SENATOR Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada filed a measure that seeks to integrate the teaching of the 1987 Philippine Constitution in the secondary education curriculum in public and private educational institutions.

Senate Bill 1443 or the proposed Mandatory Constitutional Act aims to develop a Constitutional Education Course that will be integrated in the curriculum of junior and senior high school students.

“A nationalist mindset must be instilled in Filipino learners who will contribute to astrong Philippine economy, grounded in their commitment to the nation,” the senator said.

Estrada said that the 1987 Constitution provides that all educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of the curricula.

“Further, it provides that they shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiecny,” he said in his explanatory note of the bill.

Estrada added that the development of technical-based skills in learners with the prioritization on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM must be strengthened alongside the fundamentals of nationalism and patriotism.