Research from the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FPPC) found that there are "gaps" in the Araling Panlipunan textbooks used by Grade 5 and 6 when discussing the Marcos administration.

The group of historians, led by FPPC Trustee Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, said Araling Panlipunan textbooks could have allocated more space for the Marcos administration given its two-decade rule.

They noted that the additional space could have been used to discuss "overlooked" topics such as the ratification of the 1973 Constitution and could also extend its discussion of key topics including the communist insurgency, the imposition of Martial Law, and the 1980s economic crisis.

The researchers also reported that Araling Panlipunan textbooks "suffer from a lack of economic data."

Moreover, the researchers also highlighted the emphasis on rote memorization in the teaching of the subject, adding that it restricts students from developing critical thinking skills which can be applied when presented with information online.

Various studies affirmed that critical thinking is associated with the ability to identify facts between fiction.

'Their results suggest that we are more likely to fall victim to fake news when we do not practice critical thinking. However, critical thinking can be limited by our prior knowledge. When we operate under a set of false, distorted, or incomplete information, the practice of critical thinking will have limited impact on our ability to discern," the researchers said.

"The state of Araling Panlipunan is relevant in our effort to equip netizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to process information online," they added.

Additionally, the researchers stressed that the education sector is "primarily responsible for developing critical thinking."

"Media, private sector, and civil society can alter the landscape and make it easier for netizens to locate verified information and spot statements that require judgment. As producers, we must also hold ourselves accountable to the information we share," they underscored.

"The same critical thinking skills that we apply when discerning information can be used when producing information. Misinformation will thrive only if society allows it."

READ MORE: Martial Law topic occupies 'fairly limited' space in textbooks — educator