John Mathew Concepcion

BSIT301P

1. In no more than three (3) sentences, answer the following questions

A. Why did the Catholic Church actively oppose the passing of the Rizal Bill?

- Due to Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo's anti-clerical themes, the Catholic Church actively
opposed the Rizal Bill. That the church was accused of being anti-Catholic and communist during the
senate. The Church opposed the bill by requiring students to study Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo by Rizal, claiming that this would violate students' right to freedom of conscience and
religion.

B. What provision from the Rizal Bill allowed the government to approve it that answers the
arguments provided by the Catholic Church?

- The Republic Act No. 1425, also referred to as the Rizal Law, which the government was able to
approve as the Rizal Bill, requires all Philippine educational institutions to offer José Rizal-related
courses. An Act to Include in the Curriculum 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 is the full name
of the law. This ought to respond to the Catholic Church's arguments.

C. Did the Church's views on the study of Jose Rizal's life and works changed over the years? Why or
why not?

- Due to historical interpretations made by those who research Jose Rizal's life and works. This has
changed over the past year as a result of various historical interpretations and opinions held by
researchers. This could result in a lot of change over the course of the academic year.

2. In no more than three (3) sentences, answer the following questions

A. What is the Rizal Law all about?

- In essence, the Rizal Law mandates that Jose Rizal's life and works be taught in all Philippine schools.
Additionally, this might serve as a tribute to the national heroes who gave their lives fighting for our
freedom. It was believed that teaching the youth about Rizal's life and works through the Rizal statute
would increase their sense of nationalism and idealism.

B. Why do we need to study the Rizal Law?

- It was the goal of the study of Rizal Law to rekindle Filipino nationalism. Additionally, to liberate
Filipinos from their colonial mindset and to inspire pride in our own history among the pupils. This
sparked the student's interest in nationalism and history.
 C. What can you benefit from studying Jose Rizal's life and works?

- The works and life of Jose Rizal assist us to understand who we are and where we came from. Our
genetic makeup, previous actions, and deep Filipino habits. This helps us understand the Spanish era's
conditions and how Filipinos coped with them.

3. Why did Rizal consider Cervantes "the best writer of art and virtue" in his literary piece, "The Council
of the Gods (El Consejo del los Dioses)?" Justify your answer in no more than three (3) sentences

- Because they often argue about who among them is the best in terms of virtue and art. Cervantes was
chosen as the victor among them. Rizal believed that Cervantes was the best writer of art and virtue,
and his work was oriented on social reform and the rule of reason.

4. What drove the Filipinos to actively pursue Rizal's literary works in their quest for national identity?
Justify your answer in no more than three (3) sentences.

- To reawaken Filipino nationalism and free Filipinos from colonial mentality was what compelled the
Filipinos to actively explore Rizal's literary works in their search for national identity.