A new measure filed in the House of Representatives aims to equip Filipino students with a deep understanding of the 1987 Constitution and prepare them for active, informed, and responsible citizenship.

House Bill No. 1912, also known as the Constitutional Literacy and Civic Engagement Act, was authored by Bataan First District Representative Antonino “Tony” Roman III. The bill seeks to establish a Constitutional Education and Civic Engagement Program (CECEP) in all public and private elementary and secondary schools across the country, covering learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12.

At the core of the bill is the integration of constitutional principles, democratic values, and civic responsibilities into the school curriculum. The Department of Education (DepEd) is tasked with developing and implementing the program in collaboration with the Supreme Court, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and the legal academe. The program will utilize learner-centered and inclusive approaches and will be embedded in various subjects through progressive instruction.

To enhance practical understanding, CECEP will include debates, mock court exercises, and community civic projects. Teachers will also undergo specialized training and certification to ensure effective delivery of content. The bill institutionalizes Constitution Day every February 2, promoting national awareness and reflection on constitutional values. A monitoring mechanism with regular progress reports to Congress will also be established.

Roman emphasized that the bill aligns with Article XIV, Section 3 of the Constitution, which mandates the teaching of the Constitution in all schools. “Our democracy depends on the ability of every Filipino to understand and engage with our fundamental laws and institutions,” Roman said. “Through this program, we are investing in a more informed, empowered, and responsible next generation.”
The initiative supports broader national goals for civic education and includes components on digital citizenship and media literacy, recognizing the changing dynamics of social and political participation in the digital age.

Implementation will rely on existing DepEd resources and infrastructure, with the potential for additional support from private and international partners. Schools will be given the flexibility to adapt materials to local languages and contexts, ensuring accessibility and relevance across diverse communities.

If enacted, the measure is expected to produce a generation of students well-versed in their rights and responsibilities, capable of critical thinking, and ready to participate meaningfully in the country’s democratic processes.

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