French to be taught in 13 public science high schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) will introduce the teaching of the French language in selected public science high schools starting school year 2010-2011 with the help of the French embassy in Manila.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus and French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota, signed recently at the DepEd central office in Pasig City a memorandum of agreement for a partnership to start a pilot program to teach French in 13 public science high schools in Metro Manila and Central Visayas by next school year.

Also at the signing from the French government were new Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Christian Mérer and Emilie Flambeaux, an attaché dedicated to the promotion of the French language. 

Lapus said that the undertaking was part of the DepEd’s thrust to produce multi-lingual Filipinos that will be “global citizens”.

“On account of globalization, our graduates are competing with people from other countries when they join the workforce. Learning a widely used international language early on will give our graduates that competitive advantage,” said Lapus.

“The program is likewise expected to expose our students to other peoples’ circumstances which could lead to better understanding and appreciation of cultures other than our own,” Lapus added.

 — Rainier Allan Ronda