ANGARA WANTS BANGSAMORO STUDIES IN SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE LASTING PEACE IN MINDANAO
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| Sen. “Sonny” Angara explain Senate Bill No. 2474 during their regular session recently held at Senate Plenary Hall. |
by: Al Maradz Madale
Manila-Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara has filed a
bill seeking to include Bangsamoro studies in curriculum of Philippine
education system, to promote lasting peace in Mindanao. Angara said
the inclusion of Bangsamro history culture and identity in the curricula of all
levels in all schools in the country, starting in Mindanao is very important.
"Peace roots from an understanding of the multi-cultural
nature of Mindanaoans-of 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.
The senator stressed that one way of effectively instill further
understanding of Bangsamoro history, culture and identity in the minds of the
youth is by including such subjects in the education system.
Angara noted that the roots of the Christian-Muslim conflict in
the Philippines can be traced to as early as the 16th Century, where Spanish
colonizers were successful in using Christianity as a tool of conquest and
reducing the Muslim group to a national minority.
"Some content that this part of our history was where the
seeds were planted for relentless biases against Muslim-Filipinos. Sadly, these
biases persist today", he lamented.
Under the Senate Bill No. 2474, among the key contents of
Bangsamoro studies include an understanding of the roots of the conflict and
its impact on the rest of the country, the appreciation of the various cultures
and ethnic identities, and support for the broader Mindanao peace process and
promotion of intercultural dialogue.
"Such 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", the lawmaker said.
The proposed measure mandates the Department of Education (DepEd)
and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to initiate and maintain the
programs, and to consult recognized experts on Bangsamoro history, culture and
identity in the formulation and creation of courses or subjects.
The DepEd and CHed will also allow the teaching of Arabic
language as an elective course.
"Education in 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 eradicated certian biases instilled in the minds of
individuals. It is our hope that through these efforts long-lasting peace will
be fully realized ",Angara added.
Meanwhile, Hadji Abdul
Rahman Macapado A. Muslim, President of the Mindanao State University System
said "we are fully supporting this Senate Bill No. 2474 for its effective
implementation in Mindanao region.
Sen. “Sonny” Angara
explain Senate Bill No. 2474 during their regular session recently held at
Senate Plenary Hall.
