The relevance of Jose P. Laurel's philosophy of education to contemporary Philippine education

• Main Author: Garcia, Ferdinand M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Education > Philosophy; Relevance (Philosophy)
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3353
• Institution: De La Salle University

Contemporary Philippine education is a product of many influences. In spite of those influences, educational goals are still on its foundation. We have the 1987 Constitution, the Education Act of 1982, and the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum as bases of our educational philosophy. From these bases, what is highlighted is the vision of developing nationalism among Filipinos. It must be remembered that internationalism will not be developed without nationalism. Our people will not be globally competitive without expressing and working on true nationalism. Thus, we have to instill true nationalism or Filipinism, which emphasizes that Filipinos must love what is Filipino. Educational institutions, therefore, must inculcate true nationalism and not an exaggerated nationalism. True nationalism is not a matter of lip service and skin-deep expression. It is not lived in an exaggerated manner that discards everything that is foreign. Thus, true nationalism is living the truth about Filipinos. It is preserving the Filipino identity, culture, traditions, and pride of the country. Consequently, in contextualizing a Filipino philosophy of education, we have to fill the need for the true nationalism. We have to consider a philosophy that will enhance proper expression of true nationalism. Hence, we have to look for a philosophy that is intended to Filipino ideals and aspirations. Thus, education must have Filipino educational philosophy that is for Filipinos, of the Filipinos, and by the Filipinos. We have to develop Filipinos who are maka-Diyos, makatao, makabayan or makabansa, and makakalikasan. With these core educational philosophy and values, Jose P. Laurels philosophy of education is indeed relevant and applicable to contemporary trends, needs, demands, and aspirations of the country. His philosophy emphasizes that education must develop good Filipinos, economic Filipinos, and universal Filipinos. In fact, the country needs good Filipinos who are concerned with the future of the country. We need Filipinos who are God-fearing and who are respecting human dignity and human values. We have to develop Filipinos who are hard working and capable of utilizing properly the abundance of the natural resources. We have to infuse the value of human relationship for universal brotherhood and intercultural relationship. These aspirations are basically the concerns of Laurels philosophy of education. This thesis, therefore, will prove through to its arguments that Laurels philosophy of education is relevant and applicable to Filipino contemporary education.