UCSP-EDUCATION

Education, Religion and Belief Systems, and Health

Education

Primary Function of Educational Institutions

• Socialization of children and new members of society.

• Keeps children and youth occupied, preventing entry into the labor force.

• Aims to bring about social change and provides a means for social mobility.

• Engages in various community activities.

Education in the Philippines

• Managed by the Department of Education (DepEd).

• The educational system before 1946 was based on Spanish and American models.

• Post-independence reforms led to significant changes in the educational system.

Historical Background

• Transition from a 10-year basic education system to the K-12 system commenced in 2011 and completed by 2017-2018.

• Graduation of the first K-12 batch marks the end of the transition period.

School Calendar

• Classes start in June, mandated dates:

  • Public: 1st Monday

  • Private: 2nd Monday

  • Some Colleges: 3rd Monday

• End after completing a 200-day school calendar as required by DepEd.

• Private schools can start later, up to the last week of August.

Influence of Spanish and U.S. Practices on Education

Spanish Period

• Religion was central to the curriculum; schools aimed to spread Christianity.

• Compulsory attendance at church.

• Schools located in barrios were run by parish priests; basics taught included reading, writing, and arithmetic.

• Education was mainly for the upper classes, emphasizing virtue and letters.

American Period

• Focused on developing social patterns for self-governing democracy.

• English became the primary medium of instruction.

• Public schools were established to provide education to all citizens.

• Curriculums included various subjects at primary and intermediate levels.

The K-12 Program

• Aimed at making the educational system responsive to economic development needs.

Functions of Education in Society

• Provides vocational training and basic literacy.

• Preserves culture across generations.

• Promotes democratic participation by developing verbal skills.

• Encourages critical thinking, personal adjustment, and a holistic educational experience.

• Aims at improving youth health through physical education and hygiene courses.

• Cultivates citizenship and character.

Constitutional Provisions Relevant to Basic Education

• Mandate for quality education accessible to all.

• Free education system at elementary and high school levels.

• Encouragement of scholarship programs for underprivileged students.

• Support for non-formal education and community-responsive learning systems.

Formal Education Levels

Elementary Education

• Covers grades 1 to 6 with core subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, and Filipino.

• Optional subjects include Music, Arts, and Health.

Secondary Education

• Aims to continue basic education, often through junior and senior high school.

Tertiary Education

• Regulated by the Commission on Higher Education; colleges and universities offer specialized programs.

• Public universities are non-sectarian and funded by the government.

Vocational Education

• Offered by accredited institutions, typically without entrance exams.

• Programs vary greatly in length and culminate in diplomas or certificates.

Non-formal Education

• Organized educational activities conducted outside the formal system.

• Provides alternative learning for youth and adults.

Special Education

• Tailored for individuals with physical, mental, emotional, social, or cultural differences.

• Aims at developing their educational potential through specialized practices.

Religion and Belief Systems

Definition of Religion

• A social institution that explains significant life questions and phenomena.

• Can be monotheistic (belief in one deity) or polytheistic (belief in many deities).

Animism

• Belief in spirits that influence human affairs; signifies that all objects have a spirit.

• Historically studied in tribal societies.

Importance of Animism

• Not a singular belief but encompasses various religious views.

• Contemporary scholarship on animism intersects with understanding the origins of religion.

Monotheism vs. Polytheism

• Monotheism: belief in a single god, characterizing major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Polytheism: worship of multiple gods, represented in religions like Hinduism and Shinto.

Comparison of Belief Systems

• Historical arguments suggest neither belief system is predecessor to the other; both answer unique existential questions.

Forms of Religion

Religion vs. Institutionalized Religion

• Religion: boundless and evolving.

• Institutionalized Religion: organized, bureaucratic and fixed in doctrine.

Institutionalized Religion Characteristics

• Organized religion with defined beliefs and rituals.

• More prevalent since the rise of civilization and agriculture.

Major World Religions

1. Christianity: Derived from Judaism; centers on Jesus Christ.

2. Islam: Followers believe in revelations to Muhammad; shares roots with Judaism.

3. Judaism: Historical roots; central belief in chosen people.

4. Hinduism: Dominates India, guided by rich cultural traditions and beliefs in karma.

5. Buddhism: Teaches enlightenment and transcending materialism, based on Siddhartha Gautama's teachings.

Types of Religious Groups

• Church: Well-integrated into society, e.g., Roman Catholic Church.

• Sect: Separates itself from broader society, e.g., Amish community.

• Cult: Centralized around a charismatic leader, e.g., People’s Temple led by Jim Jones.

Separation of Church and State in the Philippines

• Article II, Section 6: Separation must be upheld.

• Article III, Section 5: Guarantees free exercise of religion.

• Public funding for religious institutions is restricted; religious education in schools allowed with parental consent.

Health

Bughat/Binat

• Refers to various ailments mothers might face post-childbirth or abortion when not following ritual practices.

Prohibited Activities Post-Childbirth

• Includes drinking cold water, avoiding heavy lifting, and specific bathing rituals.

Usog

• A superstition believing that greeting a stranger can cause illness in children, requiring remediation.

Remedies for Usog

• Home remedies include coconut oil application and specific herbal rituals.

System of Diagnosis and Healing

1. Traditional Medicine: Encompasses non-integrated healthcare practices.

2. Herbal Medicines: Uses various parts of plants with medicinal properties.

3. Historical Use of Remedies: Acknowledge the safe and effective historical use of certain traditional medicines.

4. Therapeutic Activities: Involves prevention and treatment of illnesses.