Historical revisionism and propaganda are the most abused words used by the left to counter those who try to correct whatever error was committed in recording the events of the past. Just lately, there was a clash of words between a Senator and the Vice President who is also the concurrent DepEd Secretary because of the use of the words New Society in the modules of Senior high school instead of Martial Law. It was explained by the Vice President that the report of the senior high school student was taken out of context because what was shown on social media is only one line reflecting the words new society. It didn’t show the entire module that exhaustively discussed the subject matter including martial law.
I was really wondering why some self-proclaimed historians, some government officials and those in the mainstream media are up in arms vilifying and cursing martial law imposed by the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., but they never discussed the very reasons why martial law was declared. They miserably failed to educate the young about the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF that led to the declaration of martial law and they refused to condemn the acts of terrorism committed by these terrorists – killings, bombing of cell sites and religious edifices, extortion, recruitment of young learners in universities and colleges, sexual harassment, violence against women and children and other heinous crimes.
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” Facts are available in books and manuscripts but if you do not know how to think critically why such facts happened, it is useless and the mistakes committed in the past are bound to be repeated all over again. Let us bear in mind that martial law was declared not because of the whims and caprices of the late President FEM Sr., but due to the atrocities, terrorism and anarchy during that time.
I commend PBBM for giving the DepEd portfolio to the Vice President who shows willingness and readiness to introduce important innovations in the Department. As a matter of fact, she has already put up several satellite offices all over the country to cater to the needs and concerns of parents, teachers and learners that need to be addressed by the Department. She is also very vocal about her stand against terrorism and criminality. Remember her advice to the AFP “to show no mercy to terrorists and criminals” during PBBM’s state visit to Indonesia and Singapore?
Recruitment of learners to join terror groups must be stopped and the Department of Education plays a very important role in inculcating to the minds of learners the value of nationalism, patriotism, love of God, love of country and love of parents. Explaining to them in detail why Martial Law was declared is not historical revisionism but giving substance to that part of our history that was obviously neglected. I am hopeful that with the concerted efforts of SMNI, pro-government journalists, AFP, the NTF-ELCAC and the people, those terrorists and their cohorts will soon be gone.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
