Lesson 1: Republic Act 1425: Rizal Law
Republic Act No. 1425, also known as the Rizal
Law, mandates the inclusion of courses on the
life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal in the
curricula of all educational institutions in the
Philippines. This includes his novels, Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo as essential texts.
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Rizal Law Overview
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Following the Philippines' independence
in 1946, there was a strong influence
from the United States in various sectors
of Filipino society. Nationalists like Jose
P. Laurel and Claro M. Recto aimed to
promote nationalism and patriotism
among the youth to counter this
influence.
The intent behind the Rizal Law was to
educate the youth about Rizal's ideals,
with Recto emphasizing that reading
Rizal's works would strengthen Filipino
identity and patriotism.
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Content of the Rizal Law
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The legislative process for the Rizal Law
began on April 3, 1956, with Senator
Laurel sponsoring Senate Bill No. 438,
authored by Recto. A counterpart House
Bill No. 5561 was introduced by
Congressman Jacobo Gonzales.
After amendments and discussions, the
bill was passed by the Senate and signed
into law by President Ramon Magsaysay
on June 12, 1956.
Definitions
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Reactions to the Rizal Law
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Section 1: Courses on Rizal
Section 2: Library Requirements
Section 3: Translation and Distribution
Section 4: Prohibition of Censorship
Section 5: Funding with the sum of three
hundred thousand pesos.
Section 6: The law will take effect
immediately after its approval.
Lesson 2: Nation, Heroes, and Nationalism
History
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Some senators expressed concerns
about the potential impact on Catholic
schools and the harmony between
Church and state. Senator Rodrigo
highlighted
the
importance
of
nationalism but cautioned against
risking this harmony.
In contrast, advocates like Recto and
Laurel argued that understanding Rizal's
struggles was vital for the youth, as the
issues he addressed remain relevant
today.
The Catholic Church opposed the Rizal
Law, fearing that the compulsory
teaching of Rizal's unexpurgated works
would lead to criticism of Church
doctrines and jeopardize the faith of its
followers.
Nation: A community of people
composed of one or more nationalities,
possessing a defined territory and
government.
Benedict
Anderson
describes it as a socially-constructed
community, imagined by its members.
Nationalism: An ideology that elevates
one nation above others, emphasizing
its culture and interests. It involves
loyalty to a nation, while patriotism is
the love for one's country without
exclusion.
Perspectives on Nationalism
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Primordialism: Advocated by Edward
Shils and Clifford Geertz, suggesting
nationalism is rooted in ancient human
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tendencies to form distinct groups based
on birth location
Modernism: Supported by thinkers like
Ernest Gellner and Benedict Anderson,
positing that nations and nationalism are
products of modernity, created for
political and economic purposes.
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Role of Heroes in National Identity
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Definition of a Hero: A hero is a
prominent figure who plays an
admirable role in significant actions or
events, often honored posthumously for
exceptional service.
Importance of Heroes: They establish
national
identity
and
collective
aspirations, serving as role models for
citizens to strive for community
betterment.
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Criteria for National Heroes
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National heroes are those who
conceptualize a nation and strive for its
freedom, contribute to its laws and
quality of life, and inspire future
generations
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Cultural Perspectives
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The term "bayani" (hero) came from the
word Barani. It cognates across the
Proto-Malayo-Polynesian
world,
indicating its deep cultural significance.
It refers to someone who provides
comfort to their community
Differences between Heroes and Bayani:
"Bayani" emphasizes selflessness and
community service, while "hero" often
connotes individual achievement and
courage
Notable Figures in Philippine History
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José Rizal (1861-1896): A key figure in
Philippine nationalism, known for his
writings against Spanish colonization.
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Andres Bonifacio (1863-1897): Leader of
the Katipunan, he fought against Spanish
rule and is recognized for his
revolutionary efforts.
Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964): A
prominent revolutionary leader and the
first President of the Philippines, he
played a significant role in the country's
fight for independence.
Gabriela Silang (1731-1763): A fearless
female leader who continued her
husband's revolutionary efforts against
Spanish colonization.
Marcelo H. del Pilar (1850-1896): A
political analyst and writer who founded
a nationalistic newspaper during Spanish
colonization.
Melchora Aquino (1839-1919): Known
as "Tandang Sora," she was a key figure
in the Philippine Revolution, providing
support to revolutionaries.
Apolinario Mabini (1864-1903): The
"brains" of the revolution, he served as
the first Prime Minister of the
Philippines.
Sultan Kudarat (1581-1671): A powerful
leader who resisted Spanish conquest in
Mindanao.
Juan Luna (1857-1899): Luna was a
painter, sculptor and a political activist
of the Philippine Revolution during the
late 19th century.
Lesson 3: The 19th Century Philippines
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Can be considered as the most crucial
period in the history of colonial
Philippines.
This period witnessed the massive
transformations in the Philippine
economy, politics, culture, and society.
The development of colonial Philippines
was spurred by the opening of Manila to
the world trade and the corresponding
influx of modern ideas and technologies
from the West.
Economic Development
End of Galleon Trade in 1815 - paved the way for
the diversification of trade and commerce in the
Philippines.
Mexican Revolution and Trade Liberalization caused the decline of Galleon Trade.
1778, Gov. Gen. Jose Basco y Vargas - attempted
to encourage domestic production and
economic autonomy from Spain and Mexico
through;
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regulation of commerce
monopolization of cash crops
establishment of Royal Philippine
Company
Lack of Agriculture and Industrial Development
- saves the Filipino from the horror of colonial
plantation system and abuses of encomendero.
Encomendero - spanish colonizers who were
granted the right to compel indigenous people to
work and pay tribute in the encomienda system.
Foreign merchant houses (American, British,
and European) - played a major role in the
expansion of the Philippine commerce.
Opening of Manila in 1834 - opening to the
world had stimulated immense socio-economic
changes in the colony.
Wealthy Principalia and Mestizo-middle class emergence of them were spurred by economic
progress.
Political Development
Cadiz Constitution of 1812 - Following the
Napoleonic Wars, this was established to
deposed the absolute monarchy of Spain.
Constitution affirmed:
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National sovereignty and representation
Separation of powers
Freedom of the press
Free enterprise and other progressive
reforms
1812, Spanish Empire - lost its major colonies in
the Latin America following a series of war of
liberation.
Trauma of Creole-led revolutions in Latin
America - prompted the colonial government to
replace the Insulares (Creoles) officials of the
Peninsulares from Spain. Revolts led by the
Insulares ensued as a consequence of this
discriminatory decision by the colonial
government such as Novales Revolt (1823) and
Palmero Conspiracy (1828).
Glorious Revolution in 1868 - deposed Quees
Isabella II.
Gov. Gen. Carlos Maria de la Torre - was sent to
the colony after Glorious Revolution, to
introduce new and progressive colonial policies.
Opening of Suez Canal in 1869 - resulted in the
influx of liberal ideas, arts, culture, and lifestyle
to the colony.
Gov. Gen. Rafael Izquierdo, 1872 - replaced de
la Torre, he imposed stricted and harsherlaws
that caused unrest and revolts.
Cavite Mutiny of 1872 - arise from the
discontent of the colonial troops and laborers to
the oppressive demands of colonial government.
Execution of GomBurZa and Zaldua - was the
result of the Cavite Mutiny, while the Filipino
reformists were exiled overseas.
Religious Development
Secularization movement - advocated for
greater rights for native Filipino Catholic
clergymen and had significant implications to
Filipino nationalism and the Philippine
Revolution of 19th century.
Two Groups among Catholic clergy:
Seculars (seculares) - Clergymen who are not
affiliated with a religious order, mostly native
Filipinos.
Regulars (regulares) - Clergymen who are part of
an established order, mostly pure Spanish.
Fr. Pedro Pelaez - He and other Filipino
clergymen petitioned for the displacement of
the Seculares from their parishes by the
Regulares.
Jesuits, 1859 - returned and reclaimed their
parishes and estates from the Recollects who in
turn took their former parishes from the
Seculares leaving them with no jurisdiction to be
administered.
Trial of Cavite Mutiny - Friars influenced the
court and Izquierdo to implicate the secular
priests and the liberal reformists in the
unsuccessful revolt to weaken their cause.
Nationalism and Principles of Progress - regular
priests inadvertently inculcate this idea to the
young Filipinos through their education.
between the Church and the people became
apparent.
Friar Estates - lands owned by Spanish Priests
(Dominicans)
Practice of Banditry and Inception of Different
Messianic Movements - increased as a result of
oppressive measures and policies. Other than
issue of graft and and corruption, the Spanish
colonial government failed to provide the people
basic needs such as public works, schools, peace
and orders.
Economic development of 19th century – Had
widened the gap between different classes of
people in terms of wealth and power.
Migration towards Manila and its neighboring
towns and provinces - escalated as people were
attracted of its development.
Overpopulation and Poof Sanitation - had
spurred the proliferation of epidemics and other
deadly diseases in the vicinity of urban areas.
Lesson 4: Hacienda De Calamba
Lack of Academic Freedom - Main complaint of
the young students against colonial education.
1759, Don Manuel Jauregui - A haciendero,
entrusted his lands, the haciendas of Calamba
and Nagtajan to the Society of Jesus.
Slash of Church and Government - Throughout
19th century, colony witnessed this slash over
the administration and controlled of the people.
1767, King Charles III - issued a decree expelling
the Jesuits from the entire Spanish Empire
including the Philippines.
Anti-Friar sentiments - rooted in Propaganda
Movement was only limited to the educated elite
in
Tagalog
provinces.
Socio-cultural
Development
1803, Don Clemente de Azansa - Government
sold the hacienda to the Spanish layman.
Significance of Land Ownership - became
apparent as the cash crop economy contributed
wealth and prestige of the emerging principalia
and middle class.
Agrarian Unrest - took place in the majority of
the provinces with Friar estates where conflicts
Corporacion de Padres Dominicos de Filipinas acquired the hacienda upon de Azansa’s death.
Petition of the Town of Calamba
The products of the state increase to the
benefits of the Dominicans due to the
following:
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Tenants already clear and clean the
forest and invest large capital in Estate.
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Tenants were obliged to pay additional
fee for each plant lots and huts that they
built within the estate.
Rent of the town loves warehouses and
warehouses are erected increased every
time and official servant of the state
measure them
The state does not spend anything for
the towns welfare either in festivals,
schools,
or
other
agricultural
development despite their excessive
charge to the tenants.
More than 50 residents among the tenants and
principles submitted their report about the
hacienda:
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The state of the Dominican Order is not
situated in this locality but in fact
constitutes the whole town of Calamba.
In recent years, the products of the
tenants have decreased considerably
because of the following:
tenants are discouraged from working
laboriously on their land due to the
threat of disposition by the Dominicans.
tenants are vigilant and do not have
good faith to the state.
estate does not provide them assistance
during a calamity or disaster.
the well-to-do tenants are obliged to pay
the rental of lots of the indigence and for
the flood without aid from the Estate.
the increasing shortage of capital
because people are exhausted.
February 1888
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Calamba tenants had refused to pay
rent.
A year later, after trying in vain to collect
rent due, the Dominicans brought the
case to the Justice of the Peace in
Calamba and lost.
Dominicans appealed to the Provincial
Court of Santa Cruz and won.
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Court then ordered non-paying tenants
to vacate lands owned by the hacienda.
After a while, evicted tenants began to
return to the land, prompting Gov. Gen
Valeriano Wyler in 1891 to order the
deportation of 25 individuals to
Mindoro.
Dominicans won the case in a higher
court in Manila as well as the Supreme
Court in Madrid.
Plan to Establish a Filipino Settlement
Sandakan, Sabah - Rizal thought of forming a
Filipino settlement here.
William Burgess Pryer - Rizal encountered this
Englishman and his wife in Hong Kong in 1892.
March 7, 1892
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Rizal boarded a ship to Sabah, to talk to
British authorities about the possibility
of setting up a Filipino colony there.
BNBC was open to the idea of a Filipino
settlement in Borneo and “offered
permanent settlement for the emigrants
and the sale or lease of 100,000 acres of
land for 999 years.”
BNBC also did not require the settlers to
render free labor or serve in the military
except if the island was under threat.
Gov. Gen. Eulogio Despujol - rejected the
project proposal as he believes that this is
against the interest of Spanish colonial rule.