Lesson 1: Rizal Law

Rizal Law mandates all educational institutions in the Philippines to teach the life, works, and writings of
Jose Rizal. With the aim to instill an increased sense of nationalism to the students at a time when the
Filipino identify is threatened by various factors.

PROPONENTS:

Sen. Claro M. Recto

was the main proponent of the

Rizal Bill. He sought to sponsor
the bill at Congress.
was the main proponent of the
Rizal Bill. He sought to sponsor
the bill at Congress.
Sen. Recto was the main proponent of the Rizal Bill. He sought to sponsor the bill at Congress.

OPPOSITIONS AGAINST THE RIZAL BILL:

Fr. Jesus Cavanna

He argued that the novels belonged to the past and that teaching it to the students would misinterpret
the current conditions of the Philippines.

Sen. Francisco Rodrigo

He asserted that the reading of the unedited versions of Rizal’s novels are against the conscience of the
Catholics.

Sen. Decoroso Rosales

He believed that the approval of the bill would lead to the closure of Catholic schools all over the
country, and a political party might be inevitably formed by the Catholics to display their strong
resentment to the law.

Sen. Mariano Cuenco

They decided against publishing Rizal's writings because doing so would violate people's rights to free
speech and religion.

THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING RIZAL LAW

1. It provides insights into how to deal with current problems.

2. It helps us understand ourselves better as Filipinos.
3. It teaches nationalism and patriotism.
4. It imparts important life lessons.
5. It helps in developing logical and critical thinking.
6. Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino.
7. The subject is rich source of entertaining narratives.

Lesson 2: THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH CENTURY AS RIZAL’S CONTEXT

ECONOMIC SETTING

Miguel Lopez De Legazpi

He established the 1st Spanish settlement in 1565 in Cebu.

Diego De Los Rios

END PF THE GALLEON TRADE

Spanish government closed the ports of Manila to all countries except Mexico, thus giving birth to the
Manila – Acapulco Trade or The Galleon Trade.

Galleon Trade (1565 – 1815) was a ship going back and forth between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.

September 14, 1815 – end of the Galleon Trade.

Andres De Urdaneta

Discovered a return route from Cebu to Mexico in 1565.

Boletas – the ticket for the Galleon Trade.

OPENING OF THE SUEZ CANAL

Suez Canal is an artificial sea – level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red
Sea through the Isthmus of Suez.

November 17, 1869 – Suez Canal officially opened.

Ferdinand De Lesseps - was a French diplomat and later developer of the Suez Canal.

With the opening of the canal, travel between Europe and the Philippines was considerably lessened. It
had a substantial impact on the world trade as goods were transported around the world in record time.

The opening of Suez Canal also invigorated the Illustrados, especially Jose Rizal, to pursue education
abroad and grasp scientific and liberal ideas in European academic institutions.