Introduction to Rizal’s Life and Works

RA 1425: Rizal Law and the Teaching of Rizal Course

Concept Notes Presentation

The need to understand the rationale behind studying any subject is essential for a learner to
appreciate and imbibe it. This would serve as an introductory part of the heart of the course
which introduces the Rizal Law and the teaching of the Rizal course. In the same way that this
would also engage the learners of the life, works, and writings of Rizal.

What is Republic Act 1425?

-Title: An Act To Include In The Curricula Of All Public And Private Schools, Colleges
And Universities Courses On The Life, Works And Writings Of Jose Rizal, Particularly
His Novels Noli Me Tangere And El Filibusterismo, Authorizing The Printing And
Distribution Thereof, And For Other Purposes
-Salient Parts:

WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-
dedication to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died;

WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose
Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped
the national character;

WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of
the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused;

WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation
by the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic
conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship; Now, therefore,

SECTION 1. 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.

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures
to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of
appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature,
to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and
regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons of religious belief stated in a
sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of
the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the first part
of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their
publication in the Official Gazette.

SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their
libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The said
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in
English as well as other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for
required reading in all public or private schools, colleges and universities.

The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books,
depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.

SECTION 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and
the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and cause
them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok
organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country.

SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine
hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious
doctrines by public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.

SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be

appropriated out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out
the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 12, 1956

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.

-Enacted in 1956, otherwise known as the Rizal Law which mandates that the teaching of the
life, works, and writings of Rizal in all schools in the country
-Rizal Law was sponsored by the late Senator Jose P. Laurel (main proponent of Rizal Bill was
Sen. Claro M. Recto), he believed that by reading and studying Rizal’s life, teachings and
writings, Filipino youth will be able to gain incorruptible confidence, direction, courage, and
determination to move forward in our people’s journey towards an abundant life.

Equally Important Legal Basis:

**ARTICLE XIV – 1987 Constitution - Education, Science And Technology, Arts,

Culture And Sports

Section 3. (1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of
the curricula.
(2) They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human
rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country,
teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral
character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific
and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.

Objectives of Rizal Law:

-To rededicate the lives of the youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our
heroes lived and died;
-To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino
character;
-To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings

Goals of Rizal Law:

-To recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideals, thoughts, teachings, and life values to present
conditions in the community;
-To apply Rizal’s ideals in the solution of day-to-day situations and problems in contemporary
life;
-To develop an understanding and appreciation of the qualities, behavior and character of Rizal;
-To foster the development of moral character, personal discipline, citizenship and vocational
efficiency among the Filipino youth

Who Chose Rizal as National Hero?

-It is the Filipino themselves who chose Rizal as their national hero (though there was no law
proclaiming him as such)
- Evidences:

 Katipuneros considered him as the honorary leader of the Katipunan

 Rizal’s name was one of the passwords of the secret society which swore to fight for the
country’s freedom
 Two years after his death, General Emilio Aguinaldo, issued a decree on December 20,
1898 ordering that December 30, the anniversary of Rizal’s execution at Bagumbayan be
commemorated as “a day of mourning for Rizal and other victims of the Philippine
Revolution” (became the basis of the yearly celebration of Rizal Day)
 The Philippine Commission considered December 30 as a day of observance, by virtue of
Act No. 345
 On Dec. 30, 1898, a group of mason erected a simple monument in Daet, Camarines
Norte which antedates the better known monument at Luneta in Manila which was
erected in 1911
 Though the monument in Luneta was erected during the American Regime, it is the
Filipino people themselves that helped build the monument through public subscriptions
which was authorized by Act No. 243 of the Philippine Commission
  Widespread admiration for Rizal is the construction of myriad monuments in his honor in
most cities and towns of the country
 Many main streets and avenues in the various towns and cities are named after him
 Rizal province, formerly part of the Province of Manila was named in his honor by virtue
of Act No. 137 of the Phil. Commission
 The basic unit of Philippine currency; Jose Rizal University and Rizal Technological
University etc.

Rizal as a Pioneer Asian Nationalist Leader

- Rizal was the first exponent of Asian nationalism since he was the source of inspiration
for the outbreak of the Philippine revolution of 1896
- Athough Rizal opposed the revolution, it broke out which can be considered as the first
genuine uprising by an Asian people against Western Colonialism
- Rizal through his essays, letters, and novels had already outspoken out with firmness
and courage ideas on liberal democracy
- It was through Rizal that the basic tenets of modern and social democracy were given a
major voice in Asia for the first time