A SENATOR has filed a bill seeking to include the Philippine Constitution as a subject in the high school curriculum, noting the need to enhance nationalism and ensure citizens are aware of both their rights and duties.
“A nationalist mindset must be instilled in Filipino learners who will contribute to a strong Philippine economy, grounded in their commitment to the nation,” Senator Jose “Jinggoy” E. Estrada, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, said in a statement on Sunday.
Senate Bill 1443 or the proposed Mandatory Constitutional Education Act seeks to develop a course for secondary school students in all public and private schools.
The goal is to cultivate an appreciation and exercise of democratic values, as well as foster understanding and practice of active citizenship and participation in government processes.
It also seeks to equip students with constitutional knowledge for future analysis and involvement in public issues.
“The development of technical-based skills in learners with the prioritization on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics must be strengthened alongside the fundamentals of nationalism and patriotism which will be engrained in the inclusion of (the) Constitution in the curriculum for secondary levels,” Mr. Estrada said.
The Department of Education, in collaboration with concerned government agencies and constitutional experts from the academe, will be mandated to develop the course and training plan for teachers. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
