Rizal Law: Origin, Content & Goals

Batas Rizal Origin

• President Ramon Magsaysay signed it into law on June 12, 1956.
• Senators Claro M. Recto and Jose P. Laurel sponsored it to address nationalism issues.

Contents of Batas Rizal

• Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be included in the curriculum of all schools, public and private.
• Curriculum must include High School and University levels
• Libraries in schools are required to keep copies of the novels.
• The novels can be studied in their original Spanish, English, or Filipino versions.
• Students who object due to religious beliefs can request an exemption, but must still study other works about Rizal.

Rizal Law Goals

• To strengthen nationalism and love for the country
• To teach about heroism, love for freedom, and respect for human dignity
• To emphasize the importance of Filipino culture
• To cultivate compassion and sacrifice for the nation's welfare
• To encourage youth to emulate Rizal's positive traits, such as diligence in studies and love for truth.

Obstacles to Passing the Rizal Law

• The Catholic Church opposed it due to the criticisms of the church in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
  • The Church feared it would influence students' Catholic faith.
• Conservative groups worried it would cause objections to Catholic faith.
  • They also feared it could lead to animosity towards the Spanish.

Effects of the Rizal Law

• Became an important part of Philippine education
• Led to a deeper understanding of Philippine history and freedom
• Inspired Filipinos to be patriotic and fight against abuse
• Paved the way for youth organizations that promoted Rizal's principles

Rizal's Era Context - Political

• Fraillocracy: friars controlled taxes, education and judiciary
• Governor-General – held executive, legislative, and judicial authority
  • Highest official in the Philippines and representative of the King of Spain

Rizal's Era Context - Local Governments

• Alcaldia: controlled by Spaniards
• Corregimiento: areas not fully under Spanish control
• Gobernadorcillo: Head of town/community
• Cabeza de Barangay: Head of the barangay

Rizal's Era Context - Economy

• Galleon Trade: Trade between Manila and Acapulco
  • Lasted from 1565-1821
  • Carried porcelain, silk and silver
• Bandala System: Forced sale of products by Filipinos at low prices
• Polo y Servicio: Forced labor for males (16-60 years old) for 40 days
  • Could be avoided by paying "falla" (1½ reales per day).

Rizal's Era Context - Culture

• Language:
  • Tagalog and other native languages for the Indios
  • Spanish for wealthy Filipinos
• Religion: Native beliefs (anito worship) were labeled as "paganism".
• Education: Limited to the wealthy and managed by friars

Personal Information of Jose Rizal

• Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
• Baptized on June 22, 1861, by Padre Rufino Collantes; Pedro Casañas was his godfather.

Rizal's Parents

• Father: Francisco Rizal Mercado
• Mother: Teodora Alonso Realonda

Rizal's Siblings

• Saturnina (Neneng): Eldest, married to Manuel T. Hidalgo.
• Paciano: Inspiration from Philosopher Tasyo and allied with the revolution; became a general.
• Narcisa (Sisa): Married to Antonio Lopez.
• Olympia: Married to Silvestre Ubaldo.
• Lucia: Wife of Mariano Herbosa, nephew of Pedro Casañas.
• Maria (Biang), Josefa (Panggoy), Trinidad (Trining), and Soledad (Choleng).
• Concha: Died at age three; Rizal's first sorrow.

Origin of Rizal's Name

• José: In honor of San José, the patron saint of his feast day.
• Protacio: From the saint's calendar.
• Rizal: From "Ricial," meaning "green field."
• Mercado: Surname of his Chinese ancestor, Domingo Lamco.
• Alonzo/Realonda: From his mother's family name.

Rizal's Early Life and Education

• First Teacher: His mother, who taught him to read at age three.
• First Poem: "Sa Aking Mga Kabata" (at 8 years old).
• Book of Lessons: "Amigo de los Niños," which featured the story of the moth and the lamp.
• Biñan, Laguna: Studied under Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz at age 9.

Rizal's Education and Career

• Ateneo de Municipal: Admitted with the help of Manuel Xerez Burgos and was named "Emperor" of the class.
  • Graduated as "Bachiller en Artes" and received five medals (1877).
  • His poem "Mi Primera Inspiracion" was dedicated to his mother.
• UST: Studied Philosophy and Medicine.
  • Won for writing "A La Juventud Filipina".
  • Went to Europe to continue his studies due to discrimination.

Rizal's Love Life

• Segunda Katigbak: Rizal's first serious love.
• Leonor Rivera: Rizal's cousin and inspiration for Maria Clara
  • "Longest love" for 11 years.
• Josephine Bracken: Rizal's companion in Dapitan and mother of his child who did not survive.