The Role of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Moral Education of the Youth

            The Role of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Moral Education of the Youth

By: Anabelle Salibad

A strong nation is built on the strong moral fiber of its citizenry. This is my realization after teaching Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) to my pupils for quite sometime now.

As a teacher, I have realized the importance of this subject to every pupil. It is a subject that should not be overlooked or taken for granted not only because it is part and parcel of the curriculum but more so because it is a subject that builds the character of every learner. And we all know that character is what is left when everything else is forgotten.

Putting your feet in the shoes of another: Real essence of  Pagpapakatao

ESP or otherwise known as Edukasyon ng Pagpapahalaga or Values Education is part of the core subjects that are being taught to both the elementary and secondary schools. It is given the same weight as that of the major subjects such as English, Science or Math. It is a subject that teaches values and virtues. And with the K to 12 Curriculum, this subject has been totally revamped to cover subject areas touching ethics and morality. It is a subject that equips individuals with the necessary prudence and moral responsibility, necessary to guide each individual in making life decisions. It is as important as Math, Science or English because it pertains to the practicality of life. It deals with attitude, of good morals and right conduct, of right values and virtues to live by. More importantly, it develops and instills the core values of Maka- Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan and Maka-Bansa in the hearts of every Filipino. (http://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/list/kto12/subject/849)

The government through the Department of Education recognizes the necessity of producing morally upright citizens. For what could be more important than raising responsible citizens who would not compromise their morals and ideals?

Morality is part and parcel of the education of the youth. It is imperative to build a nation with its citizens being morally grounded. For without a strong foundation on what is right and wrong, a student could grow up to be a corrupt political leader, a horrifying criminal, or an irresponsible and uncaring citizen.

With this subject on ESP, we envision every Filipino to be morally upright. If properly taught at school and reinforced at home, ESP would indeed produce citizens who are of Maka- Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan and Maka-Bansa. This is the utopia that we hope to achieve. It may seem an elusive vision of DepEd. But one life that is touched through ESP would mean a big, big difference.