Program: Topic: Introduction to Rizal Law

Course: Life and Works of Rizal Instructor EVA MARIE O. ROBLES

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Code RIZA01 Module #: 1 Week #: 1 # of Page:

I. Preliminaries
Introduction to This chapter will give you center thoughts about the Republic Act 1425, which enacts
the Module the incorporation of the Life and Works of Rizal within the educational program of
Objective schools, colleges, and universities: aims to instill the standards of freedom and
patriotism and to honor the national legend and nationalist, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Section Topics Learning Outcomes Assessment/ Modality

Evaluation

1. Discuss in-depth 1. Written

Chapter 1: The Study of Dr. Using
understanding of the need to exercises
Jose P. Rizal module
study the Life & Works of 2. Activity
*Rizal Law Rizal Assignment Social media
2. Explain the rationale of RA and platform
1425 Presentatio
3. Explain the significance n Research
Rizal Law and its important
provision
4. Demonstrate knowledge
By critically assessing the
effectiveness of Rizal
Course.

II. Instructions
Rizal Law- Republic Act No. 1425 known as the, enacted June 12, 1956 and took effect on August
16, 1956. The Law mandates that a course on the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal should be included in
the curricula in all schools, colleges, and universities especially in tertiary and graduate levels both
in public and private schools.

Nationalism – love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it.

Hero – is a person admired for achievements and noble qualities and a prominent or central
personage taking admirable action.

Content Lecture/ Discussion

Chapter 1: The Study of Dr. Jose P. Rizal Course and Republic Act No. 1425

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 also known as the “Rizal Law” was
passed in 1956. The Rizal law states the mandatory teaching of the Life and Works of
Rizal. It was primarily set to address “a need for a re-dedication to the ideals of freedom and
nationalism for which our heroes lived and died.”
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
From the Rizal bill to the Rizal law

• April 3, 1956 – Senate bill No. 438 was filed by the Senate Committee on Education.

• April 17, 1956 – Senate Committee on Education Chair Jose P. Laurel sponsored
the bill and began delivering speeches for the proposed legislation.

• April 23, 1956 – debates about the bill started (opposition by the Catholic church)

• May 2, 1956 – the House Committee on Education approved the bill without
amendments.

• May 9, 1956 – debates about the bill, especially about the compulsory reading of
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Amendments were added by Senator Jose P. Laurel that
removed the compulsory teaching of Noli and El Fili but added that other works of Rizal must be
included.

• May 17, 1956 – the senate and house version of the bill were approved.

• June 12, 1956 – President Ramon Magsaysay signed the bill into a law.

CLARO M. RECTO

• Born in Tiaong, Tayabas (Quezon)

• Finished his AB degree at Ateneo and awarded Maxima cum laude

• Finished law degree from the University of Sto. Tomas

• Elected as representative of the third district of Batangas (1919)

• The main sponsor of the Rizal Bill

• Elected as senator in 1931.

• Held positions such as Minority and Majority Floor leader and Senate President.

• Became associate justice of the Supreme Court in 1935.

• Involved in the drafting of the Philippine Constitution in 1934-1935.

A REVIEW ON THE RIZAL LAW RA 1425, “RIZAL LAW”

• An act to include 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, authorizing the printing and distribution thereof, and for other
purposes.

• WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a
re-dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes

lived and died;

• WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and
patriot, Jose Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
 have shaped the national character;

• WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the
minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be
suffused;

• WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to
regulation by the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal
discipline, civic conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship;

SECTION 1.

Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and
universities, public or private: Provided, that in the collegiate courses, the original or
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translation
shall be used as basic texts.

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to
implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of
appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to
carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act.

The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students
for reasons of religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the
provision contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking
the course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take
effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official Gazette.

SECTION 2.

It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an
adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The said unexpurgated editions
of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as other
writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all public or
private schools, colleges and universities.

SECTION 3.

The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the principal
Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and cause them to be
distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and
Barrio Councils throughout the country.

SECTION 4.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred
twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by
public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

 SECTION 5.

The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of
any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Senate bill 438 known as Rizal Bill which was first authored by Senator Claro M. Recto – requiring
the inclusion in the curricula of all private and public schools, colleges and universities the life,
works and writings of Jose Rizal particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – is
considered as one of the most controversial bills in the Philippines. Normally, before the bill was
approved and implemented in all schools and was signed into a law known as Republic Act 1425,
it had been brought to the Upper and Lower House of the Congress for deliberations.

But what made it controversial is that the bill was not just fiercely opposed by people from
Legislative Arm but also by the Catholic Church due to the inclusion of compulsory reading of
Rizal’s novels in which according to them, catholic dogmas are humiliated.

For additional readings on the history of the Rizal Law, including the controversies that
circulated during the settling of the law, you may visit this webpage:
https://dimasalang.weebly.com/ra-1425.html

The Importance of Studying Rizal

The academic subject on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal was not mandated by
law for nothing. Far from being impractical, the course interestingly offers many benefits that
some contemporary academicians declare that the subject, especially when taught properly, is
more beneficial than many subjects in various curricula.

The following are just some of the significance of the academic subject:

1. The subject provides insights on how to deal with current problems

There is a dictum, “He who controls the past controls the future.” Our view of history forms
the manner we perceive the present, and therefore influences the kind of solutions we provide for
existing problems. Jose Rizal course, as a history subject, is full of historical information from
which one could base his decisions in life. In various ways, the subject, for instance, teaches that
being educated is a vital ingredient for a person or country to be really free and successful.

2. It helps us understand better ourselves as Filipinos

The past helps us understand who we are. We comprehensively define ourselves not only
in terms of where we are going, but also where we come from. Our heredity, past behaviors, and
old habits as a nation are all significant clues and determinants to our present situation.
Interestingly, the life of a very important national historical figure like Jose Rizal contributes much
to shedding light on our collective experience and identity as Filipino. The good grasp of the past
offered by this subject would help us in dealing wisely with the present.

3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism

Nationalism involves the desire to attain freedom and political independence, especially by
a country under foreign power, while patriotism denotes proud devotion and loyalty to one’s
nation. Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings— especially his novels—essentially, if not perfectly,
radiate these traits. For one thing, the subject helps us to understand our country better.
TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
 4. It provides various essential life lessons

We can learn much from the way Rizal faced various challenges in life. As a controversial
figure in his time, he encountered serious dilemmas and predicaments but responded decently
and high-mindedly. Through the crucial decisions he made in his life, we can sense his priorities
and convictions which manifest how noble, selfless, and great the national hero was. For
example, his many resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in this life there are things more
important than personal feeling and happiness.

5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking

Critical Thinking refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical thinking. A Philosophy

major, Jose Rizal unsurprisingly demonstrated his critical thinking skills in his argumentative
essays, satires, novels, speeches, and written debates. In deciding what to believe or do, Rizal
also proved his being a reasonably reflective thinker, never succumbing to the irrational whims
and baseless opinions of anyone. In fact, he indiscriminately evaluated and criticized even the
doctrines of the dominant religion of his time. A course on Rizal’s life, works, and writings
therefore is also a lesson in critical thinking.

6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino

If one is looking for someone to imitate, then Rizal is a very viable choice. The hero’s
philosophies, life principles, convictions, thoughts, ideals, aspirations, and dreams are a good
influence to anyone. Throughout his life, he valued nationalism and patriotism, respect for
parents, love for siblings, and loyalty to friends, and maintained a sense of chivalry. As a man of
education, he highly regarded academic excellence, logical and critical thinking, philosophical
and scientific inquiry, linguistic study, and cultural research. As a person, he manifested versatility
and flexibility while sustaining a strong sense of moral uprightness.

7. The subject is a rich source of entertaining narratives

People love fictions and are even willing to spend for books or movie tickets just to be
entertained by made-up tales. But only a few perhaps know that Rizal’s life is full of fascinating
non-fictional accounts.

For instance, it is rarely known that (1) Rizal was involved in a love triangle with Antonio Luna as
also part of the romantic equation; (2) Rizal was a model in some of Juan Luna’s paintings; (3)
Rizal’s common-law wife Josephine Bracken was ‘remarried’ to a man from Cebu and had tutored
former President Sergio Osmeña; (4) Leonor Rivera (‘Maria Clara’), Rizal’s ‘true love’, had a son
who married the sister of the former President of the United Nations General Assembly Carlos P.
Romulo; (5) the Filipina beauty queen Gemma Cruz Araneta is a descendant of Rizal’s sister,
Maria; (6) the sportscaster Chino Trinidad is a descendant of Rizal’s ‘first love’ (Segunda
Katigbak); and (7) the original manuscripts of Rizal’s novel (Noli and Fili) were once stolen for
ransom, but Alejandro Roces had retrieved them without paying even a single centavo.

For a more comprehensive discussion on the Rizal Law, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=WGYIyyQtPi0

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

 III. Viable and vibrant Activities

Learning Task 1
Fast Talk Interview
1. Identify three to five basic information about Rizal (ex. Full name, Place of birth, date of
execution,parents,works,etc.)
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___________________________.

2. Interview the oldest person in your household using your formulated questions.
_________________________________________________________________________
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__________________.

3. After your interviewee answered the questions, ask the following:

a. What else do you know about Jose Rizal?
b. How did you know all of these information?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________.

Make sure to record your interview. It should be no more than 1 minute.

IV. Assessment/Reflection
Reflection No. 1: How do the issues of the present-day Philippines reflect the Rizal Law?

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TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

Reflection No. 2:

After reading RA 1425, what provisions will you add to make it more relevant to the youth like you?
Explain your answer.

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V. Textbooks and other References

Rhodalyn Wani-Obias, Aaron Abel Mallari, Janet Regindin-Estella. The Life and
Works of Rizal: C & E Publishing, Inc. 2018

TANAUAN CITY COLLEGE RIZA01- MODULE 1 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL