TDC hails Andres Bonifacio, asks DEPED to strengthen Philippine History High School

TODAY, as the country commemorates the birth of Andres Bonifacio, the Philippines’ foremost revolutionary hero, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) again made an appeal to the Department of Education (DepEd) to include the teaching of Philippine History in high school curriculum starting school year 2018-2019.

“This day is very significant and should be remembered by the young people with passion. For in this day in 1863, a great man who in the future will lead the revolutionary war against Spain that eventually gave us freedom after three centuries of servitude was born.” Said Benjo Basas the group’s national chairperson.

Basas said that since 2014, the second year of implementation of the K-12 program, the DepEd removed the teaching of Philippine History in secondary schools. Under DepEd Order No. 20, s. 2014, Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas which was previously taught in first year high school or grade seven, was slashed in favor of Araling Asyano.

“We should be forever grateful, as a nation, to our heroes who fought for our freedom. This is our collective pride as a people, and our educational and cultural institutions are tasked to keep this pride and pass it on to generations.” Basas who is also History major added.

The group said that conformity to ‘world standard’ should not mean that the ‘Philippine education will just cater to the policies under the global economic system where the cost of labor becomes cheaper and the national identity becomes unnecessary.’

“It is the youth, the Filipino young learners who will eventually inherit this nation. They might forget about their glorious past and distinct national character and identity in guise of being globally competitive. We believe that in order to be really globally competitive, a nation should preserve and be proud of its patrimony. After all, our constitution mandates that public education shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism.” Basas lamented.

The group said that critical thinking will be best taught in secondary evel. Thus, they said that teaching of Philippine History, Literature, Arts and Culture should be strengthened in Senior and Junior High school curriculum. The group had discussed this appeal personally to Sec. Leoneor Briones and the she agrees on the TDC’s opinion.

“We will remind the Secretary on her commitment and we hope that by school year 2018-2019, Philippine History will regain its rightful place in high school curriculum.” Basas ended

Reference: Benjo Basas, national chairperson, 0927-3356375/ 0999-9744612

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