Why Study Rizal?
Philippine nationalism and has contributed
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:
First and foremost, because it is mandated by
law.
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
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:
To rededicate the lives of youth to the ideals of
freedom and nationalism, for which our heroes
lived and died
To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting
his life and works in shaping the Filipino
character
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:
To recognize the importance of Rizals ideals
and teachings in relation to present conditions
and situations in the society.
To encourage the application of such ideals in
current social and personal problems and
issues.
To develop an appreciation and deeper
understanding of all that Rizal fought and died
for.
To foster the development of the Filipino youth
in all aspects of citizenship.