DepEd, here's why the Ethics subject is needed at all levels

This is not just a mere subject

- By KLARISSA MAY A. SALENGA, 16 Senior High Valley High Academy, Inc.

During the House Basic Education Committee hearing last May 28, the Department of Education (DepEd) advised removing Ethics, along with two other general education (GE) courses, from the college program and having it just taught in the Good Manners and Right Conduct class of the “Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum,” further citing that such is already part of junior HS under Values Education.

This, DepEd justified, would avoid redundancies, help reduce college units, and give more focus on practical skills development to make students more job-ready.

In contrast, the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Philosophy said that Ethics helps students "develop...the capacity to envision a range of experiences, perspectives, and outcomes in the wake of one's actions," while the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman argued that “weak critical thinking...and limited moral discernment” may result from, or be more prevalent, if the plan pushes through.

I have personal experiences and viral social media issues that erupted recently that showed that ethics is a lesson that needs to be taught adeptly, continuously, independently—at all academic levels, even beyond.

Medical privacy and social media

Just 10 months ago, for example, the issue of the legal and ethical responsibility of keeping one's right to privacy, particularly in moments of extreme medical sensitivity, was dissected in social media and mainstream news.