JUNE 8, 2016

NR # 4225B

Bill mandating integration of Filipino-Muslim & Indigenous Peoples

culture in study of RP history nears enactment into law
A congressional proposal mandating the integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous
Peoples history, culture and identity in the study of Philippine history in both basic and higher
education nears enactment into law following the adoption of the final version of the measure
before Congress went on sine die adjournment.
This possibility loomed after the House of Representatives on May 23, 2016 adopted
Senate Bill 3205 as an amendment to House Bill 4832.
The adopted measure will now be forwarded to President Aquino for approval and
signature in its enactment as a new law.
The House approved on third and final reading last October 29, 2014 HB 4832 or the
proposed Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act, which mandates the CHED to
include a subject of Moro history, culture and identity studies as an elective in the higher
education curriculum.
For its part, the Senate passed on third and final reading SB 3205 or the proposed
Integrated History Act of 2016 mandating the integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous
Peoples history, culture and identity in the study of Philippine history in both basic and higher
education.
The adopted Senate version provides that with the ultimate objective of creating an
inclusive history that accounts for all Filipinos, there is a need to integrate the history, culture and
identify studies of Filipino-Muslims and Indigenous People in the grand narrative of Philippine
History.
In the formulation of the curriculum for an inclusive and Integrative study of Philippine
History, including the writing, printing and publication of textbook and other reading materials
relative thereto, the agencies concerned shall consult recognized experts on Filipino Muslim and
Indigenous Peoples history, culture and identity.
Any provision of law or regulation inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed, revoked or
modified accordingly, the bill provides.
Senate Bill 3205 was prepared jointly by the Senate Committees on Education, Arts and
Culture, and on Finance with Senators Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda and Pia
Cayetano as authors.
Meanwhile, House Bill 4832 is authored by Deputy Speaker Pangalian Balindong, Reps.
Roman Romulo, Evelina Escudero, Mariano Piamonte, Jr., Eulogio "Amang" Magsaysay,
Monique Yazmin Lagdameo, Karlo Alexei Nograles, Anthony G. del Rosario, and Rufus
Rodriguez. (30) rbb