The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has raised concerns over the alleged Department of Education (DepEd) modules discouraging children from joining peaceful assemblies, such as rallies.
CHR noted that a module on Media and Information and Literacy allegedly came from the DepEd, "because the government is doing its best for all Filipinos and its constituents."
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that while respect for the law is a good value to teach, "it is equally important to develop among our children critical thinking, especially when it comes to issues that affect us, not only personally, but as well as those national in scope."
"Love for one’s country is not limited to mere obedience, but can also be manifested through collectively tackling issues of our communities and the country under the guidance of rights entitled to us and protected by the Constitution, including the people’s right to freedom of speech, of expression, the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and petition the government for redress of grievances," de Guia pointed out.
She also stressed that "our current freedoms that we enjoy today are fruits of past struggles."
"Instead of discouraging dissent, it would be better to demand better services and accountability from the government and its officials as part of their duty to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of all," she said.
At the same time, De Guia encouraged Filipinos to continue to report to DepEd errors found in the learning materials.
This is for the benefit of our children, as well as a call for an improvement in our current educational system, she added.