The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here has passed an ordinance mandating the showing of documentaries and utilization of media in public and private educational institutions on the province’s history, culture, and heritage.
Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia on Monday said the ordinance approved by Governor Albert Garcia last Friday also provided for the creation of a special technical committee for the purpose.
Garcia, the SP presiding officer, said the ordinance was authored and sponsored by board member Jomar Gaza and unanimously approved by the body.
The resolution pointed to the rich history of the province that figured prominently in the history of the Philippines, especially during World War II.
Markers and monuments abound in the province as reminders of the horrors of war and the gallantry of Filipino soldiers before and after Bataan fell into the hands of the Japanese forces on April 9, 1942.
The vice governor said Bataan has a big role and contribution in shaping the country’s history, being the bastion of democracy and symbol of defiance against foreign incursion.
“With the removal of Philippine history as a dedicated course in high school, there is a greater and more significant need to make sure that the rich history of Bataan is remembered and passed on to the new generation,” she said.
The resolution reminded that it is the policy of the provincial government to nurture and inculcate patriotism and nationalism among the youth of the province through the preservation, enrichment, and promotion of its historical and cultural heritage.
The showing, exhibition, or presentation of documentaries, videos and other content on the history, culture, and heritage of the province and its people shall be mandatory for all educational institutions whether public or private as may be directed by the special technical committee to be created.
The approved materials are documentaries, videos, and other content on the history, culture, and heritage of Bataan as produced and provided or as previously approved by the special technical committee.
Funding for the implementation of the ordinance will be provided every year. A penalty clause was also provided for any violation of the ordinance.
Source: Philippines News Agency