WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 1425 approved on June 12, 1956, directs all schools, colleges and universities, public and private, to include in their curricula, courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which "are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with the minds of the youth, especially during their formative and decisive years in school should be suffused;"

WHEREAS, according to Dr. Rizal, "the school is the book in which is written the future of the nation;"

WHEREAS, majority of our schools, colleges and universities, both public and private, have not given Rizal's life, works and writings the attention and importance that these deserve;

WHEREAS, in 1996, the Filipino people will commemorate the centennial of Rizal's martyrdom and, two years thereafter, the centennial of the Declaration of Philippine Independence; and

WHEREAS, as we prepare to celebrate these watershed events in our history, it is necessary to rekindle in the heart of every Filipino, especially the youth, the same patriotic fervor that one galvanized our forebears to outstanding achievements so we can move forward together toward a greater destiny as we enter the 21st century.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, hereby direct the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education to take steps to immediately and fully implement the letter, intent and spirit of Republic Act No. 1425 and to impose, should it be necessary, appropriate disciplinary action against the governing body and/or head of any public or private school, college or university found not complying with said law and the rules, regulations, orders and instructions issued pursuant thereto.

Within thirty (30) days from issuance hereof, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education are hereby directed to jointly submit to the President of the Philippines a report on the steps they have taken to implement this Memorandum Order, and one (1) year thereafter, another report on the extent of compliance by both public and private schools in all levels with the provisions of R.A. No. 1425.

This Memorandum Order takes effect immediately after its issuance.

Adopted: 26 Dec. 1994

(SGD.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President