The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, Jan. 12, reiterated that Philippine history is being taught in the K to 12 curriculum of basic education.
As one of the vanguards of the nation’s culture, DepEd said that it “will not allow our learners to be robbed of the opportunity to discover our rich heritage.”
DepEd issued this statement following the “recurring misleading and reckless claims” that the current DepEd administration --- led by Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones --- removed Philippine history from the curriculum.
“The stories of inspiring Filipino people and monumental Philippine events will continue to be ingrained in our books and during our classroom and blended learning discussions for years to come,” DepEd said.
The agency also called on stakeholders to be “responsible and vigilant” against misinformation at this time.
PH history in K to 12
DepEd explained that the current version of the Araling Panlipunan (AP) for K to 12 Curriculum was issued in May 2013 following the enactment of Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 of the last administration.
“This was before the assumption to office of the present Secretary of Education in July 2016,” DepEd said.
The current AP curriculum, DepEd said, covers various Philippine history topics across grade levels.
DepEd explained that these topics also serve as take-off points in all discussions relative to Asian Studies, World History, Economics, and Contemporary Issues in Junior High School and Understanding Culture, Society and Politics, and Philippine Politics and Governance in Senior High School.
“Generally, it is highly impossible to discuss the said subjects without even taking into consideration the Philippine historical context,” DepEd said.
Moreover, DepEd said that Philippine history competencies found in the curriculum are covered by textbooks and other learning resources distributed to learners.
“Philippine history and identity are also analyzed and explored through the lens of Philippine Literature both in English and Filipino,” DepEd said.
“Contemporary topics, meanwhile, are being discussed in the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) subject,” it added.
DepEd added that in 2019 --- through DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2019 --- the agency said that it also “integrated pre-existing policies and guidelines on K to 12 program while providing a reference point for ongoing and future review of any of the curriculum’s components.”
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https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/26/teachers-urge-deped-to-restore-ph-history-in-high-school-curriculum/