By Alec Go
The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a department order amending the Panatang Makabayan with the replacement of the word “nagdarasal” with “nananalangin.”
DepEd Order No. 4 issued on Wednesday, Feb. 15, noted that various organizations were consulted for the terminology change to make it more inclusive.
The Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching recommended the use of “nananalangin” for being “inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog.”
BASAHIN: Sa bisa ng DepEd Order 004, ipatutupad ang pagbabago sa pagbigkas ng Panatang Makabayan sa mga eskuwelahan.
Ang salitang “nagdarasal” ay papalitan na ng salitang “nananalangin.” | via Kenneth Paciente pic.twitter.com/JjCqvu3cjH
— PTVph (@PTVph) February 15, 2023
“Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specify religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems,” part of the order read.
“Second, as expressed by the focal persons representing the Indigenous Cultural Communilies/lndigenous Peoples and the individuals belonging to Muslim and Moro communities, dalangin and its equivalents may be more preferred than dasal since dalangin is more spiritual and universal,” it added.
It also cited Philippine Bible Society data, saying that “native words are preferred when Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages.”
The DepEd said the order is set to take effect immediately.
The pledge is recited during flag-raising ceremonies of DepEd offices, and of all public and private schools and as part of their daily school activity programs.
