By Gabriela Baron
The University of the Philippines College of Education (UPCed) called on the next chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) to protect the teaching of Philippine history and the youth’s expression of beliefs and critical stance on important issues.
In a statement, UPCed recognized that the country is currently facing an “education crisis” and hounded by problems compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next Education secretary, it noted, should prepare and execute a comprehensive and inclusive post-pandemic education program that addresses issues on teacher’s welfare, equitable access to education, responsive curriculum, and inclusive education.
“The next DepEd secretary should have not only the right academic qualifications and experience but also a long-standing advocacy on education-related issues and a deep understanding and commitment to alleviating the plight of students, teachers, researchers, and staff,” the UPCed’s statement read.
With the rampant spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, UPCed called on the next DepEd chief to “ensure that education will be used to fight lies and expose the truth.”
“The new Secretary should commit to protecting our people’s history that documents both our hardships and hard-won triumphs. Therefore, the next education leader should ensure the teaching of history based on facts and not myths and subjective interpretations,” it stressed.
“Our education leader should value and protect our youth’s expression of beliefs and critical stance on important issues because this is a clear manifestation of the successful achievement of our education’s goal in developing citizens who are critical thinkers and protectors of our democratic processes.”
Presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier appointed her running mate presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as Education secretary.
Duterte-Carpio previously eyed leading the Department of National Defense. – ngs
