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LESSON 8: Jose Rizal
and His Thoughts on
Education
INTRODUCTION

Education is an important value that we Filipinos have. While it is practical

and enhances a person’s intellect and give him opportunities to pursue careers
and occupations, it brings a person to a respectable social status.

However, Filipinos at the time of Rizal did not have the same educational
system that we have now. Our system today, respects academic freedom, allows
free intellectual growth and coupled with good facilities. Institutions follow
uniform standards. All Filipinos, rich and poor alike, have opportunities to go
to school. During the hero’s time, they did not have the same privileges that we
have. The system was poorly managed, and the government could not provide
enough facilities.
 The State of Education
in the Philippines During
the Spanish Period
What was the condition of education during the
19th century Philippines under Spain?

 There was inadequate educational system.

 The poor system caused intellectual decadence.
 There was no uniform education curricula.
 There was inadequate facilities.
 School use obsolete teaching methods.
 There was no government supervision of school.
 Students did not enjoy academic freedom.
What was the condition of education during the
19th century Philippines under Spain?

 Friars control schools.

 Teachers were not qualified.
 Training to memorize and do rote memory exercises
hampered intellectual progress.
 Filipinos suffered from discrimination in education because
the friars thought that Filipinos were not educable.
 There were limited number of schools.
Did Spain try to improve the condition of
educational system in the Philippines?
Yes. Spain’s efforts to reform the educational
system consisted of these two important decrees
on education: Education Decree of 1863 and
Moret Decree of 1870.
Significant mandates under the Educational Decree of 1863

 establishment of at least one primary schools in every town for boys

and girls;
 teachers were trained at a normal school for men (starting 1865; this
made training available for aspiring secondary school teacher)
 government finally supervised public schools;
 Friars were assigned to implement the educational reforms; however,
they did not agree with the teaching of the Spanish language; they
thought that Filipinos would oppose Spain after learning the language;
 they tried to keep the Filipinos in “darkness”; and controlled the flow
of ideas of freedom and independence;
 books to be read by Filipinos had to be checked (censored) by
government and church authorities.
Rizal’s Thoughts
on Education
 The writings and various events on the life of Jose Rizal are filled
of ideas concerning education. He recognized the importance of
education in the development of a nation and its people.

Crisostomo Ibarra, the principal character of his novel Noli Me

Tangere possesses a desire to establish a suitable school. Ibarra
mentioned in the novel what he considered a modern school.

According to him the building should be…

 spacious and hygienic;
 the site should be large and provided with playground and
garden.
 Rizal also showed his support to the group of women in
Malolos when their petition of establishing a school was denied
by Governor General Valeriano Weyler. He wrote a letter to the
ladies in support to their courageous action. Rizal preaches the
need of education and said that “ignorance is slavery.”

Rizal always reminded his sisters the value and importance of

education thus when Josefa and Trinidad visited Rizal in Hong
Kong, he encourages the two to learn the English language.
Perhaps Rizal’s appreciation of education was influenced by his
mother, Doña Teodora Alonzo.
 When Jose Rizal was deported in Dapitan on 1892, he devoted his
time in teaching young children. It was in Dapitan particularly in
Talisay where Rizal used his talents and limited resources to serve
his countrymen during the four years of his exile. He practiced his
profession as a doctor, farmer, teacher, community developer,
engineer, and scientist.

Rizal opened a school for young boys in the community. They

were given subjects in reading, writing, arithmetic, geography,
geometry, languages, history, and good conduct. He also taught his
students different kinds of sport activities on account of his belief
that a sound body makes a sound mind.
 Rizal’s method of teaching is different compared from other schools of his
time. He saw to it that learning should be adaptable to the needs or actual life
of the people. Rizal is not just a conventional type of teacher; his visions were
not just for himself but for the benefits of his countrymen.

The effort of our present Department of Education and other learning

institutions in curriculum development is in harmony with the ideas and visions
of Rizal. The government is also giving its full support and prioritizes the
education of Filipinos. But we should also remember that the time and needs of
the learners during Rizal’s time is different to the learners of today. There
might be ideas or methods which are no longer needed in the present. But still,
we owe him for pioneering a technique in teaching. Our educators should also
follow and be motivated by the exemplar deeds of Rizal.
If you were the Secretary
of Education, what
educational reforms you
will implement?
Source: https://freedayb.blogspot.com/2019/06/independence-day-philippines-greetings.html