Representative Pangalian Balindong. Congress.gov.ph PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A House of Representatives panel has approved for plenary debate a bill for a Moro history, culture and identity studies as an elective subject in the higher education curriculum.
Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, called House Bill 4832 “timely” in light of the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The bill, authored by Deputy Speaker Pangalian Balindong, requires all tertiary educational institutions to offer Moro history, culture and identity studies as an elective subject.
The bill wants schools to highlight the positive relationship between Muslims and Christians.
“While Filipino and Muslim cultures may have differences, it is a fact that they are bound by a common heritage, the land they call Philippines, and they have a lot in common, on top of which, is the clamor for peace,” Balindong said.
According to the bill, schools should consult experts on Moro History, Culture and Identity course, as well as resource persons on the Mindanao peace process and Muslim-Christian dialogue.
The elective course also seeks to discuss the “Mindanao problem” and the “Moro problem,” as well as the roots of the conflict.
The co-authors of the bill are Reps. Romulo, Evelina G. Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), Mariano U. Piamonte (Party List, A TEACHER), Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Eulogio R. Magsaysay (Party List, AVE), Monique Yazmin Q. Lagdameo (1st District, Makati City), Karlo Alexei B. Nograles (1st District, Davao City), and Anthony G. del Rosario (1st District, Davao del Norte).
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