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PASIG CITY, June 22, 2022 – The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), discussed the significance of Philippine independence during the conduct of the Virtual Symposium on the Commemoration of the 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on Friday.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones commended the NHCP for working with DepEd in the virtual event that gives a full perspective of the country’s historical events that made their mark on teachers and students all over the country.

“We would like to show appreciation to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for the continuous partnership and collaboration in promoting awareness of commemorative events to our teachers and students, instilling nationalism and love for the country in their hearts and minds,” Briones said.

“We hope that through the conduct of a symposium like this, our teachers and learners will fully recognize the value of historical events, and appreciate our ancestors and Filipino heroes who fought hard for this country to gain its independence,” added Briones.

Spearheaded by the External Partnerships Service (EPS) and DepEd IV-A CALABARZON, the virtual symposium brings together some of the foremost historians in the country such as Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, a professor/historian from Ateneo De Manila University, and Mr. Michael Charleston “Xiao” B. Chua, also a professor/historian from De Lasalle University-Taft.

In the virtual event, the two lecturers discussed very significant topics about Philippine independence and how our teachers and the youth of today can apply lessons, and knowledge, including compassion and love for the country.

Furthermore, Dr. Rene Escalante, Chairman of the NHCP, emphasized the significance of the declaration of Philippine independence on how we move forward as a nation.

“Tulad ng mga nagdeklara ng Kalayaan 124 taon ng nakaraan sa Kawit, Cavite, malaki ang kumpiyansa natin na ang ating patuloy na pagsulong ng katarungan, katotohanan at pagkakapantay-pantay madadala natin ang ating bayan sa mas masaganang bukas. Sariwain natin ang kahalagahan at diwa ng kalayaang ito na ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani sa pamamagitan ng kanilang buong lakas, pawis at dugo. Nawa’y ang damdamin nila ay patuloy na umalab sa ating puso at isipan,” Dr. Escalante said.

One of the highlights of the virtual symposium was the round table discussions between the speakers, the Araling Panlipunan and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao teachers, and the learners. In the discussion, the participants understood the value of getting accurate information regarding Philippine history and the methods that they have to follow to verify historical facts, and how to handle these sources.

Undersecretary for External Partnerships Tonisito M.C. Umali thanked everyone who participated in the virtual event and hoped that whatever they have learned will have a positive impact and appreciation of the freedom we are enjoying today.

“We hope that all of what we discussed this afternoon will lead you to further value and appreciate the hard-fought freedom that we are enjoying now and have an impact on our present situation. Mabuhay kayong lahat,” Usec. Umali said.

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