Senator Robin Padilla has filed Senate Bill No. 605 seeking to reinstate Philippine History as a standalone core subject in the high school curriculum, arguing that the current “fragmented” approach under the K to 12 program undermines the nationalistic foundation of students.
The Department of Education’s reforms in 2024 removed Philippine History as a dedicated subject, merging it into the broader Araling Panlipunan framework. As a result, intensive instruction on the nation’s history ends at Grade 6.
Padilla stressed that a comprehensive and continuous study of history is vital for shaping responsible citizens.
“Hindi natin maaaring iasa lamang sa pira-pirasong talakayan ang kasaysayan ng ating bansa. Kailangan itong ituro nang buo, malinaw, at may lalim upang maunawaan ng kabataan kung sino sila bilang Pilipino.”
The proposed measure envisions a curriculum covering the pre-colonial era up to contemporary times. Among its key features are:
- Inclusive Narratives: Mandatory inclusion of Bangsamoro and Indigenous Peoples’ histories.
- Cultural Focus: Emphasis on local history, national identity, and cultural heritage.
- Critical Thinking: Encouraging analysis and discourse over rote memorization.
- Continuous Learning: Extending history education into later grade levels when students are more socially aware and critical.
Padilla warned that limiting history instruction to younger students prevents them from engaging with the subject through a mature lens.
“Hindi sapat na sa murang edad lang nila nakikilala ang kasaysayan. Dapat itong patuloy na hinuhubog habang sila ay mas nagiging mulat at kritikal mag-isip. Kung hindi natin kilala ang ating pinanggalingan, paano natin maipagtatanggol ang ating kinabukasan?”
He further cautioned that weakening historical education risks eroding the country’s collective memory and identity.
“Kapag nawala sa atin ang kaalaman sa ating kasaysayan, unti-unti ring nawawala ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang bansa. Panahon na para ibalik ito sa sentro ng edukasyon.”