MALOLOS CITY, October 24, 2019 – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones underscored the significance of the country’s culture and history during the launching of “Adbokasiyang Pang-Edukasyon Para sa Paglinang ng Iniingatang Pamanang Kultura” held at KB Gymnasium, Provincial Capitol Compound in Malolos City, Bulacan on October 14.

The Bulacan-initiated advocacy in safeguarding cultural heritage aims to promote nationalism and patriotism through the preservation of cultural heritage; raise awareness on cultural heritage and safeguarding its identity; develop the skills of education program supervisors and teachers in crafting supplementary learning materials on history, arts, and culture; and enhance learners’ artistic talents in promoting and valuing  Philippine arts and culture.

In her keynote address, Briones emphasized that culture and history are essential aspects of basic education. She urged the teacher-participants and stakeholders to teach culture in the 21^st century with great emphasis on good morals and character.

She said there should be a balance between teaching technology and the preservation of arts and culture. She also challenged the participants to find lessons in every Philippine song and dance.

“Ang kultura ay hindi lamang sinusuot kundi laman ng ating puso. Iyon ang mahalaga na huwag nating kalimutan na sa panahong ito, tayo ay humahabol sa mundo – sa science, technology, engineering, at mathematics. Tayo ay humahabol sa technical-vocational training. Pero huwag nating kalimutan na tayo ay Pilipino. Hindi tayo robot, hindi tayo cyborg, hindi tayo mga machine, tayo ay humans. Tayo ay may kasaysayan, may kultura, at may sariling pag-iisip,” Briones stated.

Briones thanked the province of Bulacan for promoting their cultural heritage highlighting  Region III’s   great contributions to the country’s history and culture.

“Sinasabi natin na ating bigyang pugay ang ating kultura at ang ating history, ipagpatuloy natin ito. Para sa akin, it’s not only pamana ang mga sayaw, musika, literature.  Hindi lamang ulit-ulitin natin, matutuwa tayo, kundi i-apply natin sa ating buhay,” Briones added.

Arts, culture curb mental health problems
Briones also underscored the need to hone the learners’ analytical and critical thinking skills to empower them to face life’s challenges.

Highlighting the crucial role of arts and culture in helping the youth  overcome mental health disorders, Briones encouraged the youth to express themselves through  different forms of art.

“Sa mga bata na nahihirapan sa mundo, na hindi maka-adjust sa mundo, they turn to painting, to music,[and] to sculpture. This is where art also plays an important rolenot only for the learners but also the teachers because I know that the life of a teacher is also very difficult,” Briones explained.

Meanwhile, DepEd Region III OIC-Director Nicolas Capulong shared that they conceptualized the launching event to show the region’s unity in promoting their rich culture, arts, and history.

“Ako ay lubos na naniniwala na ang kaluluwa ng isang bayan o lalawigan ay masasalamin sa kanyang kasaysayan, sining, at kultura. Ang pagkakakilanlan ng ating bayan ay marapat lamang na bantayan, pagyamanin, ipagmalaki, at higit sa lahat ay ating palaganapin upang higit na maunawaan ng salinlahi ang pagkakakilanlan ng lahing Pilipino, ang lahing Gitnang Luzon,” Capulong concluded.

END