By Merlina Hernando-Malipot The Department of Education (DepEd) has found itself under fire for allegedly “allowing” reference materials which contain information that supposedly teach learners racism, sexism, and outright discrimination – among others. Photos of textbooks allegedly being used by students have gone viral for its “inappropriate” content. A photo of a supposedly DepEd-approved textbook was shared by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña in his Facebook page dated last January 30. The text in the said photo was being criticized for implying that Western features of women were “better” than that of Filipinas. In his post, Osmeña said: “This is the homework of my friend’s grandchild. This is both hilarious and sad, and should be brought to DepEd’s attention.” The page in the yet to be identified reference material is about members of the family where the youngest child named “Risa,” who was being praised for having features “unlike most Filipinos.” “Unlike most Filipinos, she has curly hair that makes her more beautiful. She looks like a mestiza with her pointed nose and white fair skin,” read the controversial page from a textbook. Another photo of an alleged DepEd textbook had also drawn angry reaction from netizens – particularly from women. In a photo in that book, women were being described in a riddle as “sagisag ng kahinaan” (symbol of weakness) – among others. The text read: “Sagisag ng kahinaan, puri ang kayamanan, hinhin ang katangian at ganda ang puhunan. Buhay na hiram lamang pinagmulan ng sangkatauhan.” Netizens questioned why DepEd allowed these kind of reference materials to be used by students. Both in Facebook and Twitter, netizens expressed disappointment as they called the attention of DepEd, particularly Secretary Leonor Briones, to address the controversial materials.