Acceptability of Non-Muslim Teachers Teaching the History of Filipino Muslims and the Indigenous Peoples of MINSUPALA (HIS003) Among Muslim Meranaw Students

Abstract

The Mindanao State University (MSU) is a special instrumentality of the Philippine government in the southern part of the country. It is special because it was the only state university charged with the responsibility of integrating the Filipino Muslims of into the main body politic of the nation (See MSU Charter).

As part of the effort of the university to carry out the above mandate, a special subject is required to be taken by all MSU students regardless of academic programs. This course is HIS003, which is the History of Filipino Muslims and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan (MINSUPALA). Currently, this course is handled by the History Departments of the multi-campus university and is taught to all students regardless of religion or ethnic backgrounds. The rationale for teaching the course to all students, (which includes a significant number of non-Muslims), is several folds. (1) It is supposed to acknowledge the historical contribution of the Muslims and IPs in the making of the Philippines. (2) It is supposed to correct the distorted, exclusive, and lopsided "popular history" that had alienated Philippine minority groups. Lastly, (3) it is supposed to raise awareness among people that the problem affecting the Filipino Muslims is a problem that affects the entire nation (Caballero, 2015).

Apart from the above, the teaching of the subject is supposed to promote empathy among non-Muslims for the plight of the Filipino Muslims. As such, the subject may be considered a tool for Muslim-Christian dialogue and better understanding.

Lately however, a controversy arose in one of the campuses of MSU as to who should handle the very delicate subject. The controversy began when some Muslim faculty members argued that the subject would be better taught if teachers handling it were Muslims themselves. The Christian teachers, of course, vehemently opposed the argument stressing that teaching history is not only a matter of perspective but more importantly educational qualification as well. Mention must be made that Christian faculty members dominate the History Departments of some MSU campuses.

While the debate was intense between the Muslim and Christian teachers, the students, who are the ultimate recipients of classroom instruction, were always silent. Hence, to give them a voice in the debate, this survey is undertaken.