Lesson 1 Introduction to the Course: Why Study the Life and Works of Rizal?
History of the Rizal Law and Its Essential Provisions Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo made Dec. 30 as the anniversary of Jose Rizal’s death Philippine National Hero in 1901 On the recommendation of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, the Taft Commission renamed the district of Morong into the Province of Rizal Rizal’s death anniversary was made an official holiday Act No. 243 was enacted on September 28, 1901 granting the right to use public land upon the Luneta in the City of Manila upon which to erect a statue of Jose Rizal.
History of the Rizal Law and Its Essential Provisions To give ample time to prepare for the birth centenary of Jose Rizal in 1961, the Rizal National Centennial Commission was created and issued by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay on August 10, 1954 to undertake the construction of a National Cultural Shrine and other memorials to be dedicated to Jose Rizal. It became Rizal Presidential Committee on 1 July 1962 during Diosdado Macapagal administration.
Jose Rizal’s vast role in the attainment of the nation’s freedom led to the issuance of Republic Act 1425 on June 12, 1956. Commonly known as the Rizal Act. It is Senator Claro M. Recto who authored the Rizal Bill. While Senator Jose P. Laurel, Sr., who was then the Chairman of the Committee on Education, sponsored the bill in the Senate. History of the Rizal Law
As mandated by 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 . Rizal Law and the Study of Life and Works of Rizal
According to Senator Jose P. Laurel, who sponsored the law, Rizal was the founder of Filipino nationality and the architect of Filipino nation that there is a need to know more and imbibe the great ideals and principles for which he died. As the Chairman of the Committee on Education when the law was enacted, Laurel believed that by reading and studying Rizal’s life, teachings and writings, Filipino youth will be able to gain incorruptible confidence, direction, courage and determination to move forward in our people’s journey towards an abundant life. Rizal Law and the Study of Life and Works of Rizal
There are other reasons of teaching the Rizal course in higher education institutions which are anchored on the patriotic policy statements of Rizal Law and the patriotic goals set by the then Board on National Education. These are the following: To recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideals, teachings as well as life values in relation to present conditions and situations in the society; To apply Rizal’s ideas in the solutions of social problems and issues in the contemporary; To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of the qualities, behavior and character of Rizal; and To foster the development of moral character of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship. Rizal Law and the Study of Life and Works of Rizal