act to Include in the Curricula of All
Public and Private Schools, Colleges, and
CHAPTER 1 Universities courses on the Life, Works, and
WHY STUDY
The Significance of Writings of Jose Rizal
RIZAL? the Course June 12, 1956

RA 1425: The Rizal Law RA 1425: The Rizal Law

Claro M. Recto – Rizal Bill’s principal author
In the collegiate courses, the
original and unexpurgated
(uncensored) editions of the
Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo shall be used as
basic texts.

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RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal Prepared by Kiwi © 19/06/2019

RA 1425: The Rizal Law RA 1425: The Rizal Law

The bill became very controversial and Recto Jose P. Laurel – co-author
was met with stiff opposition from the
Catholic Church.
Recto: "The people who would eliminate the
books of Rizal from the schools would blot
out from our minds the memory of the
national hero. This is not a fight against
Recto but a fight against Rizal."

RA 1425: The Rizal Law RA 1425: The Rizal Law

Aims of the Law
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.

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RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal
Freedom? Nationalism?
Patriotism?
Pay tribute?
Be inspired?
Nations Need Heroes
Every country/nation has its heroes.
People who placed the welfare of
their countrymen above their own.
People who have inspired their
countrymen to fight for their freedom
and self-identity or have actually
involved in the struggle.
CHAPTER 1: The Significance of Studying Rizal
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Nations Need Heroes
Each of us needs a hero.
WHY do we need one?
A person who has the courage to
put the welfare of others above
his/her own even at the risk and at
the cost of his/her own life.
Heroes are Human Beings
Heroes are not gods or saints.
Heroes are ordinary human beings
who faced challenges with an
extraordinary response.
Their response had a decisive effect
on the lives of their countrymen.
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RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal
Criteria for a National Hero
Who declares if anyone is a national
hero?
How is one declared a national hero?
Heroes are not declared by way of
legislation or canonization
Heroes are part of the people’s
expression.
Definition of a National Hero
Dr. Onofre Corpuz, Filipino
historian:
“Heroes are those who have a
concept of a nation and
thereafter aspire and struggle
for the nation’s freedom.”
CHAPTER 1: The Significance of Studying Rizal
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Criteria for a National Hero
On what basis?
1. Popular recognition and
acclaim.
2. A long process of people’s
internalization.
Definition of a National Hero
A national hero must have a sense of
nationalism/patriotism.
NATIONALISM: A state-of-mind and a
habit of identifying oneself with a
nation and a recognition of one’s duty
of pride, loyalty, and protection and
advancement of its interest and welfare.
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RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal Prepared by Kiwi © 19/06/2019

Definition of a National Hero Definition of a National Hero

What elevates one to national heroism?
A national hero must have a
concept of a nation/national
identity
Self
NATION: A group of people united
by common history, culture, and Family

desire for independence and self- Other/s

Tribe
Nation
determination.

Definition of a National Hero Definition of a National Hero

Characteristics of a National Hero:
1. The extent of the person’s sacrifices for
the welfare of the country.
2. Motive and methods employed in the
attainment of the ideal.
3. The moral character of the person.
4. Influence of the hero to his age and
succeeding ages.

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RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal
Definition of a National Hero
Essay La Indolencia de los Filipinos:
“The lack of national sentiment
brings another evil, moreover, which
is the absence of all opposition to
measures prejudicial to the people
and the absence of initiative in
whatever may redound to its good.”
Definition of a National Hero
Rizal’s Letter to Blumentritt:
“I have always loved my poor
country, and I am sure that I
shall love her until death. I shall
die blessing her and desiring
the dawn of her redemption.”
CHAPTER 1: The Significance of Studying Rizal
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Definition of a National Hero
Essay La Indolencia de los Filipinos:
“A man in the Philippines is only
an individual, he is not a member
of a nation. He is forbidden and
denied the right of association,
and is, therefore, weak and
sluggish.”
Definition of a National Hero
Austin Coates: Rizal was responsible for
awakening Asia to the concept of
nationalism.
Leon Ma. Guerrero: the first Filipino
Austin Craig: a Philippine patriot
Rafael Palma: the pride of the Malay
race
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RIZAL: Life, Works, and Writing of Rizal Prepared by Kiwi © 19/06/2019

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