Jasenrae E Sayson/ BS Philosophy CASS109 B2-1

How relevant is Republic Act 1425? & How favorable is Republic Act 1425 in the

21st century?

Whereas, RA 1425, also commonly known as Rizal Law, was a law signed by

Pres. Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956 that requires all schools in the country to

include Rizal’s life, works and writings in the curriculum. The rationale behind the law

was that there is a need to rekindle and deepen the sense of nationalism and freedom

of the people, especially of the youth. The law sought to cultivate character, discipline,

and conscience and to teach the obligations of citizenship. Libraries are required to

keep sufficient copies of Rizal’s writings, especially of Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo. Language barrier and poverty-related restrictions were taken out of the

equation with provisions such as translation of Rizal’s writings into English, Filipino and

other major Philippine languages and the free of charge distribution through Purok

organizations and Barrio councils. (1)

The main proponent of the law was Sen. Claro M. Recto, (2) who was met by

protestations from the Catholic Church. Sen. Jose P. Laurel Sr., then Chairman of the

Committee on Education sponsored the bill in the senate. (3)

Learning about the life of Jose Rizal is essential to anyone who has ever

experienced colonialism and how the imperialist country that dominates the colony

exerts rules and regulations that are not always fair. In Rizal's case, his country (the

Philippines) was once a colony of Spain. As it often happens, Spain was making

demands and setting rules that hurt the Pilipino community. Rizal was one of the first

opponents of such regulations and he was both outspoken and actively participating in
Jasenrae E Sayson/ BS Philosophy CASS109 B2-1

different manifestations to denounce the injustice. As a typical martyr of a cause, Rizal

stood out from other protesters in that he was poised, extremely well-educated (he was

a medical doctor), intelligent, charismatic, and loved by the people. Those are the main

characteristics of a true leader, and Rizal possessed them all. This means that he could

also make a great study on leadership styles. He was a warrior without the need for

war, and his fight against the injustices committed against his country were both truthful

and worthy. Another factor on martyrdom is sacrifice. Rizal ultimately paid with his own

life the unfair tactics of factions who accused him falsely of belonging to sectarian

movements. Another awesome study in leadership, Rizal represents every man and

woman who has ever lost their own lives to the consequences of the very cause that

they tried to go against. Ultimately, it took a long time to get to where the Philippines

finally got their independence from Spain. Therefore, Rizal's influence over the

independence movement was both symbolic and necessary for this significant and

historic change. (4)

According to Nel Galarosa, it is important to study Rizal’s life and his writings

including other heroes because the contribution they give to the country is priceless.

The love they give for the country. Especially Dr. Rizal, who is the mightiest (5). He was

known by both Filipinos and foreigners and even considered one of the great intellectual

leaders in Asia (6). The principle of pen is mightier than the sword. The wounds made

by verbal weapons are won’t be healed easily and creates more damage to the

personality of the tyrant Spaniards that is why he is haunted by them. If all of the youth

also inherit this kind of concern and patriotism for the country, for sure we will have a

nonstop cycle of dignified youths that soon will be leaders (5). Why Study Rizal Law? –
Jasenrae E Sayson/ BS Philosophy CASS109 B2-1

Because it is mandated by law & because of the lessons contained within the course.

The Rizal law, enacted in 1956, seeks to rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of

freedom and nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died, to pay tribute to our

national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino character and to gain

an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings.

There are other reasons for teaching Rizal course and that is to recognize the

importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to present conditions and

situations in the society, to encourage the application of such ideals in current social

and personal problems and issues, to develop an appreciation and deeper

understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for and to foster the development of the

Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship (5).

The Rizal Law states that all public and private schools, colleges, and

universities in the country must include in their curricula, courses or subject about the

life, works and, writings of Dr. Jose Rizal, particularly the novels, Noli Me Tangere and

El Filibusterismo. In this law, the honor of the Filipinos’ nationalism, particularly our

national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, is met with special fondness and devotion by the younger

generations during their formal education. The works of Dr. Jose Rizal, especially the

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are excellent inspiring sources of nationalism or

patriotism in which the Filipino youths should also recognize and put into practice. Since

also in school, the minds of these youths are carefully molded with proper knowledge

and discipline. Therefore, in school, the enacted curricula, course or subject is also a

way of teaching the youths of being a good Filipino citizen.(7)

According to Jensen DG. Manebong, The academic subject on the life, works,

and writings of Jose Rizal was not mandated by law for nothing. Far from being

impractical, the course interestingly offers many benefits that some contemporary

academicians declare that the subject, especially when taught properly, is more

beneficial than many subjects in various curricula.There are some significance in this

academic subject like it provides insights on how to deal with current problems, It helps

us understand better ourselves as Filipinos, It teaches nationalism and patriotism, It

provides various essential life lessons, It helps in developing logical and critical thinking ,

Rizal can serve as a worthwhile model and inspiration to every Filipino, and The subject

is a rich source of entertaining narratives. (8)

The writings, works and life of Rizal can still be applied to our lives today.

Although you say that we have evolved and that we have grown, the fact of the matter

is, is that no matter what time period and what situation you are in, the lessons and

morals that we can learn from Rizal is universal. There will always be a Padre Damaso

or Padre Salvi in our lives even if they aren’t Fryars. There will always be an Elias, who

would always fight for the good of the country. These people are just symbols of what is

happening every day in our lives and that these symbolisms are timeless. Through this

republic act the essence of freedom and independence was emphasized to the youth.

Also, it has been implied through this act that national identity is a very important legacy

that our heroes have achieved through sacrificing their own lives. They have passed it

on to us, and it is our role to nurture and protect it. (9)

References & Citations:

(1) Republic Act 1425 (1956). Retrieved from

(2) Abinales, P.N., Amoroso, D.J. (2005). State and society in the Philippines.
Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 187.

(3) Cruz-Araneta, G. (December 29, 2010). Legislating Rizal, 1. Manila Bulletin.

(4) "What Relevance Does Rizal Have In College Education" eNotes Editorial, 5 Jan.
2012, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-relevance-studying-life-jose-
rizal-305504. Accessed 26 Jan. 2020.
(5)” What is the importance of studying Rizal’s life, his writings and other heroes? By
Nel Galarosa, &anbubblack0ps” uploaded by Hannmae Concepcion, from
https://www.academia.edu/12954675/What_is_the_importance_of_studying_Rizal,
http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/08/why-study-rizal.html

(6) De Ocampo, E. (1962). Dr. Jose Rizal, Father of Filipino Nationalism. Journal of

(7) “Rizal Law - Republic Act No. 1425” Reaction on RA. 1425 Rizal Law, uploaded
by Jennybebe Peta, November 15, 2013, from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/184367963/RA-1425-Rizal-Law-docx
(8) “The Importance of the Jose Rizal Subject” by Jensen DG. Manebong, submitted
on June 25, 2014, from https://ourhappyschool.com/history/importance-jose-rizal-
subject
(9) “Thought paper about Rizal Law” uploaded by Kent Nollan Yorong Abella, July
16,2017, from https://www.scribd.com/document/353902606/Thought-Paper-About-
Rizal-Law