A Response to Villanueva's Criticism of LGBT-Related Topics Within K-10 Education
Written by Intern Ezekiel Encisa
On May 2, 2023, Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva denounced the “inclusion and promotion” of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ)-related topics within the Department of Education (DepEd)’s draft curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10.
Rather than critically scrutinizing the draft, he condemned the idea altogether. “We are shocked to discover that the promotion of gender ideology, same-sex union, and same-sex marriage is slowly creeping under our nose into the very curriculum of our basic education!” Villanueva said in a statement on Tuesday, May 2.
According to Villanueva, “Not only is this anti-God but also unconstitutional! Section 13, Article II of the constitution mandates that the State shall promote the moral and spiritual well-being of our youth. I do not see that the introduction of these topics into our basic education curriculum is heading in the right direction.”
Illustrated by Intern Angelo Cabrera
Ignorance and Blatant Imposition
Besides the blatant homophobic remarks, I believe Villanueva’s take shows ignorance and selfish imposition of one’s belief. Although Section 13, Article II of the Constitution mandates the proliferation of the youth’s moral and spiritual well-being, it does not sanction Christianity or any other moral compass, for that matter, as the primary means to attain such value. What does Mr. Villanueva consider to be morally upright? Does it reside solely in religious teachings? Does the incorporation of LGBTQ-related concerns, such as studying the detrimental experiences of LGBTQ children, impede the attainment of these characteristics?
Knowledge or Tradition?
By basing his arguments on the Constitution, he should also be cognizant of Article II, Section 6: “The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.” From this alone, it seems perplexing that he amalgamated two incompatible arguments (anti-God and unconstitutional). What are Mr. Villanueva’s true intentions? Is he genuinely concerned about the moral trajectory of the youth or is he more vigilant of the ideology antithetical to his religious beliefs?
Opaque and Undemocratic Viewpoint
I also discern a sense of censorship from Mr. Villanueva’s remarks. At the end of the day, proper education does not mean indoctrination, and education should not filter any seemingly “unwanted” information. By openly slamming the inclusion of LGBTQ-related issues, you simply marginalize and ostracize their individual and communal upheavals. Moreover, you restrict the knowledge of students, limiting them to an incomplete picture of the world. We live in a State where democracy resides. As such, we must prioritize inclusivity, pluralism, and progression. We no longer live in a pre-Gutenberg printing press world where the Church monopolizes knowledge.
I am not saying that Mr. Villanueva should accept the idea with open arms. Furthermore, I do not believe that DepEd’s idea is without its flaws. My main issue with Villanueva’s remarks is his lack of transparency when entertaining the idea. Rather than blatantly berating the proposition, he should offer appropriate amendments. At the very least, he should suggest a compromise to refine the draft.
Conclusion
Overall, CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva's denouncement of LGBTQ-related topics in the Department of Education's draft curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 manifests not only homophobia but also ignorance and imposition of personal beliefs. Although he argues that these topics are “anti-God and unconstitutional,” he conveniently overlooks the constitutional principle of the separation of Church and State. In addition, his response raises questions about his actual intentions and whether his true concern lies with the moral well-being of the youth or with protecting his religious ideology.
While it is acceptable, and even welcomed, for individuals like Villanueva to have reservations about certain topics, a more constructive approach would involve engaging in transparent discourse and offering appropriate criticisms and compromises to clarify and rectify the curriculum draft. In doing so, we can ensure that our educational system remains a dynamic and comprehensive process that equips students with the necessary tools to navigate an increasingly diverse world.
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