Life and
Works of
Rizal
Prepared by: Prof. Arol Sarino
As mandated by Republic Act 1425, this course covers the life
and works of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. Among
the topics covered are Rizal’s biography and his writings,
particularly the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
some of his essays, and various correspondences.
By the end of this course, the learners will have the ability to:
1. Identify the basic facts about Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law);
2. Determine the value of studying Jose Rizal in the 21st century;
3. Identify the important events during his childhood that influenced
the formation of his character;
4. Identify Rizal’s scholastic achievements and triumphs in life;
By the end of this course, the learners will have the ability to:
5. Analyze the experiences Rizal had abroad that helped shape his nationalist sensibilities;
6. Assess the significance and success of Rizal’s mission abroad;
7. Assess how Rizal’s message in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo can be applied to the social
conditions of 21st-century Philippines;
8. Analyze the effects of Rizal’s execution on Spanish colonial rule and the Philippine Revolution; and
9. Evaluate the relevance of Rizal as a national hero to 21st-century Filipinos.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
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5
Attendance
Recitation
Activities
Quizzes
Grouped presentations
Film Analysis and Reaction Paper
Midterm and Final Examination
presentation title
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I. The Rizal Law (Republic
Act 1425), the Study of Rizal
and Literature
a
A. The Context of Rizal Bill
b
Republic Act 1425 Full Text
c
Why Study Rizal?
THE CHURCH
UNDER ATTACK
MAY 5, 1956
The Philippines Free Press
Teodoro Locsin
• The aftermath of the Second World War
left the Philippines struggling on its feet.
• recovery on a national scale. Prominent
individuals who championed nationalism
and patriotism were at the forefront of
forwarding measures to instill such values
in Philippine society.
• These people worked hard to find ways to
aid the Filipino youth in the formation of
their national consciousness
The Context of the Rizal Bill
Sen. Claro M. Recto, the main proponent of the
Rizal Bill
The Context of the Rizal Bill
The Church accused Recto of being a communist and anti-Catholic. They
believed that mandating students to read RizaJls novels Noli Me Tångere and
El Filibusterismo, would violate the freedom of conscience and religion
The Context of the Rizal Bill
Recto, who had supported the
required reading of the
unexpurgated versions, declared: "The
people who would eliminate the books
of Rizal from the schools would blot
out from our minds the memory of the
national hero. This is not a fight
against Recto but a fight against
Rizal," adding that since Rizal is dead,
they are attempting to suppress his
memory.
The Context of the Rizal Bill
On May 12, 1956, the bill, with the compromise
inserted by Laurel, was approved unanimously.
The bill specified that only college students
would have the option to read the unexpurgated
versions of the clerically-contested reading
materials. There was also an amendment made to the
original bill that included the teaching of Rizal's
other works, aside from the two novels. Despite all
the controversies, arguments, and opposition
against the Rizal Bill,
it was finally enacted on June 12, 1956.
The Context of the Rizal Bill
REPUBLIC ACT 1425
(The Rizal Law)
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 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
13
REPUBLIC ACT 1425
(The Rizal Law)
WHEREAS, today, more than any other
period of our history, there is a need for a rededication to the ideals of freedom and
nationalism for which our heroes lived and
died;
WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring
them, particularly the national hero and
patriot, Jose Rizal, we remember with special
fondness and devotion their lives and works
that have shaped the national character;
14
presentation title
20XX
REPUBLIC ACT 1425
(The Rizal Law)
Whereas, the life, works and writings of
Jose Rizal particularly his novels Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are a
constant and inspiring source of
patriotism with which the minds of the
youth, especially during their formative
and decisive years in school, should be
suffused.
Whereas, all educational institutions are
under the supervision of, and subject to
regulation by the State, and all schools
are enjoined to develop moral character,
personal discipline, civic conscience, and
to teach the duties of citizenship; Now
therefore,
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presentation title
20XX
REPUBLIC ACT 1425
(The Rizal Law)
It shall be obligatory on all schools,
colleges and universities to keep in their
libraries an adequate number of copies of
the original and expurgated editions of
the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
as well as Rizal’s other works and
biography. The said unexpurgated editions
of the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo or their translations in
English as well as other writings of Rizal
shall be included in the list of approved
books for required reading in all public
or private schools, colleges and
universities.
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presentation title
20XX
Noli Me Tangere & el Filibusterismo
The Philippines: A
Century Hence
The Indolence of
the Filipinos
Mi Ultimo Adios
IS RIZAL STILL RELEVANT?
 Young people today are different from the
youth half a century ago. Can we force
Generation X to read the novels when their
generation is more attuned to moving pictures
than hard text? Would it help if the “Noli” and
“Fili” were available as graphic novels or short
YouTube video clips? With the continuing
decline in English and the nearly extinct
reading proficiency in Spanish, how can we
make Rizal’s novels better known, better read?
being
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presentation title
--Ambeth Ocampo, Rizal Law not
followed, PDI, Feb. 21, 2008.
20XX
Why study Rizal?
2
Studying Rizal in the 21st
3
Significant historical figures
century helps students make sense
like Rizal help the younger
of the present by looking back at
generation navigate Philippine
the past. For instance, Rizal's
history and understand why
illustration of 19th-century
being aware of social issues are
Philippines in his works may aid
important in the formation of
today's generation in recognizing
one's national identity.
the ills of present day Philippines.
4
1
In the 21st century, the challenge for students is to
understand the purpose of studying Rizal. Scholars and
academicians are one in saying that a mandated course
on Rizal is as helpful as any other course that teaches
values that a student may carry for the rest of his or her
The mandated course on Rizal
aids in developing the critical
thinking skills of students. The
different challenges and
dilemmas that Rizal faced in his
life teaches them to be aware of
and not apathetic to the issues
happening in our time.
5
As an inspiration to the Philippine
nation. Rizal will always be a
valuable subject inside and outside
the classroom in understanding how
the Philippine nation came to be.
life.
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presentation title
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Espina-Clemente, J., & Cruz, G. R. C. (2019). The Life and Works of
Rizal. C&E Publishing, Inc.
resource
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presentation title
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