Palace: DepEd module that discourages students joining rallies are for elementary, high school

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday justified the Department of Education’s (DepEd) module supposedly discouraging joining protests, saying it may only be intended for elementary and high school students.

“Remember, ang DepEd naman po ang supervision niya, elementary and high school. Siguro sinasabi lang ng DepEd, yung mga elementary at high school e siguro wag muna mag-attend ng mga rallies,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

(Remember, DepEd supervises elementary and high school students. Perhaps the DepEd is saying that elementary and high school students should not attend rallies yet.)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) raised concerns about a DepEd module on Media and Information Literacy that had a guide question: “If given the chance, will you join this rally? Why or why not?”

https://www.facebook.com/chrgovph/posts/3235799943203195

The correct answer, as indicated in the module, read: “No, because the government is really doing their best for all the Filipino people and their constituents.”

CHR stressed love for one’s country is not limited to “mere obedience,” adding that teaching critical thinking on issues is as important as teaching respect for the law.

“Well, alam niyo po, that’s already in the Bill of Rights. Of course, ang pinagiingatan lang natin ay yung mga wala pang sapat na pag-iisip, yung mga menor de edad at mga bata,” Roque said, when asked if the government discourages assemblies such as rallies and protests.

(That’s already in the Bill of Rights. We’re just being careful about minors and children.)

Meanwhile, DepEd said it has sought an explanation from its regional office on the learning module in question.

JPV