PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Old Nalsian Road, Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines 2418

Tel. No. (075)522-8032/Fax No. (075)523-0894/Website: www.philcst.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED, Member: Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU),
Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI)

LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL

MODULE 1: Introduction to the Course (History of Rizal Law)

The Rizal Law, also known as RA 1425, mandates the study of Rizal’s life and works, as
shown in section 1. This Republic Act calls for an increased sense of nationalism from the
Filipinos during a time of a dwindling Filipino identity. According to the judicial system, a
republic act is a law that has already been passed and implemented. In contrast to this, a bill is
merely a proposed law, in other words it may or may not be passed by the Congress.

The Republic Act was signed by the President on June 12, 1956. From the notes preceding
the body of the document, one may infer that the bill was originally proposed in the Legislative
arm of the Philippine Republic, in the Senate and House of Representatives. According to the
Official Gazette, the law was made effective thirty days after its implementation. The mere fact
that the Act was passed on the date of our independence seeks to stir up a greater sense of
fervor in the Filipino, to believe in their own country and national identity—who we are as a
nation. It was this time when the Philippines was heavily dependent on the American
government for support and guidance. Also, based on the fact that Jose Rizal is honored by
the Philippines as the Philippine national hero, it is but appropriate that the document written
to commemorate his accomplishments is written here, in the land of his birth.

It is Senator Claro M. Recto who authored the Rizal Bill. While Senator Jose P. Laurel, Sr.,
who was then the Chairman of the Committee on Education, sponsored the bill in the
Senate. Both of them were known for their great sense of nationalism. This nationalism served
as the foundation to come up with this republic act, to set our country free from the hands of
others and stand up on our own—exactly the ideals and values that Rizal strove to fight for. It
was written for the Filipino people, specifically the Filipino youth, who may have lost their
sense of nationalism. The writers endeavored to rekindle a lost spark in each Filipino’s belief
in their country. A republic act as drastic as the Rizal Law, which requires the study of Rizal’s
life and works—something that does not need to be required in the first place—can only be
born out of the fact that Rizal and his works were not given a high priority in the educational
system of the country prior to the release of this act. It is clear that the government had to make
 PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Old Nalsian Road, Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines 2418
Tel. No. (075)522-8032/Fax No. (075)523-0894/Website: www.philcst.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED, Member: Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU),
Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI)

drastic changes to resolve the issue. This is evident in section 3 of the act, legalizing all forms
of translations for Rizal’s works, as well as section 2, obligating all schools, colleges and
universities to keep an adequate number of copies of Rizal’s works. This makes them more
accessible to a greater audience.

It is hard to make out any form of emotion from any legal document; however, the choice of
words is still able to convey a fiery passion. To highlight this, they also use words or concepts
that can easily relate to the common Filipino man. Such passion is vital, as the audience is
presumably of dwindling nationalism. In this regard, the writer attempts to show the audience
the identity they have slowly been losing, and show them how they can undo this.

There are important points that the author cited in this republic act that is worth noticing.
First, “Whereas, today, more than 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.” This document
was written in the year 1956 during Magsasyay’s regime when the country was still recovering
from the Japanese occupation and still very dependent on US governance. Ideals of freedom
and nationalism were very essential during those times since the Philippines was still struggling
for independence, and the country was still gradually developing its national identity and
integrity. During those times havoc also existed within the Filipinos since there were numerous
uprisings against the Philippine government. Moreover, even though this document was written
decades ago, it is still striking because this clause is very timely for this present generation
when our culture is being overpowered by foreign influence and Filipino diaspora is
widespread.

Another important point from RA 1425 is “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.”
It is very important to use our educational institutions to instill these values to the children who
are at their prime years of growing and learning. During one’s educational years especially the
college level is when individuals formulate their priorities and career tracks in life, and it is
essential that institutions make students realize that the country should be a part of their
priorities and serving one’s country is an innate and inborn duty for all. Also, embedding a
profound and authentic moral character and a strong sense of personal discipline in the youth
would yield proficient, genuine, and selfless Filipinos of the future who would turn the
Philippines from an impoverished country to a globally competitive nation.

Lastly, “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 the Barrio Councils throughout the country.” To provide a specific way to
carry out this act is very helpful. It makes the goal very SMART – specific, measurable,
attainable, realistic and time-bound. It is also important that the effects of this act would be
experienced by all students even those who are financially troubled. It is commendable that in
the context of this act, the poor is well represented and that it is attainable regardless of
ethnicity, social stature, and language barriers.
 PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Old Nalsian Road, Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines 2418
Tel. No. (075)522-8032/Fax No. (075)523-0894/Website: www.philcst.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED, Member: Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU),
Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI)

Why is Rizal Course being thought in College?

In 1956 the Third Congress of the Philippines passed Republic Act No. 1425, an act to conclude
1425, an act to conclude 1425, an act to conclude 1425, an act to include the curricula of all public and
private schools, college and universities to have courses on the life, works and writings of Rizal
particularly his two immortal novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, authorizing further the
printing and distribution of such other material for use in the proper implementation of the Law.
Republic act 1425 was sponsored by Jose P. Laurel Jr. The law was approved on June 16, 1956
and implemented on August 16, 1956. Since the Rizal Course became a part of the collegiate
curriculum.
Rizal founded the fiber of the Filipino Nationalism that is rooted in Rizal’s achievements for the
Philippines, by integrating Rizal’s achievements and teaching in the curriculum;this would benefit the
Filipino youth to acquire the following traits: incorruptible, confidence, direction, courage and
determination. These traits would prepare the young Filipino in the college level to contribute in nation
building and strengthen Filipino identity.
The law in summary encourages the young Filipino to the ideals of freedom and nationalism that
was born from the blood of our heroes who fought and died to gain Philippine freedom from foreign
colonizers. By the studying the works of rizal, the young Filipino student will give respect and tribute
to the national hero. Patriotism has to be imbibed in studying the life and works of Rizal as indicated in
his poem “ Love of Country”.

Sources:
https://teamcrisostomo.wordpress.com/what-is-the-rizal-law/
HisGoPhil Publishing House, Inc
 PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Old Nalsian Road, Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines 2418
Tel. No. (075)522-8032/Fax No. (075)523-0894/Website: www.philcst.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED, Member: Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU),
Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI)