Rommel T.

Cruz

BSA - 3
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425 - 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

WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication
to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died;

WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose
Rizal, we remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped
the national character;

WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of
the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused;

WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation
by the State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic
conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship; Now, therefore,

Section 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and
universities, public or private: Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or
unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo of their English translation
shall be used as basic texts.cralaw

The Board of National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures
to implement and carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of
appropriate primers, readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, promulgate rules and regulations, including those of disciplinary nature, to
carry out and enforce the provisions of this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and
regulations providing for the exemption of students for reasons of religious belief stated in a
sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in the second part of
the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the first part of
said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their publication
in the Official Gazette.

Sec. 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries
an adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal's other works and biography. The said unexpurgated
editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as
other writings of Rizal shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all
public or private schools, colleges and universities

The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number of books,
depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university

Sec. 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and
El Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the principal
Philippine dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and cause them to be
distributed, free of charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and
Barrio Councils throughout the country.

Sec. 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred
twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by
public school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.

Sec. 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of
any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this
Act.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

NATIONALISM

Nationalism is a concept that has a very broad and vague meaning. It is a concept
where the meaning lies on how people interpret it on the basis of their experiences
and pre-conceived beliefs. Ideally, it is understood as the feeling of belongingness
which uplifts the spirit of oneness to fellow countrymen and, at the same time,
looking up to a common goal for the nations development. In short, nationalism
is viewed as a basic building block in the attainment of national unity and progress.
Globalization, on the other hand, is a concept whose aim is to unify the peoples of
the world into a single society and function together in a harmonious manner. Its
goal is to involve all nations of the world in international affairs, including trade,
industry, culture and everything that can be exchanged and would benefit
everybody. It promotes homogeneity in all aspects of human lives, thus tends to
eradicate the uniqueness of each nation.

From the beginning, the study of Philippine history has always been thought to be
the vehicle in effectively promoting Filipino nationalism, especially among young
people. In fact, it is a subject that has been mandated for such a purpose, together
with the study of the life and works of Jose Rizal. Yet, more than sixty years have
lapsed since the Philippines was granted its independence but Filipino nationalism
and Filipino unity have remained an aspiration. And, with globalization, cultural
boundaries and national sentiments are gradually eroded.

For many Filipinos, globalization is closely associated with the United States. The
state of affairs in the Philippines is such that nationalism has even become a myth
in many aspects of the lives of the people. Many of them delight in singing
American songs, eating American junk foods, and dreaming of snow and Santa
Claus. Others prefer to speak English, imitate western fashion, envy Filipinos who
have gained American citizenship, desire to see America as a tourist, aspire to
migrate to the Land of Bread and Honey, be influenced by the stateside
mentality, and many more. Many Filipinos even oppose nationalistic legislations
either because they have become the willing servants of foreign interests or
because, in their distorted view, Filipinos cannot progress without the help of
foreign capital and foreign entrepreneurs.

Globalization is undeniably spreading its tentacles widely and influencing

everything it touches. Its manifestations, both in products, technology and cultural
millieu are convincing that almost everybody is aware of its beneficial effects. The
issue, therefore is, how does one deal with globalization in the context of
Philippine nationalism?
At the moment, there is no stopping globalization due to international treaties and
national legislations attached to it. It must also be pointed out that there is no
denying its advantages and benefits. Be that as it may, globalization and its
instruments can be utilized or re-oriented to serve national interests.

First of all, global technology, particularly the cellphones and the internet, can be
used as a medium to promote nationalism among Filipinos around the world. As a
powerful tool, it can be used as an instrument where sentiments and insights about
Philippine nationalism and other topics about the Philippines can be emailed or put
on the web for wider dissemination.

Globalization has also allowed the continuation of old ties regardless of physical
barriers through internet access and other forms of communication. Interesting
essays on Philippine history and culture can be sent to relatives and friends abroad.
This will encourage Filipinos overseas to be reminded of their cultural legacy and
to assert their being Filipinos through continual association with the Philippines.

Schools and the mass media must also do their part. Information on culture
contacts or cultural exchanges should emphasize on the localization or
Filipinization of foreign influences. The Ilonggo batsoy, for example, may have
originated from the Chinese but through time it has essentially been Filipinized.
Or, the fast-food is a foreign concept but was localized through Jolibee which has
become part of the Filipino identity. To instill pride among young Filipinos,
classroom learning, particularly in Philippine history, should stress on the early
explorations and discoveries by Filipinos; the hiring of Filipinos, especially
Ilonggos, as boat-builders, sailors and warriors by the Spanish colonizers; the
determined struggle of the people against foreign colonizers, and many more.
Filipinos who have become famous worldwide as leaders, both in the past and at
present, must be emphasized. This is to prove that Filipinos are not an inferior
race.

With regards to contemporary times, teachers and mass media practitioners should
call attention to the world dominance of Filipino seamen and popular entertainers,
as well as those in sports, as in the case of boxing. Not to be ignored is the subtle
but growing influence of Filipino nannies or domestic helpers on their young
wards.

Globalization may seem to threaten the vague and weak concept of Filipino
nationalism. However, one is consoled by the fact that history shows that
nationalism emerges at some points in the lives of the people, sometimes
unexpectedly. It changes forms and is influenced by different factors, both internal
and external. This is because nationalism can be viewed as a form of human
adaptation. It springs from the need for belongingness (idea of community or
nation) and also for the sake of sharing resources for survival. No matter how
globalization digs into the lives of Filipinos and envelops the whole world, there is
hope that nationalism will find a way to emerge in each individual at evey possible
way anytime.