We are incredibly excited to share that the Philippine Province of Masbate has officially announced the institutionalization of the World Youth Alliance’s Human Dignity Curriculum (HDC) starting in academic school year 2025–26.
In accordance with the Masbate Provincial Information Office, the Province of Masbate, an island municipality located in the Philippines, is the second province to adopt the HDC ordinance in the country, and the first in Luzon. The HDC will now be able to reach upwards of over 800 public and private schools and 200,000 students.
Lord Leomer Pomperada, Director of the Human Dignity Curriculum Expansion in the Philippines, said “I’m deeply inspired by the dedication of Masbate’s leaders in pushing for the passage of the HDC ordinance. This is a landmark piece of legislation—one that lays a solid foundation for the future of Masbate by shaping young minds with a clear understanding of human dignity. I stand with the leaders of Masbate in their vision to form learners of strong character and leadership, and I hope this bold step will inspire other provinces to follow suit.”
Launched in 2016, the Human Dignity Curriculum is a school-based program designed to educate students on human dignity, freedom, solidarity, and human rights. According to the 2015 Declaration on Health and Education, “[q]uality education must be available to all on an equal basis and should flow from an authentic understanding of the human person, and foster respect for self and others in solidarity.” Alongside local partners, parents, and educators, the HDC works to ensure transparency and collaboration in adapting its content to meet local needs, and we are seeing the growing successes across the Philippines.
Since successful implementation of the curriculum in the Philippine towns of Sibalom, San Jose de Buenavista, Sebaste, and Libertad, Masbateños are now following suit. Pomperada met with officials from the Department of Education Schools Division of Masbate City and Masbate Province in January 27, 2025, where the launch of the HDC was discussed for the next academic year to “shape young minds of Masbateños through values-based education rooted in human dignity. Pomperada said, “We’re excited to witness the leadership of Masbate Province in advancing the Human Dignity Curriculum in Luzon. The Department of Education officials from both Masbate Province and Masbate City have shown full support and commitment to bringing the HDC to all schools and ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
With great strides being made in the Philippines, the World Youth Alliance is incredibly hopeful about the positive outcomes we are seeing not only in that country, but in countless others. We will continue to be proactive and advocate for educating children on values of the whole person—human dignity, self-identity, solidarity, and friendship.
If you would like to learn more about the research and studies conducted on the HDC, please contact hdc@wya.net.
