Life and Works of Jose Rizal
Life and Works of Jose Rizal
Life and Works of Jose Rizal
I. RA 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 Novel
Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the printing and Distribution Thereof, and
For Other Purposes”.
Mandates the study of life, works and writings of Rizal.
The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt
forthwith measures to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section.
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.
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 Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number
of books, depending upon the enrollment of the school, college, or university.
o With these contentions, Senator Recto and Laurel stood firm on their arguments:
1. Rizal novels should be read in every generation for the Filipinos to know
the sufferings, ideals and sacrifices of the Filipino people that led us to
where we are today and in the future.
2. Rizal novels would allow us to see ourselves; it is through the works of Rizal
which would show not only the strengths and virtues of the Filipinos but
also our defects and vices as well.
3. The only objective of the bill is to foster a better appreciation of our
National Hero‟s role in fighting for freedom against the Spaniards, not to go against any
religion.
Just like what we have today, Rizal was also a product of his time. He did not
wake up one day and realized that he wanted to become a hero. His life‟s choices
were a response to the successes and failures he experienced. The 19th century
Philippines were not just about people struggling against colonial rule; it was about
Filipinos, men and women alike, fighting against political oppression.
To know why Rizal fought for reforms, one must look into the political conditions
of
the 19th century to understand the political struggles of the Filipinos.
To know why Rizal fought against the Spaniards, one must assess the how the
Spanish government exploited the Filipinos through their economic policies.
To determine why Rizal attacked the Friars in his novels, one must understand the
Social Realities of the Filipinos during his time.
A. Political Context
Spain was suffering from frequent constitutional and governmental changes
that led to colonial instability
Maladministration in the delivery of justice
No equality before the law.
Spanish penal code imposed heavier penalties on Filipinos.
Implementation of Polo Y Servicio and tribute.
Racial prejudice against native Filipinos became prevalent.
Existence of Frailocracy or the “government rule of the friar”.
Lack of Representation in the Spanish Cortes. It was year 1811 that the
Philippines were represented by a 71-years old Filipino-Spanish merchant named
Ventura De los Reyes. His diligent representation was one reason why the galleon trade was
abolished for its reported abuses.
B. Economic Context
The second half of 19th century was a period of rapid economic growth due to
Industrial Revolution.
The opening of Suez Canal brought several advantages to the Philippines:
The distance of travel between Europe and Philippines was significantly shortened.
It brought the country closer to Spain.
Principalias were able to send their children to universities in Europe.
The education gained by the ilustrados opened their minds to the
opposing conditions that are happening in the colony (Philippines) and
the mother country (Spain).
C. Social Context
The rise of enlightenment period, where people began to rely on human reason
rather than faith and religion.
Rise of Middle-Class (Principalias). With the increasing demand for Abaca and
other crops in Europe, there was a need for more Filipino to cultivate lands.
Manila became Free port in 1834 primarily to European traders.
Spanish Government allowed Filipinos to rent and cultivate lands. To achieve this
more families had to engage in farming. Among those principalia families was
the family of Rizal.
Despite of social development, agricultural unrest continued to grow. Friars who
owned the land exploited the tenants through flimsily increasing land rentals and taxes.
Family members:
Father’s name: Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado Y Alejandra II
Born as the youngest of 13 children of Cirila Alejandro and Juan Mercado on May 18,
1818 in Biñan, Laguna. He was from the fourth generation of Chinese immigrant named
Domingo Lamco.
School attended: Colegio de San Jose in Manila.
Degree: Philosophy and Latin
He was elected in Calamba as Cabeza De Barangay