PBEd: Integration of civic education in all subjects vital for nation-building

Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), through its online learning platform Sibika.ph, pushed for civic education to promote the development of critical thinking skills, civic engagement and social responsibility among Filipino learners.

The platform Sibika.ph provides teachers with free and accessible resources for teaching civic education, helping them equip students with a better understanding of their role in society. The resources include Department of Education-certified (Understanding Culture, Society and Politics) modules, educational videos and curated materials on civic education.

“By incorporating civic education into different learning settings and teaching methods, we support the advocacy for a more holistic approach to education which not only prepares students for employment but also develops their character and sense of civic responsibility,” PBEd Deputy Executive Director for Programs Bal Camua said during the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed PH) Civic Education Summit 2023.

The summit, organized by YouthLed, a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development, took place at Diamond Hotel last April 27-29, 2023. It featured discussions on developing civic knowledge and skills among teachers and the youth, with a showcase of online and offline training opportunities and resources. Special sessions were conducted among teachers and education supervisors nationwide on pedagogical innovations for delivering civic education to learners.

The event provided a platform for the academe, government, civil society, private sector, and student and youth-led organizations to discuss the state of civic education in the Philippines.

In its panel discussion, teachers emphasized the importance of civic education in teaching students about their rights and responsibilities. With the use of various methods such as small group discussions, immersion programs and metaphors, they were able to instill collaboration, social responsibility, and integrity in their students while addressing community problems.

“What we can learn from this is that civic education is an essential part of every student’s education, and we recognize that it can be integrated into all subjects and at all grade levels,” Camua stressed.

“The ongoing review of the K-12 curriculum and convening of the Second Congressional Commission on Education are opportune time to include the critical role of civic education in the formation of the youth to become responsible citizens and contribute to nation-building,” Camua added.