Antique Province is set to expand the Human Dignity Education Program (HDEP) across all its schools starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative, which has been piloted in select schools in San Jose de Buenavista, Sibalom, Sebaste, and Libertad, aims to instill a sense of self-worth and human dignity among students.
Anna Halpine, the founder of the World Youth Alliance (WYA) and the architect behind the HDEP curriculum, emphasized the program’s goal to transform how students perceive themselves and make life choices. She expressed optimism about the curriculum’s impact during a recent session of the Antique Provincial Board.
Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with Lord Leomer Pomperada, the HDEP director in the Philippines, noting noticeable behavioral improvements in children. School principals have also reported increased industriousness among students, even at home.
In the pilot schools, HDEP serves as supplementary material during homeroom and guidance sessions, enhancing the existing Values Education and Good Manners and Right Conduct programs. Rev. Merlly Bancolo from the Antique Christian Center, one of the pilot schools, highlighted the curriculum’s role in reducing bullying by fostering respect among students.
The Antique Provincial Board passed an ordinance in March 2024 to officially adopt the HDEP provincewide. Ordinance author Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao described the program as a comprehensive societal approach to enhancing public values awareness. The ordinance also allocates PHP5 million to support the program’s implementation across the province.