SENATOR Robinhood Padilla is advocating the passage of a measure that seeks to integrate Bangsamoro history, culture, and identity studies into the Philippine history curriculum in basic education.

Padilla filed Senate Bill No. 618, or the proposed Bangsamoro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act, which would require the Department of Education (DepEd) to incorporate the study and understanding of Bangsamoro history, culture, and identity into Philippine history subjects taught in schools.

According to the senator, Philippine history remains incomplete without recognizing the story and contributions of the Bangsamoro people to the nation.

“Philippine history will not be complete without the history of the Bangsamoro. Our youth should learn not only dates and names, but also the roots of the struggles, culture, and identity of our Muslim and indigenous brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” Padilla said.

The measure aims to promote a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of Philippine history by recognizing the experiences and contributions of Filipino Muslims and Indigenous Peoples. It is also aligned with Republic Act No. 10908, or the Integrated History Act of 2016, which seeks to strengthen the teaching of Philippine history in schools.

Under the proposed legislation, agencies involved in curriculum development would be required to consult the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, as well as recognized experts on the Mindanao peace process and Muslim-Christian relations, in preparing learning materials, textbooks, and course content.

The proposed curriculum would cover key topics such as the historical roots of conflict in Mindanao, Muslim-Christian relations, the shared history of Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous communities on the island, the Bangsamoro people’s journey toward self-governance, and the values of respect, empathy, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.

Padilla said the measure would help address misconceptions and discrimination by fostering a deeper understanding of the Bangsamoro people’s history, identity, and aspirations among young Filipinos.

He emphasized that education plays a vital role in healing historical divisions and building lasting peace.

The senator added that the proposal seeks to strengthen national unity through recognition and understanding rather than division.

“Our goal is not separation, but recognition. When we acknowledge the Bangsamoro story as part of the story of the entire Philippines, we strengthen the foundations of peace and unity in our country,” Padilla said.

Padilla expressed hope that the measure’s passage would contribute to a more truthful, inclusive, and peace-oriented education system that promotes mutual respect among Filipino learners and fosters greater understanding among the country’s diverse communities.