Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law) - Overview, Objectives, and Historical Context - PDF

Course Description and Objectives ​ Course Overview: 1.​ As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life and works of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. Topics include Rizal’s biography and his writings, particularly the novels Noli Me Tange...

Course Description and Objectives ​ Course Overview: 1.​ As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life and works of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. Topics include Rizal’s biography and his writings, particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as some of his essays. ​ Course Objectives: 1.​ Discuss Jose Rizal’s life within the context of 19th century Philippines. 2.​ Analyze Rizal’s various works, particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. 3.​ Organize Rizal’s ideas into various themes. 4.​ Demonstrate a critical reading of primary sources. 5.​ Interpret the values derived from studying Rizal’s life and works. 6.​ Display an appreciation for education and love of country. Foreword ​ This Computer-Aided Instructional Material is primarily intended for an undergraduate study of the life, works, and writings of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Under the provisions of Republic Act No. 1425, students in any course are mandated to study the life, works, and writings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. ​ The life and ideals of Rizal serve as an inspiration to the youth and all Filipinos who strive for freedom and a better life. ​ May this output serve as a contribution to the existing body of instructional materials for effective and quality education. The Story of Rizal Law ​ Background: ​ In 1956, Senator Claro M. Recto filed what became known as the Rizal Bill, recognizing the need to instill heroism among the youth during a time of social turmoil in the Philippines. ​ Reasons for the Rizal Law: ​ HUKBALAHAP insurgency ​ American imperialism/influence ​ Parity rights to US on Philippines’ natural resources ​ Laurel-Langley Agreement allowing free entry of American products ​ Corrupt party politics ​ Conflict: ​ The bill faced opposition from the Catholic Church and its supporters. Republic Act No. 1425 - Rizal Law ​ Overview: ​ An Act to include in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges, and universities courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. ​ Key Figures: ​ Jose P. Laurel – Sponsor of the law. ​ Claro Mayo Recto – Author and main proponent of the law. ​ Enactment: ​ Signed on June 12, 1956, coinciding with Philippine Independence Day. Main Goals of the Rizal Law 1.​ To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism. 2.​ To pay tribute to our national hero for his contributions to shaping the Filipino character. 3.​ To provide an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life and works. 4.​ To instill values of moral character, civic conscience, personal discipline, and duties of citizenship. Sections of the Rizal Law Section 1: Inclusion of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in the curricula of all educational institutions. Section 2: Obligation for schools to maintain adequate copies of Rizal’s works in their libraries. Section 3: The National Board of Education is tasked with translating Rizal’s writings into various languages and distributing them. Section 4: Clarification that the law does not amend existing regulations regarding the discussion of religious doctrines in public schools. Section 5: Appropriation of 300,000 pesos to implement the law. Section 6: The law takes effect upon approval. Significance of the Rizal Law ​ The Rizal Law has played a crucial role in arousing Filipino nationalism and reminding the Filipino people of their identity as a nation. Conclusion ​ The study of Jose Rizal’s life and works is essential in fostering a sense of national identity and pride among Filipinos, ensuring that the values he espoused continue to inspire future generations.  HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ON RIZAL’S TIME I. Introduction ​ The 19th Century (1801-1900) was a century of significant change, particularly in the context of Jose Rizal's life and the events that shaped his thoughts and actions. II. Key Historical Events Influencing Rizal 1.​ February 19, 1861: ​ The liberal Czar Alexander II issued the Emancipation Manifesto to Russian serfs. 2.​ 1861: ​ Italians, under Giuseppe Garibaldi, expelled the Austrians and took over the papal lands, ending the domination of the Church. 3.​ Unification Movements: ​ Italians and Germans succeeded in unifying their nations. 4.​ June 19, 1861: ​ The American Civil War was ongoing in the United States, primarily due to issues surrounding Negro slavery. 5.​ September 22, 1862: ​ Benito Juarez was elected President of Mexico. 6.​ June 12, 1864: ​ Archduke Maximilian of Austria was installed by Napoleon III as the puppet emperor of Mexico. 7.​ May 15, 1867: ​ Juarez defeated Maximilian's forces with U.S. support and executed Maximilian on June 19. III. Global Context of the 19th Century ​ England: ​ Known as the World’s Leading Imperialist Power. ​ Queen Victoria asserted, “Britannia rules the waves.” ​ European Penetration in Asia: ​ Weakening of Spain and Portugal. ​ Rise of Great Britain and France. ​ Colonial Expansion: ​ Britain gained Hong Kong and five ports in China following the Opium War (1839-1842). ​ India became a crown colony of Great Britain after the Sepoy Mutiny (1857).  ​ Burma (Myanmar) became a colony of Great Britain after three Burmese Wars. ​ Indo-China became a protectorate of France. ​ Malaysia became a protectorate and eventually a colony of Great Britain. ​ Indonesia was conquered by the Dutch (Netherlands). ​ British colonies included Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Maldives, Aden, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, and Australia. ​ Japan: ​ July 8, 1853: Commodore Matthew C. Perry reopened Japan to the world, ending its 214-year isolation. ​ Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) modernized Japan by accepting Western influences, including imperialism. IV. Historical Background of the Philippines During Rizal’s Time ​ Filipinos were unfortunate victims of the evils of the unjust, bigoted, and deteriorating colonial power. 1.​ Instability of Colonial Administration: ​ Corrupt officialdom. ​ No Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes. ​ Human rights denied to Filipinos. ​ No equality before the law. ​ Maladministration of justice. ​ Racial discrimination. ​ Frailocracy. ​ Forced labor or “Polo y Servicios.” ​ Haciendas owned by the friars. ​ Abusive behavior of the Guardia Civils.  CHAPTER 1: RIZAL: A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH TABLE OF CONTENTS ​ The Birth of a Hero ​ Rizal’s Parents ​ The Rizal Siblings ​ Rizal’s Ancestry ​ The Rizal Home ​ Influences on the Hero’s Boyhood THE BIRTH OF A HERO ​ June 19, 1861 - moonlight of Wednesday between eleven and midnight Jose Rizal was born in the lakeshore town of Calamba, Laguna. ​ June 22, 1861 - aged three days old, Rizal was baptized in the Catholic church. RIZAL’S PARENTS ​ Don Francisco Mercado (1818-1898) ​ Born in Biñan, Laguna on May 11, 1818. He studied Latin and Philosophy at the College of San Jose in Manila. He became a tenant-farmer of the Dominican-owned hacienda. ​ Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda (1826-1911) ​ Born in Manila on November 8, 1826. She was educated at the College of Santa Rosa, a well-known college for girls in the city. A remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent, business ability, and the fortitude of Spartan women is a woman of more than ordinary culture. ​ Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda became married on June 28, 1848, after which they settled down in Calamba. They were blessed with eleven children - two boys and nine girls. THE RIZAL SIBLINGS 1.​ Saturnina (1850-1913) ​ Oldest of the Rizal siblings, nicknamed Neneng, married Manuel T. Hidalgo of Tanauan, Batangas. 2.​ Paciano (1851-1930)  ​ Older brother and confidant of Jose Rizal, was a second father to Rizal, immortalized him in Rizal’s first novel Noli Me Tangere as the wise Pilosopo Tasio. Rizal regarded him as the “most noble of Filipinos.” Became a Major General in the Philippine Revolution. Died on April 13, 1930, an old bachelor aged 79. Had two children by his mistress (Severina Decena) a boy and a girl. 3.​ Narcisa (1852-1939) ​ Her pet name was Sisa, married to Antonio Lopez (nephew of Father Leoncio Lopez), a school teacher of Morong [Rizal province later on]. 4.​ Olimpia (1855-1887) ​ Ypia was her pet name, married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator from Manila. 5.​ Lucia (1857-1919) ​ Married to Mariano Herbosa of Calamba, who was a nephew of Father Casanas. Herbosa died of cholera in 1889 and was denied Christian burial because he was a brother-in-law of Rizal. 6.​ Maria (1859-1945) ​ Biang was her nickname, married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan, Laguna. 7.​ Jose (1861-1896) ​ Nickname was Pepe, lived with Josephine Bracken, an Irish girl from Hong Kong. Had a son but this baby-boy died a few hours after birth; Rizal named him “Francisco” after his father and buried him in Dapitan. 8.​ Concepcion (1862-1865) ​ Her pet name was Concha, died of sickness at the age of 3; her death was Rizal’s first sorrow in life. 9.​ Josefa (1865-1945) ​ Her pet name was Panggoy, died an old maid at the age of 80. 10.​Trinidad (1868-1951) ​ Trining was her pet name, she died also an old maid in 1951 aged 83. 11.​Soledad (1870-1929) ​ Youngest of the Rizal siblings, her pet name was Choleng, married Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba. ​ Rizal always called her sisters Doña or Señora (if married) and Señorita (if single). RIZAL’S ANCESTRY ​ Rizal’s father scrutinized carefully the list of surnames sent to Calamba such as Cruz, Diaz, Luna, Ramos, Reyes, Rivera, and Santos but he did not have any interest in these surnames. So, he chose his own surname Rizal, which originated from the word ricial which signifies “green field.” This surname was not in the list recommended by the Spanish authorities. THE RIZAL HOME  ​ Was one of the distinguished stone houses in Calamba during the Spanish times. It was a two-storey building, rectangular in shape, built of adobe stones and hard-woods and roofed with red tiles. INFLUENCES ON THE HERO’S BOYHOOD 1.​Hereditary influence 2.​Environmental influence 3.​Aid of Divine Providence ​ Jose Alberto - inspired Rizal to develop his artistic ability - encouraged him to sketch, paint, and make sculptures. ​ Manuel - a husky and athletic man, who encouraged Rizal to develop his frail body by means of physical development. ​ Father Leoncio Lopez - the old and learned parish priest of Calamba, fostered Rizal’s love for scholarship and intellectual honesty. CHAPTER 2: RIZAL’S CHILDHOOD AND EARLY STUDIES TABLE OF CONTENTS ​ Early Education in Calamba and Biñan ​ Daily Life in Biñan ​ Martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za ​ Injustice to Hero’s Mother EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BIÑAN ​ The first teacher of Rizal was his mother, who was a remarkable woman of good character and fine culture. ​ Maestro Lucas Padua - Rizal’s [second] tutor. ​ Leon Monroy - a former classmate of Rizal’s father became Rizal’s tutor that instructed Jose in Spanish and Latin - died five months later. EARLY EDUCATION IN CALAMBA AND BIÑAN ​ Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz - Rizal’s teacher in a private school in Biñan - He was quick to discipline his students for any infraction using a short, thick stick. MARTYRDOM OF GOM-BUR-ZA ​ Night of January 20, 1872 - about 200 Filipino soldiers and workmen of the Cavite arsenal under the leadership of La Madrid, Filipino sergeant, rose in violent mutiny because of the abolition of their usual privileges. ​ Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora were executed by garrote at sunrise of February 17, 1872, by order of Governor General Rafael de Izquierdo. ​ The martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za in 1872 truly inspired Rizal to fight the evils of Spanish tyranny and redeem his oppressed people. ​ Rizal dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo, to Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. INJUSTICE TO HERO’S MOTHER ​ Before June 1872 - Doña Teodora was suddenly arrested on a malicious charge that she and her brother, Jose Alberto, tried to poison the latter’s unfaithful wife. ​ After arresting Doña Teodora, the sadistic Spanish lieutenant forced her to walk barefooted from Calamba to Santa Cruz (capital of Laguna province), a distance of 50 kilometers. ​ Doña Teodora was incarcerated at the provincial prison in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, where she languished for two years and a half.  RIZAL’S EDUCATION IN MANILA (1872-1877) SCHOLASTIC TRIUMPHS AT ATENEO DE MANILA (1872-1877) ​ Ateneo Municipal (later on Ateneo de Manila University - a college under the supervision of the Spanish Jesuits) JESUIT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION ​ It trained the character of the student by rigid discipline and religious instructions. FIRST YEAR IN ATENEO (1872-1873) ​ June 10, 1872 - Rizal was accompanied by his brother Paciano in Manila to study. ​ Father Magin Ferrando - was the college registrar, refused to admit Rizal in Ateneo for two reasons: (1) he was late for registration (2) he was sickly and undersized for his age. ​ Manuel Xerez Burgos - nephew of Father Burgos; because of his intercession, Rizal was reluctantly admitted at the Ateneo. ​ Jose was the first of his family to adopt the surname “Rizal”. He registered under this name at Ateneo because their family name “Mercado” had come under the suspicion of the Spanish authorities. SECOND YEAR IN ATENEO (1873-1874) ​ At the end of the school year, Rizal received excellent grades in all subjects and a gold medal. ​ The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas - the first favorite novel of Rizal which made a deep impression on him. THIRD YEAR IN ATENEO (1874-1875)  ​ Rizal's grades remained excellent in all subjects but he won only one medal—in Latin. ​ At the end of the school year (March 1875), Rizal returned to Calamba for the summer vacation. He himself was not impressed by his scholastic work. FOURTH YEAR IN ATENEO (1875-1876) ​ June 16, 1875 - Rizal became an interno (boarder) in the Ateneo. ​ Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez - a great educator and scholar, one of Rizal’s professors who inspired him to study harder and to write poetry. ​ Rizal described this Jesuit professor as “model of uprightness, earnestness, and love for the advancement of his pupils.” ​ Rizal topped all his classmates in all subjects and won five medals at the end of the school term. LAST YEAR IN ATENEO (1876-1877) ​ March 23, 1877 - Commencement Day, Rizal, who was 16 years old, received from his Alma Mater, Ateneo Municipal, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with highest honors (sobresaliente). ​ Marian Congregation - a religious society wherein Rizal was an active member and later became the secretary. ​ Rizal cultivated his literary talent under the guidance of Father Sanchez. ​ Rizal studied painting under the famous Spanish painter, Agustin Saez, and sculpture under Teodoro Romualdo de Jesus, noted Filipino sculptor. ​ Rizal carved an image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of batikuling (Philippine hardwood) with his pocketknife. ​ Father Leonard - impressed by Rizal’s sculptural talent, requested him to carve for him an image of Sacred Heart of Jesus. POEMS WRITTEN IN ATENEO ​ Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration), 1874 - the first poem Rizal probably wrote during his days in Ateneo which was dedicated to his mother on her birthday; Rizal wrote it before he was 14 years old. ​ In 1876, Rizal wrote poems on various topics - religion, education, childhood memories, and war. ​ Un Recuerdo a Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town) - a tender poem in honor of Calamba, the hero’s native town.  ​ San Eustacio, Martir (St. Eustace, the Martyr) - a drama based on the prose story of St. Eustace which he wrote in poetic verses during the summer vacation of 1876 and finished it on June 2, 1876. MEDICAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (1877-1882) ​ After finishing the first year of a course in Philosophy and Letters (1877-1878), Rizal transferred to the medical course. ​ “Don’t send him to Manila again; he knows enough. If he gets to know more, the Spaniards will cut off his head.” - Doña Teodora vigorously opposed the idea that Rizal pursue higher learning in the university. ​ April 1877 - Rizal, who was then nearly 16 years old, matriculated in the University of Santo Tomas, taking the course on Philosophy and Letters because (1) his father liked it (2) he was “still uncertain as to what career to pursue.” WRITINGS IN ATENEO WHILE STUDYING AT UST ​ It was during the following term (1878-1879) that Rizal, having received the Ateneo Rector’s advice to study medicine. ​ During Rizal’s first school term in the University of Santo Tomas (1877-1878), Rizal also studied in Ateneo. He took the vocational course leading to the title of perito agrimensor (expert surveyor). ​ November 25, 1881 - the title was issued to Rizal for passing the final examination in the surveying course. ​ Liceo Artistico-Literario (Artistic-Literary Lyceum) of Manila - a society of literary men and artists, held a literary contest in the year 1879. ​ A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) - Rizal, who was then 18 years old, submitted this poem - is an inspiring poem of flawless form. Rizal beseeched the Filipino youth to rise from lethargy, to let genius fly swifter than the wind and descend with art and science to break the chains that have long bound the spirit of the people. ​ This winning poem of Rizal is a classic in Philippine literature for two reasons: (1) it was the great poem in Spanish written by a Filipino, whose merit was recognized by Spanish literary authorities (2) it expressed for the first time the nationalistic concept that the Filipinos, and not the foreigners, were the “fair hope of the Fatherland” (particularly the youth, the fair hope of my country - kabataan, pag-asa ng aking bayan). ​ El Consejo de los Dioses (The Councils of the Gods) - an allegorical drama written by Rizal which he entered in the literary contest of Artistic-Literary Lyceum  in 1880 to commemorate the fourth centennial (400 years) of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, Spain’s national poet. ​ Was a literary masterpiece based on the Greek classics. The prize was awarded to Rizal, a gold ring on which was engraved the bust of Cervantes. ​ Junta al Pasig (Beside the Pasig) - a zarzuela which was staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880, on the occasion of the annual celebration of the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the Ateneo. ​ A Filipinas - a sonnet written by Rizal for the album of the Society of Sculptors; in this sonnet, he urged all Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines. UNHAPPY DAYS AT THE UST ​ Rizal found the atmosphere at the University of Santo Tomas suffocating to his sensitive spirit. He was unhappy at this Dominican institution of higher learning because: 1.​ The Dominican professors were hostile to him. 2.​ The Filipino students were racially discriminated against by the Spaniards. 3.​ The method of instruction was obsolete and repressive. ​ In Rizal’s novel, El Filibusterismo, he described how the Filipino students were humiliated and insulted by their Dominican professors and how backward the method of instruction was, especially in the teaching of the natural sciences. He related in Chapter XIII, “The Class in Physics.” 1. Segunda Katigbak (1863–1943) ​ Year Met: 1877 ​ How They Met: Rizal met Segunda Katigbak, a 14-year-old from Lipa, Batangas, when he was 16 years old and studying at Ateneo Municipal de Manila. They met during a visit to his grandmother's house in Trozo, Manila, where Segunda was a guest. ​ Details of the Relationship: Rizal described Segunda as his first love. However, their romance was short-lived as Segunda was already engaged to Manuel Luz, a family friend. 2. Leonor Valenzuela (Orang) (1865–1943) ​ Year Met: 1880 ​ How They Met: Rizal met Leonor Valenzuela while boarding at the house of her family in Intramuros, Manila, during his studies at the University of Santo Tomas. ​ Details of the Relationship: Rizal wooed Leonor by writing her letters in invisible ink (a mixture of water and table salt), which she could read by heating the paper. However, the relationship did not progress beyond courtship. 3. Leonor Rivera (Taimis) (1867–1893) ​ Year Met: 1880 ​ How They Met: Leonor Rivera was Rizal’s cousin, and they met in Dagupan, Pangasinan, during one of Rizal’s visits to his family. ​ Details of the Relationship: Leonor is considered Rizal’s “greatest love.” Their courtship spanned 11 years, largely through letters, while Rizal was abroad. Leonor was the inspiration for the character of María Clara in Noli Me Tangere. The relationship ended when Leonor’s parents intercepted Rizal’s letters and married her off to an Englishman, Charles Henry Kipping. 4. Consuelo Ortiga y Pérez (1857–1930) ​ Year Met: 1882 ​ How They Met: Rizal met Consuelo in Madrid, Spain, where she was the daughter of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey, a prominent Filipino expatriate and the former mayor of Manila. ​ Details of the Relationship: Rizal admired Consuelo’s beauty and charm. He wrote a poem for her, “A la Señorita C.O. y P.,” but decided not to pursue the relationship out of respect for his friend Eduardo de Lete, who was also courting Consuelo. 5. O-Sei-San (Seiko Usui) (1858–1947) ​ Year Met: 1888 ​ How They Met: Rizal met O-Sei-San, a Japanese samurai’s daughter, while he was in Tokyo, Japan, as part of his travels. ​ Details of the Relationship: Rizal and O-Sei-San shared a romantic bond, as Rizal admired her simplicity, grace, and intelligence. She accompanied him on strolls in the garden and visits to temples. Rizal considered staying in Japan but left for Europe due to his mission to reform the Philippines. 6. Gertrude Beckett (Tottie) (1867–1954) ​ Year Met: 1888 ​ How They Met: Rizal met Gertrude Beckett while boarding at the Beckett family’s house in London, where he was doing research at the British Museum. ​ Details of the Relationship: Gertrude, the eldest daughter of the Beckett family, fell in love with Rizal. She helped him with his artwork, including sculpting and painting. However, Rizal left London to avoid the relationship because he prioritized his mission over personal matters. 7. Nellie Boustead (1878–1951) ​ Year Met: 1891 ​ How They Met: Rizal met Nellie Boustead, the daughter of a wealthy French-Filipino family, while staying in Biarritz, France. ​ Details of the Relationship: Nellie and Rizal were romantically involved, and Rizal even considered proposing to her. However, their relationship ended due to religious differences—Nellie wanted Rizal to convert to Protestantism, which he refused to do. 8. Suzanne Jacoby (1857–?) ​ Year Met: 1890 ​ How They Met: Rizal met Suzanne Jacoby, a young Belgian woman, while lodging at her aunt’s house in Brussels, Belgium. ​ Details of the Relationship: Rizal and Suzanne exchanged affectionate letters, but their relationship ended when Rizal left Belgium. Suzanne was heartbroken but kept fond memories of Rizal. 9. Josephine Bracken (1876–1902) ​ Year Met: 1895 ​ How They Met: Josephine Bracken, an Irish woman, met Rizal in Dapitan while accompanying her blind stepfather, George Taufer, for an eye operation. ​ Details of the Relationship: Josephine became Rizal’s common-law wife. They lived together in Dapitan and adopted a child, who unfortunately died shortly after birth. Josephine stayed with Rizal until his execution on December 30, 1896. Rizal wrote her a farewell letter, expressing his love for her.