Life, Works and Writings of Dr. Jose Rizal

LIFE, WORKS
AND WRITINGS
OF DR.
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
WHEREAS, today, more than any other
period of our history, there is a
need for a re-dedication 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 writings 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 and citizenship.
The Republic Act No. 1425 was enacted in
1956 which requires the teaching of the
life, works and writings of Jose Rizal
in all educational institutions in the
Philippines. The sponsor of the law was
the late Senator Jose P. Laurel, who
firmly believed that every country has
lots of heroes. These heroes became such
because they have done great things for
their country’s needs.
In ancient time, heroes hailed from those who
freed the country from their oppressors. Today,
heroes were hailed not only from saving their
country from the oppressors but from those who
saved their countries from the problems they are
facing like economic problems. Before, you have
to die to become a hero, but today, you do not
need to die to become one.
WHY IS RIZAL COURSE BEING TAUGHT IN
COLLEGE?
Rizal founded the fiber of the Filipino

Nationalism that is rooted in Rizal’s
achievements for the Philippines, by
integrating Rizal’s achievements and
teachings in the curriculum, this would
benefit the Filipino youth to acquire the
following traits: incorruptible,
confidence, direction, courage and
determination. These traits would prepare
the young Filipino in the college level to
contribute in nation building and
strengthen Filipino identity.
The law in summary encourages the
young Filipinos to the ideals of
freedom and nationalism that was born
from the blood of our heroes who
fought and died to gain Philippine
freedom from foreign colonizers. By
studying the work of Rizal, the young
Filipino student will give respect
and tribute to the national hero.
Patriotism has to be imbibed in
studying the life and works of Rizal
as indicated in his poem, “Love of
Country.”
HOW DOES A NATIONAL HERO BEING
CHOSEN?
In the case of the Philippines, the

national hero was chosen during the
American regime through a committee. They
believed that the Philippines must have a
distinct hero which will be a model to
the Filipinos in almost all aspects of
life.
The Taft Commission

Members: W. Morgan Shuster, Bernard
Moses, Dean Warcester and Henry Clay.
Others are Jose Luzuriaga, Gregorio
Araneta, and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera.
The Taft Commission chose Rizal as the
national hero of the country after
consultation with Filipinos. In line
with this, the second Philippine
Commission enacted the following
legislations:
• Act Number 137, enacted by the

Philippine Commission on June 11,
1900, this organized a politico-
military district and named it as the
Province of Rizal in honor of the most
illustrious Filipino hero.
Philippine Commission on September
28, 1901, which authorized the
subscription from Europe and the
erection of a monument in honor of
Dr. Jose Rizal at Luneta.

Philippine Commission on February 1,
1902, this act places every December
30th of the year as the observance of
the death anniversary of Rizal.
BONIFACIO OR AGUINALDO AS NATIONAL
HERO
Others believe that Bonifacio or Aguinaldo should be
the National Hero, because they fought in
revolution, while Rizal had cautioned against it.
Although Bonifacio started the revolution through

the Katipunan, he lost all his battles.
Aguinaldo surrendered to the Americans in Palanan,

Isabela.
Rizal used the pen in his fight for the country,

which proved to be more effective in destroying both
the Spanish and Americans. They could not stop the
ideas that Rizal fought and died for. The thoughts
remain alive up to the present and they will
continue to be weapons for out future oppressors.

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LIFE, WORKS

“An act to include in the

WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring

WHEREAS, all educational institutions are

Rizal founded the fiber of the Filipino

In the case of the Philippines, the

The Taft Commission

• Act Number 137, enacted by the

• Act Number 345, enacted by the

Although Bonifacio started the revolution through

Aguinaldo surrendered to the Americans in Palanan,

Rizal used the pen in his fight for the country,

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