Module 1
Introduction to the course: republic act 1425
Learning outcomes:
Why Study Rizal?
It is of great importance that students understand the rationale behind having to take up a
Rizal course in college. For high school students, the Noli Me Tangere and the El
Filibusterismo are injected into the Filipino subject as part of the overall curriculum. In tertiary
education, however, Rizal is a subject required of any course, in any college or university in
the Philippines.
The answer to such questions can be summed up in two points:
1. First and foremost, because it is mandated by law.
2. Secondly, because of the lessons contained within the course itself.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE IT IS MANDATED BY LAW
The teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings is mandated by Republic Act
1425, otherwise known as the Rizal Law. Senator Jose P. Laurel, the person who sponsored
the said law, said that since Rizal was the founder of Philippine nationalism and has
contributed much to the current standing of this nation, it is only right that the youth as well as
all the people in the country know about and learn to imbibe the great ideals for which he
died. The Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, seeks to accomplish the following goals:
1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for which
our heroes lived and died
2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the
Filipino character
3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and
writings.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE OF THE LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE COURSE
Aside from those mentioned above, there are other reasons for teaching the Rizal
course in Philippine schools:
1. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to present
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2. To encourage the application of such ideals in current social and personal problems
and issues.
3. To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal fought and
died for.
4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship
Republic Act 1425
1425. 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, AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Since it is a mandate to include Rizal Life and works in the curriculum, we should learn and
inculcate in our minds and heart the heroic deeds of our heroes, Rizal in particular. There are
series of debates on why this subject is included. Some students believed that this is not
important. NO!!!
IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE MANY OF US DO NOT REMEMBER THE CONTRIBUTIONS
OF OUR HEROES IN OUR PRESENT INDEPENDENCE. The young are mostly influence by
western language, clothing and even their way of thinking.
Assessment
1. Reflect on your secondary education. Did your school comply with RA 1425?
2. How important and effective is the Rizal Law in instilling patriotism among secondary
school students?
1. Think of a recent novel or story that you’ve read. How did you learn from the story?
2. Apply this experience to Rizal’s writings. How would reading Rizal’s novel impact
patriotism?
