Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO._______ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Second World War remains one of the most consequential and transformative 
chapters in Philippine history. It was during this period that the Filipino people, faced 
with extreme hardship and foreign occupation, demonstrated unparalleled courage, 
resilience, and patriotism. From the defense of Bataan and Corregidor, to the struggles of 
guerrilla resistance fighters and the sacrifices of ordinary civilians, World War II left an 
indelible mark on our national identity and collective memory. 
Despite the historical significance of this era, the study of the Philippines during 
World War II has become increasingly marginalized in our educational system, 
particularly in higher education. Many students graduate from college with limited 
knowledge of the heroism of our veterans, the atrocities endured by civilians, and the 
enduring lessons of this pivotal time in our nation’s past. 
This bill seeks to address that gap by mandating the integration of a 
comprehensive study of Philippine history during World War II into the existing 
Philippine History subject under the general education curriculum in all higher 
education institutions (HEIs). The measure aims to deepen historical awareness, foster 
national pride, and promote a culture of remembrance and civic responsibility among 
today’s youth. 
The bill entrusts the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)—in close 
coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and 
the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office of the Department of National Defense (PVAO-
DND)—to develop and implement this initiative. It also encourages HEIs to ensure that 
books, reference materials, and other educational resources on World War II in the 
Philippine context are available in their libraries and accessible to students. 
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By ensuring that future generations understand the heroism and hardship of those 
who came before them, this measure strengthens the foundation of patriotism, critical 
thinking, and historical consciousness in Philippine society. It also pays long-overdue 
tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of our war veterans and resistance fighters. 
During the 19th Congress, the House of Representatives passed this bill on third 
and final reading. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate and favorable passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.____ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar 
AN ACT 
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INTEGRATING A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY 
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DURING WORLD WAR II INTO THE HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM 
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
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assembled: 
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SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to promote and protect the physical, 
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moral, intellectual and social well-being of the youth and inculcate the values of 
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patriotism and nationalism to foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, and 
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encourage involvement in the political and civic affairs of the country. 
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To this end, the State shall put in place a mechanism that shall highlight the role of 
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national heroes in the historical development of the country and thus educate the youth 
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on the values of patriotism and nationalism and preserve for posterity the stories on 
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the great struggle and heroism of Filipino soldiers who fought the Japanese occupational 
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forces during the war. 
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SEC. 2. A comprehensive study of Philippine history during World War II shall 
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be integrated into and shall cover a reasonable percentage of the mandatory Philippine 
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History subject being offered under the general education curriculum in higher education 
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courses of all higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country. 
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The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall, pursuant to its mandate 
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under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994”, 
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develop in close collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the 
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Philippines (NHCP) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office-Department of 
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National Defense (PVAO-DND), a program to execute and implement the provisions of 
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this Act. 
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All HEIs are encouraged to keep in their libraries adequate books, resources, and 
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reference materials on World War II as it transpired in the Philippines. 
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SEC. 3. Within one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 
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CHED shall, in coordination with the NHCP and the PVAO-DND, formulate and issue 
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the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. Other 
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government entities may be tapped jointly by the principals as resource or advisory 
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groups in this undertaking. 
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Resource persons such as prominent historians, history professors, members of 
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historical associations, college or university presidents or administrators, faculty 
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members and students may also be invited jointly by CHED, the NHCP and the PVAO-
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DND to participate. 
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SEC. 4. If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional 
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invalid, the other provisions not affected, shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 5. All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum orders, memorandum 
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circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with 
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the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
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Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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