De Guzman, Godwin J.

Activity No. 1

1. Explain the Rationale of Rizal Law.

Revamping the sense of nationalism and patriotism of the future of our country-
the youths while commemorating the hardships of our great hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who
faced the adversity of life in his formative years for the sake of enlivening people’s spirit
and perception against Spanish rule and to attain Philippine independence is the very
rationale of the Republic Act 1425 also known as “Rizal Law.” It is an act that
implements the inclusion in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges and
universities’ courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Indeed, this law was spearheaded by Senator
Jose P. Laurel and passed on June 12, 1956 under the regime of former President
Ramon Magsaysay and almost after the Japanese occupation. In light of the foregoing, I
believed that to be a role model is to learn by a palpable example. Studying the life and
works of Rizal is a gateway for us to imbibe the great ideals and be inspired on how he
strove, fought and carried the nation on his shoulders through his unique way of
revolution. Accordingly, the law aims for the students to appreciate and be well-
informed on how the little Rizal transformed to an extraordinary man until the time that
he can no longer afford to be silent ergo, drove him to voice out through his pen and
paper. 
In addition, the execution of grinding the life and works of Rizal in all levels is
under the supervision of the Board of National Education who is entitled to direct and
adopt the provisions in all ways possible as well as the printing of primers, readers and
textbooks. It is also necessary to utilize the use of original and unexpurgated editions of
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo either their English translation as the basic text.
To emphasize, as regard to religious beliefs, a student can only be exempted in
studying Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo but not on taking the whole course due
to the straightforward revelation of religion which for others perchance impertinent.
2. Relate the passage of Rizal Law to nation-building, patriotism and nationalism.
It is indeed truthful that many of the minds the youths have today are contrary to
what is quoted by Dr. Jose Rizal as we, the youths are the silver lining of the country.
Some are afraid of taking big roles because of criticisms, some bring disgrace to the
society, some are filtered by foreign culture and among these youths, only few are
willing to devote their lives towards our country’s welfare. Because of this status quo,
the provisions of Rizal Law should be adopted by genuine hearts in order to renew and
revive the sense of patriotism, nationalism and for youths to have the courage to take
roles, small or big, in nation-building. I think if Rizal Law and the study of works and life
of Jose Rizal were appropriately laid down to all school levels and that students truly
absorb the great ideals of him, our country can yield youths who will serve as the face of
audacity and patriotism. This law attempts not just for the students to appreciate how
Rizal fought and sacrifice his life nor to know how the Spanish rule made us blind but
more so, this law wants to shape the Filipino character within us because I also believe
that we’re entitled to bloom and grow like a seed that needs enough sunlight and water
to sprout. Moreover, the passage of this law does not merely want young Filipinos to
forfeit their lives but this wants everyone to open their minds and not to put a blind eye
on every circumstance and not to be a mere fence sitter as well. To emphasize, this law
aspires to encourage youths to be more disciplined by heart and to always think beyond
the corner considering the consequences not just for ourselves but to our country at
large-that is a true meaning of patriotism and nationalism which serve as a great factor
in nation-building.

3. Give instances that will show how you can manifest your love for your country. 
Exhibiting the love for the pearl of the orient seas- the Philippines, our country,
can be seen in a variety of ways. I, Godwin J. De Guzman, a second year student of
Batangas State University- Main Campus I, promising that maybe I can’t do what our
great hero does but I can contribute and be an asset to this nation in a way that is
unique from others. I firmly take as fact that what our country truly needs are youths that
are disciplined enough in words and actions, a person who will respect rules and
regulations, the society at large and people living on it regardless of origin, a person
who will always nurture and respect the culture and traditions as well as a person who
will patronize and support local- this what I should and can offer to our country. A true
hero for me is a person who can be the best version of himself/herself and a person
who can have sound and intact decisions which can also influence others. A hero is the
one who can manifest love for the country despite imperfections. We, Filipinos don’t
want to repeat the darkness of savagery. We must start to chase differences and
progress to ourselves. In lieu of the above mentioned, I will always seek for better and
for our country’s welfare even in small things which actually count. And I am ready to be
a part and take a role in nation-building, let’s revamp the sense of nationalism and
patriotism.