the youth was made aware of the contributions and the principled life of Jose Rizal who was

an emblem
of substantial nationalism and unconditional love for the country. He embodies brilliance coupled with
humility and prestige that goes along with service. This Republic Act has pushed for Rizal to be a role
model for the youth of this country.

Through this republic act the essence of freedom and independence was emphasized to the youth. Also,
it has been implied through this act that national identity is a very important legacy that our heroes have
achieved through sacrificing their own lives. They have passed it on to us, and it is our role to nurture and
protect it.

One is that this law would help awaken the passion that the Filipinos feel for their
country and further fight for the good of the country. Another is that through the
implementation of this law, our fellowmen would be able to see how much we are
blinded by foreigners, especially the Americans, and how much colonial mentality has
taken over the lives of the people. Still, another is that through studying the works of
Rizal, Filipinos would have a sense of accomplishment and they would feel very
proud of their country and their heritage, which would lead to nationalism and
unification of the country.

Being a true Filipino, I am glad and proud to say that through studying the works of
Rizal, my sense of nationalism was awakened and I dont feel ashamed of my race.
With this, I would like to state that I am for this particular law because of all the
benefits that it can give to the country. It is also important, I believe, for a country to
not forget the culture and heritage that they have through the years, but rather treasure
the history of the country to help make the country better for the next generation.
Rizal said that He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will
never get to his destination. This means that as Filipinos, we should learn what really
happened in the past, in the eyes of a true Filipino and not based on what the
foreigners saw and experience. We should know all the facts of the past to be able to
become better people and improve our flaws. He also said that The youth is the hope
of our future. If the youth today do not understand or even know what happened in
the past, how could they learn from these mistakes and make sure that these mistakes
dont happen again? Man works for an object. Remove that object and you reduce
him into inaction. This means that if we do disregard the Rizal law, what motivation
can the people have to fight for the country? How can the citizens of our country be
nationalistic if we dont know what we are fighting for and why we are fighting?

The writings, works and life of Rizal can still be applied to our lives today. Although
you say that we have evolved and that we have grown, the fact of the matter is, is that
no matter what time period and what situation you are in, the lessons and morals that
we can learn from Rizal is universal. There will always be a Padre Damaso or Padre
Salvi in our lives even if they arent Fryars. There will always be an Elias, who would
always fight for the good of the country. These people are just symbols of what is
happening everyday in our lives and that these symbolisms are timeless. This is very
important not only to students but to all Filipinos, may it be a poor Filipino or the
president of the country. We learn so much because of this law and it would just be a
waste to remove this from our lives.

These are just some of the reasons as to why we should not remove the Rizal Law and
I hope that you see the importance that this law has on our country. Keep in mind that
there are more benefits of having this law that to not have it at all. Why deprive the
Filipinos of a chance to know more about our national hero? Even if you say that they
can study this on their own, how would they know if no one ever tells them about
this? Please think before you make any rash decisions about this subject. I know that
you will make the right one.

Why Study Rizal?

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 Rizals 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 Rizals 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 Rizals 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.