THE Department of Education has amended one of the terms in the “Panatang Makabayan” on the recommendation of experts and linguists.
The amendment was contained in DepEd Order No. 4 dated February 14 and signed by Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
Under the order, the word “nagdarasal” in the Panatang Makabayan was replaced by “nananalangin.”
According to DepEd, the Linguistic Society of the Philippines found the use of “nananalangin” as “well-written and sufficiently rationalized,” while the Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino also agreed with its use as it is “more inclusive, more solemn, well thought of and extensively researched.”
It added that the Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University had a different opinion but expressed support for the final decision of the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT).
“With these consultations, the OUCT recommended that “nananalangin” be used instead of “nagdarasal” primarily because “nananalangin” is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog,” the DepEd said.
“Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specify religion, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief system,” it added.
The DepEd said focal persons representing the indigenous cultural communities and Muslim communities explained that “dalangin” and its equivalents may be more preferred than “dasal” since the former is more spiritual and universal.
“Finally, based on the data provided by the Philippine Bible Society, native words are preferred when (the) Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages,” the DepEd said.
Panatang Makabayan is usually recited during flag-raising ceremonies, during classes, and as part of the daily school activity programs in all public and private schools and DepEd offices nationwide.
Under Republic Act 1265, or the Act Making Flag Ceremony Compulsory in all Education Institutions, the DepEd secretary has the authority to issue rules and regulations regarding the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.
Likewise, RA 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, also gave the DepEd chief the authority to issue orders on the observance of flag ceremony for primary and secondary schools and other institutions of learning.
