The Department of Education (DepEd) has changed a word in the Panatang Makabayan with a Filipino term for prayer which is more inclusive to Muslim students from the Muslim and Moro communities.
The national pledge now has the word “nagdarasal” instead of “nananalangin,” based on DepEd Order No. 4, s. 2023.
The education department has coordinated with various organizations about the change of terminology, like the Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino and representatives from Muslim and Moro communities. A decision was reached to change the word which is more inclusive, solemn, and universal.
“With these consultations, the (Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching) recommended that ‘nananalangin’ be used instead of ‘nagdarasal’ primarily because the ‘nananalangin’ is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog,” the order read.
DepEd added: “Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specify religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems.”
The order also cited the Philippine Bible Society which said “native words are preferred when the Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages.”
— Ronald Espartinez