What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name of Dr.

Jose Protacio Rizal

Mercado y Alonzo Realonda? One of the most influential figures in Philippine history? The national hero

of the Philippines? Or the man who awakened countless Filipino people from the abusive behavior of

Spaniards towards Filipino people without using any violence? When I hear the name Jose Protacio Rizal

Mercado y Alonzo Realonda, the first thing that springs to mind is this.

The Rizal Law, Republic Act 1425, stipulates the teaching of Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings.

Senator Jose Laurel, the bill's sponsor, remarked that because Rizal founded Philippine nationalism and

made substantial contributions to the nation's current status, it is only appropriate that the younger

generation, as well as all people, learn about and embrace the great principles for which he sacrificed.

Patriotism stresses proud loyalty and allegiance to one's country, but nationalism denotes a desire for

freedom and political independence, particularly by a country by providing to foreign rule. Jose Rizal's

life, actions, and works, notably his novels, essentially, if not perfectly, reflect these characteristics; or, to

put it another way, the topic helps us better comprehend our nation. Rizal's attitude to life's challenges can

teach him a lot. He encountered severe challenges and predicaments yet responded honorably and

ethically, making him a divisive character in his day. It is really successful in encouraging us students to

be good citizens, and when Dr. Rizal says, "Youth is the Hope of the Fatherland," it stimulates everyone

who hears it to be more responsible and to love our country. It inspires and influences not only students,

but all young people, to be law-abiding citizens who are selfless and socially responsible for the well-

being of the nation.

 Is it realistic to teach the Rizal course given the danger and sensitivity of literature as a means of

communication in nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism? No, in my opinion, because Jose Rizal's

works greatly affected and contributed to the Philippines' current situation. It is only fitting that Filipino

students, teachers, and residents learn about Jose Rizal's brilliant ideas about nationalism, patriotism, and

volunteering. Being patriotic and dedicated to one's country is what allows it to achieve freedom and

independence. Patriotism, on the other hand, refers to love and loyalty to a nation, including a desire to

offer your life in its defense. Finally, volunteering is the intentional act or practice of supporting the

country.
Given that Jose Rizal is considered the father of nationalism, it must be included in the teaching and

learning process. That is why Republic Act 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, mandated that Jose

Rizal's life, works, and writings, notably his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, be taught in

every school. According to Malacañang Order No. 247, Republic Act 1425, in addition to the Rizal Law,

must be fully implemented in all schools in the Philippines. Another document is the Commission of

Higher Education (CHED) No. 3 Memorandum. Jose Rizal's life, works, and writing, notably his two

novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, were mandated to be taught in college courses in 1995.

We may learn about Jose Rizal's life and how he faced a variety of obstacles, which is how the lessons of

Rizal's course help us understand what nationalism, patriotism, and volunteering are. proving your ability

to support your nation without resorting to violence or weaponry Jose Rizal faced numerous tough

decisions and situations during his life, but he always responded honorably and intelligently. He aroused

and kindled Filipino nationalism through his writings. Since their love for their homeland has been

reawakened, most Filipinos are eager to give their lives to free their country from Spanish colonial

tyranny. We may argue that Filipinos demonstrated their patriotism and nationalism on the day of

GomBurZa's death.

Another consideration is literature or written works of art. Numerous authors of various ancestries have

written extensively about the Filipino people's nationalism, patriotism, and voluntarism. As a result, we

cannot guarantee that the material in such works is accurate, trustworthy, or relevant. Because some of the

authors' ideas, views, and concepts were included in the obtained material, it might be exaggerated,

prejudiced, or deficient in information. The fact that Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings are taught in

our country's classrooms is a blessing. Where it teaches us how to support our country without using force

or a weapon. There are also laws and memos in place to ensure that Rizal's life and contributions to

Philippine education are honored.

 The Importance of Literary Criticism in the Study of Rizal's Life and Works Why the importance of

literal criticism? Literary criticism seeks to expand the reader's understanding of an author's work by

summarizing, interpreting, and analyzing it. A critic provides a complete literary analysis after carefully
reading the text, which might either support or dispute the view of another reader. Jose Rizal's

contribution to Philippine independence makes his life an important subject for study. The message's

power and wisdom inspired him to fight for his country. After witnessing his countrymen's ongoing

suffering at the hands of the Spaniards, he sought to put a stop to this tragedy. He wished to further his

studies in order to gain information that he could subsequently pass on to his people through books and

poems. His best-selling novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," put light on the challenges

that genuine Filipinos experienced while living under Spanish rule, as well as the necessity for them to act

forcefully to liberate themselves from oppression. His actions touched a nerve with his countrymen, and

in the end, the people opted to fight for their freedom and rights. Understanding why students are required

to take a Rizal course in college is critical. As part of the general curriculum, Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo are introduced into the Filipino theme for high school students. However, Rizal is a topic

that is required for every course in every institution or college in the Philippines. The Rizal Law of 1425,

often known as the Law of Rizal, requires pupils to learn about Jose Rizal's life, achievements, and works.

Senator Jose P. Laurel, the bill's sponsor, claimed that because Rizal was the creator of Philippine

nationalism and made substantial contributions to the country's current situation, it is only natural that

young people and others learn about and embrace the high ideas to which he dedicated his life. The

following are the purposes of the Rizal Law, which was passed in 1956: The first stage is to reassign

young people's lives to the freedom and patriotic ideas for which our heroes have given their lives. The

second is to recognize our national hero for devoting his life and career to shaping the Filipino character.

The ultimate objective is to become a source of national inspiration through learning about Rizal's life,

deeds, and writings. In addition to the reasons above stated, there are more for teaching the Rizal course

in Philippine schools. The first stage is to understand the relevance of Rizal's thoughts and morality in

light of current social situations and realities. The second purpose is to promote the application of these

principles to real-world societal and personal issues. To have a deeper awareness and understanding of

what Rizal fought for and died for. Finally, to encourage young Filipinos' achievement in all aspects of

citizenship

 The Importance of Literary Criticism in the Study of Rizal's Life and Works The Spanish conquistadors

were challenged, and the equality between the Spanish and the Indians was restored by using some of
Rizal's writings as propaganda. This demonstrated to me how literature has left its imprint on history. His

works contained stories that exemplified Filipino life under the authority of the Spanish priest. His

writings, El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere, had a great effect on the revolution as well. The study

of Rizal's life and works through the prism of literary criticism can assist in preparing young people to be

useful members of society in the long run. It is critical to study his works, especially given that society no

longer values being Filipino. Anyone who reads and thinks about his work has the opportunity to reflect

on the past. It also reminds us to keep connected to our roots.

And if I could deconstruct one of Rizal's written works (both well-known and obscure), what would it be

and how would it relate to analysis and knowledge of nation-building? For me, if I were to select one of

Rizal's writings to analyze, it would be Noli Me Tangere. I'm interested in learning everything I can about

the relationship between knowledge and its true meaning. I'd want to look through it to see if there are

any assumptions in it, as well as if there is anything that has yet to be revealed. I'd want to have a deeper

knowledge of the novel's content as well as how Filipinos lived during the Spanish colonial period. The

books examine Philippine culture and society throughout both colonial and modern times. The books, in

my opinion, correctly represent Dr. Jose Rizal's expectations for the Filipino people of his day, as well as

his anxieties about what the country may become. Noli me Tangere exposes societal problems that are

present in all countries, not simply Spanish-era societies. How brutal the ruling elite is, and how foolish

and powerless the people are. It might now be viewed by dishonest politicians and religious leaders with

links to the friars. El Filibusterismo demonstrates that a revolution driven exclusively by ambition and

revenge, rather than solidarity, would ultimately fail. It is true that the Spaniards harmed Simoun and

Ibarra. This, however, does not indicate that his tactics are legitimate. The story's finale reveals that he

and his objectives fell short. The books have opened my eyes. It's hardly a masterpiece, but it's something

you'd read if you wanted to reflect on the past, learn from it, and figure out how it influenced the present.

We see how societal concerns impact people's moods and their lives in Noli. El Fili illustrates that a fatal

mix of wrath and ambition is ineffective. Through this art, I wish to teach future generations about

historical mistakes. Rizal might not have been able to prevent what was about to happen. But, at the very
least, we, the younger generation, would learn from its mistakes and strive to unite as a nation rather than

separate.

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