NewsFilipino Muslim, indigenous people’s history, culture, identity soon to be taught in schools

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Muslim and indigenous people’s history, culture, and identity will soon be part of the lessons to be taught in Philippine schools.

Congress recently approved the final version of the measure, which will soon be sent to President Benigno Aquino III for his signature and enactment into law.

The House of Representatives adopted the Senate version (Senate Bill 3205 or the Integrated History Act of 2016), which mandates the integration of Filipino-Muslim and indigenous people’s history, culture, and identity in the study of Philippine history in both basic and higher education.

“There is a need to integrate the history, culture, and identify studies of Filipino-Muslims and Indigenous People in the grand narrative of Philippine history,” the bill said.

In the formulation of the curriculum for an “inclusive” and “integrative” study of Philippine history, including the writing, printing, and publication of textbooks and other reading materials relative thereto, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education are tasked to consult recognized experts on Filipino Muslim and indigenous people’s history, culture, and identity.

The Senate measure was authored by Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Loren Legarda, and Pia Cayetano, while the House bill was filed by Deputy Speaker Pangalian Balindong, Reps. Roman Romulo, Evelina Escudero, Mariano Piamonte, Jr., Eulogio Magsaysay, Monique Yazmin Lagdameo, Karlo Alexei Nograles, Anthony del Rosario, and Rufus Rodriguez.