Studying history enables one to develop a favorable perspective of

the nation. It makes it possible to be a good citizen and develop country

loyalty – patriotism. It is intended to promote a sense of patriotism and

nationalism and aids in the formation of virtues for it focuses on molding

people’s minds to be aware of the past to be a good citizens in the

present.

The Republic Act 1425 known as Rizal law is a law wherein all

schools, private or public, are required to include in their curriculum a

course about the life, works, and other writing of Jose Rizal. This law

mainly educates the nation's youth, in particular, about the exemplary life,

teachings, and ideals of Rizal. Additionally, it aims to train and develop the

Filipino youth in terms of character building, democratic leadership,

enlightened nationalism, and committed service to the nation and people.

That, it is a must in every school, university, and college to follow the said

law.

As I look back on my secondary high school days, I can recall that my

school did comply with the Republic Act 1425. I was in grade 9 when we

discussed one of Rizal’s famous novels – Noli me tangere. The novel

focuses on how the Spanish colonized the Philippines and how poorly

they treated the Filipino people. I also remember that we made a film

about the novel itself. We portrayed what it looks like to live during that

era. And it was fun making the film. Fun because in some way, we were

enlightened about the past and at some point, at a young age, it instilled
patriotism in us. After making the film, some realization was dawn on us.

Personally, I realized at that time how great our heroes are, especially

Rizal.

The other famous novel of Rizal – El Filibusterismo was introduced to us

during grade 10 which is about to depict the struggle of his countrymen

against oppressive officials and how the Filipino people lived during the

Spanish colonial period. Here, our teacher asks us to have our

interpretation about some of it and share it in the class by reporting. The

task made us see our country's current state with greater indulgence and

skepticism.

To conclude, the Rizal law is an effective tool in instilling patriotism in

young minds. By learning Rizal’s ideals, life, and work, we will realize the

importance of what they fought for. We will give value to the independence

they died for and contribute to the development of our country. Moreover,

will give more importance to our education, as is what Rizal wants for us

Filipinos.