A MILITANT lawmaker yesterday urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of a bill which seeks to mandate the inclusion of Philippine History as a separate subject in the high school curriculum to protect the country’s history from attempts to revise it.
Rep. France Castro (PL, ACT) said the passage of House Bill No. 207 is timely, especially since President Marcos Jr. has directed newly appointed Education Secretary Sonny Angara to focus on teaching Philippine history to students.
“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,” Castro said.
The three-man Makabayan at the House, to which Castro belongs, filed HB 207 on June 30, 2022, the President’s first day in office, to counter the administration’s alleged attempts to revise historical narratives, particularly stories about the dark days of martial rule under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the President’s father.
Castro emphasized the importance of having Philippine History as a standalone subject “in the face of historical revisionism and the spread of misinformation.”
“History is not ‘pagma-marites’ 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,” Castro said. “We’ve seen attempts to distort our history, 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.”
Castro asked both the legislative and executive branches to work together in this endeavor. “The House should fast track HB 207, while DepEd should ensure its proper implementation. Together, we can preserve the integrity of our national narrative for generations to come,” she said.
“We urge the House leadership to prioritize this bill. It’s not just about fulfilling a presidential directive; it’s about equipping our youth with the knowledge they need to become critical thinkers and informed citizens. Let’s seize this opportunity to strengthen the teaching of Philippine history in our schools,” she added.
