Reflection Paper

Teaching about Rizal's Life, works and writings otherwise known as the Rizal Law mandated by Republic

Act 1425, that has been in much of controversy just because of the dichotomy that has been wrought on this. In

Rizal’s Life and works it serves as a means of communication in rededicating the ideals of nationalism and

freedom based on his writings and experience of Spanish colonization. His works also shows patriotism for

fighting and propagandas he made to free his country and fellowmen from the abusive Spaniards. Lastly,

volunteerism which his works clearly stated of the citizens participation in fighting for the countries freedom. The

proponents of Rizal Law explained that since Jose Rizal was the founder of the country's nationalism and had

significantly contributed to the current condition of the nation, it is only right that Filipinos, especially the youth,

know about and learn to imbibe the great ideals for which the hero died. Accordingly, the Rizal Law aims to

accomplish the following goals: first, to rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for

which our heroes lived and died, second, to pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in

shaping the Filipino character and last, to gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal's life,

works, and writings. The teaching of Rizal's Life and Works course is fundamental to the education of the people

in relation to learning about history and the political nuances from his time. This is not only because it is the past

and we have to learn it in school but also because of the fact that the power struggles involved and outlined in his

time are significant to our present experiences in the current political climate. Given this information, it will

obviously pose dangers just like any literary piece of work, primarily because of its openness to interpretation.

However, I believe that it is the task of the educator to properly nuance how the lessons of this literature be

received by his/her students. It should always be approached with proper respect to the source and academic

compassion, if you will, when it comes to interpretations. It is therefore still realistic to teach Rizal because his

story gives us a timeless lens to gauge our present realities such that we may not miss the essentials of nationalism

and not be clouded by our personal biases.

Literary criticism towards Rizal's Life and Works is important way to be more realistic and to absorb

greater knowledge through reading and give constructive criticisms. The law wasn't really effective and realistic

in its attempt to achieve its goals. Deeper understanding of Rizal has been blocked by our interest in such things

as the Internet. Some of us know Rizal only by name and not knowing him, we have become what Rizal fought

against all his life. We have become indifferent. In school we only get the basic information about him. We get to

read his novels and poems and learn of the places he visited and even the women who became part of his life. But

we have ended up not knowing what he really stood for. We even wear shirts bearing his image but we do not go
deeper in understanding him. Literary criticism to Rizal's work is vital especially if one is to study and draw

parallelism between the past and the present. Just as in any kind of piece of literature, Rizal work shall be

scrutinized with sharp yet fair eyes. We must constantly argue, evaluate, and agree about meanings and general

interpretations on his work because it is crucial to truly understand the messages underlying his narratives. This

will also help us look into ourselves and our political and social history with new lenses to navigate.

If I given a chance I'll add some scenario in Noli Me Tangere book and emphasize more effective ways

for nation building that could help for the enhancement. Jose Rizal and the Rizal law are part of our history. Rizal

the Filipino and Rizal the course both have a reason and purpose for us. Rizal stood as one of the great men

produced by the Malay race. His peaceful means of reform made him Asia's first modern nonviolent proponent of

political reforms. The Rizal law is an avenue for the youth to understand Rizal's vision. The law aims to put Rizal

closer to our hearts. This is not a written work, but it would be interesting to deconstruct Rizal's initial preference

on the country being a province of Spain instead of an independent one yet. This is critical as well as timely due

to the fact that the country is currently facing geopolitical challenges in relation to China in the present. We

should then ask what are the primary principles we really hold dear as a nation and criticize it as well. Did Rizal

really mean that? Are we really inadequate to build a nation because of our social proclivities and regional

inclinations? What does Rizal mean by a nation? Are we truly one? If so, how do build this together such that this

nation may stay resilient to political setbacks in the future? We should be lead to build our nation by means of

being nationalism and patriotism just what like Rizal did.