MILF: Sen. Legarda proposes bill on “Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies” in college

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 9): Sen. Legarda proposes bill on “Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies” in college



SUPPORT PEACE PROCESS. Senator Loren Legarda proposes a bill that will mandate the Commission on Higher Education to include Moro History, Culture, and Identity Studies in college curriculum. File photos from AFP, WikiCommons

Senator Loren Legarda proposes a bill on “Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies” in support to the peace process. Once enacted, the bill will mandate the Commission on Higher Education to include the subject in college curriculum that will allow Filipinos to better understand the Moro People. 

Senate Bill No. 2685 mandates the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to include the subject as an elective in the country's higher education curriculum – a move that, according to Legarda, will promote national unity.

"The goal of this measure is to provide the youth a broader perspective of their past, reinforcing Filipino identity," the senator said on September 8.

She added: "It also aims to provide deeper knowledge and understanding of the centuries-long historical and cultural heritage of both the Moro people and the indigenous peoples (IP’s) or what we call the Lumads in Mindanao."

In crafting the college course and other learning materials, CHED must consult with recognized experts on Moro history, culture, and identity, as well as recognized resource persons on the Mindanao peace process and the Muslim-Christian dialogue.

Aside from supporting the peace process, the course will provide students a better understanding of the history of Muslims in the Philippines, as well as the roots of the "Mindanao problem," the "Moro problem," and how the conflict impacts the rest of the country. 

It will also look into the positive relations of the Moros with Christian settlers and the Lumads in Mindanao, appreciating their commonalities, their differences in cultures and identities, and the ideal of their equality, co-existence, and unity. 

"The history of the Bangsamoro people forms part of the backbone of the historical development of our country. It is about time that we recognize the rightful place of the history and identity of the Bangsamoro in the fabric of our national history," Legarda said.

A similar bill at the House of Representatives authored by Rep. Pangalian Balindong of Lanao Del Sur 2nd District was already approved on third and final reading last October 2014.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/561-sen-legarda-proposes-bill-on-moro-history-culture-and-identity-studies-in-college