AIMS OF RIZAL LAW

The Rizal Law, also known as Republic Act No. 1425, was enacted in the Philippines on
June 12, 1956. It requires all educational institutions in the country to include the life, works, and
writings of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in their curriculum. The aims of the Rizal Law can be
summarized as follows:

Promoting National Identity: The primary aim of the Rizal Law is to foster a sense of national
identity among Filipinos. By studying the life, works, and writings of Dr. Jose Rizal, students are
exposed to the ideals, principles, and aspirations that shaped the nation. This helps to develop a
shared understanding of Filipino values and heritage.

Honoring Philippine History and Culture: The law aims to honor the rich history and culture
of the Philippines. By learning about Rizal’s contributions to the Filipino nation, students gain a
deeper appreciation of their country’s past and the struggles it has faced. They also learn about
the values of heroism, patriotism, and love for country.

Cultivating Critical Thinking: Rizal’s writings, including his novels such as “Noli Me
Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” are considered masterpieces of Philippine literature. Studying
these works helps cultivate critical thinking skills among students. They can analyze and
interpret the texts, understand the socio-political issues of Rizal’s time, and apply the lessons to
contemporary situations.

Promoting Civic Engagement: The Rizal Law aims to encourage civic engagement among the
Filipino youth. By studying Rizal’s life and the challenges he faced in advocating for reforms,
students are inspired to become active members of society. They are encouraged to voice their
opinions, participate in public affairs, and work towards positive change.

Overall, the Rizal Law seeks to instill a sense of national pride, cultural appreciation,
critical thinking, and civic responsibility in Filipino students. It serves as a reminder of the
importance of understanding and honoring the nation’s history and the contributions of its heroes
like Dr. Jose Rizal.

HAPPENINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES DURING RIZAL TIME

During the time of Dr. Jose Rizal in the late 19th century, the Philippines was under
Spanish colonial rule. Here are some significant happenings during that period:

Spanish Colonial Rule: The Philippines was a colony of Spain, known as the Spanish East
Indies, for more than three centuries. The Spanish colonial government exerted control over
various aspects of Filipino life, including politics, religion, and economy.
Propaganda Movement: The Propaganda Movement emerged during Rizal's time,
characterized by a group of Filipino intellectuals and reformists who sought changes in the
Spanish colonial policies. They aimed to promote political and social reforms through peaceful
means and education. Rizal played a crucial role in this movement.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo: Rizal's novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," were published in 1887 and 1891, respectively. These novels exposed the social
injustices and abuses under Spanish colonial rule, portraying the struggles of the Filipino people.

Execution of Rizal: On December 30, 1896, Rizal was executed by firing squad in Manila. He
was accused of conspiracy and rebellion against the Spanish government. His execution sparked
outrage among Filipinos and further intensified the fight for independence.

Philippine Revolution: The execution of Rizal contributed to the growing discontent among
Filipinos, eventually leading to the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The revolution began in
1896 and continued until 1898 when the United States intervened in the Spanish-American War.

Katipunan and Andres Bonifacio: The Katipunan, a secret society, was founded in 1892 by
Andres Bonifacio. It aimed to achieve independence from Spain through armed revolution.
Bonifacio and other Filipino revolutionaries played a significant role in the fight for
independence.

Treaty of Paris: In 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed, marking the end of the Spanish-
American War. Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States, effectively transitioning the
Philippines from Spanish colonial rule to American colonization.

These are just a few of the significant happenings during Rizal's time. They highlight the
sociopolitical climate, the struggle for independence, and the actions taken by Filipinos to
challenge Spanish colonial rule.

La Liga Filipina: In 1892, Rizal founded a civic organization called La Liga Filipina, which
aimed to unite all Filipinos and promote reforms within the country. However, the organization
was short-lived as Rizal was arrested and deported to Dapitan.

Dapitan Exile: After being accused of involvement in the Katipunan, Rizal was exiled to
Dapitan in 1892. During his four-year exile, Rizal dedicated himself to various pursuits, such as
practicing medicine, teaching, and engaging in scientific research. He also undertook community
projects and advocated for agricultural reforms.

Execution of Gomburza: Prior to Rizal's time, in 1872, three Filipino priests known as
Gomburza (Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora) were executed by the
Spanish colonial authorities. Their execution sparked outrage and fueled the desire for reform
and independence among Filipinos.
Filipino Nationalism: Rizal's writings, activism, and martyrdom greatly influenced the growth
of Filipino nationalism. His ideas of peaceful reform, love for country, and cultural pride
inspired many Filipinos to unite and fight for independence.

Women's Role in Society: Rizal advocated for women's rights and emphasized the importance
of education for women. He believed that women played a significant role in nation-building and
should be given equal opportunities for growth and development.

Spanish-American War: In 1898, the Spanish-American War broke out, with the Philippines
becoming a battleground between the United States and Spain. The Filipino revolutionaries, led
by Emilio Aguinaldo, saw the opportunity to fight for independence from both colonial powers.

Treaty of Paris and American Colonization: The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, ended the
Spanish-American War and transferred the Philippines from Spanish to American control. This
marked the beginning of the American colonial period in the Philippines.

These additional happenings provide further context to the complex and evolving socio-
political landscape during Rizal's time. They showcase the various factors that contributed to the
Filipino struggle for independence and the significant role played by Dr. Jose Rizal in inspiring
and leading the movement.