Those who do not remember history are said to be doomed to repeat it.

 

With the removal of Philippine History as a dedicated subject from the high school curriculum in 2012, many Filipinos have been robbed of the chance to learn more about the nation’s past in a collaborative learning environment with their peers. While some may say that this was a much-needed change, it is evident that its displacement has done more harm than good with the current generation drifting away from their roots.

 

Philippine History is what allows us to connect with the past and helps us to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors so that we can avoid getting trapped in the same pitfalls as they did. Without it, we are more prone to errors in judgment and are unable to think critically due to a more limited perspective.

 

In trying times, it is easy to forget what stands behind us, bearing witness to the atrocities that have happened before and may again happen once more. Philippine History showcases this in technicolor detail in regards to the Martial Law era and the events leading up to it and how quickly our collective memory disappears in the face of complacency. 

 

There are many conflicting accounts of the events of the past and we may never know the full story. However, it is our job as the younger generation of Filipinos to learn from the mistakes of history and to look at its successes to seek an answer to the problems of the present. Philippine History may have its flaws but it is part of the long road to finding a solution for the crises of our nation.

 

When all is said and done, it is evident that Philippine History should be returned to the high school curriculum as its own subject, not just for the benefit of the students but for the benefit of society as a whole. With a younger and more knowledgeable generation of Filipino youth, the Philippines will be able to move forward and progress into a new era that is built on the lessons of the past and the values they hold for today.