By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Cong. Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City has filed a bill that seeks to incorporate local history in school curriculums in the country.
House Bill (HB) 3651 or the “Local History Act” proposes to include local history in the teaching of Philippine history in private and public elementary and secondary schools.
The Constitution mandates the State to inculcate patriotism and nationalism among Filipinos, Leonardia said in filing the bill.
HB 3651 defines local history as “the study of history, culture and geography of a political subdivision where the public or private school is located.”
Historical experiences at the local level must be taught in schools to instill pride among students, according to Leonardia.
“The most effective means of achieving this purpose is through the educational system, with emphasis that every local school, in teaching national history, should also teach the history of its locality,” the congressman stressed.
The bill is now pending with the House of Representatives committee on basic education and culture./PN
