Bill mandating integration of Filipino-Muslim & Indigenous Peoples
culture in study of RP history nears enactment into law A congressional proposal mandating the integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous Peoples history, culture and identity in the study of Philippine history in both basic and higher education nears enactment into law following the adoption of the final version of the measure before Congress went on sine die adjournment. This possibility loomed after the House of Representatives on May 23, 2016 adopted Senate Bill 3205 as an amendment to House Bill 4832. The adopted measure will now be forwarded to President Aquino for approval and signature in its enactment as a new law. The House approved on third and final reading last October 29, 2014 HB 4832 or the proposed Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act, which mandates the CHED to include a subject of Moro history, culture and identity studies as an elective in the higher education curriculum. For its part, the Senate passed on third and final reading SB 3205 or the proposed Integrated History Act of 2016 mandating the integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous Peoples history, culture and identity in the study of Philippine history in both basic and higher education. The adopted Senate version provides that with the ultimate objective of creating an inclusive history that accounts for all Filipinos, there is a need to integrate the history, culture and identify studies of Filipino-Muslims and Indigenous People in the grand narrative of Philippine History. In the formulation of the curriculum for an inclusive and Integrative study of Philippine History, including the writing, printing and publication of textbook and other reading materials relative thereto, the agencies concerned shall consult recognized experts on Filipino Muslim and Indigenous Peoples history, culture and identity. Any provision of law or regulation inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed, revoked or modified accordingly, the bill provides. Senate Bill 3205 was prepared jointly by the Senate Committees on Education, Arts and Culture, and on Finance with Senators Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda and Pia Cayetano as authors. Meanwhile, House Bill 4832 is authored by Deputy Speaker Pangalian Balindong, Reps. Roman Romulo, Evelina Escudero, Mariano Piamonte, Jr., Eulogio "Amang" Magsaysay, Monique Yazmin Lagdameo, Karlo Alexei Nograles, Anthony G. del Rosario, and Rufus Rodriguez. (30) rbb