Rizal Law

The Rizal Law, officially known as Republic Act No. 1425, is a Philippine law
enacted on June 12, 1956. It requires all educational institutions in the Philippines
to teach the life, works, and writings of the national hero, Jose Rizal. The law was
passed to promote patriotism and nationalism by ensuring that Filipino students
are educated about their history and the contributions of Rizal to the country's
struggle for independence.
The main provisions of the Rizal Law include:
1. **Inclusion in Curriculum:** All educational institutions, public and private,
from the primary level to the college level, are required to include in their
curriculum the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels "Noli
Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
2. **Instruction in English or Filipino:** The law mandates that the instruction in
the life, works, and writings of Rizal should be in English or Filipino, depending
on the language of instruction in the particular institution.
3. **Observance of Rizal Day:** The law also designates December 30 of every
year as Rizal Day, which is a public holiday in the Philippines. It's a day to
commemorate the life and contributions of Jose Rizal.
4. **Required Reading:** Students are required to read the novels "Noli Me
Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" in their original, unexpurgated versions. These
novels are significant because they provide insights into the social and political
climate during the time of Spanish colonization and serve as a call for reform and
change.
The Rizal Law has been a subject of debate and controversy since its enactment.
Some argue that it's essential for preserving national identity and fostering a
sense of patriotism among Filipinos, while others criticize it as a form of
historical imposition and cultural interference, as well as for its impact on
academic freedom.
Overall, the Rizal Law remains an important part of Philippine education and
cultural heritage, shaping how the life and works of Jose Rizal are taught to
generations of students in the country.
Who is Rizal?
Dr. José Rizal, full name José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda, was a
Filipino nationalist, writer, and revolutionary figure. He was born on June 19,
1861, in Calamba, Laguna, which was then part of the Spanish colonial
Philippines. Rizal is considered one of the most important national heroes of the
Philippines due to his significant role in advocating for reforms and raising
awareness about the oppressive Spanish colonial rule.
Rizal's most notable works include his novels "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not)
and "El Filibusterismo" (The Reign of Greed), which exposed the injustices and
corruption under Spanish colonial rule. These novels were instrumental in
inspiring a sense of national identity and resistance among Filipinos.
Rizal was not just a writer but also a multi-talented individual. He was a physician,
ophthalmologist, sculptor, painter, educator, and linguist. He used his various
talents to contribute to the intellectual and cultural awakening of his fellow
Filipinos.
His writings and actions sparked a growing movement for reform and eventually,
independence from Spanish colonial rule. However, his activism and writings also
attracted the attention of Spanish authorities, leading to his arrest, trial, and
execution on December 30, 1896. His death became a symbol of martyrdom and
further fueled the flames of Filipino nationalism and the desire for independence.
Today, Rizal's legacy is celebrated throughout the Philippines. His writings, ideas,
and sacrifices continue to inspire generations of Filipinos in their pursuit of
freedom, justice, and national identity. Rizal is remembered not only for his
literary works but also for his unwavering dedication to his country and his role
in shaping its history.
José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda, commonly known as José Rizal,
was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and revolutionary who played a significant role
in the Philippines' fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. He was born
on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, and he was executed by the
Spanish authorities on December 30, 1896.
Rizal's family tree includes several important figures. Here is a simplified version
of his family tree:
**First Generation:**
- **Francisco Mercado:** Rizal's paternal grandfather.
- **Cirila Alejandra:** Rizal's paternal grandmother.

**Second Generation:**
- **Juan Mercado:** Rizal's father, married to Teodora Alonso.
- **Teodora Alonso:** Rizal's mother, married to Juan Mercado.

**Third Generation:**
- **José Rizal:** The national hero of the Philippines, born to Juan Mercado and
Teodora Alonso.

**Fourth Generation:**
- José Rizal never married or had children, so there are no direct descendants.
It's worth noting that Rizal came from a relatively well-to-do family, and his
parents had connections to Spanish and Filipino elites. Rizal's writings and
actions, aimed at raising awareness about the abuses of Spanish colonial rule
and advocating for reform, had a significant impact on the Philippine nationalist
movement and eventually contributed to the country's struggle for independence.
The parents of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, were Francisco
Mercado and Teodora Alonso. His full name was José Protacio Rizal Mercado y
Alonso Realonda. Francisco Mercado was his father, and Teodora Alonso was his
mother.
José Rizal, the Philippine national hero, came from a large and prominent family.
Here are some of the key members of his family:

1. **Francisco Mercado Rizal (Father):** Francisco was a well-educated man who

worked as a farmer, a businessman, and a municipal councilor. He was married to
Teodora Alonso. He influenced Rizal's early education and was also a strong
advocate of education and social progress.
2. **Teodora Alonso Realonda (Mother):** Teodora was a highly educated woman
who had a significant influence on Rizal's intellectual and moral development.
She encouraged Rizal's love for learning and played a pivotal role in shaping his
character.
3. **Saturnina Rizal (Sister):** Saturnina was Rizal's eldest sister. She played a
maternal role in the family after their mother's eyesight deteriorated. She married
Manuel Hidalgo, a cousin of Andres Bonifacio, a key figure in the Philippine
Revolution.
4. **Paciano Rizal (Brother):** Paciano was Rizal's older brother and a significant
influence on his life. He was one of Rizal's confidants and supported his
nationalist and reformist ideals. Paciano joined the Katipunan, a revolutionary
society, and played a role in the Philippine Revolution.
5. **Narcisa Rizal (Sister):** Narcisa was Rizal's third sister. She was a teacher
and later married Antonio Lopez, a wealthy man from the province of Laguna.
6. **Olympia Rizal (Sister):** Olympia, often called "Ypia," was the fourth Rizal
sibling. She married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator.
7. **Lucia Rizal (Sister):** Lucia was Rizal's fifth sister. She became a teacher and
married Mariano Herbosa, who was a distant relative and a doctor.
8. **Maria Rizal (Sister):** Maria, commonly known as "Biang," was Rizal's sixth
sister. She married Daniel Faustino Cruz, a childhood friend of Rizal.
9. **Concepcion Rizal (Sister):** Concepcion, also known as "Concha," was
Rizal's seventh sister. She died at a young age due to illness.
10. **Josefa Rizal (Sister):** Josefa, often called "Panggoy," was Rizal's eighth
sister. She died as an infant.
11. **Trinidad Rizal (Sister):** Trinidad, often referred to as "Trining," was Rizal's
ninth sister. She was one of the last surviving Rizal siblings and took care of their
mother Teodora during her final years.
12. **Soledad Rizal (Sister):** Soledad, also known as "Choleng," was Rizal's
tenth sister. She became a teacher and married Pantaleon Quintero, a teacher
from Manila.
These family members collectively had a strong influence on José Rizal's
upbringing, education, and values. Rizal's dedication to education, social reform,
and Philippine nationalism was in part shaped by the environment and ideals
instilled by his family.

José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and polymath, is known for his

various writings that played a significant role in the Philippines'
struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Some of his
most famous writings include:

1. **Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)**: Published in 1887, this novel is a scathing

critique of the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines. It exposes the
injustices and abuses suffered by the Filipino people under Spanish rule, and it
was a major catalyst for sparking nationalist sentiments.
2. **El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed)**: This sequel to "Noli Me Tangere"
was published in 1891. It continues the themes of the first novel and delves
deeper into the issues of colonialism, corruption, and social inequality. It's
considered more radical and darker than its predecessor.
3. **Mi Último Adiós (My Last Farewell)**: Written on the eve of his execution in
1896, this poem serves as Rizal's farewell to his beloved country and his final
words before his martyrdom. It expresses his love for the Philippines, his hopes
for its future, and his dedication to its liberation.
4. **A Letter to the Young Women of Malolos**: This letter was written by Rizal in
1889 in response to a group of young women from Malolos who sought his
advice on how to educate themselves. In the letter, he advocates for women's
education and empowerment, promoting gender equality and social progress.
5. **Filipinas dentro de cien años (The Philippines Within a Hundred Years)**: This
essay, written in 1889, envisions the future of the Philippines within a hundred
years. Rizal's insights and predictions about the country's potential growth and
development showcase his optimism and concern for his nation's future.
6. **La Indolencia de los Filipinos (The Indolence of the Filipinos)**: Published in
1890, this essay addresses the stereotype of Filipino indolence and argues
against it. Rizal analyzes the historical, social, and economic factors that
contributed to the perceived indolence and challenges the notion.
7. **Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Morga's Events of the Philippine
Islands)**: While not originally written by Rizal, he provided annotations to this
work by Antonio de Morga, a Spanish official. Rizal's annotations aimed to correct
historical inaccuracies and highlight the Philippines' advanced pre-colonial
culture.
These writings, among others, played a crucial role in inspiring national
consciousness and fostering a sense of unity among Filipinos during a time of
colonial oppression. Rizal's ideas and writings continue to be celebrated and
studied in the Philippines as part of the country's cultural and historical heritage.

José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, had several important women in
his life who played significant roles and influenced his thoughts and actions.
Here are some of the key women in Rizal's life:
1. **Teodora Alonso Realonda**: Teodora was Rizal's mother. She played a crucial
role in his upbringing and education. She was a well-educated woman who
instilled in Rizal a sense of nationalism, love for education, and moral values. Her
strong character and values had a lasting impact on Rizal's development.
2. **Leonor Rivera**: Leonor was Rizal's childhood sweetheart and is often
associated with the character Maria Clara in Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere." They
exchanged romantic letters and were deeply in love. However, due to various
circumstances, including Rizal's travel to Europe, their relationship faced
challenges and eventually ended.
3. **Segunda Katigbak**: Segunda was one of Rizal's early loves. He admired her
beauty and intelligence. Their correspondence and relationship were short-lived,
but they maintained a friendly connection.
4. **O-Sei San**: Also known as Seiko Usui, O-Sei San was a Japanese woman
who played a significant role in Rizal's life during his time in Japan. They had a
close friendship and exchanged letters. She introduced him to Japanese culture
and traditions.
5. **Suzanne Jacoby**: Suzanne, a Belgian woman, was Rizal's common-law wife
during his stay in Belgium. They had a child named Maria Rizal. Their relationship
helped Rizal gain insights into European politics and culture.
6. **Josephine Bracken**: Josephine was an Irish woman who became Rizal's
common-law wife in his later years. She accompanied Rizal during his exile in
Dapitan and bore him a child who unfortunately died shortly after birth.
Josephine supported Rizal in his educational and charitable endeavors.