Rizal Law: Republic Act No. 1425

• Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, mandates courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal in all public and private schools, colleges, and universities
• The law aims to enrich the minds of the youth about Philippine history, appreciate Rizal's ideals, apply them to current social problems, and foster the development of the Filipino youth.

Contents of Rizal Law

• Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be the original copies
• School libraries should have sufficient copies of Rizal's works
• The Board of National Education is responsible for translating Rizal's works
• The act does not alter Section 927 of the administrative code, which prohibits public school employees from discussing religious doctrines
• An amount of Php 300,000 is authorized to implement the act
• The law should be implemented right after approval

History of the Law

• Senator Claro M. Recto authored the Rizal Bill
• Senator Jose P. Laurel sponsored the law
• President Ramon Magsaysay signed it into law as Republic Act 1425 on June 12, 1956

Economic Context in the 19th Century Philippines

• The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade ended in 1815 due to Mexico's independence, the opening of the Suez Canal, and the rise of steam-powered ships
• The Suez Canal's opening in 1869 reduced travel time between Europe and Asia
• In 1834, the Spanish government opened Manila's port to foreign trade, ending the monopoly of the Royal Company of the Philippines

Rise of Export Crop and Monopolies

• The opening of ports and foreign capital led to a focus on export crops like sugar, tobacco, and abaca
• The Spanish government continued to impose monopolies on certain industries, such as tobacco and alcohol

Social aspects of the 19th Century Philippines

• The Spanish colonial government established an education system, primarily for the elite and focused on religious instruction
• The Chinese mestizo class played an increasingly important role in the Philippine economy due to their skills in business and trade
• The Inquilino class, composed of tenant farmers, faced exploitation by landlords due to the oppressive land tenure system

Political Influences of the 19th Century Philippines

• Liberal ideas from Europe, especially during the French Revolution and Spanish liberal revolutions, influenced Filipino intellectuals
• The Bourbon Reforms aimed to modernize colonial administration but failed to address inequality and oppression
• The Cadiz Constitution of 1812, briefly implemented in the Philippines, granted a constitutional monarchy and universal male suffrage

Rizal's Family Background

• The Rizal family belonged to the "Principalia," the aristocratic town of distinguished families
• They lived well through hard work, managing farms rented from the Dominican Order
• Doña Teodora managed a general goods store, a small flour mill, and a home-made ham press
• The family owned a carriage, a private library, and were strict parents who valued love for God, good behavior, and respect for elders

Rizal's Birth and Early Life

• Jose Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861
• His full name: JOSE PROTACIO RIZAL MERCADO Y ALONSO REALONDA
• He was the seventh child of Don Francisco and Doña Teodora
• The name "Rizal" (Ricial – Greenfield) was adopted by the Mercados during the 1940s because of the Claveria Decree
• He was baptized on June 22, 1861, with Father Rufino Collantes advising the family to take care of him

Rizal's Parents and Siblings

• Don Francisco Mercado Rizal was born in Biñan, Laguna, on May 11, 1818, and is described as "A model of fathers"
• Doña Teodora Alonso Y Realonda was born in Meisik, Sta. Cruz, Manila on November 8, 1826, and is known for her literary talents and business ability
• Saturnina Rizal, nicknamed "Neneng," was the eldest child and married Manuel T. Hidalgo
• Paciano Rizal, nicknamed "Lolo Ciano," was Jose's closest brother and became a combat general
• Narcisa Rizal, nicknamed "Sisa," was born in 1852 and married Antonio Lopez
• Olimpia Rizal, nicknamed "Ypia," was born in 1855 and married Silvestre Ubaldo
• Lucia Rizal, born in 1857, married Mariano Herbosa, whose death was denied a Christian burial due to being Rizal's brother-in-law

More of Rizal's Siblings

• Maria Rizal, born in 1859, was nicknamed "Biang" and married Daniel Faustino Cruz
• Concepcion Rizal, born in 1862 and nicknamed "Concha," died at age three, marking Rizal's first sorrow
• Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, and nicknamed "Pepe," was executed by the Spaniards on December 30, 1896
• Josefa Rizal, born in 1865, was nicknamed "Panggoy" and remained single until her death in 1951
• Trinidad Rizal, born in 1868 and nicknamed "Trining," was the last of the Rizal children to survive and died a spinster
• Soledad Rizal, born in 1870, was the youngest child and a teacher, married Pantaleon Quintero without parental consent

Calamba: The Town That Inspired a Hero

• Calamba was located in a rich agricultural region in Laguna, known for coconut and sugar cane
• The town was virtually owned by Dominican friars, who subjected the non-Spanish families to excessive taxes
• The Rizal family's house was a two-story building made of adobe stones and hardwoods
• Rizal displayed many talents, including drawing, reading, and physical fitness
• He was mentored by his uncles Jose Alberto, Gregorio, and Manuel

Rizal's Early Education

• Doña Teodora was Rizal's first teacher, and he learned the alphabet and prayers at age three
• Other tutors included Maestro Celestino, Maestro Lucas Padua, and Leon Monroy
• Maestro Justiano Aquino Cruz was Rizal's first formal teacher in Biñan, Laguna
• Rizal took entrance exams at the College of San Juan de Letran and passed, but his father sent him to Ateneo instead
• He was initially refused admission to Ateneo due to being late for registration and sickly, but was later admitted through the intercession of Manuel Xerez Burgos

Ateneo and UST

• Rizal registered as Jose Rizal at Ateneo and boarded outside Intramuros in a house owned by Titay, who owed the Rizal family P300
• Rizal graduated with honors from Ateneo Municipal de Manila with a degree in Land Surveying and Assessment on March 14, 1877
• In 1878, he enrolled at the Faculty of Arts and Letters for a degree in Philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas
• He also enrolled in Medicine, majoring in ophthalmology, to cure his mother's failing eyesight

Education and Transition to Spain

• After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree, Rizal enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila
• Due to concerns about his safety, his family decided to send him to further studies abroad. In 1882, Rizal left for Spain
• Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid, pursuing degrees in both medicine and philosophy and letters

Literary and Political Awakening

• While in Spain, Rizal began writing articles and essays, including "Amor Patrio"
• He also joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino and became involved in the reform movement
• Rizal traveled to Paris, Berlin, and other European cities, seeking medical training and exposing himself to different cultures and intellectual currents

Publication of Noli Me Tangere and Legacy

• Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere" was published in Berlin in 1887
• He returned to the Philippines in 1887 and established the Liga Filipina, which aimed to unite Filipinos and promote social and economic progress
• Rizal's activities led to his exile in Dapitan in 1892
• Rizal's life and works continue to inspire Filipinos, and his commitment to education, reform and social justice has cemented his legacy as a national hero