Module 1: Introduction to Rizal

Study Notes

This module introduces Rizal as both an ordinary and extraordinary individual, a human person remembered for his contribution to Philippine history.
The module aims to help teachers facilitate lessons and activities about Rizal's life and works.
The module encourages critical thinking and aims to help students develop an understanding of Rizal as a modern individual who overcame challenges and dedicated his life to his country.

The lesson focuses on the introduction and passage of Rizal Law (Republic Act 1425), which mandates the implementation of a Rizal course in educational institutions.
The lesson explores Rizal's journey from a frail child to a prominent figure in history and aims to understand him as a modern man who conquered his own weaknesses.

The K-W-L strategy ("Know-Want to Learn-Learned") is used to activate students' prior knowledge of Rizal and identify areas for further exploration.

The rationale behind studying Rizal is mandated by law (Republic Act 1425) and the value of learning from his life and works.
The Rizal Law, sponsored by Senator Jose P. Laurel, aims to instill ideals of freedom and nationalism in young Filipinos.
The law seeks to pay tribute to Rizal's contributions to shaping the Filipino character and provide an inspiring source of patriotism.

Crisóstomo Ibarra plans to build a school in his hometown of San Diego. He believes in the importance of education and wants to offer a more modern curriculum than the one provided by the government, which is influenced by the friars.
Ibarra receives support from Don Anastacio, a respected local philosopher, who refers him to a progressive schoolmaster who shares Ibarra's desire for educational reforms.
The school construction is set to commence with a cornerstone laying ceremony during the town fiesta.

During a picnic on the shores of Laguna de Baý, a crocodile is discovered lurking in the fish pens owned by the Ibarras.
Elías, the boat's pilot, courageously jumps into the water to confront the crocodile, but Crisóstomo joins him to help subdue the animal.
This incident reinforces the bond between the two characters.

On the day of the fiesta, Elías warns Ibarra of a plot on his life.
During the cornerstone-laying ceremony, a derrick malfunctions and the heavy stone falls into the trench, narrowly missing Ibarra.
It is revealed that the person crushed beneath the stone was the intended assassin.

Later that day, Padre Dámaso, who is antagonistic towards the Ibarras, crashes Ibarra's luncheon.
He insults Ibarra and mocks the memory of his father, Rafael.
Enraged, Ibarra strikes the friar unconscious.