OPAPRU signs pact with learning agencies to institutionalize peace education
(Photo: OPAPRU)
Learners will soon be introduced to peace lessons as part of their regular studies as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to integrate peace education into the country’s learning framework.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. inked the MOU with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez during the fourth National Peace Education Summit in Taguig City on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Galvez Jr. said peace education will serve as a blueprint for building inclusive and tolerant communities as he emphasized that "investing in education is also an investment in peace."
“By strengthening the foundations of peace education and making it an integral part of our peace journey, we are planting the culture of peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity into the hearts and minds of our youth who will one day become our nation’s leaders,” he said.
“This will ensure that future generations of Filipinos will grow up in a peaceful, kind, and loving society,” the peace adviser added.
Under the MOU, the four government agencies committed to working together in the areas of policy and program development, capacity development, curriculum and resource development, data research and knowledge sharing, and advocacy and social mobilization.
Angara emphasized that the power of education goes beyond the transfer of knowledge as it has the ability to nurture peace, especially in communities affected by conflict.
He noted that the institutionalization of peace education is a proactive measure by the national government to prevent abuse, violence, and the broader consequences of war across the country.
“Education is more than just transferring knowledge; it is a catalyst for peace in our communities. Dahil dito, isinama ng DepEd ang peace education components sa binagong K to 10 curriculum (Because of this, the DepEd has included peace education components in the revised K to 10 curriculum),” he revealed.
He explained that the peace education components are integrated into subjects such as Makabansa, Araling Panlipunan, Science, Physical Education and Health, Values Education, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC).