Republic Act No. 1425 Overview

This act mandates the inclusion of Rizal's works, including Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, in the required reading list for all educational institutions in the Philippines.

The law specifies that schools must have sufficient copies of the original, unexpurgated editions of Rizal's works available in their libraries.

The Board of National Education is responsible for ensuring that translations of Rizal's writings are made available in English, Tagalog, and other major Philippine languages. These translations are to be printed in affordable editions and distributed free of charge to the public.

The law explicitly states that it does not impact the existing rule preventing public school teachers from discussing religious doctrines in class.

This act allocates a budget of 300,000 pesos to cover the expenses associated with implementing its provisions.

Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the "Rizal Law", mandates that all educational institutions in the Philippines, both public and private, must include courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal in their curricula. This law particularly emphasizes the importance of studying Rizal's novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."

The Rizal Law aims to instill patriotism and nationalism in the minds of students, especially during their formative years. By studying the life and works of Rizal, it's believed that students will gain a deeper understanding of Philippine history and culture, fostering a sense of love for their country.

The Rizal Law specifically mandates the use of the original or unexpurgated editions of "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo", or their English translations, as primary texts in collegiate courses. This ensures that students engage with Rizal's works in their original and uncensored form.

The Board of National Education is given the responsibility to implement the Rizal Law, including the development and production of supplementary materials like primers, readers, and textbooks. This ensures that appropriate learning resources are available for the mandated courses.

Students who have strong religious convictions that prohibit them from studying "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" can apply for exemption. However, this exemption is limited to the specific content of the novels, not from taking the course on Rizal's life and works altogether. They must provide a sworn written statement stating their reasons.

The Rizal Law, by encouraging a deeper understanding of Rizal's life and works, aims to help students develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and a strong sense of civic duty. These values are considered essential for responsible citizenship.

The Rizal Law emphasizes the importance of studying Rizal's works in the context of Philippine history. The novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" are particularly significant as they shed light on the social and political issues of the 19th century Philippines, providing insights into the struggle for freedom and national identity. By understanding Rizal's critique of Spanish colonization, students can develop a deeper appreciation for the history of their nation.

By studying Rizal's works, students are encouraged to critically analyze the past, learn from the mistakes of the past, and develop a strong sense of responsibility for shaping a better future. This understanding of the past helps students become more active and engaged citizens.