3 lawmakers push English as medium of instruction

CEBU - Three congressmen have filed a bill seeking to mandate the use of English as medium of instruction in the country’s educational system, bolstering an executive order issued by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo in 2003 for the use of English in the classroom.

The proponents of the bill- Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Villafuerte, Cebu 1st District Representative Eduardo Gullas, and Cebu City North District Representative Raul del Mar (Deputy Speaker for the Visayas)- said using English as a medium of instruction will increase the Filipinos’ proficiency of the language and subsequently advance global competitiveness.

The proposed legislation, entitled “Strengthening and Enhancing the Use of English as the Medium of Instruction Act” is now pending before the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.

The Executive Order issued by Arroyo recognized the need to “develop the aptitude, competence and proficiency of students in the English language to maintain and improve their competitive edge in emerging and fast-growing local and international industries, particularly in the area of information and communications technology.”

Under the proposed legislation, English shall be used as the medium of instruction in all academic subjects from Grade IV to Grade VI and in all levels in high school.

However, Filipino or regional or native language may be used as medium of instruction in all subjects from preschool until Grade III, while English and Filipino shall be taught as separate subjects in all levels in the elementary and high schools.

The existing current language policy prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education will be maintained for the tertiary level but English is encouraged as language for interaction in schools.

The bill also mandates the use of English for government examinations and entrance examinations in public schools and state colleges and universities at all levels. While Filipino questions may be included, such questions shall not exceed 10 percent of the total points in the examinations.

Gullas said English has been invariably part of the country’s educational system as seen in most books and educational materials, including the Constitution as well as the medium used for internal and public communications, speeches and debates.

Del Mar, for his part, said English proficiency is important to be able to “communicate in the world of economic enterprise.” — Garry B. Lao/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)