CHAPTER I

Lesson 1
Unlocking of Difficult Words
• deemed- regard or consider in a specified way

• potent- having a great power

• millennials- a person born between the early 1980’s or late 1990’s, member of generation Y
• exemplar- serving a desirable model; representing the best of its kind

• alleviate- make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe

• townspeople- the people living in a particular town or city

• feasible- possible to do easily or conveniently

• pros- an advantage or reason for doing something

• cons- a disadvantage or a reason for not doing something

#WhyStudyRIZAL?
 Chapter Description
• The Filipino nation is a project. Deemed “immortal”, yet it must be nurtured,
refined, and strengthened so it may continue to exist. The responsibility lies in its
members. Every filipino must imbibe the complete essence of belonging to one
nation. Having a citizenship title alone is just an entry point. One should imagine
his / her role in the society and be an active participant in the collective endeavor
of building the nation. Studying the life works, and writings of Jose Rizal may be
employed in this grand scheme.
Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law)
• Cemented in history as potent symbol of the nation, Rizal’s heroism was
sponsored by the nation through Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law) of June 12, 1956,
with the younger generations, the “Millennials”, receiving much importance. This
lesson analyzes to stress the significance of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero and
foremost exemplar of filipino heroism, in fostering a sense of nationalism,
especially to the fair hopes of the nation – the youth.
Exploration: Role of the “Millennials”
• In studying history, it is necessary to find the MEANING (significance) and FUNCTION
(application) behind an OBJECT (facts, details, descriptive information, like names, places, dates,
etc.). The Rizal Law is the object while all provisions explain its meaning. Where the youth, the
fair hopes of the nation, enter the picture. Rizal envisioned the generation Filipinos yet to come to
be enlightened and educated. Policy – makers made sure that the words of Rizal must be
materialized through state – sponsored education, his life, works, and writings. All the powers,
hopes, and dreams of the State were given to the youth through the Rizal Law. The youth, in turn,
have the responsibility not just to accept trivial information on Jose Rizal’s legacies, but more
importantly to suffuse them down to their very core. Indeed the “millennials” are active
participants in the process of nation – building. It is expected that they would generate new ideas
that will affect the society in the future. This activity aims to increase students’ awareness on
their society and to see their potentials in affecting it.
The Birth of Rizal Law
• Amidst the destruction of building infrastructures, roads, and bridges brought by World War II, the people
saw the need to rebuild the Filipino identity which was equally affected by the war. Nationalist policy –
makers did not waste any time and painstakingly redirected the nation to the essence of History as a
foundation of national hope and pride. Education became primary weapon of reorientation while prioritizing
the youth as the bearers of country’s future.

• On April 3, 1956, Senate Bill No. 438 (AN ACT TO MAKE NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL
FILIBUSTERISMO COMPULSORY READING MATTER IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES)
• Senator Jose P. Laurel, the Chairman oof the Committee on Education, sponsored and presented
the bill to the members of the Upper House on April 17, 1956. The main purpose of the bill
according to Senator Laurel was to disseminate the ideas and ideals of Jose Rizal through the
reading of his works, notably his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. He stated that:
• Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be read by all filipinos. They must be taken to
heart, for in their pages we see ourselves as in a mirror, our defects, as well as our strength,
our virtues as well as our vices. Only then would we become conscious as a people, and so
learn to prepare ourselves for painful sacrifices that ultimately lead to self – reliance, self –
respect and freedom (Laurel, Jr. 131)
 Debates for the bill in aid of legislation ensued next, albeit not smooth sailing. There arguments
were as follows:

1. The bill was an attempt to discredit the Catholic Religion.

2. Inimical to the tenets of the faith to which 170 lines in Noli Me Tangere and 50 lines in El
Filibusterismo were offensive to the Church Doctrine.

3. The bill might divide the nation.

4. Compulsion to read something against one’s faith impaired freedom of speech and religious
freedom.
ACTIVITY #2
• Instructions: Form five groups. Each group must go to a chosen town and observe its condition.
You should be aware of the current needs of that town through interviews and integration with
townspeople. Photographs must be taken to prove the validity of a visit. Within the group, suggest
one (1) practical and feasible program or ordinance that can alleviate the problems of the town.
Provide three (3) pros and three (3) cons for the proposed program / ordinance in order to
improve it The output must be handwritten in a yellow paper.
Questions?