President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told incoming Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara to simplify the educational curriculum and prioritize teaching Philippine history to students.
In a media interview in Sulu on Friday, July 5, Marcos wants the learners to grasp fundamental concepts effectively while understanding the nation’s past to shape its future.
“The one thing I asked of him was to please teach our children Philippine history. I have seen my children’s workbooks and there is very little said about the history of the Philippines. That, for me, is so important for the simple reason that is what forms our identity,” Marcos said.
Marcos also underscored the significance of understanding historical context in shaping the nation’s identity and values. He believes that a strong grasp of Philippine history is essential for the youth to appreciate and understand their cultural heritage and societal behavior.
During former education secretary Leonor Briones’s tenure, the instruction of Philippine history ceased after Grade 6. Instead, the curriculum for subsequent grades included Asian history in Grade 7, World History in Grade 8, economics in Grade 9, and contemporary issues in Grade 10.
In addition to emphasizing history, President Marcos pointed out the need to streamline and simplify the curriculum to focus on fundamental skills and knowledge.
“We will also simplify the curriculum so that we go back to make sure everybody understands the basics,” he added. “At saka yung mga simple na mathematics na exam hindi nila kaya gawin. So yan ang kailangan talaga, basics. We have to go back to basics.” (TCSP)
