THE Teachers’ Dignity Coalition welcomed the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to strengthen the teaching of Philippine history students.

“We consider this a significant step in our advocacy to reinstate Philippine History as a separate subject in the high school curriculum,” TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas said.

Marcos earlier said that he directed incoming Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara to enhance the knowledge of children when it comes to Philippine history.

Basas pointed out that the president’s statement highlights two critical issues: the curriculum’s content and the teaching methods.

“To avoid the risk of historical revisionism, the curriculum’s content should reflect the consensus of the academic community and the results of research and studies by experts in history. It should be unbiased and include even the darker aspects of our past, such as colonialism, treachery, war, abuses, and dictatorship,” he added.

In relation with this, Basas stressed that students should have access to good books in a one-to-one ratio.

“Museums and libraries should be strengthened to the level of local governments, and teachers should receive free and intensive training. We cannot effectively teach history using only outdated sources or temporary modules created during the pandemic,” Basas noted.