For once, I think the DepEd is doing something good. The Inquirer publishes a story about adding Muslim education to the elementary curricula. It plans to introduce "functional" Muslim knowledge into the elementary curricula to encourage Muslim Filipino children outside Mindanao to attend school. Functional would mean historical accounts of the country's 15th century links to Islamic culture.
The plan will not only mean to educate Muslims but non-Muslims as well if it will be included in the curriculum. While we Christians in Luzon and the Visayas have a general understanding of the Muslims, we take it for granted and believe that this minority group is far from us, hence, their problems do not affect us that much. But they do. We are primarily responsible for any living being that belongs to our territory, shares our patrimony, history and culture.
6 comments:
This is great! Of course, the competence of those teaching the subject will be crucial. If the manner of teaching is prejudiced or condescending, the opportunity will be lost.
Bayi,
Yes. Muslims seems to have been marginalized in this Christian dominated country. The atrocities the government had done to them, especially that treacherous Jabidah massacre, is unholy. I even think Muslims are marginalized globally - economy and politically-wise. They are a sleeping giant waiting for the right opportunity to wreak havoc if we push them to hard.
Sassy,
It's so nice seeing you here. Again, it's the matter of finding the right teachers to teach the subject. Let's take it one step at a time. Who knows, next to be in the curriculum would be other ethnic groups. Then we'll call it Philippine Ethnicity 101. I believe we need that if only to solidify our very diverse culture.
It's about time, if you ask me. Matagal na silang napapabayaan, kaya tuloy nagagalit sila sa atin. Sana tuloy-tuloy na yang project na yan.
At last, it's done. It should have been done a long time ago, di ba? Siguro ang daming problemang naiwasan. The knowledge would have healed people's prejudice, or if not that, then their ignorance, at least. Siguro, maraming maling desisyon ang naitama.
Another thought is teasing me. I'm thinking, kung matagal nang nangyari ito, would our permissive Catholicism have been tempered by Muslim conservativeness? And if so, would we be less of the kind of society we are today?
Oo nga Doc. It's about time we really pay close attention to everyone. Dati akala natin, the world spins around us. Di pala.
I wouldn't know how to answer your questions, Jet. Who knows, maybe it could be the other way around.
It's great seeing you guys here. Thanks a lot.
oo nga, good idea. especially in matters of culture, practices and beliefs. dito ko lang sa singapore naintindihan ang mga taboos nila sa pagkain at ang definition ng "halal" food. dito ko rin lang na appreciate ang mga pagkain nila, ang culture at beliefs na maraming mga similarities sa atin. most importantly, i've learned to appreciate that in our heart of hearts, we're all humand beings.
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