AKO Bicol Partylist Representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Elizaldy Co filed a measure seeking to mandate all public and private elementary and high schools to implement a culture and gender sensitivity program.

House Bill 1521 or the proposed Culture and Gender Sensitivity Education Act aims to make students aware of the differences between cultures, and how such diversity could affect relationships and communication with others.

It also seeks to educate students and help them recognize issues and problems on the way societies look at gender and to institutionalize culture and gender sensitivity in the classroom.

In pushing for House Bill 1521, Garbin and Co stressed that globalization has paved the way for cross culturalism in the Philippines and worldwide.

They explained that many private companies and business opt for a multi-cultural environment where different cultures and nationalities interact to create a symbiotic and creative work force.

“Naturally, in this environment, there will be conflicts among people because of cultural differences and the variety of backgrounds,” the lawmakers said in their explanatory note.

The measure mandates the Department of Education to provide a uniform curriculum for the Culture and Gender Sensitivity Workshop.