Lesson 1: Introduction of R.

A 1425 (Rizal Law)

Topic: R.A 1425 and Sections

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, you are expected to:

At the end of the unit the students should be able to:

1. Recall salient details about R.A 1425 and other laws and policies pertaining Rizal;
2. Relate the importance of Rizal law in becoming a better Filipino citizen.
3. Discuss Jose Rizal’s life within the context of 19th century Philippines

As mandatory law (R.A 1425), the study of Rizal’s life, works and writings is a requirement
to all degree and non-degree courses in the tertiary education. Primarily, its rationale is to foster in
the Filipino youth a nationalistic sentiment both for their appreciation and emulation.
As Rizal’s vision is anchored best on thoughts expressed not only through his actual
achievement in the social circles he moved in, but more importantly in his writings, a meticulous
consideration of them is assigned literary textual analysis and evaluation.

Lesson Proper:

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.
Introduction about the Rizal Law
 Republic Act 1425: Rizal Law was authored by Senator Claro M. Recto
 It was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956
 It requires the implementation of the Rizal course as a requirement for graduation in all
non-degree and degree courses in the tertiary education
 It includes the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels, Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo.
 On August 16, 1956, the Rizal Law took effect

Aims of Rizal Law

1. Recognize the relevance of Jose Rizal ideas, thoughts, teaching, and life-values to present
conditions in the community and country and apply them in the solution to day to day
situations and problems of contemporary life.
2. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the qualities, behavior, and character of Rizal
and thus foster the development of moral character and personal discipline.

The goals set by the Board on National Education (Capino et.al, 1997)

 1. Recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideas, thoughts, teachings, and life values to present
conditions in the Community;
2. Apply Rizal’s ideas in the solution of day-to-day situations and problems in contemporary
life;
3. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the qualities and behavior and character of
Rizal; and
4. Forster development of moral character, personal discipline, citizenship, and vocational
efficiency among the Filipino Youth.

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
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
Senate Bill No. 438
House Bill No. 5561
Archbishop of Manila - bishop Rufino Santos
Mayor of Manila – Arsenio Lacson

What is the RA 1425 or the Rizal Law?

RA 1425, also commonly known as Rizal Law, was a law signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on
June 12, 1956 that requires all schools in the country include Rizal’s life, works and writings in the
curriculum. The rationale behind the law was that there is a need of rekindle and deepen the sense
of nationalism and freedom of the people, especially of the youth. The law sought to cultivate
character, discipline, and conscience and to teach the obligations of citizenship. Libraries are
required to keep sufficient copies of Rizal’s writings, especially Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo. Language barrier and poverty-related restrictions were taken out of the equation
with provisions such as translation of Rizal’s writings into English, Filipino and other major
Philippine Languages and the free charge distribution through Purok Organizations and Barrio
Councils.
The main proponent of the law was Senator Claro M. Recto who was met by protestants from the
Catholic Church. Senator Jose P. Laurel Sr., then Chairman of the Committee on Education
sponsored the bill in the senate.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 229
AN ACT TO PROHIBIT 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
SECTION 1. The existing laws and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, cockfighting, horse
racing and jai-alai are hereby prohibited on the thirtieth day of December of each year, the date of
the martyrdom of our great hero, Jose Rizal.
SECTION 2. It shall be the official duty of the mayor of each municipality and chartered city to
create a committee to take charge of the proper observance of Rizal Day Celebration of each year, in
which he shall be the chairman, which shall be empowered to seek the assistance and cooperation
of any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government, and the local civic
and educational institutions. Among the ceremonies on Rizal Day shall be the raising of the
Philippine flag at half mast in all vessels and public buildings.
SECTION 3. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this Act or permit or allow the violation
thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding two hundred pesos or by imprisonment not
exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of the court. In case he is the mayor of a
municipality or a chartered city he shall suffer an additional punishment of suspension from his
office for a period of one month. In case of partnerships, corporations or associations, the criminal
liability shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other official responsible for the violation
thereof.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 9, 1948

Explanation:

Rizal Day
Mangubat gave three reasons explaining why Rizal's death served as a turning point to the
nationalistic hopes of the countrymen: First is that it served as a signal to the Katipunan to raise up
arms against the Spaniards and begin the revolution. It is important to note that it was not formed
after the death of Rizal, rather, the event at Bagumbayan on December 30 crystallized the motives
of the organization. Second, his execution also served as a realization to the elite that they weren't
an exemption to the despotism of the Spanish rule. Many other sectors joined in the Katipunan as
the revolutionary and nationalistic mind began to settle on them. Lastly, because the event
happened at the turn of the century, it was also significantly considered as a "New Beginning" for
the country.
Emilio Aguinaldo gave the first decree to declare December 30 as "national day of
mourning" and as anniversary of Jose Rizal's death. To observe this, he ordered that all flags must
be hoisted at half-mast on December 29 and on the following day, there would be no government
offices. The first ever monument of Rizal erected was on Daet, Camarines Norte and its unveiling is
simultaneous to the first observance of Rizal Day on December 30, 1898 by the Club Filipino.
February 1, 1902, the Philippine Commission ordained Act no. 345 which issues December 30 as
Rizal Day and as national holiday observed each year.
According to Ambeth Ocampo, oftentimes, heroes are remembered more on their deaths
than their births. However, Mangubat mentions that the death of Rizal would not have that been
more meaningful were it not for birth and life spent for the betterment of our country. There are
many moves that wish to change the date of Rizal Day to June 19 because it has a more positive
sense and that it is close to June 12 and May 28 which are the Philippine Independence Day and the
National Flag Day, respectively. On the other hand, December 30 is nearer to the much more
celebrated holidays of Christmas and New Year which often overshadow the hero's celebration. For
me personally, although his birth date is a much more joyous celebration, his death can be a better
perspective to look at the entirety of Rizal's life and why he was willing to die for the sake of his
love for the country.
 MEMORANDUM ORDER No. 247
DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS AND THE
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO FULLY IMPLEMENT
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 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"
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 1425 approved on June 12, 1956, directs all schools, colleges and
universities, public and private, to include in their curricula, courses on the life, works and writings of
Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which "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, according to Dr. Rizal, "the school is the book in which is written the future of the nation;"

WHEREAS, in 1996, the Filipino people will commemorate the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom and, two
years thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence; and

WHEREAS, as we prepare to celebrate these watershed events in our history, it is necessary to rekindle
in the heart of every Filipino, especially the youth, the same patriotic fervor that once galvanized our
forebears to outstanding achievements so we can move forward together toward a greater destiny as
we enter the 21st century.

NOW, THEREFORE, I FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the
powers vested in me by law, hereby direct the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the
Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to take steps to immediately and fully implement the
letter, intent and spirit of Republic Act No. 1425 and to impose, should it be necessary, appropriate
disciplinary action against the governing body and/or head of any public or private school, college or
university found not complying with said law and the rules, regulations, orders and instructions issued
pursuant thereto.

Within thirty (30) days from issuance hereof, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the
Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education are hereby directed to jointly submit to the President
of the Philippines a report on the steps they have taken to implement this Memorandum Order, and one
(1) year thereafter, another report on the extent of compliance by both public and private schools in all
levels with the provisions of R.A. No. 1425.

This Memorandum Order takes effect immediately after its issuance.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 26th day of December in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and
Ninety-Four.                           
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 the Higher
Education to fully implement the RA 1425.

In the year 1995, CHED Memorandum Order No. 3 was issued enforcing strict compliance to
Memorandum Order no. 247 Republic Act No. 229 is an act prohibiting cockfighting horse. The said
Memorandum Order issued by the CHED Commissioner Mona Valisno enforcing strict compliance
to Memorandum Order No. 247

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHED MEMORANDUM NO. 3,s. 1995

Commission on Higher Education
Office of the President of the Philippines
 
January 13, 1995
 
CHED Memorandum
No.3,s. 1995
To:
Head of State Colleges and Universities 
Head of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities 
Office of the President Memorandum Order No. 247 

Re: Implementation of Republic Act No. 1425

1. Enclosed is a copy of Memorandum Order No. 247 dated December 26, from the Office of
the President of the Philippines entitled, "Directing Secretary of Education, Culture and
Sports and the CHAIRMAN OF COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION to fully implement
the Republic Act No. 1425 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" for guidance of all concerned.
2. Strict compliance therewith is requested.
 
(sgd) MONA D. VALISNO
Commissioner
Officer-in-Charge
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHY STUDY RIZAL?

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 the 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 braver enough to face the
challenges in our present society by acting on the principles that Rizal had strongly spoken and
lived.