Bonifacio and the teaching of History

The country recently commemorated the birth of Andres Bonifacio, the Philippines’ foremost revolutionary hero. On this , we reiterate our appeal to the Department of Education (DepEd) to include the teaching of Philippine History in high school curriculum starting school year 2018-2019.

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 taught in first year high school or grade seven, was slashed in favor of Araling Asyano.

But 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.

Critical thinking will be best taught in secondary level. Thus, the teaching of Philippine History, Literature, Arts and Culture should be strengthened in Senior and Junior High school curriculum.

We have discussed this with Secretary Leonor Briones and the she agreed with our opinion. We 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.--

Benjo Basas, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition