SENATOR Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada filed a bill proposing the inclusion of constitutional education in the curriculum of junior and senior high school students to raise the level of awareness on their rights and duties as Filipino citizens.

“A nationalist mindset must be instilled in Filipino learners who will contribute to a strong Philippine economy, grounded in their commitment to the nation,” the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, said.

Senate Bill 1443 or the proposed Mandatory Constitutional Education Act seeks the development of a Constitutional Education Course for secondary school students in public and private schools to develop their appreciation and exercise of democratic values, foster their understanding and practice of active citizenship and people’s participation in government processes and equip them with the knowledge of the Constitution that they can use in their analysis and involvement in public issues.

The course, Estrada said, shall be developed in accordance with the standards and principles laid down in RA 10533, the law enhancing the basic education system.

“The development of technical-based skills in learners with the prioritization on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics must be strengthened alongside the fundamentals of nationalism and patriotism which will be engrained in the inclusion of constitution in the curriculum for secondary levels,” Estrada said.

The Department of Education, in collaboration with concerned government agencies and experts on the Constitution from the academe, shall develop the course.

The bill also seeks the training of teachers who will teach the course.