A lawmaker is unsure about the Department of Education’s suggestion to include the West Philippine Sea island dispute in the curriculum for grade 10.
Kabataan party list Rep. Raoul Danniel Manuel, requested the agency to handle such matters “in sync and thoroughly.”
“While we recognize the good intentions to teach topics like the West Philippine Sea [and] the arbitral award, pero ituturo kasi ‘yan sa Grade 10 (that would be taught in Grade 10,)” he told “Rundown”.
“Before students can truly appreciate the value of the Hague ruling and of course, how to defend our territory, kailangan ‘yung basics din talaga ay okay (the basics should be okay).”
In order for pupils to better understand current concerns like the West Philippine Sea dispute, Manuel believes that it is also necessary to study the nation’s history and constitution with them.
“On our part, we are issuing an appeal to the Department of Education na sana ‘yung ating mga historians would have a say,” he said.
“Mapakinggan ‘yung kanilang recommendations lalo’t na kapag kasaysayan ‘yung pinag-uusapan at paano ‘yan ia-apply sa current context ng ating bansa.”
The draft curriculum has also been modified to incorporate lessons on effects of the pandemic, climate change, gender discrimination, and same-sex union.
Human rights concerns including red-tagging, trolling, extrajudicial killings, and even voter education may be covered in class.
