THE Teachers’ Dignity Coalition expressed their opposition to the recent order of Malacañang to include the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge in weekly flag ceremonies in schools and government offices.

TDC said that such a move was “impractical and unnecessary.”

“This initiative is a superficial attempt to instill a brand of governance that, instead of genuinely educating schoolchildren about nationalism and patriotism through the exemplary lives of our national leaders, resorts to mandatory recitations and songs,” TDC said in a statement.

“True nationalism and patriotism cannot be enforced through hollow rituals or the blind worship of national symbols, let alone a piece of propaganda. Singing, dancing, or kneeling before statues or monuments does not embody true nationalism and patriotism,” it added.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed a memorandum mandating national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and educational institutions to integrate the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge in the conduct of weekly flag ceremonies.

According to TDC, the way to teach nationalism and patriotism is to show them leaders who lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to the country through their actions, policies, and dedication to public service.

“This is the kind of governance that will truly inspire and educate the youth.”