Module 1 Topic 1: RA 1425 / The Philippines in the 19th Century A. Balba Life and Works of Rizal (LIFERIZ) Introduction This session will cover two topics. First, the law requiring the compulsory study of the Life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, Republic Act 1425. Second, we will look back at the situation of the country during the 19th century, the period when Rizal was born and became man. . Republic Act 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 Approved: June 12, 1956 Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956. Section 1 Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities, public or private: Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translation shall be used as basic texts. Rationale of the Law - Mainly for nationalism – Claro M. Recto, the author is also known for his nationalism - Rizal’s belief for the youth, the hope of this country - To awaken their (the youth) sense of nationalism – Rizal is hoping that the youth will use education in order to build their future. Rizal in the Context of 19th Century > The Government in the 19th Century a. National Level (headed by Gobernador General) – The whole of Philippines b. Provincia ( headed by Alcalde Mayor) – Province, also called as Encomienda c. Pueblo (headed by Gobernadorcillo) – Municipality / Town – Gobernadorcillo is the highest position available for a Filipino. d. Barrio ( headed by Cabeza de Barangay) – the Cabeza is exempted from taxation and polo y servicio. Rizal in the Context of 19th Century Spanish-Imposed Institutions a. Taxation without Representation – the Filipinos need to give their tribute to the Spanish government. b. Force Labor (Polo y Servicio) – the Filipinos are oblige to render service to the Spanish government for a certain period of time. c. Encomienda System – the Filipinos must work for the Spaniards. d. Galleon Trade – the Filipinos must produce products for the trade. Rizal in the Context of 19th Century The Filipinos resisted the institutions provided in the previous slide Resistance (Revolts) Reasons: a. Personal b. Religious c. Land d. Spanish-Imposed Institutions Result (Failure of Revolts) - No sufficient arms and training - No unity - No sense of Lingua Franca Rizal in the Context of 19th Century Reasons for Nationalism – aside from revolts, there are other factors for Filipino nationalism a. Entry of the Philippines in the world of commerce b. Rise of the Middle Class – Media Clase, the propagandists from middle class c. Liberalism – under the leadership of Gobernador Heneral Carlos Maria de la Torre d. Racial Discrimination – discriminating treatment of Spaniards towards Filipinos e. Secularization – the rise of the Filipino priests f. Cavity Mutiny – the death of Gomburza. Though Rizal was still a kid during that time, this event marked in his mind. References: 1. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1956/06/12/republic-act-no-1425/ 2. Schumacher, John. Rizal in the Context of the 19th Century Philippines” in The Making of a Nation: Essays on the Nineteenth Century Filipino Nationalism. ADMU Press, 1991.
