FOLLOWING the recommendation from linguists and language groups, the Department of Education (DepEd) has amended the Panatang Makabayan to be “inclusive” to other religions.

Panatang Makabayan, also known as the Patriotic Oath, is one of the Philippines’ two national oaths. It is often recited at flag ceremonies, especially in public schools, following the Philippine national anthem and before the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, the second national oath of the country.

Under the DepEd Order No. 004, series of 2023, the word “nagdarasal” was replaced by the department with “nananalangin” since the word was “well-written and sufficiently rationalized.”

The order likewise cited the Republic Act 1265, also known as the Act making Flag Ceremony Compulsory in All Educational Institutions, which authorized the education department to issue a set of implementing rules and regulations for the proper conduct of flag ceremonies in education institutions.

More inclusive term

According to the DepEd and groups of experts and linguistic specialists, the replacement term is more inclusive and solemn, and choosing nananalangin is “well thought of and extensively researched.”

“It is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specific religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems,” the order said.

Although it held a different viewpoint, the Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University voiced its support for the overall decision that the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching made about this matter. 

The primary reason for this recommendation was that nananalangin is intrinsic to and an essential part of Filipino identity because it has its historical roots in Tagalog, it said.

Among the language groups consulted by the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching  Language groups were the Linguistic Society of the Philippines, Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Pilipino, and Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University. 

Below is the revised Panatang Makabayan under the DepEd Order 004 series of 2023:

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,

aking lupang sinilangan

tahanan ng aking lahi;

kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang

maging malakas, masipag at marangal.

Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,

diringgin ko ang payo

ng aking mga magulang,

susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,

tutuparin ko ang tungkulin

ng mamamayang makabayan;

naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nananalangin

nang buong katapatan.

Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,

pangarap, pagsisikap

sa bansang Pilipinas.