By: Nino Aclan

To  make sure Filipino youths learn the values promoted by national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla is urging the Department of Education, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to formulate an “enhanced Rizal program” to be integrated in the basic education curriculum.

Padilla filed on Monday Senate Resolution 1067, seeking such an enhanced program, to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and the duties of citizenship.

“Rizal’s example from over a century ago demonstrates the relevance of his teachings to today’s youth: even in the face of adversity, it is not impossible for the young Filipinos to pursue their goals and become passionate about learning, as long as they remain focused and put in a lot of effort to attain their dreams,” he said.

“It is without a doubt that the life, works and writings of Rizal has gained recognition as vital sources of sense of patriotism and nationalism to our people, especially to our youth,” he added.

According to Padilla, Rizal is a significant figure in the nation’s history, and his life’s legacy through his literary works continue to serve as an inspiration to generations of Filipinos.

Rizal’s poem “To the Filipino Youth” highlighted the role and capability of the youth in shaping the future of our Motherland, and urged them to use their capabilities, talents and skills to serve those in need, he added.

Currently, Padilla noted Rizal’s values extolling untarnished love of country is included in subjects in Grade I to VI. His works “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” are required reading in the third and fourth years in high school.

“There is a need for the Department of Education, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to formulate an enhanced program about Rizal’s life, novels, poems, anecdotes, and all other literary works, including those written abroad, to be incorporated as part of the basic education curriculum,” he said.