It is of great importance that students understand the rationale behind having to take up a Rizal course in college. For high school students, the Noli Me Tangere and the El Filibusterismo are injected into the Filipino subject as part of the overall curriculum. In tertiary education, however, Rizal is a subject required of any course, in any college or university in the Philippines.
Usually, during the first day of the course, the professor asks the well-overused questions:
Why study Rizal?
What is the importance of studying Rizal?
Why is Rizal one of the minor subjects taken up in college?
Why is Rizal included in the course outline?
What relevance does Rizal have in college education?
The answer to such questions can be summed up in two points:
1. First and foremost, because it is mandated by law. 2. Secondly, because of the lessons contained within the course itself.
Let us discuss those reasons one by one:
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE IT IS MANDATED BY LAW
The teaching of Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings is mandated by Republic Act 1425, otherwise known as the Rizal Law. Senator Jose P. Laurel, the person who sponsored the said law, said that since Rizal was the founder of Philippine nationalism and has contributed much to the current standing of this nation, it is only right that the youth as well as all the people in the country know about and learn to imbibe the great ideals for which he died. The Rizal Law, enacted in 1956, seeks to accomplish the following goals: 1. To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism, for which our heroes lived and died 2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino character 3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works, and writings.
WHY STUDY RIZAL: BECAUSE OF THE LESSONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE COURSE
Aside from those mentioned above, there are other reasons for teaching the Rizal course in Philippine schools: 1. To recognize the importance of Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to present conditions and situations in the society. 2. To encourage the application of such ideals in current social and personal problems and issues. 3. To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for. 4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
I polled a total of 16 randomly selected students from October 20th to October 24th with an outcome of 6 out of 16 (37.5%) students that approved and 10 out of 16 (62.5%) that did not approve. After collecting the data I then calculated the margin of error by using the online margin of error calculator with the population size of 29,000 and a sample size of 16 which gave me a margin of error of 24.49. Then I calculated the 95% confidence interval by adding the margin of error and the approval percentage together which gave me the maximum of the range. I continued on to find the minimum of the range by then subtracting the margin of error from the percentage approval. I then calculated a range from 13.01% to 61.99% if we expected the percentage approving to fall 95 out of 100 times. I concluded that the difference between the percentage approving and not approving is not statistically significant. Reason being is because there wasn’t enough polls to determine an accurate answer. If the sample size was greater, I believe that there would be a better chance of getting results that are more statistically significant. Thus there were some weaknesses of the poll I conducted such as the sample size. Also, the location where I conducted the survey could be a factor of a weak poll considering the huge size of the campus. Another factor that made this a weak poll was the amount of males vs females that actually had a response. Most females that I tried to survey did not have and answer which is why I have more polls of males than females. The way the question is worded can also be intimidating to people thus forcing them to give any answer instead of an accurate one. If I could change any of the factors that influence a more accurate answer, I would first of all increase the sample size to at least 1000 students. I would make sure that the amount of males and females I poll are equal. Also I would choose different sections or buildings around campus and…
- 405 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
“Veneration Without Understanding” by Renato Constantino is not just a simple article (or essay) about Rizal. It is a much deeper analysis of the real story behind his being a national hero, the aspects that contributed to such recognition, his condemnation of the revolution, and other factors which are not reflected on history books… - factors which we fail to converse over the years. He also had a discussion of the concept of Filipino nationhood, the metamorphosis of the term “Filipino”, and how Rizal viewed the terms, “independence” and “liberty” as words whose meanings are apart from each other.…
- 707 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Republic Act No. 1425, known as the Rizal Law, mandates all educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about José Rizal. The full name of the law is 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. The measure was strongly opposed by the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines due to the anti-clerical themes in Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo.…
- 1708 Words
- 7 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Rizal course is mandated by ou law under R.A. 1425. It says here the 3 provisions of rizal law. First, Rizal course must be part of the curriculum of our schools, colleges, universities, public or private. Our study must give emphasis regarding our national hero nad his vision of the noli mitangere and elfilibustirismo ( touch me not). Second is taht all libraries and schools must have a lot of numbers of copies of our national hero''s two novels and also other materials close to him. And lastly, is that the board of national education must have teresponsibilities to take charge of the translation, distribution and reproduction of printed copies of the rizal novels. In this article, it aslo says the common reaction of some students regarding taking up the rizal course. Others find it as a waste oftime, while some commented that ist just a repetition of the things that we encountered during highschool days. There are aslo other college students who dont see the essence of studying the rizal course in their chosen field or career. For me, the author really gives emphasis on the provisions of the rizal law wherein the author cited them one by one.…
- 351 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Historical Context and Legal Basis of Rizal Day and Other Memorials in honor of Jose Rizal…
- 2273 Words
- 10 Pages
Good Essays -
Rizal had his early education in Calamba and Biñan. It was a typical schooling that a son of an ilustrado family received during his time, characterized by the four R’s- reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. Instruction was rigid and strict. Knowledge was forced into the minds of the pupils by means of the tedious memory method aided by the teacher’s whip. Despite the defects of the Spanish system of elementary education, Rizal was able to acquire the necessary instruction preparatory for college work in Manila. It may be said that Rizal, who was born a physical weakling, rose to become an intellectual giant not because of, but rather in spite of, the outmoded and backward system of instruction obtaining in the Philippines during the last decades of Spanish regime.…
- 367 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
It was during Rizal’s Ateneo life that he developed patriotic feelings and acute quickness of perception (una exquisita sensibilidad). He also developed the quickness of political perception and he even privately concluded that he must dedicate his life to the service of his people. It was also during this time that he realized that the first step in such a life of service is that he must study abroad. I quote the line from the book of Austin Coates, “It is by means of education, he says, that the fatherland acquires it’s glory; and in the poem that follows, fervent with proud and youthful love of country, he says that just as the gentle movement of a breeze causes flowers to show off their colors more vividly, so is education the vital breath which causes a nation to rise to it’s more brilliant heights; that wherever education is implanted there will grow up a youth invigorated and strong, firmly eradicating error and broadening itself on the strength of noble ideas.” In my own opinion, the greatest view that he formulated in his college years in Ateneo is the importance of education. From the line that I quoted, it shows how much Rizal value education. He also had the idea that by altering the basic nature of Philippine society through enlightenment and arms is not necessary. He believes that war/revolution is not necessary to achieve reformation or change and that…
- 530 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
“What have I learned and imbibed from Dr. Jose P Rizal, as a Filipino and hero? “…
- 1098 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
You are required to read the Rizal’s Life, Works and Writings in order to answer the following questions:…
- 1851 Words
- 6 Pages
Powerful Essays -
The article shares the ideas and opinions in dialogues that usually represent conflicting views about Dr. Jose Rizal. Even though he is our national hero we still feel in need of a continuing dialogue on his ideas, principles and convictions. We know him as a profound thinker and a great doer who love our country and had remarkable patriotism. For that he was called the “First Filipino.”…
- 999 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Shrouded with the mantel of sainthood and perfection, we all see Rizal as one of the best role models that we have. We look up to him and see him as the praiseworthy hero who died for the country’s freedom. It’s alarming how the previous generations including ours are blinded with all the information necessary to judge whether he is fit of all these acknowledgement that is being showered upon him. After all, he is still a human being vulnerable to selfish mistakes and wrong decisions.…
- 804 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Rizal and I shared the same belief that students must be urged by patriotic ideals and by their passionate love for their country, the Philippines, love for truth and proper values of education. Dr. Jose P. Rizal had given proof of desiring liberty for his country, and he set down as a premise, the education of the people. His teachings greatly influence in me. Like him, I believe in people power and consider myself a modern Rizal youth of today, as the hope of my motherland's tomorrow. He is very nationalistic and I want to reserve my nationalism as well. Like Rizal, I'm proud to be a…
- 336 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Rizal is not only a man with first-class decisions and answers; he is also superior in giving solutions to the social cancer brought about by Spanish imposition. I greatly admire his way of finding education as a first step towards independence; it was a simple answer of providing leverage and advantage for his fellowmen who are entitled to fit such solution. Education was to enlighten them on the best course of action to be taken when the time comes when they have finally grasp what it means to be totally free of a bondage that has maimed them for centuries. credential…
- 468 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Nothing new about Rizal is going to be introduced in this paper. Instead of adding another academic treatise to the Rizal industry, I aim to give my take on his story by drawing simple life lessons to what many see as an extraordinary life. It is high time that we search our humanity in Rizal, and in turn, find Rizal in ourselves…
- 266 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Of all the things I have learned in our humble university, none of it I treasure more than the ability to see things objectively and contextually. I used to be a brash and outspoken young man always quick to make assumptions and always fiery with passion for what I deemed was right; even when all I had was a premature conclusion. I brought this attitude here in our university and was quickly humbled by men and women that maintained their calm and adhered to logic, not sudden whims and misguided passion. This, I said to myself is what I wish to become. I resolutely set to change my ways and actions. To some degree I think I have succeeded. But improving oneself is a continuous and endless process that every individual must aim for. Even our venerated national hero was not the product of biological perfection and natural wisdom. He slowly, meticulously improved himself with every mistake he made, with every book he read. Like you and me, he is a human being that achieved what he did, not because he is special or was destined by some great prophecy, but because he worked for it. A good example would be in the field of language. He did not become a polyglot naturally; language did not come easy to him. It was the product of a diligent and willful learning process. In his letters to his sister, he expostulated that while in Germany, he had a hard time learning the native tongue. He didn’t…
- 2773 Words
- 12 Pages
Good Essays