Scrabble pushed as English learning tool

In addition to reading science and math books, students in public elementary and high schools may soon be playing the popular board game Scrabble or answering crossword puzzles under the watchful eyes of their teachers.

A congressman-educator is planning to persuade the Department of Education to make word games an additional English learning tool in public schools.

"Scrabble, Boggle, crossword puzzle books, and other English-based word games are definitely potent accessories that can go a long way in enlivening the use of English in schools, or even in homes," Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas said yesterday.

He said he would push for the inclusion of these materials in the list of instructional supplies that may qualify as tax-deductible items under the Adopt-a-School Program.

"This way, corporations and other entities can donate Scrabble and Boggle sets, and crossword puzzle books by the thousands for use in public elementary and high schools," he said.

Gullas, who is a deputy majority leader in the House, comes from a family of educators. His family owns the University of the Visayas in Cebu City.

Gullas is principal author of Bill 4701, which seeks to reintroduce English as the principal medium of instruction in schools. The House passed the measure on third and final reading last week by a 132-7 vote. It now goes to the Senate.

In 1998, he authored Republic Act 8525 with then youth Rep. Ana Marie Periquet. The law established the Adopt-a-School Program, which is designed to encourage the private sector to help public schools in exchange for tax deductions.

Under the program, businesses can support education by providing textbooks and other teaching materials and equipment, and funding faculty development and construction of school facilities.

In return, these entities are entitled to claim 150 percent of the value of their assistance as tax-deductible expenses.

Gullas announced his plan to push for word games as additional English learning aids after Scrabble enthusiasts in Baguio City urged the education department anew to promote their favorite board game as an English learning accessory.

The Baguio-Benguet Club for Scrabble said it has been trying to sell the idea to education officials since 2002.

Club officers said teachers could use Scrabble to help students apply what they learn in English classes.

Gullas suggested that public schools could even launch Scrabble or word game tournaments to promote English literacy.

"This is consistent with the mandate contained in Bill 4701 for schools to undertake activities that stimulate the use of English," he said.

He filed the bill after studies found out that English literacy among Filipinos has been declining over the past few years.

Gullas noted that recent multibillion-dollar businesses spawned by globalization such as call centers demand a high degree of proficiency in English that many Filipino jobseekers do not possess.

These jobseekers have to undergo training or take retooling courses, often at the expense of recruiters, to meet such high standards, he said.