Republic Act No. 1425: Rizal Law

• Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, mandates the teaching of Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings in all Philippine educational institutions.

Historical Background

• The Rizal Law was enacted on June 12, 1956, during President Ramon Magsaysay's administration.
• Senator Claro M. Recto sponsored the law, emphasizing the importance of Rizal's life and works in understanding Philippine history and identity.

Key Provisions

• All educational institutions, from elementary to college, are required to include the teaching of Rizal's life, works, and writings in their curriculum.
• The law specifically mandates the teaching of Rizal's novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo".
• The law emphasizes Rizal's role in Philippine history, particularly his contributions to the country's struggle for independence.

Objectives

• The Rizal Law aims to promote patriotism and nationalism among Filipino students by teaching them about Rizal's life, works, and contributions to Philippine history.
• It aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills by encouraging students to analyze and evaluate Rizal's ideas and writings.
• It seeks to foster appreciation for Philippine literature and culture by introducing students to Rizal's works and other significant Philippine literary pieces.

Impact and Significance

• The Rizal Law significantly promotes national identity and patriotism among Filipinos.
• It contributes to developing critical thinking and analytical skills among Filipino students.
• It helps foster appreciation for Philippine literature and culture, particularly among young Filipinos.

Challenges and Controversies

• Critics argue that the law's mandatory nature is too restrictive and does not allow for curriculum flexibility.
• There is an ongoing debate over the relevance of Rizal's works to contemporary Philippine society.
• Concerns exist regarding the law's implementation, particularly the quality of teaching and the availability of resources.

Noli Me Tangere (1887)

• The novel is set in the late 19th century during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.
• It tells the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, a young Filipino who returns to his hometown after studying in Europe, determined to modernize his country.
• Ibarra discovers the corruption and oppression of the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church.
• Rizal exposed the social ills and injustices of the Spanish colonial regime through Ibarra's story.
• These include the oppression of the native population, government and Church corruption, and suppression of free speech and assembly.

El Filibusterismo (1891)

• It is the sequel to "Noli Me Tangere," continuing the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who has assumed the identity of Simoun, a wealthy and mysterious jeweler.
• As Simoun, Ibarra seeks revenge against the Spanish colonial government and the Church for the injustices they inflicted on him and his family.
• Simoun seeks to manipulate the system and expose its corruption by becoming a filibustero and using his wealth and influence.
• Rizal critiqued the Spanish colonial regime's corruption, abuse of power, and oppression of the native population through Simoun's story.
• Highlighted was the need for reform and the importance of education, freedom of speech, and assembly in bringing about positive change.

Themes and Significance

• Both novels deal with themes that are still relevant today, including nationalism, patriotism, social justice, human rights, corruption, abuse of power, education, reform, identity, and culture.
• "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" are significant not only for their literary merit but also for their impact on Philippine history and society.
• They helped inspire the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule and continue to influence Philippine politics, culture, and identity.

Early Life

• Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.
• He was the seventh of eleven children born to Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso Realonda.
• Rizal's family was considered middle-class, and his parents valued learning.

Education

• Rizal began his education at age three, learning the alphabet and basic mathematics from his mother.
• He attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he excelled and developed a passion for literature and poetry.
• In 1882, Rizal traveled to Spain to continue his education at the Universidad Central de Madrid.

Life in Spain

• Rizal became involved in the Propaganda Movement, advocating for reform and independence from Spain.
• He wrote extensively, producing poems, essays, and novels that explored identity, culture, and social justice.

Return to the Philippines

• In 1887, Rizal returned to the Philippines and became increasingly involved in the movement for reform and independence.
• He founded La Solidaridad, advocating for Filipino rights and freedoms.
• His activism attracted the attention of Spanish authorities, forcing him to flee the country.

Exile and Writing

• Rizal spent several years in exile, living in Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe.
• During this time, he produced famous works, including the novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo".
• These novels explored themes of identity, culture, and social justice and are considered some of the greatest works of Philippine literature.

Trial and Execution

• In 1896, Rizal returned to the Philippines, where he was arrested and put on trial for sedition and rebellion.
• He was found guilty and executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896, at age 35.

Legacy

• Rizal is considered the national hero of the Philippines.
• His writings and activism played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence.
• Rizal is remembered as a champion of freedom, justice, and human rights, and his works inspire and educate people worldwide.
• Jose Rizal is sometimes referred to as the "Tagalog Christ" due to parallels between his life and the life of Jesus Christ.
• Both Rizal and Jesus were martyred for their beliefs, with Rizal executed for his fight against Spanish colonial rule and Jesus crucified for his teachings.
• Both figures sacrificed themselves for the greater good; Rizal for Philippine independence and Jesus for humanity's salvation.
• Both Rizal and Jesus inspired others; Rizal's writings sparked the Philippine Revolution, and Jesus' teachings inspired his disciples to spread Christianity.
• Rizal represents hope for Philippine independence and freedom, while Jesus represents hope for salvation and eternal life.
• Both Rizal and Jesus hold significant cultural and historical importance in their respective contexts.

Historical Background

• After Jose Rizal's execution in 1896, his legend grew, becoming a symbol of Philippine nationalism.
• In the early 20th century, a movement emerged to elevate Rizal to a divine or quasi-divine status.

The Rizalist Movement

• Also known as Rizalismo, emerged in the 1910s and 1920s.
• Movement founders, including Valentin de los Santos and Honorio Vasquez, claimed Rizal was a divine being sent to save the Filipino people.

Key Beliefs

• Rizal is considered a divine being, often referred to as the "Tagalog Christ."
• Rizal's writings, especially his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," are considered sacred texts.
• Rizal's execution is seen as a sacrifice for the Filipino people, similar to Jesus' crucifixion.

Practices and Rituals

• Rizalistas pray to Rizal and worship him as a divine being.
• Rizalistas celebrate Rizal's birthday (June 19) and death anniversary (December 30) with rituals and ceremonies.
• Rizalistas make pilgrimages to Rizal's shrine in Calamba, Laguna, and other sites associated with his life.

Influence and Legacy

• The Rizalist movement significantly influenced Philippine culture and society.
• While not widely practiced today, Rizalismo has contributed to Philippine nationalism and reverence for Rizal as a national hero.

Groups Venerating Jose Rizal

• Knights of Rizal: A fraternal organization founded in 1911 to honor Rizal's legacy and promote patriotism.
• Order of the Knights of Rizal: A separate organization founded in 1951, also dedicated to promoting Rizal's ideals.
• Rizalista religious groups: Various religious groups, such as the Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi, revere Rizal as a divine being or prophet.

Samahang Rizal

• Dedicated to promoting the life, works, and legacy of Jose Rizal.
• Aims to protect and conserve Rizal's historical sites, artifacts, and writings, spread Rizal's teachings on patriotism, nationalism, and social justice.
• Aims to engage in community projects and activities that reflect Rizal's values.

Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi (IWNL)

• It is a Philippine-based religious group that venerates Jose Rizal as a divine being.
• Its name translates to "Church of the Flag of the Race" or "Church of the National Flag."

Key Beliefs

• Rizal is believed to be a divine being sent to save the Filipino people.
• Rizal's writings, especially his novels, are considered sacred texts.
• Nationalism and patriotism are emphasized, encouraging members to work towards the betterment of the Philippines.

Rituals and Practices

• IWNL holds worship services with prayers, hymns, and readings from Rizal's writings.
• The group performs rituals and ceremonies to honor Rizal and promote nationalistic values.
• IWNL engages in community outreach programs like education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives.
• Jose Rizal held strong views on social justice, reflected in his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• Rizal critiqued the Spanish colonial government for perpetuating inequality, injustice, and oppression against the Filipino people.
• He advocated for Filipino rights, including equality before the law, freedom of speech and assembly, and access to education and economic opportunities.
• Rizal exposed social ills like corruption, abuse of power, and exploitation through his writings.
• He believed education and critical thinking were essential for social change and the empowerment of individuals and communities.
• Rizal emphasized moral values like justice, equality, and compassion in promoting social justice and human dignity.
• Quotes from Rizal's works highlight his emphasis on national identity, self-respect, commitment to social reform, and desire to improve the lives of Filipinos.
• Overall, Rizal's views on social justice were shaped by his experiences living under Spanish colonial rule and his commitment to promoting the rights and dignity of his people.
• Rizal condemned the cruel and unjust treatment of Filipinos by Spanish authorities, including forced labor, land confiscation, and arbitrary imprisonment.
• He criticized the Spanish colonial system for exploiting the Philippines' natural resources and labor for Spain's benefit.
• Rizal advocated for Filipino representation in government.
• He lamented the suppression of Filipino culture, language, and traditions by Spanish colonizers.
• Rizal exposed corruption and abuse of power among Spanish officials and friars.
• Rizal fought for the freedom to express opinions and criticize the government without fear of reprisal.
• He advocated for equal treatment of Filipinos under the law, regardless of race or social status
• Rizal advocated for access to quality education and intellectual freedom, which would allow Filipinos to think critically and make informed decisions.
• Rizal envisioned a Philippines governed by Filipinos, with the ability to make decisions about their own affairs, advocating for autonomy and self-governance leading to independence.
• He fought against the injustices and abuses committed by the Spanish colonial authorities, advocating for treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Rizal's advocacy was rooted in his love for the Philippines and his desire to see his countrymen united and proud of their heritage.
• Rizal stressed the importance of patriotism and love for one's country.
• He advocated for the equal treatment and dignity of all individuals, regardless of social class or background.
• Rizal demonstrated the value of honesty, integrity, and moral courage through his characters.
• Rizal emphasized the importance of self-discipline, self-responsibility, and personal accountability.
• His works highlighted the need for compassion, empathy, and understanding towards others, especially the oppressed and marginalized.
• Rizal valued education and critical thinking as essential for personal growth, social progress, and national development.
• Rizal promoted non-violent and peaceful means of resistance against oppression, inspiring future generations of Filipinos to pursue peaceful and democratic change.
• Jose Rizal (1861-1896) was a Filipino polymath, nationalist, and leading figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

Early Life and Education

• Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.
• He was the seventh of eleven children, his family was middle-class, and his parents valued education.
• Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, excelling in academics and developing his writing skills and later enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas to study medicine.

Travel and Writing Career

• He traveled to Spain in 1882 to continue his medical studies.
• During his time in Europe, he wrote articles and poems criticizing Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
• Rizal's famous works are: "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo"

Nationalism and Activism

• Rizal's writings inspired the Philippine Revolution.
• He became a leading figure in the Propaganda Movement, advocating for reforms and greater autonomy for the Philippines.
• In 1892, Rizal returned to the Philippines and founded the La Liga Filipina.

Imprisonment and Execution

• In 1896, Rizal was arrested and put on trial for treason, sedition, and conspiracy.
• Found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad.
• On December 30, 1896, Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan, sparking widespread outrage and fueling the Philippine Revolution.

Legacy

• He is remembered as a national hero in the Philippines.
• His writings and activism inspired the country's struggle for independence and continue to influence Philippine politics, literature, and culture.
• Rizal's life and works remind us of the importance of fighting for freedom, justice, and human rights.
• Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, to Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso Realonda.
• Rizal was the seventh of eleven children from a middle-class family; his parents valued education.
• Rizal began his education at three, learning from his mother, later attending school in Calamba, where he learned Spanish and Latin.
• In 1872, Rizal enrolled in the prestigious Ateneo Municipal de Manila, excelling in academics, literature, and philosophy.

University of Santo Tomas

• Rizal enrolled to study medicine but shifted to philosophy and literature due to his arts interest.
• Early life influences included his family's values, education, and surroundings.
• Personal traits included exceptional; intelligence, passion for literature, poetry, and art reflecting his creative side, curiosity, and exposure to Spanish colonial injustices sparked, prompting nationalist sentiments and a desire for reform.
• At Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Rizal excelled in literature and philosophy, being a diligent student with a keen interest in learning.
• Developed literary skills at the Ateneo, where he wrote poetry and essays published in the school's literary magazine.
• The Jesuit priests at the Ateneo instilled a sense of morality, discipline, and intellectual curiosity in him.
• Formed a close friendship with Pedro Paterno, who shared his love for literature and poetry.
• Rizal's independent thinking and criticism of the Jesuits' teachings led to conflicts, with accusations of being a "heretic" and "subversive."
• Conflicts with the Jesuits led Rizal to leave the Ateneo and enroll in the University of Santo Tomas.
• Rizal developed literary skills, for lasting friendships, and began to question the authority of the Spanish colonial government at the Ateneo.
• Ateneo shaped his future as a writer, reformer, and national hero laying, the foundation for his later works.
• Faced difficulties with Latin, a required subject, and often received low grades.
• Conflicts with professors due to independent thinking and criticism of the Jesuits' teachings led to accusations of being a "heretic" and "subversive."
• Faced homesickness, missing his family and hometown of Calamba, he also faced financial difficulties, relying on his brother, Paciano, for support, furthermore, facing health issues, suffering from poor eyesight and illness, which affected academic performance.
• Faced discrimination from Spanish professors and classmates.
• Struggled to adapt to the strict rules and traditions of the Ateneo, influenced by Spanish culture.
• Felt frustrated and angry about injustices at the Ateneo, fueling his desire for reform.
• Often felt isolated due to strict environment.
• Despite these challenges, he persevered and continued his education, becoming one of the Philippines's beloved heroes.

Academic Pursuits

• Rizal studied literature, philosophy, and history, shifting to medicine and surgery after completing philosophy studies.

Challenges and Conflicts

• Rizal faced discrimination, conflicts with professors, and financial difficulties.

Literary and Artistic Pursuits

• He continued writing poetry and essays, with works published in various publications.
• Rizal's artistic talents were recognized, encouraging him to pursue a career in the arts.

Relationships and Friendships

• Formed a close friendship with Mariano Ponce, who shared his interests in literature and politics, also a relationship with Leonor Rivera.

Departure from UST

• Rizal became disillusioned with the University of Santo Tomas, feeling it did not provide the desired education.
• He decided to study abroad, specifically in Spain, to pursue his education and broaden his horizons.

Academic Achievements

• Rizal graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1877, top of his class, earning his Licentiate in Medicine in 1882, completing medical studies at UST.

Travel

• Went to Europe to expand education

Writing Career

• Wrote novels such as El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere
• Wrote essays centered around love, patriotism and social justice
• Impacted nationalism and independence.
• Shaped national ideology and inspired others to fight for Philippine independence.

Departure and arrival

• Rizal left Manila on May 3, 1882, and arrived in Barcelona, Spain, on June 16, 1882.

Studying in Madrid

• He enrolled in the Universidad Central de Madrid, where he studied medicine and philosophy.

Meeting with Morayta Sagrario

• Rizal met with Morayta Sagrario, a Spanish politician and historian who introduced him to liberal ideas.

Writing "Noli Me Tangere"

• During his time in Madrid, Rizal wrote his famous novel, exposing the injustices of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

Traveling to Paris

• In 1885, Rizal moved to Paris, where he continued his studies and met with other Filipino expatriates.

Visiting other European cities

• Rizal also traveled to other European cities, including Vienna, Austria; Munich, Germany; and Brussels, Belgium.

Returning to the Philippines

• Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1891, but his writings and activities had already made him a target of the Spanish authorities.
• In 2007, Penguin Classics published a new English-language version of translated by American writer Harold Augenbraum.
• Today, "Noli Me Tangere" is considered a national epic of the Philippines.
• Leonor Rivera, considered Jose Rizal's first love, had a fascinating life.
• Leonor Rivera was born in 1867 in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines. Married to Another Man Due to family objections and distance.
• Rivera lived a comfortable life with her husband and children. However, she never forgot Rizal and maintained a deep affection for him.
• Segunda Katigbak was a Filipino woman who had a significant connection with Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero born in 1873
• Relationship with Rizal: Segunda and Rizal developed a close relationship
• After Rizal's execution in 1896, Segunda Katigbak continued to live a quiet life in Laguna.
• Seconda's legacy is solely connected to his relationship with rizal
• Josephine Leopoldine Bracken was the wife of Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero Early Life
• Met Rizal in Dapitan, Mindanao, Philippines, where Rizal was in exile seeking Rizal's expertise as an ophthalmologist.
• Bracken and Rizal had Romance Bracken and Rizal started developing a relationship that led to marraige
• Bracken returned to Hong Kong and later moved to the United States after death of rizal
• Gertrude Beckett became one of writing inspirations
• There relationship with rizal wasnt challange free because of cultural background and racial oppresion
• After rizal, Beckett remained in London. She married another man, but it is said that she never forgot Rizal and the impact he had on her life.
• Evelyn Kilpatrick met Rizal in 1887 while he was studying in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Evelyn Kilpatricks relationship was short and she remained in edinburgh Little known later
• Consuelo Ortiga and consol met rizal in when he was studying medicine at Universidad Central de Madrid
• She stayed in Spain forever later after they split
• O Sei San met rizal while he was taveling in Japan She was was deeply impressed by Japanese culture and society,
• O sei san moved on with life a little is knwon about personal life besides connection the phillipinean hero riza;;