Bataan Vice Gov. Ma. Cristina Garcia. Photo by Ernie Esconde
BALANGA CITY — The sangguniang panlalawigan has passed an ordinance mandating the showing of documentaries and utilization of other media in public and private educational institutions on the history, culture, and heritage of the Province of Bataan, Vice Gov. Ma. Cristina “Cris” Garcia announced Monday.
The ordinance just approved by Gov. Albert Garcia also provided for the creation of a special technical committee for the purpose.
Vice Gov. Garcia said the ordinance, authored and sponsored by SP member Jomar Gaza and unanimously approved by the body, pointed to the rich history of the province that figured prominently in the history of the Philippines, especially during World War II.
Markers and monuments abound in the province as reminder to the horrors of war and the gallantry of Filipino soldiers before and after Bataan fell on April 9, 1942.
The vice governor said Bataan has a big role and contribution in shaping the country’s history and being the bastion of democracy and symbol of defiance against foreign incursion should be treasured and nurtured among the youth.
“With the removal of Philippine History as a dedicated course in high school, there is a greater and more significant need to make sure that the rich history of Bataan is remembered and passed-on to the new generation,” Garcia said.
The resolution reminded that it is the policy of the provincial government to nurture and inculcate patriotism and nationalism among the youth of the province through the preservation, enrichment and promotion of its historical and cultural heritage.
The showing, exhibition or presentation of documentaries, videos and other content on the history, culture and heritage of the province and its people shall be mandatory for all educational institutions whether public or private as may be directed by the special technical committee to be created.
The approved materials are only documentaries, videos and other content on the history, culture and heritage of Bataan as produced and provided or as previously approved by the special technical committee.
Funding for the implementation of the ordinance will be provided every year. A penalty clause was also provided for any violation of the ordinance.
