ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro called on the House leadership to expedite the passage of a measure mandating the inclusion of the Philippine History as a separate subject in high school curriculum.

Castro’s call for the passage of House Bill 207 came in light of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to newly appointed Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara to focus on teaching Philippine history to students.

“President Marcos Jr.’s directive to Secretary Angara underscores the urgent need to pass House Bill 207,” Castro stated.

“If we are serious about teaching our youth accurate and comprehensive Philippine history, we must ensure that it is given proper attention in our curriculum,” she added.

Castro emphasized the importance of having Philippine History as a standalone subject, especially in the face of historical revisionism and the spread of misinformation.

“History is not ‘pagmamarites’ or mere gossip. It is a scientific discipline that requires rigorous study and fact-checking. By fast-tracking HB 207, we can safeguard our history from being revised or filled with fake news,” the solon added.

The ACT Teachers representative also highlighted the bill’s significance in light of recent controversies surrounding historical narratives.

“We urge the House leadership to prioritize this bill. It’s not just about fulfilling a presidential directive; it’s about equipping our youth with the knowledge they need to become critical thinkers and informed citizens,” Castro stressed.

Castro concluded by calling on both the legislative and executive branches to work together in this endeavor.

“Let’s seize this opportunity to strengthen the teaching of Philippine history in our schools. The House should fast track HB 207, while DepEd should ensure its proper implementation. Together, we can preserve the integrity of our national narrative for generations to come,” she said.