Inclusion of Moro culture in college electives approved

MANILA, Philippines - Moro history, culture and identity studies will now be included as an elective subject in the college curriculum.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act which mandates the Commission on Higher Education to include said subject as an elective in the higher education curriculum.

"While Filipino and Muslim cultures may have differences, it is a fact that they are bound by a common heritage, the land they call Philippines, and they have a lot in common, on top of which, is the clamor for peace," author of the bill and Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong said.

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The measure aims to highlight positive relations among Muslims and Christians, including shared origins before Islam and Christianity arrived in the country.

It also mandates concerned agencies to consult experts on Moro history, culture and identity in the formulation of the course and publication of textbooks and other materials.

Understanding of the "Mindanao problem" and "Moro problem" will be included in the elective course, as well as the specific character of Mindanao as an island shared by tri-peoples - Christians, Muslims and Lumads.

Balindong said that the broader Mindanao process addresses the structural roots of the Mindanao conflict and the deep, social and religious divergences, which should be respected.