Life and Works of Rizal: Course Overview

Life and Works of Rizal (Course Overview)

• Republic Act (R.A.) 1425 mandates a course on the life and works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
• The course aims to instill appreciation for Rizal’s contribution to Filipino nationalism.
• It provides insights into Rizal's role in shaping Filipino nationhood.
• Critical discussions about Rizal are placed within the context of Philippine history.

Course Outcomes for Learners

• Knowledge about the Philippines during Rizal's time includes its political, social, and economic conditions.
• Learners should discuss the importance, and pivotal events in Rizal’s life and works.

Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law)

• House Bill No. 5561 and Senate Bill No. 438 make up the the Rizal Law.
• Published in the Official Gazette in June 1956.
• The Rizal Law can be accessed online.
• Claro M. Recto authored the bill.
• Senator Jose P. Laurel sponsored it, and was then the Chairman of the Committee on Education.
• Recto and Laurel were known for their strong sense of nationalism.

Rizal Law - Date of Effectivity

• Republic Act No. 1425 was signed into law on June 12, 1956, by President Ramon Magsaysay.
• Its purpose was to honor Rizal and other national heroes.
• Claro M. Recto, the main advocate of the Rizal Bill, was seen as the father of the Rizal Law.

Necessity of Studying Rizal

• The Rizal Course was created as an act of Congress through Republic Act No. 1425 on June 12, 1956.
• Approved during President Ramon Magsaysay's term.
• The law mandates inclusion of courses on Rizal's life, works, and writings, especially his novels, in school curricula.
• It includes provisions for printing and distributing these materials.

Purpose of Rizal Law Preamble

• Rededication to ideals of freedom and nationalism for which heroes lived and died is promoted.
• Rizal is identified as a hero who shaped national character.
• Includes Rizal’s novels as sources of patriotism.
• Focuses on the young to instill patriotism during formative years.
• Supervises institutions to teach moral character & citizenship.

Objectives of Rizal Law

• Rededicate youth to freedom and nationalism.
• Honor Rizal for shaping Filipino character.
• Gain patriotism through Rizal's life and works.
• Recognize relevance of Rizal's ideals and values.
• Develop understanding of Rizal's character.

Provisions of Rizal Law Sections

• Requires colleges and universities to study Rizal's life, works, and writings, mentioning Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
• Colleges and universities, both public and private, must have sufficient copies of Rizal’s works.
• Rizal's works should be translated and distributed widely.
• Discussions of Rizal's ideas must respect religious beliefs.

Penalties in the Law

• Section 5 allocates ₱300,000 for publishing Rizal's works in affordable editions.
• The law takes effect upon approval.
• The National Board of Education implements the IRR.
• Refusal to implement the law results in punishment.
• Students can be exempted if reading affects religious beliefs.
• Exemption from reading is forbidden from not taking the course at all.

Historical Context

• President Fidel Valdez Ramos addressed non-compliance in 1994.
• Memorandum No. 247 ordered immediate implementation; The Secretary of DECS and CHED Chairman was involved.

Story of the Rizal Law

• In 1956, legislators aimed to promote nationalism and patriotism through the bill’s law.
• Senator Jose P. Laurel sponsored the bill authored by Claro M. Recto.
• A non-controversial intention to promote patriotism was originally seen by the Senators.
• Formidable opposition arose after its introduction.
• Senator Laurel described the bill's enactment as unparalleled.
• The Catholic Church, allies in Congress, and media opposed, concerned about supposed promotion of patriotism.

Senate Bill 438 and Opposition

• An original bill became the Rizal Law and filled the Committee on Education in the Philippine Senate in April 1956 as Senate Bill 438.
• The bill was supported by all Senators except 3, in the upper house.
• The Catholic Church and its allies were in opposition in Congress, and the media.

Senate Bill 438 Content

• It makes Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo required reading.
• Applies to all public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the Philippines.
• Works must be in original or unexpurgated English versions.
• The Department of Education is responsible for immediate implementation rules.
• The Act does not limit studying other Filipino heroes.

Penalties for Violations

• Penalties apply to non-complying institutions.
• Heads of public institutions are dismissed and disqualified.
• Government recognition of private institutions is withdrawn for violations.
• Section 6 ensures this Act takes effect upon approval.

Powerful Allies of the Church

• Archbishop Rufino Santos believed the Rizal Bill would cause disaffection.
• Senator Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo, denounced the bill but would not allow his son to read the novels as they would harm his faith.
• Congressman Mariano J. Cuenco led House opposition. He attacked dogmas and beliefs.

Church Stance and Counterarguments

• Mariano J.Cuenco quoted Noli Me Tangere.
• Rizal wrote of God's pardon without priestly confession.
• Rizal asserted early Christians did not believe in purgatory.
• Cuenco said it was established at the Council of Florence in 1439.
• Jesus Cavanna stated the novels contained more anti-church statements, not just the nationalist statements.

Catholic Opposition

• Senator Decoroso Rosales believed approval would close Catholic schools.
• Jesus Paredes said novels had objectionable material; Catholics have a right not to endanger their faith.
• Catholic organizations and foreigners attended Congress to oppose.
• Oppositions were a clear sign of Church intervention in state policy.
• Oppositions would promote patriotism and love of country that came from the Catholic Church, allies in Congress, and media.

Defenders of the Rizal Bill

• Senator Claro M. Recto, a strong defender, was labeled anti-American.
• He advocated for removing US bases and for ending relations with the US.
• Recto pushed for nationalist change over subservience to the US.
• Recto reminded others of the Church's historical domination.
• If bishops closed schools, Recto wanted the state to implement secular education.
• Senator Jose P. Laurel, Sr., sponsored the bill as Committee on Education chairman.
• Substitute bill was filed and supported by Senator Laurel.
• Senators Roseller Lim and Emmanuel Pelaez introduced Proposals.

Revisions and Approval

• The bill became a compromise, allowing exemptions.
• Exempted individuals were relieved from reading Rizal's works but not from taking the course.
• It allocated funds for publishing and distributing Rizal’s works.
• Republic Act No. 1425, became the Rizal Law on June 12, 1956.

Hero Defined

• A hero may be those who has heroic qualities or actions.
• Are considered as a model or ideal.
• Shows courage, nobleness, or fortitude.
• Heroes are publicly honored after death.

Qualities of a Hero

• Sacrifice - surrendering something valued.
• Determination - firmness of purpose.
• Loyalty - feeling of allegiance.
• Dedication - self-devotion.
• Valor - courage in war.
• Intrepidity - unshaken courage.
• Selflessness - concern for others.
• Gallantry - adventurous courage.
• Perseverance - persistent determination.
• Fortitude - enduring spirit.
• Bravery - daring acts.
• Courage - confronting danger.

Jose Rizal as a Hero

• Rizal is described as a unique, multi-talented genius, and the greatest hero to the nation.
• He was endowed with a versatile personality.
• He was a physician, poet, dramatist, essayist, novelist, historian, architect, painter, sculptor, educator, linguist, farmer, economist, businessman etc...

Rizal's Birth

• He was born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861.
• Baptized Catholic on June 22, after few days.
• His godfather was Fr. Pedro Casanas.
• His name was chosen to be Saint Jose (St. Joseph).

Rizal's Parents and Siblings

• The seventh of eleven children to Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonzo Realonda, was Jose P. Rizal.
• His father was born in Binan who was named Francisco in 1818.
• His mother was born in Manila who was named Teodora in 1826.
• She was educated at the College of Santa Rosa and died in Manila August 16,1911 when she was 85.
• Francisco and Teodora blessed the marriage with 11 children, 2 boys and 9 girls:
  • Saturnina , Paciano , Narcisa Olimpia and Lucia
  • Maria , Jose and Concepcion
  • Josefa, Trinidad and Soledad

Questions About Rizal's Status

• Rizal is asked of why he is our National Hero.
• It was wondered if the Americans would not support Rizal.
• Another writer would state that Rizal was not a leader of the Revolution.
• Did he renounce revolution?

Justifications

• Dated December 15, 1896, most unfair to Rizal and his comrades who knew him well.
• As early as June 19, 1887, at age 26, Rizal to Ferdinand Blumentritt.
• "I have no desire to take part in conspiracies."
• If the Filipinos shall prefer to die and Rizal would advocate violent means.
• He should go to the Philippines, wrote referring about Lopez Jaena " and let himself be killed in support of his ideas, one dies only once and if one does not die well, a good opportunity is lost which will not come again...":
• Rizal advocated violence became necessity.

The Necessary Solution

• "We must win our freedom by deserving it".
• By improving the mind.
• By enhancing the dignity of the individual.
• Loving what is just, what is good, and what is great to the point of dying it.
• "GOD provides the weapon" when people reach those heights