INTRODUCTION TO JOSE RIZAL

 
 
Welcome to Rizal's class.  The lesson for today is focused on R.A. 1425 or what we call
the “Rizal Law”.  But the question is: why study Rizal?

It is of great importance that students like you understand the rationale behind having to take up
a Rizal course in college.  For high school students, the Noli Me Tangere and the El
Filibusterismo are injected into the Filipino subject as part of the overall curriculum.  In tertiary
education, however, Rizal is a subject required of any course, in any college or university in the
Philippines. 

Usually, during the first day of the course, a professor asks the well-overused questions:

1. Why study Rizal?
2. What is the importance of studying Rizal?
3. Why is Rizal one of the minor subjects taken up in college?
4. Why is Rizal included in the course outline?
5. What relevance does Rizal have in college education?
 
The answer to such questions can be summed up in two points:
First and foremost, because it is mandated by law.
Secondly, because of the lessons contained within the course itself.

Let us discuss those reasons one by one:

WHY STUDY RIZAL:  BECAUSE IT IS MANDATED BY LAW

The teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, his works and writings are mandated by Republic Act 1425,
otherwise known as the Rizal Law.  Senator Jose P. Laurel, the person who sponsored the said
law, said that since Rizal was the founder of Philippine nationalism and has contributed much to
the current standing of this nation, it is only right that the youth as well as all the people in the
country know about and learn to imbibe the great ideals for which he died.  The Rizal Law,
enacted in 1956, seeks to accomplish the following goals:

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

Likewise,
“As mandatory law (R.A 1425), the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings is a requirement for
all non-degree courses in tertiary education. Primarily, its rationale is to foster in the Filipino
youth a nationalistic sentiment both for their appreciation and emulation.”
 
For more information:
Laws on Rizal
There are at least two Republic Acts and two Memorandum Orders pertaining to Jose Rizal:
1. Republic Act N. 1425 or the Rizal Law
2. Republic Act No. 229 or the Celebration of Rizal Day’
3. Memorandum Order No. 247 by President Fidel V. Ramos
4. CHED Memorandum No. 3, s 1995  by Commissioner Mona D. Valismo
 
                                                     Republic Act No. 1425
                                                           The Rizal Law
 
Republic Act no. 1425- 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.
 
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.
 
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
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, and 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 amended or repealing section nine hundred twenty-
seven of the administrative code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public
school teachers and other persons 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
 
Senate Bill No. 438
House Bill No. 5561
Archbishop of Manila -  bishop Rufino Santos
Mayor of Manila – Arsenio Lacson
 
 
WHY STUDY RIZAL:  BECAUSE OF THE LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE COURSE

Aside from those mentioned above, there are other reasons for teaching the Rizal course in
Philippine schools:
1. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to present
conditions and situations in society.
2. To encourage the application of such ideals in current social and personal problems and
issues.
3. To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal fought and died
for. 
4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship.

Take note, Rizal’s legacy is very important in changing the condition of our present society.  His
teachings challenge us all Filipinos to make a difference for the future of our country by living
the teachings of Rizal.  Likewise, it teaches us to be more responsible and brave enough to face
the challenges in our present society by acting on the principles that Rizal had strongly spoken
and lived.