West Philippine Sea, LGBTQ, human rights in draft Grade 10 curriculum

The Department of Education is studying the inclusion of topics such as the West Philippine Sea dispute, LGBTQ issues, and human rights in the social studies curriculum in senior high school.

According to a draft K to 12 curriculum guide for Araling Panlipunan, these topics are proposed to be discussed under contemporary issues and social challenges in Grade 10.

Border conflicts and the islands of the West Philippine Sea are placed under the topic of territorial issues while the Hague Arbitral Ruling is in the context of responses to economic challenges.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 upheld the Philippines' exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and invalidated China's massive claims in the South China Sea.

China has said that it didn't recognize the arbitral ruling.

Still under contemporary issues are discussions on gender rights and the LGBTQ.

Under the topic of laws protecting various genders are discussions on the Quezon City ordinance against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, and Manila's LGBTQ protection ordinance.

Other topics address the gender pay gap and the experiences of LGBT children in the Philippines.

Under the heading issues and challenges to being a citizen are topics on human rights violations. These include discussions on red-tagging, trolling, and extra-judicial killings. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News