The passage of the Rizal Law (Republic Act No. 1425) aimed to combat or counteract the diminishing sense of nationalism and patriotism among Filipinos, especially the youth. It sought to rekindle Filipino pride and identity by mandating the study of José Rizal's life, works, and writings, which embody the ideals of freedom, nationalism, and civic responsibility for which Rizal and other heroes lived and died
. Specifically, the law targeted attitudes of complacency or neglect toward Filipino heritage and history, which had been overshadowed by foreign influences and the strong presence of the Catholic Church. The Church opposed the law mainly because Rizal's novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo contained critiques of clerical abuses, which challenged the Church's authority and influence
. Thus, the Rizal Law aimed to:
- Instill a renewed sense of nationalism and patriotism in Filipinos by educating them about Rizal's contributions and the country's struggle for independence
- Encourage critical reflection on societal issues through Rizal's works, promoting moral character, civic consciousness, and a commitment to national ideals
- Counteract the erosion of Filipino identity by fostering pride in the nation's history and heroes
In summary, the Rizal Law was designed to combat apathy, ignorance, and the diminishing nationalistic spirit among Filipinos by making the study of Rizal's life and writings a compulsory part of the educational curriculum, thereby strengthening Filipino values of patriotism and national pride
