THE DEPARTMENT of Education reiterated that Philippine history is being taught in the K to 12 curriculum in basic education.

Contrary to recurring misleading claims, DepEd said it did not remove Philippine history from the curriculum.

“As one of the vanguards of the nation’s culture, the Department of Education will not allow our learners to be robbed of the opportunity to discover our rich heritage. We also call on our stakeholders to be responsible and vigilant against misinformation at this time,” the agency said in a statement.

The current Araling Panlipunan curriculum covers various Philippine history topics across grade levels. These topics also serve as take-off points in all discussions relative to Asian Studies, World History, Economics, and Contemporary Issues in Junior High School and Understanding Culture, Society and Politics, and Philippine Politics and Governance in Senior High School.

In addition, Philippine history competencies found in the curriculum are covered by textbooks and other learning resources distributed to learners.

Philippine history and identity are also analyzed and explored through Philippine Literature both in English and Filipino. Contemporary topics, meanwhile, are being discussed in the Media and Information Literacy subject.

In 2019, through DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2019, the Department integrated pre-existing policies and guidelines on K to 12 program while providing a reference point for the review of any of the curriculum’s components.

“The stories of inspiring Filipino people and monumental Philippine events will continue to be ingrained in our books and during our classroom and blended learning discussions for years to come,” the department said.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition earlier called on the Education department to restore Philippine history in the high school curriculum.

The group attributed the “removal” of Philippine history in the high school curriculum to former DepEd secretary Armin Luistro.

“Hindi naman po attributed kay Sec. Briones ang pagkakatanggal ng Philippine history sa K to 12 curriculum sa high school, malinaw naman na ito ay decision ng previous DepEd management under Sec. Luistro,” TDC national chairperson Benjo Basas said.