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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'History is not pagma-marites': Castro bats for revival of Philippine history as separate subject

'History is not pagma-marites': Castro bats for revival of Philippine history as separate subject

Published Jul 7, 2024 07:48 am

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has renewed her push for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 207, which aims to restore Philippine History as a separate subject in the high school curriculum. 

070119_CLASSROOM-JUNIORHIGH_06_riodeluvio.jpg(Rio Deluvio/MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has renewed her push for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 207, which aims to restore Philippine History as a separate subject in the high school curriculum. 

Castro made this appeal following President Marcos' directive to incoming Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara to reinforce the teaching of Philippine history to students. 

"President Marcos Jr.'s directive to Secretary Angara underscores the urgent need to pass House Bill 207," she said in a statement on Sunday, July 7.

The militant lawmaker stressed that having Philippine history as a stand-alone subject is an important move in the face of historical revisionism and the spread of misinformation.

"History is not 'pagmamarites' or mere gossip. It is a scientific discipline that requires rigorous study and fact-checking. By fast-tracking HB 207, we can safeguard our history from being revised or filled with fake news,” she added.

As cited in the bill, Philippine history was removed from the curriculum of high school students in 2014 as part of the “education reforms” under the K to 12 program. 

Then-DepEd secretary Leonor Briones explained that the subject was removed because “discussions of events in Philippine history are naturally integrated in several subjects”.

"If we are serious about teaching our youth accurate and comprehensive Philippine history, we must ensure that it is given proper attention in our curriculum,” noted Castro.

The Makabayan bloc member said the bill’s passage is even more urgent following attempts to distort historical narratives “particularly the events during the Marcos Sr. era”.

“This bill is crucial in ensuring that our students learn the truth about our past and understand its implications for our present and future,” she said.

With this, Castro has strongly urged the House of Representatives to prioritize this measure—not just to fulfill a presidential directive—but to equip the youth with the knowledge they need to become critical thinkers and informed citizens.

She also called on both the legislative and executive branches to work together in this endeavor.

"Let's seize this opportunity to strengthen the teaching of Philippine history in our schools. The House should fast track HB 207, while DepEd should ensure its proper implementation,” she said. 

“Together, we can preserve the integrity of our national narrative for generations to come,” she continued.

Related Tags

Philippine history Department of education (DepEd) FRANCE CASTRO
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