As he spent three decades exploring the world and expanding his knowledge and experiences, Rizal could not help but be aware of the Filipino’s educational system
ruled by the Spanish friars.

     His frustrations and appeals for improvement were clearly enunciated in one of his works, La Instrucćion. It mentioned that it was not the Filipino’s ignorance and indifference that they remained at their low level, but the neglection of the Spanish authorities in their rule.
     The following were the observations of Rizal towards the Spanish-administered education systems: 

     First, is the mandated Spanish language that was not understood by the majority of natives. Second, the school’s location and physical condition. Only found in the town, limiting its accessibility.

     The schools were created from Nipa and bamboo, with no access to libraries and other resources.
     Third, the limited context of lessons with only reading, writing, and arithmetic.

     And lastly were how the students were taught. It focuses on memorization, boys are separated from the girls, and there were no skills to enhance problem-solving and mathematics application.

     Besides the criticism of the system, he also sought out methods that can improve it. The usage of the native language must be implemented and the provision for compulsory elementary education in the Philippine Law.

     Overall, the essay tackles the physical education, curriculum methods, and principles of teachings that is distinctly disadvantageous to Filipinos.
     La Instrucćion was not the only work Rizal has written to give dedication to the Filipinos’ education.
     In his famous novel, Noli Me Tangere, the main character Crisostomo Ibarra desires to establish a spacious and modern school, complete with a playground and garden.
     He also wrote a letter of support to the group of women in Malolos that created a petition in establishing a school that was denied by Gen. Weyler. “Ignorance is slavery” He stated as he advocates the necessity of education to his family.