Name Casido, Angelica P.

Date January 28, 2024 2ND

SEMESTER
Year/Program BSN 3B Course GEC9: Life and Works of Rizal
PRELIM
Week 1 PRELIM ASSIGNMENT 1 Professor VERNA BONO

ESSAY

1. What is Rizal Law and explain its importance

According to the Official Gazette, the Rizal Law, also referred to as Republic Act No. 1425, was
enacted on June 12, 1956. It mandates the inclusion of courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose
Rizal, particularly his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," in the curricula of all public
and private schools, colleges, and universities. This act authorizes the printing and distribution of these
works and serves various purposes. Dr. Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and intellectual, played a pivotal
role in the Philippines' quest for independence from Spanish colonial rule. The Rizal Law's objective is
to instill a sense of nationalism and patriotism among Filipino youth by acquainting them with Rizal's
thoughts and ideals. Educational institutions are mandated by the law to incorporate the study of Rizal's
life, writings, and works into their curricula, particularly at the tertiary level. This includes reading
Rizal's novels, which are deemed crucial literary works that contributed to the awakening of Filipino
national consciousness. Over the years, the Rizal Law has been a subject of controversy and debates,
with some advocating for its repeal or modification, while others underscore its significance in
promoting national identity and pride. Nevertheless, it continues to be an integral part of the Philippine
educational system.

The importance of the Rizal Law lies in its promotion of nationalism, human rights advocacy,
provision of historical awareness, literary legacy, and cultural understanding. The primary aim is to
instill a sense of nationalism and patriotism among Filipinos, especially the youth, by exposing them to
the ideas and principles that influenced the Filipino national identity during the struggle for
independence. Rizal, being an advocate for human rights, social justice, and equality, imparts these
principles to students, encouraging them to become responsible and socially conscious citizens.

Additionally, the law ensures that students are well-versed in the historical context of the
Philippines during Rizal's era, encompassing socio-political conditions, the impact of colonialism, and
the struggles faced by Filipinos. This understanding is vital for appreciating the evolution of the
Philippine nation. Moreover, the inclusion of Rizal's novels in the curriculum exposes students to
significant literary works that not only contributed to Philippine literature but also served as vehicles for
social and political commentary, addressing challenges faced by society and individuals. Furthermore,
the Rizal Law contributes to the preservation and appreciation of Filipino culture by providing insights
into cultural nuances, values, and traditions that have shaped the Filipino way of life. In essence, the law
plays a multifaceted role in fostering a holistic understanding of the nation's history, values, and identity
among the Filipinos.

REFERENCE: Official Gazette. Republic Act No. 1425. Retrieved from

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1956/06/12/republic-act-no-1425/. On January 28, 2024.
 2. Were there similarities on Rizal's childhood to yours?

In various books and biographies discussing Rizal's life, it is emphasized that he was born into a
well-educated and affluent family, a contrast to my own humble background. Despite this economic
disparity, I find parallels in terms of both Rizal and I belonging to large families with numerous
members. Rizal, the seventh of eleven children born to Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso
Realonda, differs from my position as the sixth of eight children born to Mr. Casido and Mrs. Plarisan.

Similar to Rizal, I displayed a keen interest in the arts from an early age. Like him, I exhibited
proficiency in drawing and a talent for sketching, and I even ventured into writing poems, short stories,
novels. However, unlike Rizal, I did not pursue a continued path in the arts. Furthermore, akin to Rizal's
upbringing in a multilingual environment, I grew up learning various dialects, extending beyond my
native Bisaya language. Considering Rizal's birth in Calamba, Laguna, a rural area with lush landscapes,
it is probable that he engaged in activities typical of rural life. Likewise, growing up in a rural area in
Mindanao, I had the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, much like Rizal did during his
childhood.

Despite the differences in timeframes, certain life situations exhibit similarities across different
individuals, including aspects of Jose Rizal's life. These shared life situations, however, do not equate to
identical life experiences, as there are nuanced distinctions from my perspective.