11 Questions
What is the national language of the Philippines according to the 1987 Constitution?
Filipino
What does the Constitution say about the development of Filipino as a language?
It should be developed and enriched based on existing dialects and languages
According to the 1987 Constitution, what are the official languages of the Philippines for communication and instruction?
Filipino and English
What does the Constitution say about other native Philippine languages?
They shall serve as auxiliary official languages
What does the Constitution direct the government to do with regard to Filipino as a language?
Take steps to initiate and sustain its use as the medium of official communication
What role do non-Tagalog languages play in the educational system according to the 1987 Constitution?
They shall serve as auxiliary medium of instruction in the regions they are spoken
What is the primary task of the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (Commission on the Filipino Language) established in 1991?
To undertake research for the development of Filipino and other languages
What is the purpose of Executive Order 335 issued by President Corazon Aquino in 1988?
To promote the use of Filipino in official transactions and communications
What is described as the native language spoken and written in the National Capital Region and other urban centers in the Philippines?
Filipino
What is a feature of the Filipino language, according to KWF Resolution 1-92?
It is in the process of development via loans from other languages
What is a debate that has been ongoing since 1937 regarding the national language of the Philippines?
The basis of the national language being Tagalog
Study Notes
The 1987 Constitution and the National Language
- The 1987 Constitution defines Filipino as the national language of the Philippines.
- It acknowledges that Filipino is evolving and should be developed and enriched based on other existing dialects and languages.
Language Policy in the Philippines
- Article XIV, Sections 6 to 9 of the 1987 Constitution outline the main language policy in the country.
- Section 7 states that Filipino and English are the official languages, with other native Philippine languages serving as auxiliary official languages.
Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (Commission on the Filipino Language)
- The Commission was created in 1991 pursuant to Section 9 of Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution.
- The Commission is tasked to undertake, coordinate, and promote researches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other languages.
Executive Order 335
- Issued in 1988, the order mandates the use of Filipino in official transactions and communications in all government departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities.
- The order assigns personnel to handle all communication and correspondence written in Filipino.
- It also tasks government entities to translate names of offices, divisions, and instrumentalities, and oaths of office into Filipino, and to make proficiency in the use of Filipino part of personnel training programs.
KWF Resolution 1-92
- Adopted in 1992, the resolution describes Filipino as the native language spoken and written in the National Capital Region and other urban centers in the Philippines.
- It recognizes Filipino as a language in development, with loans from other Philippine languages and non-native varieties for different social situations, among speakers of different backgrounds, and for topics of conversation and scholarly discourse.
Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) Order 81
- Issued in 1987, the order released the “Alphabet and a Guide for Spelling in the Filipino Language.”
- The order composed the Filipino Alphabet of 28 letters, including Ñ and Ng, and laid down rules on spelling.
Controversy on the National Language
- The notion of a Tagalog-based national language has been the center of an ongoing argument regarding the national language of the Philippines since 1937.
- There are 8 major native languages in the Philippines whose speakers outnumber Tagalog users, fueling the debate.
Test your knowledge on the main Filipino language policies implemented to promote and preserve the national language in government institutions. Explore details about the recognition of Filipino as the national language and its continuous development based on existing dialects.
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