To raise the level of awareness on their rights and duties as Filipino citizens and for a better appreciation of the country’s history, Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill proposing the inclusion of constitutional education in the curriculum of junior and senior high school students.
“A nationalist mindset must be instilled in Filipino learners who will contribute to a strong Philippine economy, grounded in their commitment to the nation,” Estrada, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, said in filing Senate Bill No. 1443 or the proposed Mandatory Constitutional Education Act.
The measure seeks the development of a Constitutional Education Course for secondary school students in all public and private educational institutions in the hope of developing their appreciation and exercise of democratic values, foster their understanding and practice of active citizenship and people’s participation in government processes; and equip them with the knowledge of the Constitution that they can use in their analysis and involvement in public issues.
“The course shall be developed in accordance with the standards and principles in developing the enhanced basic education curriculum.”
The course, the veteran legislator said, shall be developed in accordance with the standards and principles in developing the enhanced basic education curriculum stated in RA 10533.
“The development of technical-based skills in learners with the prioritization on the fields of STEM must be strengthened alongside the fundamentals of nationalism and patriotism.”
“The development of technical-based skills in learners with the prioritization on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) must be strengthened alongside the fundamentals of nationalism and patriotism which will be engrained in the inclusion of constitution in the curriculum for secondary levels,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with concerned government agencies and experts on the Constitution from the academe, shall develop the course and teachers’ training in teaching the course shall also be mandated.
