The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday disowned a learning module discouraging students from participating in peaceful assemblies or protests.
In a statement, DepEd maintained that it remains as an institution which “upholds our Constitution and believes in the principle of freedom of speech and expression.”
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Oct. 17 expressed concern that a module on Media and Information Literacy supposedly issued by DepEd is discouraging children from participating in peaceful assemblies - such as rallies.
However, DepEd firmly maintained that the module was not issued by the agency. “We would like to clarify that a certain learning module that has gone viral on social media creating an impression that the department discourages students from joining peaceful assemblies is not part of DepEd’s curriculum resources,” the department explained.
Citing the results of its initial investigation, DepEd said that the “module did not pass the conformance review” of the Curriculum and Instruction strand of the Central Office.
Currently, DepEd said that it is “tracing how the material was circulated.” The department is also seeking the assistance of the public to provide additional information on the module in question.
“Any person who can help us accelerate our investigation on this issue may report it to our Public Assistance Action Center,” DepEd said.
Facebook by user David Waya, who is also a member of Rise for Education-Cagayan Valley, first posted the module in question. For an analysis activity, a photo which depicts a rally, is shown along with guide questions.
One guide question asks students: “If given the chance, will you join this rally? Why or why not?” In the corresponding key answer, the correct answer that was given was: “No, because the government has really been doing their best for all the Filipino people and their constituents.”
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia pointed out that “while respect for the law is a good value to teach, it is equally important to develop among our children critical thinking” - especially on issues that affect them.
Like DepEd, de Guia also urged citizens to continue reporting to the education department the “errors found in the learning materials for the benefit of our children, as well as a call for an improvement in our current educational system.”