Teach Bangsamoro history, culture in schools – Angara

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara has filed a bill that mandates the inclusion of Bangsamoro history and culture in the school curriculum.

“Peace stems from an understanding of the multi-cultural nature of Mindanaoans, Christians, Muslims and Lumads alike. Improving such understanding of each other’s historical, social and cultural values lays the foundation for mutual respect and unity in Mindanao,” Angara said yesterday.  

In Senate Bill 2474, Angara said Bangsamoro studies include an understanding of the roots of the conflict between Christians and  Muslims, the appreciation of the various cultures and ethnic identities, support for a broader Mindanao peace process and promotion of intercultural dialogue. 

“Such a curriculum ought to recall and highlight the positive relations among the Muslims, Christians, Lumads and other indigenous peoples in Mindanao, as well as their common origins and other points of commonality,” he said. 

The bill mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to initiate and maintain the programs and consult experts on the Bangsamoro history, culture and identity in the formulation and creation of courses or subjects.

The DepEd and CHED can allow the teaching of Arabic as an elective course, he added. 

“Education is crucial to the peace process in Mindanao. Such a grassroots approach is effective in instilling consciousness and understanding of the Muslim culture, especially for the Christian majority of our country – to possibly eradicate certain biases instilled in the minds of individuals. It is our hope that through these efforts, long-lasting peace will be fully realized,” Angara said.