PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles (left), Senator Sonny Angara (Rep. Nograles’ office, Facebook)
A ranking congresswoman is asking incoming Department of Education (DepEd) secretary, Senator Sonny Angara to include topics on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial claims and the 2016 arbitral ruling in the national history curriculum.
Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles said Sunday, July 7 that doing so would bolster national awareness and understanding of the Philippines’ territorial integrity.
“Educating our youth about the significant issues surrounding our territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea is crucial for fostering a well-informed citizenry and cultivating a sense of national pride and responsibility,” said Nograles, a deputy majority leader.
She made the appeal to Angara amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over the WPS issue.
“The 2016 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) arbitral ruling is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, affirming our sovereign rights over our territories that are being claimed by China. It is imperative that this landmark decision and the ongoing territorial disputes are comprehensively taught in our schools,” she stressed.
She was referring to the July 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that favors the Philippines’ position against China’s expansive nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, which contains the WPS. The PCA is located at The Hague.
Nograles said that the inclusion of such topics in the history curriculum will provide Filipino students with a deeper understanding of the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia and the importance of upholding the rule of law in international relations.
“Our young Filipinos should be aware of the legal and historical context of our territorial claims to better appreciate the efforts of our government and diplomats in defending our sovereignty,” Nograles said.
The Davao-based solon also expressed her full support for the appointment of Angara as new DepEd chief. She cited his impressive educational background and extraordinary experience in public service.
Angara finished his Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations with honors from the London School of Economics. He finished his law degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law and earned his Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in Cambridge.
“Senator Angara’s extensive experience in public service, his advocacy for education, and his proven leadership make him exceptionally qualified for this role. I am confident that under his stewardship, our educational system will continue to advance and address the evolving needs of our nation,” she said.
“I look forward to collaborating with Secretary Angara and contributing to initiatives that will enhance the educational experience of our students and prepare them to be proactive, knowledgeable citizens,” Nograles concluded.
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