Rizal Law: Senate Bill No. 438

• Amidst the destruction of infrastructure from World War II, Filipinos sought to rebuild their national identity.
• Freedom and nationalism of Filipino heroes became a focal point.
• Jose Rizal was a prominent figure in this movement.

Senate Bill No. 438, April 3, 1956

• Senator Jose P. Laurel submitted the bill to the Senate Committee on Education.
• On April 17, 1956, Senator Laurel sponsored and presented the bill to the Upper House.
• The main objective was to disseminate Rizal's ideologies through his works, especially "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• Rizal's novels are seen as mirrors reflecting Filipino strengths, defects, virtues, and vices.

Arguments of Opponents

• Catholic senators argued that the bill discredited the Catholic religion.
• Offensive content in "Noli Me Tangere" (170 lines) and "El Filibusterismo" (50 lines) was highlighted.
• Concerns were raised about national division and impaired freedom of speech and religion.

Senator Laurel's Defense

• Rizal aimed to instill civic consciousness, national dignity, personal pride, and patriotism, not to teach religion.
• He criticized unworthy ministers but made exceptions for worthy ones like Padre Fernandez and Padre Florentino.

House Bill No. 5561

• Introduced by Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales, it faced attacks on constitutionality and religiosity.
• The bill's passage seemed unlikely after setbacks in both houses.
• Senate Bill No. 438 was unanimously approved on second reading on May 12, 1956.
• The Lower House followed suit, approving the bill unanimously on May 14, 1956.
• The law was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956, becoming Republic Act 1425.

Republic Act No. 1425

• Mandates courses on Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings, focusing on "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• Requires all schools, colleges, and universities to include these courses in their curricula.
• Collegiate courses must use original or unexpurgated editions of Rizal's novels or their English translations.
• Educational institutions must maintain adequate copies of original and unexpurgated editions and other works by Rizal.
• The Board of National Education translates Rizal's works into English, Tagalog, and other Philippine dialects.
• They are printed in cheap editions for free distribution through Purok organizations and Barrio Councils.
• The act does not repeal section 927 of the Administrative Code, which prohibits religious discussions by public school teachers.
• An allocation of 300,000 pesos was authorized for the act's purposes.

Concept of Hero

• The title "hero" and doing great things are often misconstrued.
• The saying "Mahirap mag pakabayani. Ang bayani ay binabaril sa Luneta" discourages people from caring.
• The Rizal Law empowers the youth to generate ideas and choose new heroes, who may be ordinary people.

Traditional Definition of "Hero"

• Defined as an illustrious man of divine descent, with valor, enterprise, fortitude, and is exalted after death.
• Apparent extraordinary and individualistic nature, synonym of "Superman."
• The Filipino concept of hero is broader, known as Bayani, Bagani, Magani or Wani in ethno-linguistic groups.
• A hero in early Philippine societies was a normal warrior, whose task was based on the village's needs.
• An example of this is Pangangayaw, or raiding into unallied territory.

William Henry Scott's Reasons for Pangangayaw

• To secure resources from goods, bounty, or slaves.
• To avenge a personal affront or family honor.
• To fulfill mourning requirements through the sacrifice of enemies.
• For personal prominence or mercenary reward.
• The word Bayani derived from bayan, highlighting community efforts.

Characteristics of Early Filipino Heroes

• The Boxer Codex (1590) defines a Bayani as a person with high status and dignity.
• Pedro Serrano Laktaw describes a Bayani as fearless, courageous, firm, bold, quiet, and calm.
• Qualities of Philippine epic characters represent the actual Bayani.
• The concept of a Filipino Hero in early societies was an honorific role rather than a posthumous award.
• Spaniards introduced obedience to saints as role models, replacing living ones, and relied on Vida Sancti.
• Americans propagated secular views with hero-worshipping of soldiers who died during the Philippine-American War.
• Figures like Jose Rizal, Mabini, Luna, and Del Pilar became household names.

Criteria for Recognizing Heroes

• The NHCP released criteria through Project Saysay, emphasizing that hero recognition is subjective.
• The extent of a person's sacrifice for the country's welfare.
• The motive and methods employed in achieving the ideal of the country's welfare.
• The moral character of the person.
• Their influence on the present and future generations.
• Those who aspire for the nation's freedom with a concept of nation
• Those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation..
• Part of the people's expression.
• Has consideration of the future generations

Rizal as a Filipino Hero

• State-sponsored through Republic Act 1425.
• Commemorated two years after death, on December 30, 1898, declared by Emilio Aguinaldo in Malolos.
• His portrait hung in Katipunan meetings, where members believed him to be an honorary member.

American Colonial Government's Steps

• Creation of Rizal Province.
• Erection of Rizal Monument.
• Declaration of Rizal Day on December 30 as a public holiday.
• William H. Taft appointed Rizal to embody American colonial government's brand of nationalism in 1901.
• His image became a lucrative enterprise for stamps, charts, and printed materials, heightened by the Rizal Law.
• The National Heroes Committee released a list of recommended national heroes amidst preparations for centennial celebrations .

Modern-Day Concept of Bayani

• Bayanis is indigenous still exist today.
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are considered Bagong Bayani.
• The word mamayani, meaning to prevail or triumph, has become well-known.
• Bayanis concept is embedded in Filipino well-being.

Rizal as a Symbol

• There are five Symbols of José Rizal.
• Readers of Rizal are more influential.
• The symbolic Rizal is the kind of Rizal.

Background of José Rizal

• Before his execution, when Jose Rizal was set to face his execution, he left a dying wish to his family.
• He requested a burial in Paang Bundok with specifications.
• No anniversary celebration was desired.
• His wishes weren't followed.

Historic Rizal

• Who lived and died in the 19th century in the Philippines.
• He is the Rizal born and raised in Calamba, Laguna, who studied at the Ateneo Municipal in Manila, travelled and studied abroad, published Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, founded the La Liga Filipina and the Martyr of Bagumbayan in 1896.
• He was the true person, the actual Rizal we can read in History books.

Symbolic Rizal

• He is the kind of Rizal we have today.
• He is the Rizal in Luneta, the Rizal in the one peso coin, the Rizal in postage stamps, the Rizal as Tagalog Christ, the Rizal as an icon of Rock, the Rizal in t-shirts, and the list goes on.

Rizal as Text, Signs and Symbols

• There are two types of text: sign and readerly.
• A text can be a symbol that conveys meaning about cultural processes and relationships.

19th Century Philippines

• Economic and Political situation of the Philippines.
• Some historians refer to the 19th century as a long century in Philippine history.
• Development of economies in Europe made Spanish administrators in the colony.

Galleon Trade

• Opening of the Philippines to world trade 1800.
• Enabled economic activities and entry of foreign firms and ideas.
• Alexander Dumas : In the case of Rizal, he was able to read European Literature such his work such as "The Count of Monte Cristo and The Musketeers"
• Andrés Bonifacio - influenced works.

Political Unrest

• The End of Spain Wars.

Colonial Tension

• Brigandage and tulisan increased robberies and kidnappings, and created the Guardia Civil in 1868.
• Challenged Catholic Church and discriminations

Education and the Rise of the Illustrados

• Most notable reforms was increase of educated Filipinos as the colonial government.
• Started to reform educational institutions.
• Sent their children to school to take professional courses,and travelling to Europe also made easier with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1859.
• Exposure outside the country, these individuals, who later referred to as Ilustrados, eventually formed the core of a new emerging movement that asked the colonial government for much needed reforms in the Philippines.

Propaganda Movement

• Nationalistic and racial fuelled grievances under Spaniards.

Colonial Policies

• This was also supplemented by the liberal policies applied by liberal administrations of Spain in the Philippines such as Cadiz Constitution in 1812.
• Padre Jose Burgos who fought for equal rights among the clergy in 1860's.

End of Spanish Governance

• The secular priests along interpreted aattempt.
• Led a massive breakdown leading against students along with some local elites in the country in 1872.
• Rizal, along with GomBurZa were executed on February 17, 1872.

The Rizal's Early life

• José Rizal, born in 1861 amidst all reforms and turmoils, educated and school in Europe.
• Actively involved in Propaganda Movement
• establishing LaLiga Filipina.

Controversies

• A number of Rizal's involvements in the revolution are still controversial

Making of a Leader

Early Life and Family

• Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on Wednesday, June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
• He faced challenges during birth due to his large head.
• He was baptized on June 22, 1861, in the Catholic Church of Calamba.
• His godfather was Rizal's godfather: Father Pedro Casanas while his parish priest was Father Rufino Collantes

Parentage

• Teodora Alonso Realonda, Rizal's mother and first teacher, was born in Manila on November 8, 1826, and educated at College of Santa Rosa. She died on August 16, 1911, at 84 years of age.
• Francisco Mercado Rizal, Rizal's father, was called "a model of father," born on May 11, 1818. He studied Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila and passed away on January 5, 1898.

Siblings

• Saturnina Mercado (1850 – 1913): Nicknamed "Neneng," she married Manuel Hidalgo.
• Paciano Mercado (1851 – 1930): Rizal's older brother and confidant, joined the Philippine Revolution, and influenced Rizal.
• Narcisa Mercado: Known as Sisa, married to Antonio Lopez
• Olympia Mercado Ypia was her pet name
• Lucia Mercado: Married to Mariano Herbosa
• Maria Mercado Nicknamed Biang.
• Concepcion Mercado : Pet name Concha
• Josefa Mercado Pet name Panggoy - died an single

Early Life

• The Rizal family lived a simple but contented life.
• Family ties were close, and parents were strict but loving.
• They trained their children in religious virtues and good manners.

Childhood Memories

• Early childhood memories in the family garden and tender care from his parents and an aya.
• The death of Concha, the youngest of the children, was Rizal's first sorrow.

Religious Upbringing

• Rizal grew up in a Catholic home and devoutly participated in religious activities from an early age.
• Showed a keen interest in religious matters and philosophy
• Developed early artistic talents
• he had an interest for skectches and a talent for clays
• Influential people in his life included his mother, Fr. Leoncio Lopez, and his pilgrimage to Antipolo.

Influences in Rizal

• Hereditary (family traits and qualities)
• Malayan: love for freedom, desire to travel, indomitable courage
• Chinese: serious nature, frugality, patience, and love for children
• Spanish: elegance, bearing,

Early Education

• Rizal received his early education and early teacher as his mother and the 4 R's- reading, writing, arithmetic and religion.
• Home instruction was followed by private tutors.
• Studied under Maestro Celestino and Maestro Lucas Padua and at a private school in Binan, taught by Maestro Justiniano Cruz.

Injustice to Mother

• The Rizal family faced Injustice when Doña Teodora was imprisoned on false charges for two and a half years.

Rizal's Higher Education

• Rizal's work, Memorias De Un Estudiante De Manila, details experiences
• Rizal wrote this under a pen name - P. Jacinto.