DepEd amends ‘Panatang Makabayan’

Policemen, medical, security and essential frontliners join the parade of colors and flag hoisting ceremony at SM City Masinag in Antipolo in celebration of the 123rd Philippine Independence Day, June 12. Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has amended one of the terms in the national pledge “Panatang Makabayan,” following the recommendation of experts and linguists.

Under Department Order No. 4, which was issued on Tuesday, the word in “nagdarasal” was replaced by “nananalangin.”

According to DepEd, experts and linguists said the word “nananalangin” was found to be “well-written, sufficiently rationalized, more inclusive, more solemn,  well thought of and extensively researched.”

Meanwhile, focal persons representing the indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples and the individuals belonging to Muslim and Moro communities, said “dalangin” may be more preferred since it is “more spiritual and universal.”

“With these consultations, OUCT (Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching) recommended that nananalangin be used instead of nagdarasal primarily because the ‘nanalangin’ is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog,” the DepEd order read.

“Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specify religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems,” it added.

Panatang Makabayan is usually recited during flag-raising ceremonies, during classes, and part of the  daily school activity program in all public and private schools and DepEd Offices.

The order cited Republic Act No. 1265 which gives the Secretary of Education authority to issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.

Moreover, RA 8491 authorizes DepEd to issue orders on the observance of the flag ceremony for primary and secondary schools and other institutions of learning.

JMS