Rhandell S.

Corona PHILI
1100
HRDM 4-1 September 04, 2023

Pepe is a Hero

RA 1425, commonly known as the Rizal Law, holds significant importance in the Philippines'
educational and cultural landscape. It mandates the study of the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal,
the country's national hero, in all educational institutions. From a college student's perspective,
this law has several crucial implications. The Rizal Law plays a pivotal role in shaping the
national identity of Filipino college students. It provides a window into the historical, social, and
political context of the Philippines during Rizal's time. By understanding Rizal's writings and
actions, students can gain insights into the struggle for independence and the complex issues
faced by our ancestors.

Moreover, the Rizal Law fosters a sense of patriotism and pride in one's heritage. It reminds
students of the sacrifices made by Rizal and other Filipino heroes, inspiring a deeper
appreciation for the nation's history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice. However, it's
important not to approach the life of Rizal in a saintly way, creating a hagiography. While Rizal's
contributions to the Philippines are undeniable, portraying him as flawless overlooks his human
imperfections. He was a multifaceted individual with both admirable qualities and limitations.
College students should critically examine his life, acknowledging his strengths and weaknesses.
This approach allows for a more balanced and nuanced understanding of Rizal's significance in
Philippine history. RA 1425, the Rizal Law, is of great importance to college students in the
Philippines. It serves as a foundation for understanding their national identity, history, and the
struggles of their ancestors. However, it's essential to approach Rizal's life with a critical lens,
avoiding the temptation to create a hagiography and instead recognizing the complexity of his
character and contributions to the nation.

Claro M. Recto and Jose P. Laurel, both influential figures in Philippine history, played pivotal
roles in shaping the Rizal Law, which mandates the study of Jose Rizal's life and works in
educational institutions. However, their respective versions of the law had notable differences in
language, content, emphasis, and language of instruction. Recto's version of the Rizal Law was
originally presented in English, reflecting the colonial legacy in Philippine education at the time.
In contrast, Laurel's amendment expanded the law's language requirements to include not only
English but also Spanish and Filipino. This shift in language was significant as it aimed to
preserve and promote the use of the Spanish language, which was closely associated with Rizal
himself. Regarding content, Recto's version primarily focused on the study of Rizal's life, works,
and writings, with an emphasis on fostering national pride and identity. It was primarily intended
for college and university students. On the other hand, Laurel's amendment broadened the scope
to include high school students, making Rizal's teachings more accessible to a wider audience.
Additionally, Laurel's version added an emphasis on Rizal's role in the "growth and development
of nationalism before and during the Revolution," highlighting his influence on the nation's
history.

In terms of emphasis, both versions shared a commitment to instilling a sense of nationalism and
love for the country among students. However, Laurel's amendment explicitly underscored
Rizal's contribution to the development of Filipino nationalism, giving it a deeper historical
context. The language of instruction was not specified in Recto's original proposal. Laurel's
amendment addressed this by mandating that the teaching of Rizal's life and works be conducted
in English, Spanish, or Filipino. This language requirement aimed to ensure a comprehensive
understanding of Rizal's legacy among students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Claro M.
Recto and Jose P. Laurel contributed significantly to the development of the Rizal Law, each
leaving their mark on its language, content, emphasis, and language of instruction. While Recto's
version laid the foundation, Laurel's amendment expanded its reach and provided a more
comprehensive approach to studying Rizal's life and works, including a broader audience and a
multilingual approach. These differences reflect the evolving educational and cultural landscape
of the Philippines and the ongoing significance of Jose Rizal's legacy.

I respect the Catholic Church's historical perspective, but I disagree with their stance on studying
Rizal's novels because these works offer valuable insights into Philippine history and society,
fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding.
In summary, studying the life of Jose Rizal during secondary education in the Philippines can
have a profound impact on students’ patriotism and nationalism. It provides historical context,
fosters critical thinking, and encourages a sense of identity and responsibility towards the nation,
ultimately shaping informed and engaged citizens