LWR Notes: reforms, such as representation in the Spanish
Cortes.
I. Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the “Rizal Exile & Death: After returning to the Philippines,
Law” he was exiled to Dapitan. Later falsely accused
An Act to Include in the Curricula of All Public of inciting the 1896 Philippine Revolution, he
and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities was executed by firing squad at age 35 in
Courses on the Life, Works and Writings of Jose Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park).
Rizal, Particularly His Novels Noli Me Tangere First Novel: Noli me tangere (The Social Cancer)
and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing Sequel: El filibusterismo (1891; The Reign of
and Distribution Thereof, and for Other Purposes Greed)
to inspire patriotism and nationalism among the
youth. Republic Act 1425
Claro M. Recto: The main author and proponent
of the bill Republic Act No. 1425, known as the Rizal Law,
Jose P. Laurel: Sponsored the bill mandates the inclusion of the life, works, and
writings of Dr. Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, in the curricula of
II. Senate Bill 438, famously known as the “Rizal all public and private schools, colleges, and
Bill of 1956” universities in the Philippines. Approved on June 12,
mandated the compulsory study of José Rizal's 1956, it aims to foster nationalism, patriotism, and
novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in character among the youth.
all Philippine schools, colleges, and universities Purpose: To honor national heroes, rededicate youth
to promote nationalism to ideals of freedom and nationalism, and promote
it faced intense opposition from the Catholic character development.
Church before being signed into law as RA 1425. Background: The bill was heavily debated and faced
opposition from the Catholic Church, which viewed
some of Rizal's writings as anti-clerical, but was
III. Difference between RA 1425 and SB 438 passed with compromises.
SB 438 was the controversial, original proposal Claro M. Recto: The main author and proponent of
the bill
(more "inflammatory" or strict), while RA 1425
Jose P. Laurel: Sponsored the bill
was the compromised, final law (more flexibility
in curriculum design)
IV. Last Poem of Rizal - "Mi Último Adiós" (My
Last Farewell)
a 14-stanza Spanish poem written on the eve of
his execution, December 29, 1896, in Fort
Santiago.
expresses his final love for the Philippines, his
sacrifice for its freedom, and a farewell to his
family and friends.
V. La Liga Filipina (secret society)
a progressive, non-violent civic organization
founded by Dr. José Rizal on July 3, 1892, in
Tondo, Manila.
to unite the archipelago; provide mutual
protection; defend against injustice; and
encourage education, agriculture, and commerce.
VI. Background of Rizal
Name: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso
Realonda
born June 19, 1861, Calamba, Philippines—died
December 30, 1896, Manila
Born into a wealthy, educated family in
Calamba, Laguna, he was a child prodigy,
graduating from Ateneo Municipal and studying
at the University of Santo Tomas and in Spain.
His writings, particularly Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo, exposed Spanish colonial
abuses.
Education: He excelled in the arts and sciences,
studying medicine (ophthalmology) in Manila
and Madrid.
Intellectual & Political Activity: Mastered 22
languages and was part of the Propaganda
Movement in Europe, advocating for Philippine