Preface O: June 19, 1956, the passing of Republic Act No. 1425 or other- wise known as Rizal Law gave way to the institutionalization of Rizal Course in tertiary level, It is a necessary requirement he candidates of both degree and non-degree courses. On this note, » book entitled “Jose Rizal: A Review on the Life and Works of the st Filipino” serves as an alternative approach to understanding much of Rizal’s life. This book offers a comprehensive study and analysis of Rizal’s works and other writings and their impact on the country’s development. This book aims at making students intimately acquainted with our foremost National Hero, It humanizes Rizal as opposed to other books that present him as someone lacking human tendencies and having that of invincible traits. This reference material also aims at creating a lasting impression of Rizal’s colorful life and a journey worth emulating among students and readers alike. This material will also shed light on the questions and controversies that mystify students and readers about who Rizal is. It will remind everyone of us that we can even become heroes to a certain extent. It will support Rizal’s claim that “genius knows no boundaries” and all of us have the propensity to do great things for others and the country. This book is divided into six parts and to wit: 1. Introduction in which the authors expound the significance of the Rizal Law, the accelerators of Filipino-styled nationalism, other notable Asian personalities who shared similar intent with Rizal and important events that shaped our National Hero's character; 2. First Major Period that narrates the origin and ingenuity of the Rizal Family, Rizal’s boyhood, and his early education; 3. Second Major Period that tackles Rizal's encounters in two of the countries earliest educational institutions, the Ateneo Municipal and University of Santo Tomas; 4. Third Major Period in which the authors describe Rizal's voyage across the world;5, Fourth Major Period that substantiates our ~ Yero’s fruitful years in Dapitan, his final hours iq Santiago, and his defining moment in Bagum and Rizal’s Poems where the authors present q deeper understanding of Rizal's selected poems. This refi ; material also supplements the students and readers Photog for their direct visualization of anything Rizal. \hile the authors made maximum use of the existing bi ind other relevant documents, they made it a point that their es’ authors were duly cited, They also encourage the readers to look er documented details on Rizal's life for further readings. In as much as the authors enjoyed narrating the sphere of Rizal, e, they do hope that at the end of each discussion, students will gain enough understanding of Rizal’s fateful life and use it in practical situations to become productive and responsible citizens. ‘The Authors |1 Introduction to the Course: RA 1425 Learning Outcomes At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to: 1. Discuss Rizal Law and its importance 2. Assess the effectiveness of the CourseThe Rizal Law, otherwise known as RA 1425 Its mandate is to study Rizal's life and works. Section 1 states that Rizal law was passed by Congress to increase nationalism among Filipinos most significantly during the time of a diminishing Filipino identity. Based on the judicial system, a republic act is a law that has already been passed. In contrary, a bill is merely a proposed law, and will only be implemented when it’s gone through the process. The President signed RA 1425 on June 12, 1956. From the notes occurring immediately before the body of the document, one may infer he initially proposed in the Legislative arm of the Philippine Republic, in the Senate and House of Representatives, As stated in the official Gazette, the law was made effective thirty days after its implementation. The mere fact that the Act passed on the date of our independence seeks to stir up a greater sense of enthusiasm among Filipino’. People should believe in their own country and treasure their national identity, stand as one state, The Filipino should respect Jose Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines; it is proper to commemorate all his accomplishments. There are essential points that the author cited in this republic act that is note worth. First, today, more than any other time in our history, it is essential for the re-dedication to the ideals of nationalism and freedom for which our heroes suffered to death for this country. As provided in the written document in the year 1956 during the regime of late president Magsaysay, when the country was still recovering from the Japanese occupation and still very dependent on US governance. Ideals of freedom and nationalism were necessary during those times where the Philippines was always seeking for independence, and the country was in the process of developing its integrity and national identity. During those times devastation also existed within the communities. since there were numerous uprisings against the Philippine government. Furthermore, even though this document inscribed several years ago, it is still evident that this article is essential for this present generation when our culture isO overpowered by foreign influence, and Filipino diasporas are prevalent. Another essential point in Republic Act 1425, states b that; every educational institution 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 is imperative to use our educational institutions to instil these values+ children who are in their first years of learning and growing, 2 one’ formal years in education especially the collegiate leye| dividuals formulate thelr path of priorities in life and career essential that the academe make students realise that they his country, Therefore, as a citizen, it is their primary duty stect their fatherland, Likewise, embedding an authentic er and a profound, strong sense of personal discipline in ould yield genuine, proficient, and selfless citizens of this The future of the Philippines would turn from an impoverished ) a globally competitive nation rality, the Board of National education shall cause the translation Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Other writings of Jose Rizal should translate in English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to print in reasonable, popular editions; and cause them to distribute, to persons free of charge. To provide a specific way to carry out this act is very helpful. It makes the goal very SMART — f the N the Ne Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. It is also essential that the effects of this act will be experienced by all students even those who are financially troubled. It is meritorious that in the context of this act, every Filipinos will be able to achieve their goals regardless of social stature, ethnicity, and language barriers. Instead of the refined version of Rizal’s novels as mandatory readings, Claro M, Recto explained his firm support for the uncensored version, exclaiming: “The people who would eliminate the books of Rizal from the schools would absorb out from our minds the memory of the national hero, It is not a fight against Recto but a fight against Rizal,” (Ocampo, 2012), The bill eventually passed, but with an article that would allow exemptions for learners who think that reading the Noli and Fili destroy their belief.Republic Act 1425 started on June 12, 1956, Senate Bill 438 known as Rizal Bill which was first authored and sponsored by Senator Claro M, Recto, The bill 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 ange d El Filibusterismo, Republic Act 1425 must be considered the most controversial bills in the Philippines. Before the bill ved and signed into law for implementation in all schools it to the Senate and House of Representative for discussions. made it debatable is that the bill was not just vehemently ted by some of the legislators but also by the Roman Catholic u jue to the inclusion of that it is a mandatory reading of Rizal's novels in which according to them, Catholic dogmas were mortified. Ch R.A. 1425 undergone the usual process as such senator Recto brought the bill to the Senate, and Senator Jose B. Laurel Sr. who was then the Chairman of the Committee on Education sponsored the bill that consequently led to an exchange of views of both houses. The bill was opposed by three senators namely Senator Mariano Cuenco Senator Francisco Rodrigo who was a former Catholic Action President, and Senator Decoroso Rosales who was the brother of Julio Rosales, an archbishop. Other oppositions were from Lower House namely Congressmen Ramon Durano, Marciano Lim, Manuel Soza, Godofredo Ramos, Miguel Cuenco, Jose Nuguid, Lucas Paredes, Tecia San Andres Ziga, and Congressmen Carmen Consing. The Catholic Church, however, was indirectly included in the debates but played a significant role. The church battle against Rizal Bill was Legion of Mary, the Holy Name Society of the Philippines, Catholic Action of the Philippines, Daughters of Isabela, and Knights of Columbus. Oppositions assert that the bill would go against freedom of religion and conscience, where a 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 doctrine and practices. The opposition argued that among the 333 pages of Noli Me Tangere, only 25 passages were nationalistic % are anti-Catholic. Scrutiny of the two novels by some members of Catholic hierarchical oberved 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 didnot only attack the friars who acted deceptively on the Filipinos but also the while 120 passages ,ic faith i for learners to Catholic faith itself. They suggested reading medium they called Rizalian Anthology, a collection of Rizal's on works thar 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 naniely Congressmen Jacobo Gonzales, Emilio Cortez, Mario Bengson, Joaquin Roxas, Lancap Lagumbay and Pedro Lopez. The excitement and intense scenes in fixing 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 ro-Rizal bill legislators and to punish them in the upcoming elections, olic Schools Representatives were menacing the government to se down their schools if the Rizal Bill passed. Senator Recto told tif they c the State could nationalise the Catholic schools in ntry. When there was a motion to use the bowdlerise novels as ginal copies under lock and key in the school his amend. nent and expressed The people who would banish the novel of Rizal from schools...would blot out from our minds the memory of 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 Noli Me Tangere and EI Filibusterismo, 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 affida the Rizal Course. According to Ambeth Ocampo, no student has ever availed of this exemption. After the final amend ments, the bill was finall passed on May 17, 1956, and was signed into law as Republic Act 1425 by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12 of the same year, vit and not from taking Republic Act 1425 and 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 of Jose Rizal, Particularly His Novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution Thereof, and for Other Purposes,“ Section 1 of Republic Act 1425 was given the students to read Rizal's novels. The last two parts involve making Rizal's writings accessible ral public—they require the schools to have a sufficient copies in their libraries and mandate the publication of the najor Philippine languages. Senator Jose P. Laurel who co-wrote the law explained that since Jose 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 realise the following objectives: 1. To rededicate the lives of the youth to the ideals of independence and nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died To dignify our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino character tv 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 Y. 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 compliang. 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 Jose Rizal were directed by law for nothing. Far from being inappropriate, 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, he 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. Ithelps 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 behaviours, 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 Jose 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.3s 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, Jose Rizal’s life works, and writings — especially his novels —primarily, if not entirely, radiate these attributes, For one thing, the subject helps you to understand your country better. 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 he made in his life, people can sense his priorities and convictions which manifest yw noble, selfless, and great a national hero he was. His y resolutions exemplified the aphorism that in this life there are things more essential than personal feeling and happiness 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 criticised 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. 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 honour, As a man of intellect, he highly regarded academic excellence, logical and critical reasoning, philosophical and scientific j it ik L 7inquiry, linguistic study, and educational research As 4, ordinary person, he manifested versatility and flexibility while sustaining a strong sense of moral uprightness, People love fictions and are even willing to spend on availing pe or movie tickets just to be entertained by made- tales. But only a few possibly know that Rizal’ life is full of fascinating non-fictional accounts. For instance: a. Rizal was involved in a love triangle with Antonio Luna was also part of the romantic equation; b. Rizal was a model in some of Juan Luna’ paintings, c. Rizal’s common-law wife Josephine Bracken was ‘remarried’ to a man from Cebu and had tutored former President Sergio Osmefia; 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; the Filipina beauty queen Gemma Cruz Araneta isa 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 Fili. were once stolen for ransom, but Alejandro Races had retrieved them without paying even a single centavo. Rizal as an American Sponsored Hero? 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 because: a Rizal was already dead by the time the Americans colonised the Philippines. He did not make any negative or embarrassing remarks of anti-American quotations. 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, 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. Rizal, Pioneer Asian Nationalist Leader Rizal was born in an era when other nationalist leaders of Asia vere born: Mohandas Gandhi; Rabindranath Tagore and Sun Yat-Sen. cording to Coates (1968), all four challenged the West. Of the four, Rizal was the most remarkable because his ideas matured at an early age. At the time that Gandhi was a schoolboy, and Sun Yat-Sen was a student, Rizal was already articulating lucidly in his speeches, articles, and letters his views of a completely different relationship between Asia and Europe-that Europe must regard the Asians as equals. Rizal was the prime proponent of Asian nationalism during his time since he was the source of inspiration for the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 (De Ocampo, 1969). Although Rizal was against the revolution because it was premature and inadequately organised, the revolution broke out, which can be considered the first genuine uprising by an Asian people against Western colonialism. Fisher (1962) even called Rizal the Pioneer Exponent of Liberal Democracy in Asia. According to Fisher, even before Gandhi and Sun Yat-Sen began their career of political, agitation, Rizal through his essays, letters, and novels had already spoken out with firmness and courage ideas on liberal democracy. These ideas include the following: The worth and dignity of the individual; The inviolability of human rights; The innate impartiality of all men and races; The necessity for constitutional government; Yen Due process; 6. Popular sovereignty as the basis of all political jurisdiction; Faith in human reason and wisdom; 8. The rights of the masses to public education; and 9. Belief in social progress through freedom. NJose Rizal was the first Asian leader to postulate the ideas and principles entrenched in the Asian nation. It was through Rizal that the basic tenets of modern and social democracy were given Significant importance in Asia for the earliest time. Thus, Rizal deserves tg be considered as the First Asian Nationalist Leader. Four Major Phase in the Life of our Hero |. First Phase (1861-1872). The time when Jose Rizal, in his younger generation, he learned how to read, write, and listen tg stories that triggered imaginative and critical analysis. It was that time when different values and virtues have developed in him. He became industrious instead of being idle; showed creativy instead of unproductiveness; rationality instead of blind acceptance; and dignity instead of servility Second Phase (1872-1882). It was the first turning point in the life of Rizal. He was then 11 years old and enrolled at Ateneo Municipal, despite the objection of his mother, It was the period when the Spanish government unjustly executed fathers Gomez, Burgos, Zamora. The martyrdom of these three priests led Rizal to be awakened to the abuses of the regime and at the same time led him to devote time to avenge the victims of injustices and cruelties of the Spanish colonisers. 3. Third Phase (1882-1892). The year 1882 was the next great decisive moment in the life of Rizal. It was at this time that Rizal decided to leave the Philippines to escape persecution. He went to Europe and everywhere he went, Rizal was always an observer and a student, learning from everything he saw, read, and heard. Rizal persuaded the Filipinos in Spain to prove that they can compete with the Europeans in intellect and talent. Through his membership in exclusive societies of scholars, and scientists in Europe where he presented monographs were much appreciated. Rizal provided his compatriots with an example. Throughout this period, Rizal cooperated with the Propaganda Movement, Through his writings, novels, and essays, he sought to make sincere divulgence of the social, political, and economic circumstances in the country. 4, Fourth and Final Phase (1892-1896). The year 1892 canbe regarded as the final turning point in the life of Jose Rizal, before he suffered t0 death on December 30, 1896, Rizal got exiled in Dapitan. It wasName; Name of Professor: Course/Year: : Abstraction By answering the following guide question, write a refle paper on Rizal insistence on education as an essential ingredi the task of nation-building, | On the education of the masses, Rizal pleaded for the knowledge of the adults. Rizal embarked through Isagani We cannot all be doctors, it is necessary some of us cultivate the soil. We must follow everyone's clination.” Mass education is, therefore, a must in a free society. Riz: ly expressed this idea in the Noli when he said “The school is the basis of society, the school is the book in which is written the future of the nation! Show us the school of the people, and we shall show you what the people are.” ; < E ges What do you think is the youth's role in shaping our future 13Name: Name of Professor: Course/Year: Date: Self-Assessment A, Identification: Write on the blank the best answer on the given statement nN Otherwise known as Rizal Bill which was first sponsored by Senator Claro M. 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 The main proponent of the Rizal Bill—was even dubbed as a communist and an anti-Catholic Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. It mandates the studying of Rizal's life and works, as stated in section 1. The date when the said Republic Act was signed by President Magsaysay. According to The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Rizal violated this law on which they submitted a pastoral letter which forbids or bans books that attack or ridicule the Catholic doctrine and practices. ‘The suggested reading material for students with a collection of Rizal's literary works that contain the patriotic philosophy excluding the two novels, 1513. 1: He suggested the exemption to those students who feel that reading Rizal’s novels would negatively affect his or her faith. The senator who co-wrote the Rizal law. He believed that Rizal was the founder ofthe country’s nationalism and had significantly contributed to the current condition of the nation. An act that prohibits horse racing, jai-alai, and cockfighting, every thirtieth day of December. The act also created a committee to be in charge Rizal day celebration inevery chartered city and municipality. He proposed Rizal as our National hero in 1901 The first exponent of nationalism in Asian and a source of inspiration for the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 According to De Ocampo. It is a desire for political independence and attainment of freedom. Refers to discerning, evaluative, and analytical thinking. The person who retrieved the stolen original manuscripts of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo without paying a single centavo as ransom.7 6-10 Rizal was an American-sponsored hero. B. Prove or contradict the following statements, 1-5 Rizal was the First Filipino.Rizal was the first exponent of nationalism in Asia,