Implementing RA 1425 on Rizal's Life and Works

Memorandum Order No. 247 is issued pursuant to the President’s powers vested by law to direct implementation of Republic Act No. 1425.
Memorandum Order No. 247 expressly anchors its directives on Republic Act No. 1425, which requires inclusion in school curricula of a course on the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Memorandum Order No. 247 emphasizes that the required Rizal course is meant to be “a constant and inspiring source of patriotism” during the youth’s formative and decisive years.
Memorandum Order No. 247 directs officials to “fully implement” the letter, intent and spirit of Republic Act No. 1425.
Memorandum Order No. 247 links implementation to national commemorations, specifically the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom in 1996 and, two years thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

Memorandum Order No. 247 covers both public and private schools, colleges, and universities.
Memorandum Order No. 247 requires attention to compliance across all levels of education covered by Republic Act No. 1425.
Memorandum Order No. 247 applies to governing bodies and heads of public and private educational institutions that may be found not complying.

The Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education must take steps to immediately and fully implement Republic Act No. 1425.
The Secretary and the Chairman must implement the letter, intent and spirit of Republic Act No. 1425, including its curriculum requirements for Rizal’s life, works, and writings, particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
If necessary, Memorandum Order No. 247 authorizes the imposition of appropriate disciplinary action against the governing body and/or head of any non-complying public or private school, college, or university.

Within thirty (30) days from issuance of Memorandum Order No. 247, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education must jointly submit to the President a report on the steps they have taken to implement Republic Act No. 1425.
One (1) year thereafter, they must submit another report on the extent of compliance by both public and private schools in all levels with the provisions of Republic Act No. 1425.