3 DepEd approved textbooks flawed, offensive to Ifugaos - politician

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - A prominent Ifugao politician is questioning three textbooks that were approved by the Department of Education for use in public and private elementary schools, claiming the reading materials are offensive to their culture. Former Ifugao governor and congressman Gualberto Lumauig said the textbooks - "Ang Lahing Pilipino sa Nagbabagong Panahon" (for Grade 6 classes), "Ang Lahing Pilipino" and "Yakal Pabasa" (both for Grade 2 classes) - were filled with errors. Lumauig said that for ALPNP, the Ifugaos are mentioned as living in the province of Benguet. Ifugaos, he said, live in Ifugao province. On the next page, Lumauig said that the Ifugaos are described as "kilala sa pamumugot ng ulo, mabalasik, at mapaghiganti (known for headhunting, fierce and vengeful)." Lumauig quoted the following part found on page 5 of "Ang Lahing Pilipino": "Kilala ang mga Ifugao sa pagiging mabangis, kinatatakutan ng mga Kristiyano, walang kinikilalang Diyos at ang Banaue Rice Terraces naman daw ay matatagpuan sa Benguet." In the Grade 2 YP, Lumauig said that the story entitled "Ang Alamat ng Mina sa Baguio" has a drawing of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. The publisher of the books is Rex Publishing Company and listed as the books' editors are Rose Sablaon and Lazelle Rose Pelingo. - GMANews.TV