1

INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW OF REPUBLIC ACT 1425

The Rizal Law, otherwise known as Republic Act 1425 is a law in the

Philippines that recommends all schools in the country to include courses pertaining

to the life, works and writings of José Rizal. In 1956, this law was enacted to

encourage Filipinos particularly the youth, to aspire towards Rizal's ideals of liberty

and nationalism. The law focuses on Rizal's novels, Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo, which are considered important works that reflect the struggles and

aspirations of the Filipino people during that time the Spanish colonial period. By

studying Rizal life and works, Us Filipinos can have a deep understanding of the

history, culture, and identity. An Act to Include the Life, Works and writings of Jose

Rizal in the Curricula of All Public and Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

The law is intended mainly Some provisions emphasize patriotic which states that

students who are educated about Rizal should emulate him for better contributions to

society and country.

Dr. Jose Rizal is one of the biggest reasons why we have Filipinos who feel

like Filipinos and want to be responsible citizens of a nation, the Philippines. Jose

Rizal writes stories that expose the horrors/wrong doing of Spanish. His novels

motivated people to join forces and to think about justice, freedom and what it means

to be a better nation. And showed us all that living true to your values and working

hard to improve your community is what it means to be a good and valuable citizen.

He continues to be an icon because he taught Filipinos the true spirit of unity and

responsible.
 2

A deep understanding of what it’s to live as a Filipino through the life of Jose

Rizal, we need this in solving the issues of our country today. The legacy of his life,

ideas and struggles continue to define who we are as a nation and what kind of

better tomorrow we can create.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE RIZAL LAW

The Rizal Law is a Philippine law, made it so that the students read Jose

Rizal's books which is the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These books talk

about problems issues in the Philippines a long time ago. Senator Jose P. Laurel

and Senator Claro M. Recto are important in getting this law passed. They said that

it is important for us Filipinos to learn about history and Rizal's ideas. The people

Catholic Church didn't like the law well because they worried that the books had

things that go against their beliefs. There was a lot of arguing and disagreement

about it. But in the end, the law stayed.

The Rizal Law is pass in the year 1956, it was a big deal for Filipinos after

they gained independence from Spain. It made studying the life and works of Jose

Rizal, our national hero, and this study or the work of Dr. Jose Rizal is mandatory in

schools public not private.

The passage of the Rizal Law was met with significant opposition from the

Catholic Church. Rizal's novels contain strong criticisms of the clergy and the abuses
 3

of the Spanish friars. The Church argued that requiring students to read the Noli Me

Tangere and El Filibusterismo could undermine their faith. This led to intense

debates in Congress, with Senator Claro M. Recto and Congressman Jacobo Z.

Gonzales as principal authors of the bill advocating for its passage, while many

religious groups lobbied against it.

This law was important because it helped us Filipino to understand our own

history and culture as well. The writing of Rizal talked about the problems of Filipinos

faced under Spanish rule, and his fight for freedom inspired people to be proud of

our own country Philippines. By learning about Dr. Jose Rizal, Filipinos were able to

develop a stronger sense of who they were as a nation and what it meant to be

Filipino. It helped them build a new identity after being under Spanish control for so

long.

Rizal's books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were like bombs that

woke up the Filipino people. They showed the bad things happening in the

Philippines in Spanish rule the unfairness, abuse of power, and cruelty. Reading

these stories, Filipinos saw themselves in the characters in the story of Rizal and

realized the problems weren't just their own, but a shared experience. The books

made people angry and sad about the situation, but also gave them hope and

courage. Rizal's writing inspired many to fight for change and freedom. His books

became symbols of the struggle for independence, showing Filipinos that they

deserved a better life and a better country.

RIZAL LIFE AND WORKS: A PERSONAL REFLECTION

Jose Rizal early life shows us Filipino how important to learn things well and

be creative and go further. His parents taught him discipline, which helped him

become an amazedness writer and doctor. Today kids really need that same

discipline to study hard and do their best in school so that we can aim for real

success and greatness. Rizal creativity shows us how really important to think

outside the box and find new ways to solve problems. This is important for

everyone, not just in school, but also when we're dealing some sort of problems in

our community. His example reminds us that hard work and imagination can make a

big difference. Dr. Jose Rizal believed that education is the key to a better life for

everyone. He said that people should learn to think for themselves and be good

citizens.

He wanted Filipinos to be educated so they could stand up for what's right

and help their country. He showed that learning and working together for the good of

the community are really important. I myself as student, Dr. Jose Rizal belief of

education really inspires me to study harder and learn as much as I could. His ideas

about thinking for myself help me question things and form my own opinions. And

his patriotism makes me want to be a good citizen and help my community, as an

aspiring future law enforcer I will enforce the law and do what is right. He showed

me that learning and caring about my country go hand in hand. We must come

together to have a brightful future.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYING RIZAL TODAY

Rizal stories and writings still make people proud to be Filipinos. They remind

us of our history and the importance of fighting for what's right. His life shows us that

one person can make a big difference, and this reminds me to take a step to do

something that is right, that inspires people to work together to improve the country.

His words still give hope and encourage people to love and be proud of the

Philippines. Rizal fight against unfairness and bad leaders, just like we face

inequality and corruption today. He believed in peaceful and change showing us that

we can fight for what's right good without violence or physical. His example

encourages us to speak up against injustice and work to a fair world, just like he did.

CONCLUSION

Rizal's Life and the Rizal Law. José Rizal is a smart Filipino doctor and writer

who fight for our country's freedom from Spain. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo, exposed the abuses of Spanish rule. The Rizal Law makes it a rule

for schools to teach about Rizal's life and works to inspire our fellow Filipino’s to be

good citizens. Studying Rizal helps us Filipinos to understand history and culture as

well. His stories show the struggles of Filipinos under Spanish rule and his fight for

freedom for our country. This helps us Filipino’s feel proud of country and build a

strong sense of national identity.

Rizal values hard work fairness, and love of country are still important today.

His example shows us that we can fight for what's right peacefully, and his belief in

education really helps us build a better future for the Philippines. He inspires us to be

brave, work together, and create a better country. Education is the key to success.