Republic Act No.

1425 – an act to include in the curricula of all public and private school,
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. According to Senator Claro M. Recto, it is all about recognizing the need
to instill heroism among the youth at the time when our country was experiencing social turmoil.
It was the time when the country was being ravaged by the hukbalahap insurgency. This was
enacted on June 12, 1956 with the sponsorship of Jose P. Laurel. He believed that Rizal was a
great example of nationalism in the Philippines which was shown throughout the course of his
life, works and writings.

Under the said law, all college and university students shall be obliged to study the life
and woks of Jose Rizal. The issuance of the law was not welcomed by various quarters. The
Catholic Church assailed the law, formerly known as the Rizal Bill, as anti-Church because it
forces students to read Rizal’s works such Noli Me tangere and El Filibusterismo which contain
passages that were anti-church.

Dr. Jose Rizal possessed to an eminent degree those virtues which together make up true
patriotism. He loved his country not in word alone but also in deed. He devoted his time, energy
and the resources of his brilliant mind to dispell the ignorance and apathy of his people, and
combat the injustices and inequalities under which they labored.

When these salutary activities fell under the suspicion of the colonial government, Rizal
was condemned to death, generously offering his blood for the welfare of his country.

The development of a person is greatly influenced by his environment. Rizal became who
he is because of the kind of environment he grew up to. It is therefore necessary that we
understand the factors that paved way to the making of our national hero. Rizal’s role in building
the nation of Juan Dela Cruz cannot be discounted.

As a student, I believe that this law is very significant for country. By simply implementing
this law, Filipinos, particularly the youth, would be enlightened and inspired by the life, works and
writings of Jose Rizal. The Students would have a clearer vision of what Rizal really did for the
country.

Studying the life, works and writings of Rizal will elevate the level of courage,
determination, patriotism, and nationalism injected to our Filipino blood and embrace freedom
and democracy as envisioned by our national heroes, especially Dr. Jose Rizal.