Art by Jun Vince Dizon
The study of the past is both a daunting and noble endeavor. It involves a critical revisiting of the events that transpired a long time ago where the people of today could hardly imagine.
What makes this pursuit more daring is how it is defenseless per se against those who see it as futile and those purveyors of falsehood with their selfish narratives and treacherous propaganda. Fortunately, it has found its most loyal disciples. The defenders continue to rally and march forward, attempting to rescue and restore the sanctity of historical truth.
In the midst of all attempts to discredit the significance of Philippine History as a dedicated subject, the defenders—taking the form of a movement consisting of teachers, students, and professionals—joined the fray.
They call themselves the High School Philippine History Movement, a non-partisan and independent movement that advocates the return of Philippine History as a dedicated subject in high school in Araling Panlipunan.
The group was borne out of the frustration of educators when their established field and subject was abruptly shortchanged as it was stripped off of its substantial value. The movement longs for the reimposition of the subject’s deserved attention and respect as they believe that the subject espouses important tenets such as nationalism and critical thinking.
Mr. Jamaico D. Ignacio, the President of the High School Philippine History Movement, presented the Movement’s advocacy which aims to re-elevate Philippine History to its former glory, giving leverage to the fight against historical distortions.
Philippine History subject before K-12
Mr. Ignacio started his presentation by narrating the origins of Philippine History in the Philippine Education System.
“Ever since the American colonial era, matagal na pong tinuturo ang Philippine History sa high school level,” he said.
In support of this claim, he presented an image showing an illustration of a secondary public school curriculum containing Philippine History as early as 1904.
He then further claimed that Philippine History was used to be taught at the secondary level since, at this age, teenagers developed “consciousness,” which molds the more profound appreciation and critical thinking on the concept of nationhood and our history.
“And for the longest of time, Philippine History has been taught from the American era, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 2000s, matagal na panahon naituturo ang Philippine History sa secondary level at nandun ang kanyang katuturan… at ang pagkahubog ng ating pagka-Pilipino,” he added as he reinforced the subject’s significance having history itself as a witness.
But a lot of things change, back in 2012-2013
In a sudden change of tune, the President expressed these words with a subtle hint of exasperation as he narrated how the legislation of the K-12 curriculum under the Aquino administration changed everything.
Department of Education Order No. 20, 2014 was led by then DepEd secretary Armin Luistro which successfully implemented the K-12 curriculum, removing Philippine History from the secondary level.
The removal was radical as it was the first time in seventy years in the Philippine education system that the subject per se was slowly discarded as a dedicated subject at the secondary level.
“Nung inanunsiyo yun, yung slow transitioning out of Philippine History sa High School Araling Panlipunan, I can clearly remember that nafrustrate, nalungkot, nagalit ang mga Araling Panlipunan teachers na ilang dekada na nagtuturo ng Philippine History sa high school,” he said as he expressed the sentiment of his peers rooting from their collective discontent and disbelief on the new policy.
They believe with conviction that the scheme of the new education curriculum prevents the deepening of knowledge and understanding of Philippine History.
What the Movement Fights for
Moving forward, the Movement believes that the Department of Education made a policy mistake.
“We respectfully, but strongly disagree with this specific DepEd stance, and our stance is ay dapat maibalik ang pagturo ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas sa high school dahil makakatulong ito hindi lang upang palalimin ang pagiging makabayan o nasyonalismo but more importantly… isang magandang instrument siya upang palakasin ang ating critical thinking skill,” he said as the President summarizes the overall advocacy of the Movement he is heading.
The Movement envisions an education system that is viable and that nurtures a deeper appreciation of historical thought. They believe that it is only then that the youth will develop the capacity to fend off against any attempts to historical distortions and revisionism.
The time of bolos, itaks, and handguns were things of the past. Today’s modern nationalists resurface with a different façade and arsenal. Here they are, armed with grit, vision, and passion for things we call ours—defending truth, defending our history.
댓글