Life and Works of Rizal

 Why do we need to study Life and Works of Rizal?
 What is Rizal Law or Republic Act. 1425?

 Research the following concepts:
1. Bayani
2. Kabayanihan
3. Filipino
 What’s the life in the Philippines wayback 19th century?
 Why Rizal is recognized as National Hero?
Answers:
1. It is important for the students to study and understand the story behind having a Rizal
unit in college. If during our high school, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as part of
our curriculum in Filipino subject. Now that we’re in college, Rizal subject is required in
all colleges or universities inn the Philippines. Back to the question, why do we need to
study Rizal? The answer to sum it up are the following: first, because it is mandated by
the law and second, because of the lessons contained within the course.
Let’s discuss the first reason. Teaching Life and Works of Rizal is mandated by Republic
Act 1425 aka Rizal Law. Since Rizal was the founder of the Philippines nationalism and
contributed so much to the current situation of our nation, Former President and Senator
Jose P. Laurel sponsored the said law. It was enacted in 1956, with a reason that youth
as well as Filipinos have the right to know and learn about great ideals of Rizal for which
he died.
Rizal Law aims to accomplish these goals:

- To relive the ideals of freedom and nationalism to the youth
- Pay tribute to our hero sacrificing their lives
- To gain patriotism through studying Rizal’s life
Second reason is because of the lessons contained with the course. Aside from what I
mentioned above, there are many reasons why there is a course subject Rizal in the
Philippines:
- To acknowledge Rizal’s ideals to the present situation of our society.
- To encourage the application of Rizal’s ideals to the current social and
personal problems
- To promote development for Filipino youth’s citizenship
- To appreciate deeper understanding to what Rizal fought for us
2. Republic Act 1425 also known as ‘Rizal Law’ is a law sponsored by Former President
Jose P. Laurel that mandates the study of Rizal’s life, writings and works. This law calls
for an increased sense of nationalism from Filipino during the time of losing our identity
as Filipinos through colonialization.
It was signed by the President on June 12, 1956. This mandated law was written during
the time wherein patriotism and nationalism was lost and needed. It was during the time
when the Philippines and its’ citizens relied on US for support and guidance. The full
name of the law is 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,
Particulary His Novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing
and Distribution Thereof, and for Other Purposes.
3. BAYANI - Most people see the idea of hero as the one who sacrifice him/her life for its
country. But Oxford Dictionary defines hero as ‘a man who admired for courage or noble
qualities (Oxford Dictionary, 2007). It is much easier for Filipino to define Bayani, to the
English translation of hero, since it has more elements. For Filipinos, BAYANI is not
gender specific. Also, BAYANI definition, in a Filipino traditional sense, is an unselfish act
towards human race, a bravery that ignores extreme danger and overcome difficulties.
Lastly, a BAYANI never concerns their personal pleasure or expect compensation from
what they did.
KABAYANIHAN – is defined as a form of active heroism of an individual or a group of

people who help others without expecting in return. It comes from a root word ‘BAYANI’
which I defined earlier. It also refers as an act of selflessness and generosity. It is often
used to describe individuals who’ve performed acts of courage or made huge or
significant contributions to their country or community.
FILIPINO – can be identified as being a part of a family and supporting one another.
Filipino can be a family even if you’re not related in blood. Filipino always have each
other’s backs. Filipinos support each other through highs and lows.
4. Philippines, specifically Filipinos, during 19th century had suffered a lot from feudalistic
and master slave relationship with Spaniards. Social status during its time was divided in
three groups: Highest Class which includes Spanish officials, Peninsulares, Friars.
Second is Middle Class includes Natives, Mestizos and lastly the Lowest Class includes
Indios.
In terms of Political System, Spaniards ruled the Filipinos for 333 years. Filipinos
became Spaniard’s slave. Spaniards claim their taxes and they worked under the power
of Spaniards. There are lots abuses under the administrative system during 19th century
and one of them is been practiced until now which is corruption.
For Educational System, there are a lot of criticism about it during 19th century. One of
the criticism is the overemphasis on religious matters.
5. Jose Rizal became Philippines National Hero because he fought for our freedom in silent
but powerful way. He used his wits and brains and expressed his love for his country
through writing novels, essays and articles rather than use of force and aggressive way.
Rizal gave us freedom by using goodness. Also, Americans wanted him to be National
Hero so that Filipino would see him as a model. Because they thought Rizal would make
us Filipino follow his footsteps for being brave and smart. Not only Americans wanted
Rizal to be the National Hero but also Filipinos because they’ve seen his patriot works
and his very prominent advocacies and reforms in the Philippines.

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 Why do we need to study Life and Works of Rizal?

 What is Rizal Law or Republic Act. 1425?

Rizal Law aims to accomplish these goals:

KABAYANIHAN – is defined as a form of active heroism of an individual or a group of

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