DepEd Proposal to Remove Ethics From Curriculum Bucked

The University of the Philippines-Diliman Department of Philosophy has voiced strong opposition to the Department of Education (DepEd)'s proposal to remove the Ethics subject from the General Education (GE) curriculum of higher education institutions.

- - Bella Cariaso

In a statement, the department responded to the May 28 hearing of the House committee on basic education and culture, chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, during which the DepEd recommended the exclusion of Ethics from the GE curriculum.

"While the goal of addressing redundancy and shortening college to ease the financial burden on students is understandable, removing Ethics from the curriculum would sacrifice a vital educational and civic good," UP Diliman's Department of Philosophy said.

"We recognize the financial pressures on students. However, a threeunit Ethics course represents less than three percent of a typical degree programa modest investment for lifelong critical thinking skills," it added.