Tapawan, Ericanel S.

September 28,2018
HRIZALW Bs Architecture

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RIZAL BILL

In 1956, Senator Claro M. Recto filed a measure which became the original RIZAL Bill
recognizing the need to instill heroism among the youth at the time when the country was
experiencing social turmoil. It was the time when the country was being ravaged by the
hukbalahap insurgency. The imperialist presence in the form of American influence was strong in
the country’s economy and political policies.

The communist insurgency became part of the global network to contain the spread of
communism with the conclusion of a mutual defense agreement with the United States in 1951
and its joining the Southeast Asia treaty Organization (SEATO). On the economic front, the US
still reigned supreme with the enforcement of the Bell Trade back in 1947.

Internally the country was buffeted by corrupt party politics and news of political corruption
was rampant. The fifties were indeed confusing times. This was the period when Recto submitted
his bill, calling for a return to patriotic values enunciated by Filipino heroes like Jose Rizal.

Under the bill it shall be obligatory for college and university student to study the life and
works of Jose Rizal. The issuance of the bill was not welcomed by various quarters. The Catholic
Church assailed the Rizal Bill as anti-Church because it forces the students to read Rizal’s works
like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which contain passages that were anti-Church.

REPUBLIC ACT 1425

An act to include in the curricula of all public and private schools, college 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 therof, and for other purposes.

IMPORTANCE OF RIZAL AS PART OF COLLEGE CURRICULUM

It is important to study Rizal’s life ad his writings including other heroes because the
contribution they give to the country is priceless. We the youth know only the little background of
their lives and works and we are already moved, what about id we dig deeper into. Of course we
will learn many lessons and aspirations with their works. The principle of pen is mightier than the
sword.
Tapawan, Ericanel S. September 28,2018
HRIZALW Bs Architecture

DEFINITION OF PATRIOTISM AND NATIONALISM

PATRIOTISM

Patriotism or National pride is the ideology of love, devotion to a homeland, and a sense
of alliance with other citizens who share the same values. Some manifestations of patriotism
emphasize the “land” element in love for one’s native land and play up the symbolism of
agriculture.

NATIONALISM

Nationalism is a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and
placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other
nations or supranational groups.

WHAT MAKES A PERSON A HERO?

The few characteristics of a hero are courage, honesty, ability to try, and selflessness. The
definition of heroism changes with the context of time. Heroes of the past are necessarily heroes
of the present time and vice versa. A hero fights for something they believe in and will risk their
own wellbeing for the cause.