Name: Nombrefia, Mayvelyn O.

Date: February 7, 2024

Section: ARC- 3211 Subject: Life and Works of Rizal

Brief essay commenting on the views of different sectors on the promulgation of RA

1425, considering the academic, social, religious, and political context of the Philippines

during the 1950s.

The promulgation of the Republic Act 1425 also known as the Rizal Law, sparked

a debate in different sectors in the Philippines during the 1950’s. Legislated on June 12,

1956, the law decreed the admittance of Rizal’s literary works and writings especially the

El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere in all public and private schools or universities in

the Philippines. However, this legislation elicited diverse reactions from academic, social,

religious, and political communities.

RA 1425 has been generally welcomed in the academe. Various educators saw it

as a step forward towards nationalism and patriotism. Students could gain a deeper

understanding and connection to their cultures. Knowing how Rizal sacrificed his works

and entire life so that Filipinos could enjoy their peace and independence. Learning

history during Spanish colonialism, and how Filipinos suffered and fought for it due to the

light that Rizal sparked will create a sense of importance for freedom and equality.

On the social front, opinions regarding RA 1425 were divided. Some parts of

society hailed the law as a way to enhance Filipino unity and solidarity. Conservative
groups questioned the inclusion of Rizal's novels in the curriculum, citing their

controversial subjects and criticisms of the Catholic Church and Spanish colonial

authority.

Religious organizations, notably the Catholic Church, have expressed concerns

regarding RA 1425. Rizal's novels critiqued the Church's position in Philippine society

during the colonial period, exposing corrupt priests and abuses of authority. As a result,

some members of the institution viewed the law as a threat to religious authority. However

other members of the religious authority saw the educational advantage of mandated law.

Using that reasoning, they permitted the passage of the legislation as long as some

aspects of Rizal's literary works were filtered.

Politically, the approval of RA 1425 represented the broader ambitions of the post-

colonial Philippines. It also demonstrated the government's acknowledgment of the role

of education in creating a common understanding of its population.

In conclusion, the promulgation the RA 1425 obtained various reactions from

different sectors of the Philippines. It is largely welcomed in the academe in contrast with

the opposition of the religious sector. A huge debate has sparked on the social and

political front. Regardless of different and coinciding opinions, this mandated law has

been a milestone for every Filipino to embrace their nationalism and patriotism.