Luna Rizal

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LEAH CHENG LUNA 02-07-2024

ARC 3209
LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL

The 1950s were years of challenges to the Philippines in terms on social, political
and cultural aspects – this was a very significant historical period for them. As a result,
Republic Act 1425—known as the Rizal Law — was established mandating Jose Rizal’s
literary works to be taught in Philippine school. The implementation of this law caused a
variety of reactions from numerous societal parts, which revealed to be based on
various points of view affected by political, social, religious and academic situations.

The enactment of R A 1425 was regarded by academics as a crucial step


towards the development historical consciousness and national identity. As experts and
teachers claimed, incorporating Rizal’s works into the curriculum will enable Filipino
students to develop critical thinking skills; become more culturally aware, feel patriotic.
They argued that the works of Rizal, particularly his novels “Noli Me Tangere” and ‘El
Filibusterismo,” were invaluable aids to understanding Philippine history as well as
culture since they shed critical light on colonial experiences and struggles for social
equality.

The socially stratified territory of the Philippines in 1950s reacted differently to RA


1425 implementation. The law concerned conservatives who feared that the
dissemination of Rizal’s ideas may lead to chaos or weaken the established order, while
progressive intellectuals and reformists lauded it as a means for enlightening and
strengthening the people. In contrast, the working class perceived Rizal Law as an
instrument of social reform and enlightening public opinion to their plight.

Religious atmosphere in the Philippines during the 1950s, which was dominated
by Catholic Church determined reactions to Republic Act 1425 or Relizal Law. Few
clerics were bothered by conflicts between Rizal’s teachings and Catholic doctrine, as
they fear the propagation of social dissension. But there are others who looked up to
Rizal as a moral mentor and hero, so they also supported the intention of this law in
promoting virtues and national unity. This division represented bigger struggles between
right and left-wing forces in society. The passage of the bill was backed by Progressives
to provide people more power and considered Rizal as a symbol against colonial
dictatorship. At the same time, conservative groups resisted its implementation as they
feared ideological struggles and challenges to their authority.
The government’s efforts to create a national identity and consolidate its power in
the post-colonial period were signified politically with RA 1425. The proponents of the
law consisting of nationalist leaders and legislators saw it as a crucial measure in
undoing what colonialism had done by encouraging Filipino pride and historical
consciousness. But for the opponents, especially those with foreign or vested interests,
they viewed this law from a position of suspicion because they believed it was being
used by ruling class to imbibe on ideological mind manipulation and indoctrination.

Various social classes of the Philippine community responded in different ways to


1950s Rizal Law, Republic Act No. 1425 that reflected a wide range viewpoint shaped
within the framework of several socio-political circumstances such as academic and
religious settings etc. The critics warned how it may affect social stability, religious
orthodoxy and political hegemony in the same breath as its supporters argued that is a
milestone in developing national identity or historical consciousness. In conclusion, the
adoption of Rizal’s law marked the beginning of a very significant era in Philippine
history and showed how challenging it could be to reconcile contradictory interests and
ideologies when people try to achieve identity advancement as well as national
development.

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