THE DAVAO Historical Society released a statement lauding the city for passing an ordinance that will mandate schools to teach the history of Davao City. This is considered another landmark legislation of the city.
The historical society, led by its president Maria Julieta Torres, in a statement said the organization “believes that the study of history builds the foundation for good citizenship as it helps people understand change and how the present multi-cultural and diverse society of the city came to be.”
The landmark Ordinance No. 0330-20 dated August 18, 2020 mandating the teaching of history in all levels of Basic Education is highly appreciated. “We highly commend Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, who stamped the proposal as urgent, the honorable members of the City Council led by Vice-Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte for the swift but meaningful deliberations during council sessions, and most especially, the author of the ordinance, Councilor Pilar Braga, Phd, Chair of the Committee on Education, for making this happen.”
“We hope that the men and women who will draft the curricula will take cognizance of the fact that the study of the past is not only a study of heroes, the great men and women of history who successfully worked through moral dilemmas, but also of more ordinary people who provide lessons in courage, diligence, or constructive protest.
“History helps provide identity and we are rich in historical data about how families, groups, institutions were formed and how they have evolved while retaining cohesion. Our city is replete with stories of hope and triumphs even in the midst of adversity, even turbulence.”
“We highly appreciate the city government for opening the doors to knowledge on our history, enabling the young generation to be more grounded and instilled with pride of Davao City’s heritage.”
As we celebrate Kadayawan festival this week, we should also remember the first celebration for indigenous peoples after 1986. The Apo Duwaling Festival, organized by the city tourism office led by Eduardo Fernandez was a tribute not only for the bountiful harvest in the month of August but also to the icons: Mt. Apo, Durian and the Walingwaling.
Over the years we saw the pageantry and the evolution of the Kadayawan. Stories like these should be told to the next generation so that when their time comes to lead, they will continue the essence of the celebration.
Teaching history is teaching the story of our people, lest it be forgotten as we hurtle on to the next millennium.
