SOLID NORTH PL TO CHED: THINK TWICE ABOUT CUTTING ‘CRITICAL THINKING’ COURSES OUT OF CURRICULUM

Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos urged the Commission on Higher Education to “think twice” about removing subjects that promote critical thinking among students at the tertiary level.

This after the CHED on Tuesday conducted a public hearing on the proposed changes to its general education curriculum for colleges and universities.

“I hope the CHED will reconsider their proposal, especially with the public clamor especially from educators themselves not to erase subjects like literature, art, Philippine history, and ethics, among others,” said Bernos.

“Hindi lang po dapat production line ang tingin natin sa ating mga students. We must remember that this is higher education and we should be concerned with molding the future leaders of our country.”

Under CHED’s proposal, the mandatory GE would be cut to just 18 units from the current 36, with philosophy, ethics, literature, and history integrated into five broader skills-based courses.

The 18 units include 15 units of core/mandated GE and three units of institutional GE. The five core GE courses would be Professional Communication, Global Trends and Emerging Technologies, Data Evidence and Ethics in a Knowledge Society, Rizal and Philippine Studies, and Labor Education.

The new GE curriculum is being targeted for implementation for academic year 2027-2028.

Bernos emphasized that the courses at risk of being cut are necessary for students to become more rounded and conscientious individuals.

She added that with the advance of artificial intelligence and other technology, what was more important was to give students “a solid base that allows them to think creatively and for themselves.”

“Hindi natin mauunahan ang AI at teknolohiya—these will always be faster and more efficient than us,” Bernos pointed out.

“However, we can give our students an advantage if we stick to providing them with an education that provides a blueprint for how to properly think and act in the face of an ever-changing world and environment.”