DepEd denies issuance of module dissuading students to join rallies

On Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that a learning module that discourages students from joining peaceful assemblies is not part of DepEd’s curriculum resources.

In a statement, DepEd maintained that it remains as an institution which upholds the Constitution and believes in the principle of freedom of speech and expression.

Photo credit: cnn.ph

The said learning module, which went viral on social media, had a guide question: “If given the chance, will you join this rally? Why or why not?”

The correct answer, as indicated in the module, read: “No, because the government is really doing their best for all the Filipino people and their constituents.”

However, DepEd firmly maintained that the module was not issued by the agency. 

We would like to clarify that a certain learning module that has gone viral on social media creating an impression that the department discourages students from joining peaceful assemblies is not part of DepEd’s curriculum resources,

the department explained.

According to our initial investigation, the module did not pass the conformance review of the Curriculum and Instruction strand of the Central Office, 

the agency said on Monday, adding that an effort to trace how the material was circulated is currently underway. The department is also seeking the assistance of the public to provide additional information on the module in question.

Any person who can help us accelerate our investigation on this issue may report it to our Public Assistance Action Center,

DepEd said.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia pointed out that “while respect for the law is a good value to teach, it is equally important to develop among our children critical thinking,” especially on issues that affect them.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that perhaps the module's point was that elementary and high school students, which are under the DepEd's jurisdiction, are still too young to join rallies.

However, Roque said the right to join demonstrations, even if they are against the government, is already in the Bill of Rights.

DepEd urged citizens to continue reporting to the education department about any errors found in the learning materials for the benefit of our children, as well as a call for an improvement in our current educational system.