ISSUES / CONTROVERSIES REGARDING RELIGIOUS

INSTRUCTION

by : Erich D. Garcia and Jennifer Cudal

Of all the divisive issues that can cause arguments and dissension between people, religion is one of the most explosive

The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom.

The government permits religious instruction in public schools with written parental consent provided there is no cost to the government.

Laws Regarding Religion in Public Schools

There were no reports of abuses of religious freedom.

The government did not ban or discourage specific religious groups or religious factions

There were no reports of societal abuses based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice, although there were some reports of discrimination and tension.

Government Practices

some employers stereotyped Muslims as being less educated

difficulty renting rooms in boarding houses or being hired for retail work if they used their real names or wore distinctive Muslim dress

Many reportedly resorted to adopting Christian pseudonyms and wearing Western clothing.

Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom

The government allowed interested groups to distribute religious literature in public schools

public schools must ensure that the religious rights of students are protected

Muslim students are allowed to wear hijab (head coverings), and Muslim girls are not required to wear shorts during physical education classes.

Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom

The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

The government generally respected religious freedom in law and in practice

Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom

a recent order requesting Filipino Muslim teachers to remove their veil inside the classroom applies only to Arabic language instructors

teachers handling Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) are requested to remove the veil covering the face (niqab) when teaching in the classroom,”

DepEd clarifies veil removal order for Muslim teachers

This is to promote better teacher-pupil relationship and to support effective language teaching since seeing the teacher’s lips helps in the correct production of letter sounds,

DepEd Order no. 32 series of 2013, which reiterates DECS order No. 53, series of 2001 or Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students.

DepEd clarifies veil removal order for Muslim teachers

wearing a veil covering the entire face is allowed outside the classroom, but that it is “strongly suggested” that the veil be removed or partially removed (the detachable mouth and nose cover) so that students can see the teacher’s mouth

Paano magbibigay ng instruction kung hindi kita ang lips. Iisipin ng bata, ano ‘yan, puppet o silhouette?

DepEd clarifies veil removal order for Muslim teachers

Respect for rights of Muslim students DepEd order also stresses on the religious

rights of Muslim students including the following policies:

Female Muslim schoolchildren are allowed to use their veil or hijab inside campus.

DepEd clarifies veil removal order for Muslim teachers

Muslim girls are allowed to wear appropriate clothing in Physical Education classes in accordance with their religious belief.

Muslim students shall not be required to participate in non-Muslim religious rites.

DepEd clarifies veil removal order for Muslim teachers