QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 247)
Memorandum Order No. 247 is issued by the President (Fidel V. Ramos) to direct the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to fully implement Republic Act No. 1425, which mandates inclusion of courses on Jose Rizal’s life, works, and writings (especially Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo) in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges, and universities.
R.A. 1425 requires that all public and private schools, colleges, and universities include in their curricula a course on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
The Memorandum Order directs the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports (now within the Department of Education) and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
They must take steps to immediately and fully implement the letter, intent, and spirit of R.A. 1425, including ensuring compliance by public and private schools and imposing disciplinary action when necessary.
Appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed, if necessary, against the governing body and/or head of any public or private school, college, or university found not complying with R.A. 1425 and related rules, regulations, orders, and instructions.
It instructs the implementing agencies not only to follow the literal text of the law but also to carry out its underlying objectives—strengthening patriotism among youth through Rizal studies—consistent with the law’s purpose.
It frames Rizal studies as a formative patriotism-building tool for youth. This helps clarify that compliance is not merely nominal; schools should teach Rizal in a manner consistent with fostering patriotism during students’ formative years.
The Order references the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom in 1996 and, two years thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. It argues these milestones require rekindling patriotic fervor, making Rizal studies urgent.
Within thirty (30) days from the issuance of the Memorandum Order, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the CHED Chairman must jointly submit to the President a report on steps taken to implement R.A. 1425.
One (1) year after the Memorandum Order, they must submit another report on the extent of compliance by both public and private schools at all levels with the provisions of R.A. 1425.
It takes effect immediately after its issuance.
It applies to both public and private schools, colleges, and universities, in all levels, because R.A. 1425 likewise covers both sectors and the Order directs enforcement across both.
It illustrates the President’s power of executive control and supervision over implementation of laws through administrative agencies, including issuance of directives to ensure compliance with statutes and implementing regulations.
It uses Dr. Rizal’s statement to reinforce the educational mandate: schools are instrumental in shaping national identity and future citizens; therefore, Rizal studies are essential and should be prioritized and enforced.
Based on the Order’s reference to R.A. 1425 and the requirement of particular emphasis on Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, a course that omits these would likely fail to satisfy the statutory requirement, triggering possible enforcement and disciplinary action as described in the Memorandum Order.
Non-compliance that is found by the implementing agencies—specifically a failure to comply with R.A. 1425 as well as the rules, regulations, orders, and instructions issued pursuant to it.