Palace: DepEd module that discourages joining rallies not part of curriculum

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang and the Department of Education (DepEd) have disowned the learning modules discouraging students from joining protests, clarifying that these are not being used in schools.

“Tungkol po sa module na nagdi-discourage sa mga mag-aaral na sumali sa mga peaceful assemblies, hindi naman po pala ito pumasa sa conformance review ng curriculum and instructions strand ng [DepEd] central office,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday in an online briefing.

(Regarding the modules discouraging students from joining peaceful assemblies, these did not pass the conformance review of the Curriculum and Instruction strand of the central office.)

“Hindi po ginagamit yung module na yan,” he added.

(That is not being used.)

Roque said this even as he earlier justified that the module was only intended to caution elementary and high school students from joining rallies.

In a statement, DepEd likewise, made it clear that the learning module is not part of its curriculum resources.

“The Department of Education, as an institution, upholds our Constitution and believes in the principle of freedom of speech and expression,” it said.

The said learning module, which went viral on social media, had a guide question: “If given the chance, will you join this rally? Why or why not?”

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.”

JPV