Philippines Pushes for Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Schools

A Philippine lawmaker is strongly advocating for the integration of indigenous knowledge and practices into the curricula of schools nationwide, aiming to preserve cultural traditions and ensure their transmission to younger generations. Party-list Rep. Menchie B. Bernos, vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, highlighted the successful integration of traditional weaving into the senior high school curriculum in Peñarrubia, Abra, as a model for other towns and schools across the country. Rep. Bernos believes that incorporating indigenous practices into education can spark the interest of young people and encourage them to help sustain these traditions. She also urged Congress to begin deliberations on House Bill No. 3111, the Philippine Neo-Ethnic Textile Development bill. This proposed legislation seeks to mandate the use of Philippine neo-ethnic textiles in the academic regalia of state universities and colleges, and local universities and colleges. Furthermore, it aims to recognize weaving as intangible cultural heritage and provide sustained government support for skills transmission, production, innovation, marketing, as well as livelihood, training, infrastructure, and social protection for weavers. This initiative is expected to be a significant step in protecting the Philippines' diverse cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. Source: BusinessWorld Nation