LAGUNA 1st District Rep. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag has filed a measure that seeks to integrate the comprehensive study of the establishment and history of the Iglesia ni Cristo in the secondary education curriculum.

In filing House Bill 6537, Matibag said shaping the ethical, spiritual and moral values of the youth as well as raising patriotism and nationalism should be one of the essential directives of educational institutions.

The measure mandates the Department of Education to include the establishment and accomplishments of the Iglesia ni Cristo in the study of Philippine History, primarily focusing on how it shaped the country’s cultural heritage and political landscape.

“As a country predominantly influenced by religious beliefs, the Philippine educational system should fully inculcate, imbue and teach the accomplishments of all remarkable and historic feats that occured in our great country,” Matibag said in her explanatory note.

The Iglesia ni Cristo was founded in the Philippines by Felix Manalo and grew to be one of the largest religious denominations in the Philippines.

“Given how the Iglesia ni Cristo has greatly influenced the Filipinos’ way of life, this bill seeks to educate and inculcate on the youth the historical significance of the Iglesia ni Cristo on how it has shaped our nation’s political, socio-cultural and economic landscape,” Matibag said.