DepEd adopts Tony Blair religious literacy program

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday signed an agreement with Philippine education officials for the adoption of his foundation’s religious literacy program that aims to teach school children inter-faith and intercultural dialogue.

The program, part of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation initiative, will integrate lessons on peace-building in schools “with a history of religious conflict.”

Called the “Face to Faith,” the program “will give young people the opportunity to learn key skills needed for dialogue and engagement between students of different faith and cultural traditions.”

The Philippines is the 17th country to adopt the Blair initiative.

“We see the Face to Faith program as a chance to enlighten our minds and set it free from ignorance and prejudice. I believe education can be a good starting point to bring about a culture of peace in a world that is continuously being buffeted by religious and social intolerance,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro in a statement.