Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The proposed legislation focuses on enhancing the educational landscape of the 
Philippines by making Philippine History a mandatory subject in the junior and senior high 
school curriculum. This initiative aims to deepen students' understanding of their nation's 
past, fostering a sense of nationalism, patriotism, and critical thinking. By incorporating 
Philippine History into formal education, students will develop a stronger connection to 
their cultural heritage and a broader perspective on the country's journey. 
Emphasizing specific objectives, the legislation seeks to imbue students with a sense of 
pride and love for their country by highlighting Philippine heroes, significant events, and 
liberation movements. Additionally, it aims to provide a more inclusive education by 
spotlighting local history, national minorities, and women's contributions. The legislation 
encourages critical evaluation of various secondary sources on Philippine history, 
promoting analytical thinking and an understanding of the historical events' contemporary 
relevance. 
To ensure effective implementation, the legislation mandates collaboration between the 
Department of Education, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, 
historians, teachers, and other stakeholders. These entities will work collectively to create 
rules, regulations, textbooks, and instructional materials that align with the curriculum, 
enhancing the learning experience and enabling students to gain a comprehensive 
understanding of their country's past. The legislation aims to lay the foundation for a 
well-rounded education that instills a sense of national identity and critical thinking, 
contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry. 
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good 
of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
October 9, 2023
9:47 am
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REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY 
AS A SUBJECT IN THE HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1.  The Department of Education is hereby mandated to include the study of 
Philippine History as a subject in the curriculum of junior and senior high school. 
SECTION 2. In the performance of this mandate, including in the implementation of the 
preceding Section, the Department shall bear in mind the following objectives: 
(1) To inculcate among junior and senior high school students the sense of
nationalism and patriotism as embodied by Philippine heroes, important events, and in
liberation movements and revolutions:
(2) To emphasize at necessary points particulars such as local history, national minorities,
and women;
(3) To expose students to different secondary sources on Philippine history, such as
biographies, interpretive and analytical texts, and journals, and spur students'
critical evaluation thereof, and
(4) To enable critical thinking and discourse on the effects and relevance of Philippine
historical events, persons, and movements to the present.
SECTION 3. Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the Department shall, 
in consultation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, teachers, 
historians, and other stakeholders, promulgate the rules and regulations 
necessary to implement this Act. The Department shall likewise, also upon consultation 
with the abovementioned, prepare the textbooks and instructional materials for the 
teaching of Philippine History. 
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SECTION 4. Al laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other issuances, or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 5. If any portion or provisions of this Act is declared void and 
unconstitutional, the remaining portions or provisions hereof shall not be affected by such 
declaration. 
 
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,