TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE -- Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC has called on the public to promote societal harmony and acceptance of other faiths when praying in public schools.
In a meeting with key Department of Education (DepEd) officials, Luistro emphasized the need to co-exist harmoniously in a pluralistic society. “We may have different faiths but we can develop a culture of acceptance and understanding through education,” he said.
The education chief is encouraging ecumenical prayers or the recitation of a prayer for each of the represented faiths especially during official programs. “We need to take into account the multitude of faiths in the country," he pointed out.
"If there are various faiths in the room, we can either have a prayer for each, or have something that is applicable to all."
In the same Mindanao meeting, Luistro also reiterated the protocol of singing the National Anthem first before prayers in official programs.
"We cannot call on God unless we gather first as a nation. The singing of the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ brings us together, and then we pray as one, even as we come from different traditions," he explained.
DepEd is currently implementing an educational program for Indigenous Peoples, designing curricula and modules that respond to their cultural and educational needs. The Department also continues to strengthen Madrasah education for Muslim learners across the country.
