Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 247)
Republic Act No. 1425 is titled "An Act to Include in the Curricula of All Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities, Course on the Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal, Particularly His Novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Authorizing the Printing and Distribution Thereof and for Other Purposes."
The Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education are directed to fully implement Republic Act No. 1425.
The act requires courses on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
The purpose is to inspire patriotism in the youth during their formative and decisive years in school.
Appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed against the governing body and/or head of any public or private school, college or university found not complying with the law and its implementing rules and instructions.
Within 30 days from the issuance of the order, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education must submit a report to the President of the Philippines on the steps taken to implement the order. Another report on the extent of compliance is required one year thereafter.
The centennial of Rizal's martyrdom in 1996 and the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence two years later.
To inspire outstanding achievements and forward movement toward a greater destiny as the nation enters the 21st century.
Fidel V. Ramos was the President of the Philippines when the order was signed.