PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino is not satisfied with the way Martial Law history is being taught in schools nowadays.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, which he heads, Sen. Aquino points out the missing details in the books.

He says only the good accounts of the Marcos regime were placed in the textbooks, while omitting stories of torture and deaths during the time.

“We have laws to talk about the atrocities of Martial Law. Are we scared? Are we ashamed of talking about the not-so-good things in history? I think we need to face that so we won’t make the same mistakes in the past,” Sen. Aquino said.

As a self-confessed victim of human rights violations during the Martial Law, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones admits inaccuracies in the history lessons taught to students.

To address this, Briones says the department has already initiated the changes in the curriculum, in textbooks, and even in the way teachers educate pupils.

“It is not only textbooks that should be the source of learning of the youth. There should be supplementary readings and activities in school like events, plays, other activites that will emphasize the teaching of Martial Law,” said. Sec. Briones.

The secretary says the new curriculum will focus on human rights while giving special emphasis to Martial Law.

Under the new curriculum, the concept of human rights will be introduced as early as in 2nd grade.

The topic will also be integrated to other subjects other than Aralin Panlipuan across all levels up to high school.

The changes in the curriculum are expected to be implemented next year.

Sen. Aquino lauds the effort of the DepEd.

He says proper education will give students a better foundation and understanding of our history.

“For me, their foundation on knowing what is right or wrong will be stronger. So, when they come across anything online, they will know which is true and which is not,” said Sen. Aquino. — Joyce Balancio | UNTV News & Rescue

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