Senators have pointed out an item in a module of the Department of Education (DepEd) which contains a wrong depiction on the status of farmers.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan stressed during the budget briefing of the DepEd that stereotyping in learning materials is not acceptable since it could impact the perception of learners.
“Karamihan ng ating magsasaka ay mahirap, pero kung ganito ang presentasyon… Mahirap ho sila, pero parang dito ang stereotyping eh parang kasuklam-suklam (Many of our farmers are not rich, but the representation should not be like this… They are poor, but your stereotyping is making them look repulsive),” he added.
“Parang ano ang magiging mensahe nito sa mga kabataan? Na hindi katanggap-tanggap ang maging magsasaka? (What message would it give to the youth? That farming is not acceptable?)” he questioned.
Senators have stressed that the DepEd should take the lead in telling students that discrimination is never correct and fair.
The DepEd assured that it will investigate the matter, adding that the agency has zero tolerance for stereotyping and other forms of discrimination.
An explanation will also be released, according to DepEd Chief Leonor Briones. – Report from Eunice Samonte
