1. Rizal Law And Heroism.docx

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOSE RIZAL 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 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; WHEREAS, the life, works and writing 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, 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. The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons of religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication in the Official Gazette. SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as of 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. The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books, depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university. SECTION 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and

cause them to be distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and Barrio Councils throughout the country. SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school. SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this Act. SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved: June 12, 1956 The RA1425 states that every public and private schools, collages, and universities should include courses about the life, and works of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, in their curricula. The law was sponsored by Sen. Jose P. Laurel and Sen. Claro M. Recto and was enacted in June 12, 1956. The purpose of the law was to disseminate Rizal’s ideas and ideals through his novels: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and since the youths are important in nation building, it is natural to remind them about the past. From Rizal Bill to Rizal Law: The Trials Before being enacted, the ‘Original’ Rizal Bill stated that to include Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as compulsory readings, and to emphasize on original or unexpurgated versions of the novel. But the ‘Original’ Rizal Bill was opposed by the Catholic church, because they saw the bill as an attempt to discredit the Catholic Religion; and by the idea of compulsion to read something against one’s faith, impairs freedom of speech and religious freedom. So, as an answer to the problem, the ‘Original’ bill was revised. The final version of the bill stated: to include all the works and writings by Jose Rizal, to put emphasis on original or unexpurgated versions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and removed the idea of compulsion by allowing exemption by reason of faith. As of today, no one still availed of the exemption. “The youth is the hope of our future.” – Jose Rizal Concept of a hero The concepts of “hero” and “heroism” seem to have existed in all cultures on earth, in many forms and varieties • The word itself has probably appeared first in ancient Greece, where it was combined in the name of one of the greatest heroes of all times: Heracles.  Ancient Greece  According to Robert Graves, an authority on Greek culture, the name Hero is derived from that of the great goddess Hera so Hero means “Hera’s Glory.”  Heracles, then, lived, acted and died in the name and for the glory of that goddess.  One of the most famous Greek heroes was the Athenian Theseus, who sailed from his city to Crete to fight against the Minotaur and save his young countrymen and women, who were supposed to be sacrificed to a monster.

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In a book Graves describes important feature of life of a hero - dies not just to glorify his Mother goddess but to save his people — the tribe of which he is chief — from all their yearly sins and all possible punishments.

 Christians  Jesus’ heroism was not apparent in his physical powers but in doing miracles. His death in agony on the cross presents him as a classic hero. Jesus was a classic victim The Hero then possessed the three main characteristics of heroism: 1. They performed outstanding deeds 2. They risked their very being for the sake of others rather than for their own glory 3. They were all victims Rizal as a hero 1. Performed outstanding deeds - used the pen to fight 2. Risked his very being for the sake of his countrymen - he waged a non-violent crusade against the oppressors of his countrymen 3. He is a victim - suffered political martyrdom Why Jose Rizal Is the National Hero? -It has always been a heated argument on who deserves to be called Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio? Why is Jose Rizal the national hero? It is interesting to note that Jose Rizal’s heroism was recognized first by the colonizing Americans and later on by General Emilio Aguinaldo. Recommended by the US Governor Taft -The Americans through the American Governor William Howard Taft recommended to the Philippine Commission, which was sponsored by the US, to declare Jose Rizal as a national hero for the Filipinos. The Americans recommended Rizal because of the fact that he was executed by the Spaniards and of his peaceful way to achieve liberty. Unlike Andres Bonifacio whose desire to achieve independence for his native land required armed approach. The Americans deemed this approach to independence of Andres Bonifacio to be unacceptable and may inspire other Filipinos to rebel against American rule. This is why Jose Rizal was chosen over him as the national hero. Jose Rizal was declared as the greatest Filipino hero during the American colonization after the Aguinaldo led armed forces were subdued during the Philippine-American war. December 30 as national day of mourning -General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first one to declare December 30 as a national day of mourning in honor of Rizal and others who have died fighting the Spanish tyranny. Pen as mightier than the sword -The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who believe that Rizal is rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos during the Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was more deserving of the national hero title. Rizal was even

thought to have suggested that Antonio Luna lead the revolutionary forces since Luna has studied military science which was a brilliant idea to lessen casualties against the powerhouse Spanish militia. Rizal believed that only an army that was well prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory . Founder of La Liga Filipina -Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that led to the creation of the Katipunan headed by Andres Bonifacio. This fact may already substantiate that Rizal’s title was deserving since without the La Liga Filipina, Andres Bonifacio and his army would have been non-existent. Everything started with Rizal. Philippine Revolution against Spain started what was known as the First Republic led by Emilio Aguinaldo. For Rizal, violence or armed resistance only as a last resort and considered the restoration of the people’s dignity as a justification means of achieving national liberation and self-rule. On the other hand, Filipinos are also grateful to Andres Bonifacio’s legacy, his advocacy to an armed revolution. We credit both Rizal and Bonifacio to have awakened the Filipino’s patriotic spirit The National Historical Institute (NHI; presently the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), the country’s agency in charge of historical matters, prescribes the passage of 50 years before a person is confirmed as a hero. If the person is still being admired after that period and his ideas and ideals are still invoked and appreciated, the person has passed the test of time and is considered a hero.  In 1965, The National Heroes Commission released criteria on the definition of a national hero. -a hero is defined as “an admirable leader a towering over his peers, who is serving a noble cause, possessing exceptional talent, distinguished valor and/or hold enterprise, exercising a determinative influence over the spiritual life of his people in a particular remarkable event. Characteristics of a person to be examines before he could be a hero.  Motives and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (welfare)  The moral character of the person  The influence of the person to his age or epoch and the succeeding eras  In 1993, more definitions on what hero is were added as the country was preparing for the commemoration of the centennial of the declaration of Philippine Independence. o Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, issued E.O 75, Creating National Heroes Committee whose aim is “to study, evaluate, and explicitly recommend Filipino National personages as national heroes in due recognition to their sterling character and remarkable achievements for the country.  In June 3, 1993, a round-table discussion for the criteria for national heroes as attended by Historians which was drafted by Dr. Corpuz:  Heroes are those who have a concept of a nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.

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Ex: Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and Marcelo H. del Pilar who sought to uplift the social conditions of the Philippines and not just a particular region or ethno linguistic group.  Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.  Dr. Corpuz explained that our own struggle for freedom was begun by Bonifacio and finished by Aguinaldo, the latter formally declaring revolution a success. In reality, a revolution has no end. Revolutions are only the beginning. One cannot aspire to be free only to sink back to bondage. He also added that “Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system of life and freedom and order for a nation. Freedom without order will not lead to anarchy”.  He cited that persons who make country’s constitution and laws could be heroes, like Apolinario Mabini and Claro M. Recto.  In November 15, 1995, the NHC decided to adapt a criteria stating that: o “a hero is part of the people expression”, “a hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations”., the choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history but of the entire process that made this person a hero.  Presently, the Philippines has set aside four days to honor its heroes: o December 30 o November 30 o Last Sunday of August o August 21 Activity1: Form groups. Go to plaza or park near you. Take pictures of the monuments and identify at least one. Using your local library or interviews, try to know the story of the hero especially those in the Department of Tourism, try to know the story of a hero represented by the monument. Share your work to the class either by simple narration or with the aid of video presentation. Activity 2: a. Identify the names of the streets of your hometown. Who are these people? b. What have they done for the community? For the country? c. Using criteria of a hero assess whether they answer the criteria of being a hero. Analyze and present this to class.