DepEd: Modern issues in draft K-10 curriculum based on facts

The proposed inclusion in the draft K-10 curriculum of contemporary issues such as those on the West Philippine Sea and human rights is based on facts, Department of Education spokesperson Undersecretary Michael Poa has said.

In the latest episode of The Mangahas Interviews, Poa said it is also meant to guide students on concepts that they hear on the news and in their surroundings.

"Human rights, we have international conventions regarding that. 'Pag dating naman po sa West Philippine Sea issue, we have the arbitral ruling regarding that," Poa told journalist Malou Mangahas.

"So it's factual-based naman po. Hindi naman po yan mga controversial kung sabihin natin na wala tayong facts to base things on," he added.

Told that there were ongoing issues which might trigger reactions from those concerned, Poa said some of the topics were meant to raise awareness.

"For example, yung sinasabin nating red-tagging kelangan malaman din... ng mga learners natin kung ano ang ibig sabihin dahil naririnig nila yan e sa balita, hindi po ba, and their surroundings," Poa said.

"Mas maganda, imbes na kung kani-kanino pa nila marinig ay we are able to really educate them dito sa mga konsepto without really being biased on certain issues," he added.

Poa said the draft curriculum has yet to be finalized.

"Once finalized mas mabibigyan ako ng information para makapagkomento exactly kung ano yung facets na ituturo," Poa said. 

The DepEd is studying the inclusion of topics such as the West Philippine Sea dispute, LGBTQ issues, and human rights in the social studies curriculum in senior high school.

According to a draft K to 10curriculum guide for Araling Panlipunan, these topics are proposed to be discussed under contemporary issues and social challenges in Grade 10.  —NB, GMA Integrated News