ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Monday called on the Department of Education to reconsider its bare wall policy and allow the display of images of Filipino heroes.

The lawmaker made the call as she highlighted the importance of National Heroes Day, particularly the commemoration of the Cry of Pugadlawin, which marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

“As we commemorate National Heroes Day and the Cry of Pugadlawin, I urge the Department of Education to reconsider its bare wall policy and instead encourage the display of images that honor our national heroes. By doing so, we can ensure that our children grow up with a strong sense of pride and love for our country,” Castro said.

The lawmaker recognized the Cry of Pugadlawin as a pivotal moment in the nation’s struggle for independence.

“It is crucial for us to remember and honor the bravery and sacrifices of our national heroes, such as those who participated in the Cry of Pugadlawin. Their unwavering spirit and dedication to our country’s freedom serve as an inspiration to the Filipino people, especially the youth,” Castro said.

She expressed her disappointment with the DepEd’s implementation of the bare wall policy in classrooms, which prohibits the posting of pictures including that of our revolutionary heroes.

Castro said the policy undermines efforts to instill patriotism and cultivate love for country.

“It is very unfortunate that the Department of Education has unilaterally ordered the removal of pictures of our revolutionary heroes from classrooms. This decision appears to contradict the goal of nurturing a sense of patriotism and love for our country among the younger generation,” she said.