Children watch as members of the Phil. Navy held Monday morning’s flag ceremony at the PAG-ASA island, one of the nine island stations in the West Philippine Sea. (File photo from INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)
MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of the House of Representatives should expedite the passage of a bill mandating the inclusion of Philippine History as a separate subject in the high school curriculum.
This move is meant to ensure that the subject is not revised.
These statements came from House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro on Sunday.
She made the call after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed newly-appointed Education Secretary Sonny Angara to focus on teaching the subject to students.
READ: Marcos orders more focus on PH history education
“President Marcos Jr.’s directive to Secretary Angara underscores the urgent need to pass House Bill (HB) 207,” Castro said.
“If we are serious about teaching our youth accurate and comprehensive Philippine history, we must ensure that it is given proper attention in our curriculum,” she noted.
“History is not ‘pagma-marites’ or mere gossip. It is a scientific discipline that requires rigorous study and fact-checking,” she said.
“By fast-tracking HB 207, we can safeguard our history from being revised or filled with fake news,” the lawmaker added.
The lawmaker likewise pointed out recent alleged attempts to distort the country’s historical narratives, especially during the term of the current chief executive’s father, former President Marcos Sr.
“This bill is crucial in ensuring that our students learn the truth about our past and understand its implications for our present and future,” Castro said.
“We urge the House leadership to prioritize this bill,” she asked the House leadership.
“It’s not just about fulfilling a presidential directive. It’s about equipping our youth with the knowledge they need to become critical thinkers and informed citizens,” she stressed.
Marcos made the directive last week as he observed that children’s workbooks contain little information about the country’s history.
Based on reports, the teaching of Philippine history stopped at Grade 6 during the time of former Education Secretary Leonor Briones.
It was replaced by Asian history in Grade 7, world history in Grade 8, economics in Grade 9, and contemporary issues in Grade 10.