Is the teaching of Rizal’s life and works course realistic given the dangers and sensitivities of literature as

a means of communication in learning nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism?

Yes, because even if it is fictional from the novels, the works of Jose Rizal contributed and has a

big impact to the current standing of our country, Philippines. This only means that we need to learn the

works of Rizal by the students, teachers, and a Filipino as whole to know and learn the great ideas of

Rizal’s work in teaching nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism. As well as it is mandated that every

private and public institution are obliged to study Rizal’s life and works.

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. Lastly,

volunteerism is an act or practice of intentionally helping the country without asking in return. For one

thing, this course helps us to understand our country better.

Since, Dr. Jose Rizal is the father of nationalism. We must include his works it in the teaching

and learning. Under the Republic Act No. 1425 or The Rizal Law, on the section 1 it is written that,

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. Aside from the

Rizal Law, former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994, through Memorandum Order No. 247, directed the

Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to

fully implement the RA 1425 as there had been reports that the law had still not been totally carried out.
In 1995, CHED Memorandum No. 3 was issued enforcing strict compliance to Memorandum Order No.

247.

The teaching and importance of Rizal’s life, works and writings helps us to understand the

situation of our country way back then and its current standing. As well as we learned the true definition

of nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism. Through his works we are able to understand and recognize

his bravery, his love for the country, and freed the Filipinos from the Spanish Colonization. He also

taught us to love our very own country and fight the rights of every Filipino of how we perceived today.

He also awakened the nationalism of the Filipino such as heroes who fought for the freedom of our

country that inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal.

Another thing, the works of Rizal makes it realistic today because it is part of the history and he

delivered his message to the Filipino through his two famous novels. And it is forever be known and it

will pass to the next generation of young Filipinos. Luckily, the teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works and

writings were included in the curriculum of our country. Where it teaches us how we can show our love

for our country. And there are laws and memorandum that can assure us that the life and works of Rizal

were part of Philippine Education.