Philippine Bilingual Education Policy

Language Policy in the Philippines

• The Department Order that first implemented the language policy in 1974 was Department Order No. 25, s. 1974.
• Under the Bilingual Education Policy, subjects taught in Pilipino-Filipino and English include mathematics, science, and technology.
• One of the goals of the Bilingual Education Policy is to develop the cognitive skills of students.
• The constitutional mandate that is consistent with the Bilingual Education Policy is the provision under Section 6, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution.
• The Bilingual Education Policy aims to achieve effective learning and intellectualization of students.
• English is maintained as an international language because it is a global language used for international communication, business, and trade.

Implementation of the Language Policy

• The entity responsible for formulating and implementing programs for the full implementation of the objectives mentioned in the Executive Order is the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS).
• In addition to enhancing communication in Filipino, training programs for personnel development should include cultural enrichment and social awareness.
• Filipino should be integrated into official communications through gradual and systematic use.
• What is NOT mentioned as a way to promote the use of Filipino in official settings is replacing English entirely.
• The role of Filipino and English as indicated in Department Order No. 25, s. 1974 is as the medium of instruction in education.

Development and Enrichment of Filipino

• According to the 1987 Constitution, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) is responsible for the development and enrichment of Filipino.
• One of the key guidelines specified in DECS Order No. 54, s. 1987 regarding Bilingual Education is the use of Filipino as a medium of instruction in education.
• Under Executive Order No. 335 signed by President Corazon Aquino, Filipino was mandated to be used in official transactions by government entities.
• Tertiary level institutions are expected to lead in the intellectualization of Filipino.
• One specific step mentioned in DECS Order No. 54, s. 1987 towards the intellectualization of Filipino is the development of teaching materials and resources in Filipino.