Life and Works of Rizal: Course Overview

Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Arts and Sciences
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL NO. 1
Subject LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL Week No. 1 Time Frame 6 Hours
Topic/s OVERVIEW OF THE RIZAL COURSE
 Introduction to the Course
 Republic Act 1425 and other Rizal laws
 Essentials of Studying Rizal
 Rizal as an American Sponsored Hero?
Course Overview
This lesson provides the students an overview of the Republic Act No. 1425 known as the Rizal Law
that mandates all educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about Jose Rizal. This lesson also
presents the arguments why many opposed the inclusion of Rizal studies in our education system.
Desired Learning Outcomes

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:
1. explain the history of the Rizal Law and its important provision;
2. discuss the provisions of the Rizal Law and why it was established;
3. discuss Rizal Law and its importance;
4. examine the goals of the Rizal Law; and
5. critically asses the effectiveness of the Rizal course.
Course Outline
1. Introduction to the Course
2. Republic Act 1425
3. Other Rizal Laws
4. Essentials of Studying Rizal
5. Rizal as an American Sponsored Hero?
Course Content
Introduction to the Course
Cemented in history as the potent symbol of the nation, Rizal’s heroism was sponsored by the nation
through Republic Act No. 1425 on June 12, 1956. This law is entitled “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”. The Act stresses on the significance of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero an
foremost exemplar of Filipino heroism, in fostering a sense of nationalism, especially to the fair hope of the
nation – the youths.
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Life and Works of Rizal– Alindayo@2020-2021
The Rizal Law, otherwise known as RA 1425
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 NOU ME TANGERE AND
El. FILIBUSTERISMO, AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION
THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a
rededication 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. lose
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 lose 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,
Be It enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularlyy 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
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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
RA 1425 otherwise known as Rizal Law requires the inclusion in the curricula of Rizal’s life, works and
writings in all public and private schools, colleges and universities and the significant novels of Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo. This law was passed by the Congress to increase nationalism among Filipinos
most significantly during the time of diminishing Filipino identity as stated in section 1. Another essential point
in this law according to section 2 is that; every educational institutions are subject to regulation and supervision
of the state, and all schools are advised to develop moral character, civic consciousness, personal discipline, and
learn the duties of citizenship. It was signed on June 12, 1956.
Senate Bill 438 was first authored and sponsored by Senator Claro M. Recto leading to the creation of
RA 1425. This bill must be considered as one of the most controversial bills in the Philippines. Before it was
signed into law for implementation in all schools it was brought to the Senate and House of Representatives for
discussions. But what made it debatable is that the bill was not just vehemently contradicted by some of the
legislator but also by the Roman Catholic Church due to the inclusion of that it is mandatory reading of Rizal’s
novels in which according to them, Catholic dogmas were mortified. Senator Jose B. Laurel Sr. who was then
the Chairman Committee on Education sponsored the bill was opposed by three senators namely Mariano
Cuenco, Francisco Rodrigo who was a former Catholic Action President and Decoroso Rosales who was a
brother of Julio Rosales, an archbishop. Other oppositionists of the bill were from the Lower House: Ramon
Durano, Marciano Lim, Manuel Soza, Godofredo Ramos, Miguel Cuenco, Jose Nuguid, Lucas Paredes, Tecla
San Andres Ziga and Carmen Consing. Oppositions assert that the bill would go against the freedom of religion
and conscience, where pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to which
accordingly, such bill is a violation of 1939 Canon Law which prohibits books that attack the Catholic doctrines
and practices. The oppositionists argued that among the 333 pages of Noli Me Tangere, only 25 passages were
nationalistic while 120 passages are anti-Catholic. Scrutiny of the two novels by some members of Catholic
observed Noli Me Tangere with 170 readings and El Filibusterismo 50 passages are against the Catholic faith.
Furthermore, opposition pointed out that Rizal admitted that he did not only attack the friars who acted
deceptively on the Filipinos but also the Catholic itself. They suggested reading medium for learners to what
they called Rizalian Anthology, a collection of Rizal’s written works that contain the patriotic reasoning
prohibiting the two novels.
However, Recto and Laurel defended the bill and argued that the only objective of the law is to keep the
memory of the national hero alive in every Filipino’s mind. to emanate Rizal as he peacefully fought for
freedom, and not to go against religion. Senators Quintin Paredes. Lorenzo Tanada. and Domocao Alonto of
Mindanao also defended Rizal Bill which was also favoured by Representatives from the House namely
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Congressmen Jacobo Gonzales, Emilio Cortez, Mario Bengson, Joaquin Roxas. Lancap Lagumbay and Pedro
Lopez.
The excitement and intense scenes in 6xing the Rizal Bill One of which was the debate between Cebu
Representative Ramon Durano and Pampanga Representative Emilio Cortes that concluded in a fistfight in
Congress. Bacolod City Bishop Manuel Yap menaced to campaign against pro-Rizal bill legislators and to
punish them in the upcoming elections. Catholic Schools Representatives were menacing the government to
close down their schools if the Rizal Bill passed Senator Recto told them that if they did, the State could
nationalize the Catholic schools in the country. When there was a motion to use the bowdlerize novels as
textbooks and put the original copies under lock and key in the school libraries. Recto rejected this amendment
and expressed:
“The people who would banish the novel of Rizal from the schools...would blot out from our minds the
memory of the national hero... this is not a fight against Recto but a fight against Rizal... now that Rizal
is dead and they can no longer attempt at his life. they are attempting to blot out his memory.”
Because of the never-ending debate on the Rizal Bill, approved amendments were formulated through
the proposal of three legislators from the upper house. Senator Laurel’ proposed an amendment to the original
bill in which, aside from Noii Me Tangere and El Fiiibusterismo. other written works of Rizal must include and
be read out the unexpurgated revision of the two novels would no longer be compulsory to elementary and
secondary levels but would strictly be included in college level. Senator Lim recommends the relief to those
students who feel that reading Rizal’s novels would negatively affect his or her faith. Senator Primicias proposed
an additional amendment that promulgates the rules and regulations in getting an exemption only from reading
the two novels through written statement or affidavit and not from taking the Rizal course. According to Ambeth
Ocampo, no student has ever availed of this exemption. After the final amendments, the bill was finally posed on
May 17. 1956. end was signed into law as Republic Act 1425 by President Ramon Magsaysay on lune 12 of the
same year.
Other Rizal Laws
The Rizal Bill became Republic Act No. 1425, known as the ‘Rizal Law.’ An Act to Include in the
Curricula of All Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities Courses on the Life, Works and Writings
0f Jose Rizal, Particularly His Novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and
Distribution Thereof and for Other Purposes."
Section I of Republic Act 1425 was given the students to read Rizal’s novels. The last two parts involve
making Rizal’s writings accessible to the general public-they require the schools to have a sufficient number of
copies in their libraries and mandate the publication of the works in major Philippine languages.
Senator lose P. Laurel who co-wrote the law explained that since lose Rizal was the founder of the
country’s nationalism and had significantly contributed to the current condition of the nation. it is only right that
Filipinos, especially the youth, know about and learn to imbibe the high ideals for which the hero died.
Accordingly, the Rizal Law aims to realize the following objectives:
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1. To rededicate the lives of the youth to the ideals of independence and nationalism, for which our
heroes lived and died
2. To dignify our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino character
3. To stimulate patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings.
Thus. no student has yet officially applied for exclusion from reading Rizal’s novels. Correspondingly,
former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994, through Memorandum Order No. 247. directed the Secretary of
Education, Culture. and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to fully implement the
RA 1425 as there had been reports that the law had still not been carried out. In 1995, CHED Memorandum No.
3 was issued enforcing strict compliance to Memorandum Order No. 247.
Not known to many, there is yet another republic act that is of our concern. Republic Act No. 229 is an
act prohibiting cockfighting, horse racing. and jai-alai on the thirtieth day of December of each year and to create
a committee to take charge of the proper celebration of Rizal day in every municipality and chartered city, and
for other purposes.
Essentials of Studying Rizal
The different disciplines on the life, works, and writings of lose Rizal were directed by law for nothing.
Far from being inappmpriate, the course interestingly offers many benefits that. some contemporary teachers and
lecturers declare that the subject, especially when taught properly, is more beneficial than many other items in
different curricula. The following are just some of the essentials of the academic discipline:
1. One benefit provides insights on how to deal with current problems. There is an assertion, “He
who controls the past controls the future.” Accordingly, the view of history forms the manner they perceive
the present and therefore influences the kind of solutions they provide for existing problems. Rizal, a course
or subject, is full of relevant information and ideas from which one could base his decisions in life. In
various ways, the issue, for instance, teaches that being educated is a vital ingredient for a person or
country to be free and prosperous.
2. It helps people understand better us Filipinos. The past allows people to know who they are. They
comprehensively define themselves not only in terms of where we are going but also where we come
from. Our heredity, past behaviors. and old habits as a nation are all significant clues and determinants to our
present situation. Interestingly, the life of an essential national historical figure like lose Rizal
contributes much to shedding light on our collective experience and identity as Filipino. The excellent grasp
of the past offered by this subject would help us in dealing wisely with the present.
3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism. Nationalism requires the desire to acquire freedom and
political independence. especially by a country under a foreign power, while patriotism denotes proud
devotion and loyalty to one's nation. lose Rizal’s life works. and writings especially his novels
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--primarily, if not entirely radiate these attributes. For one thing. the subject helps you to understand your
country better.
4. It provides several valuable life lessons. Students can learn much from the way Rizal faced various
challenges in life. As a controversial figure in his time. Rizal encountered severe problems but
responded decently and righteously. Through the crucial decisions be made in his life, people can sense
his priorities and convictions which manifest how noble, selfless, and great a national hero he was. His
many resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in this life there are things more essential than personal
feeling and happiness.
5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking. Critical thinking refers to discerning,
evaluative, and analytical” reasoning. A Philosophy major, Jose Rizal’s insurrection demonstrated his
essential skills of thought in his polemical speeches, essays. satires, novels, and written arguments. In
deciding what to believe or do. Rizal also proved his being a rational, reflective thinker. never
succumbing to the irrational whims and unsupported opinions of anyone. He indiscriminately evaluated
and criticized even the teaching of the influential religion of his time. A course on Rizal’s life works, and
writings, therefore, is also a lesson in critical reasoning.
6. Rizal can serve as a valuable model and inspiration to every Filipino. If one is looking for
someone to imitate, then Rizal is a very viable choice. The hero's philosophies, convictions, life
principles, thoughts, ideas, aspirations, and dreams are a significant influence on anyone. Throughout his life,
he valued independence, respect for parents, love for siblings and loyalty to friends, and maintained a
sense of honor. As a man of intellect, he highly regarded academic excellence, logical and critical
reasoning, philosophical and scientific inquiry, linguistic study, end education research. As an ordinary
person, he manifested versatility and flexibility while sustaining a strong sense of moral uprightness.
7. People love factions end are even willing to spend on availing books or movie tickets just to be
entertained by made-up tales. But only 1 few possibly know that Rizal's life is full of fascinating non-
fictional accounts. For instance:
a. Rizal was involved in e love triangle with Antonio Luna was also part of the romantic
equation; b. Rizal was a model in some of Iuan Luna’s Paintings;
c. Rizal's common-law wife Josephine Bracken was ‘remarried’ to a man from Cebu and had
tutored former President Sergio Osmeña;
d. Leonor Rivera ‘Maria Clara’ - Rizal’s ‘true love'. had a son who married the sister of the
former President of the United Nations General Assembly Carlos P. Romulo;
e. the Filipina beauty queen Gemma Cruz Araneta is a descendant of Rizal’s sister, Maria;
f. the sportscaster Chino Trinidad is a descendant of Rizal’s ‘first love’ Segunda Katigbak: and
g. the original manuscripts of Rizal's novel Noli and El Fili were once stolen for ransom but
Alejandro Roces had retrieved them without paying even a single centavo.
Rizal as an American Sponsored Hero?
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Jose Rizal’s becoming the national hero was accordingly the result of American sponsorship. It was in
1901 when William Howard Taft proposed Rizal as our National hero and was agreed by Morgan Shuster,
Bernard Moses, Dean Worcester, Henry C. Ide, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Gregorio Araneta, Cayetano Arellano,
and Jose Luzurriaga because:
1. Rizal was already dead by the time the Americans colonized the Philippines.
2. He did not make any negative or embarrassing remarks of anti-American quotations.
3.Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal was a symbol of Spanish oppression.
4. He urged reform from within by publicity, by public education, and appeal to the public conscience.
Below is the basis in choosing the national hero:

1. Isang Pilipino
2. Namayapa
3. May matayog na pagmamahal sa bayan.
4. May mahinahong damdamin
Filipino heroes whom the commission select the national hero:

1. Marcelo H. Del Pilar
2. Graciano Lopez Jaena
3. Antonio Luna
4.Emilio Jacinto
5. Jose Rizal
To Guererro (1998), Rizal was the First Filipino. It was Rizal who first called the Philippines his
fatherland. It was he who taught his countrymen that they could be something else, Filipinos who were members
of the Filipino nation. He was the first to work towards the unification of the Philippine archipelago into a
compact and homogenous body based on shared interests and mutual protection.
Learning Activities
 Activity 1 – Conduct a research on the arguments of the oppositions of the Rizal Law during the time of its
legislation. List down their arguments with supporting explanation below.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________________
 Activity 2 – Using your own words, prove or contradict the statement below.
1. Rizal was an American-sponsored hero.
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_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
 Activity 3 – Assessing the effectiveness of Rizal law. From 1-10, 1 as the lowest score and 10 as the highest
score. Rate the effectiveness of the goals and objectives of the Rizal Law. Do you think we have achieved
the objective especially today? Defend your answer.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
 Activity 4 – Reflection paper. Reflect on the importance of law in a democratic society. As a law abiding
citizen, what can you do to uphold the rule of law? What are the implications when the rule of law is
eradicated?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Rubrics for Activity 1-4
Evaluation
Page 8 of 10
QUIZ 1 – Life and Works of Rizal

Name: ________________________ Course/Year & Section: ______________ Score: __________
A. IDENTIFICATION. Write on the blank the best answer on the given statement.
________________________ 1. Recto – stating the inclusion of the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal in
the curricula of all public and private schools in the tertiary level.
________________________ 2. The main proponent of the Rizal Bill – was even dubbed as a communist and
anti-Catholic.
________________________ 3. It mandates the studying of Rizal’s life and works, as stated in Section 1.
________________________ 4. The date when the said Republic Act was signed.
________________________ 5. The president who signed into law the Rizal bill after the controversial debates.
________________________ 6. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP),
Rizal Law violated this law on which forbids or bans books that attack or ridicule the
Catholic Doctrine and practices.
________________________ 7. The senator who co-wrote the Rizal law and brought the bill to the senate.
________________________ 8. An act prohibits horse racing, jai-alai, and cockfighting, every 30th day of
December to properly celebrate the Rizal Day in every chartered city
and municipality in the country.
________________________ 9. He proposed Rizal as our National hero in 1901.
________________________ 10. This refers to the desire for political independence and attainment of freedom.
________________________ 11. The person who retrieved the stolen manuscript of Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo without paying a single centavo as ransom.
________________________ 12. The senator who proposed amendment that promulgated rules and regulations
in getting exemption only from reading the two novels through written
statement or affidavit.
________________________ 13. According to the Rizal Law, what agency what tasked to do the translation of
Rizal’s works.
Assignment
Research on the arguments why the Catholic church blocked the passage of Rizal Law? What are the
teachings being tormented under the law? Provide your reference.
References
Ariola, Mariano M. LLB, Ed.D., LPT (2018) The Life and Works of Rizal. Unlimited Books Library
Services & Publishing Inc., Room 215 ICP Building, Cabildo St., Intramuros, Manila.
De Viana, Agusto V., Cabrera, Helena Ma. F., Samala, Emelita P., De Vera, Myrna M. & Atutubo,
Janet C. (2018) Jose Rizal: Social Reformer and Patriot. Rex Bookstore, Inc., 856 Nicanor Reyes
St., Sampaloc, Manila.
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Francisco, Virlyn , Francisco, Paul Micah, Dulay, Michele, Battung, Jeffrey T. & Bumidang, Jamaica
(2018) Rizal: A Modualr Approach Based on the New CHED Curriculum. Mindshapers Co., Inc.,
Room 108, Intramuros Corporate Plaza Bldg., Recoletos St., Intramuros, Manila
Pawilen, Reidan M., Crudo, Eugene Raymond P., Guiwa, Herald Ian C. & Pawilen, Greg T. (2018)
Course Module for The Life, Works, and Writings of Rizal. Rex Bookstore, Inc., 856 Nicanor
Reyes St., Sampaloc, Manila.
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Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL NO. 1

Desired Learning Outcomes

The Rizal Law, otherwise known as RA 1425

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

Other Rizal Laws

Essentials of Studying Rizal

Rizal as an American Sponsored Hero?

Below is the basis in choosing the national hero:

Filipino heroes whom the commission select the national hero:

Rubrics for Activity 1-4

QUIZ 1 – Life and Works of Rizal

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