The Life and Works of Jose Rizal

Metacognitive Reading Report # 1

1. Three (3) Things that I significantly learned from the readings

Upon reading the instructional materials, I have learned that the course, The Life
and Works of Rizal is mandated to take during the college or university years of a student.
The course must be included to all the college curriculum in the Philippines. It is stated in
Republic Act 1425 that all educational institutions situated in the country must offered the
Rizal course wherein it tackles on the life and writings of the National Hero. The main
author of the bill turned law is Senator Claro M. Recto, who believes that the writings of
Rizal would strengthens the patriotic and nationalistic mindset of the Filipino people
especially the youth.

However, understanding thoroughly the readings/ articles, it clearly stated that

Church was opposing the bill in the sense that the writings of Rizal has potential attack to
the religious faith of the Filipino people. Measures have been made by both affirmation
and opposition. The affirmation was sponsored by Senator Laurel while the opposition was
spearheaded by Francisco Rodrigo, former president of Catholic Action and several
clergymen and senators. The opposition believe that implementing the bill could possibly
violates the rights and freedom of the people in their beliefs and religion.

In connection to the second learning, pastoral letters have been made by the
clergymen to addressed the issues and concerns on implementing the Rizal Bill in the
country. According to the opposition, the real intention of his writings is to attack the
Church. Two of the significant novels namely, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
introduced certain ideas on which the Catholic organization had opposing it through then.
It is said that the novel presented the false picture on the society happened before and it
attacked the clergy and the religious organization. Most of the passages contained anti-
Catholic attacks, barely tackles on patriotism and nationalism.

2. Three (3) things that are still unclear to me

Reading the instructional material given, all the historical information related to
Republic Act 1425 and other related resources are clear to me most especially when it
comes to the problems raised during the implementation of the law.

3. I used to think that….

The Republic Act 1425 or the Rizal Law is implemented without any conflict to all
the aspects of the society. I also think that implementing such law is for the sake of knowing
thoroughly who is our National Hero and what are his contributions in the society. Yet,
through the course of reading the instructional materials, it has a vital purpose on why it is
implemented. The bill turned law is an instrument for the Filipino people and the youth to
 know the historical antecedents happened which shaped our society nowadays. The
writings and works of Rizal will spread awareness in the historical background happened
before especially during the colonialism of the other countries, abusive of the power and
the domination of the colony.

4. Three (3) questions that I want to ask about the readings

Upon reading the reading material, I have no questions to ask because almost all
the related ideas and concepts are stated clearly.

5. Personal Insights

Jose Rizal is a representation of patriotism and nationalism. He became an

inspiration to the students because of his intelligence and humbleness. He fought what is
right through his writings and works instead of being aggressive and declaring war. He
uses his intelligence to express his perspective and ideas on the events happened on his
time.

For me, implementing the Rizal Law is a great beneficial especially to my

generation today. Understanding the history is important in order to know the ideals of
freedom and nationalism happened before. The lessons and readings of Rizal contains a
deeper understanding on what is happened before and relate it to the current social and
societal issues in the society. Knowing his life and works is like paying respect to his
dedication and bravery in fighting for the freedom we had today.

Despite of having different belief systems, I still believe that knowing the life and
works of Rizal. The implementation of the Rizal Law undergone several procedures before
it finally became a law. The debate between Sen. Claro M. Recto and Senator Rodrigo is a
proof that people have several perspective and ideas in life. It is essential because it
brought significant and historic change in the country. With Rizal’s famous line, “Ang
Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” the Filipino youth must know these what happened to
the past because those historical antecedents will shape our future. The generation today
becomes the future leaders of tomorrow on which would mold the society for the better.