KWF: Nothing wrong with English as medium of instruction

MANILA, Philippines — The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) will not oppose the proposed use of both Filipino and English as the main medium of instruction in schools.

“We are in this stage that we want English to be used as medium of instruction in teaching. Our view is that this will not hinder in the development of the Filipino language,” KWF Commissioner Arthur Casanova yesterday said in Filipino.

Department of Education Undersecretary Epimaco Densing earlier said he has suggested to Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte to make both English and Filipino as the medium of instruction in schools.

Casanova said they will not oppose such a proposal, as Filipino will still be taught to students as part of the curriculum in basic education.

He added that strengthening the teaching of the English language will not be a barrier to students, as being multilingual in teaching and learning will have a positive effect on learners.

The KWF head also noted that the problem does not lie in using two languages, but rather the weaknesses of teachers who specialize in teaching Filipino.

Casanova said they are batting for better teacher education, especially for those specializing in language instruction in schools. –  Sheila Crisostomo