Legarda Lauds Enactment of Integrated History Act

Senator Loren Legarda hailed the passage into law of the Integrated History Act of 2016, which mandates the integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous Peoples history, culture, and identity in Philippine History subjects.

Legarda, co-author of the law, said that the measure will create an inclusive history of all Filipinos through the formulation of an all-encompassing and integrative curriculum of Philippine History.

“The goal of this law is to provide the youth a broader perspective of our past, reinforcing Filipino identity,” said Legarda, noting that the Philippines has a very rich cultural diversity stemming from heterogeneous ethnicities.

“The mere identification of our personal ancestral origin is not enough. We must have a deeper knowledge and understanding of everyone’s identity, culture and history, for integration and unification can be best realized when we share a full grasp of each one’s cultural heritage,” she added.

“The integration of Filipino Muslim and Indigenous Peoples history, culture and identity in the studies of Philippine History in both basic and higher education enhances our education system, one that guarantees equal treatment by giving significance to everyone’s cultural heritage and leads to a greater sense of national identity,” Legarda concluded.