Bilingual Policy In The Philippines

Reporter: Dulfo, Danna May D.

The bilingual policy in the Philippines is an educational policy that promotes the use of
two languages, Filipino (also known as Pilipino) and English, in the country’s education
system. The policy aims to preserve and promote the Filipino language while also
recognizing the importance of English as a global language and a tool for economic
development.

The history of the bilingual policy in the Philippines can be traced back to the early years
of the 20th century when the United States, after gaining control of the Philippines
through the Spanish-American War, imposed the English-only policy. This policy was
later replaced by a Filipino-only policy during the Philippine Commonwealth period
under President Manuel Quezon.

In 1973, during the martial law era under President Ferdinand Marcos, the bilingual
policy was reintroduced in the form of Executive Order No. 142. This order mandated
the use of Filipino and English as the medium of instruction in all educational
institutions, from elementary to tertiary levels.

The bilingual policy has since undergone several revisions and amendments, with the
most recent update coming in the form of the K-12 Basic Education Program, which was
implemented in 2012. This program expanded the duration of basic education from 10
to 12 years, emphasizing the importance of both Filipino and English languages in the
curriculum.

The Importance of the Bilingual Policy in the

Philippines
The bilingual policy in the Philippines serves several important purposes. First, it
promotes linguistic diversity and cultural preservation by recognizing and celebrating
the rich linguistic heritage of the country. The Filipino language, which is an
amalgamation of various regional languages and dialects, plays a crucial role in
fostering national unity and identity.

Second, the policy aims to prepare the Filipino youth for the globalized economy by
equipping them with the necessary language skills to communicate effectively with
people from different countries. English, as a global language, serves as a bridge for
international business, trade, and diplomacy.

Third, the bilingual policy supports the development of critical thinking and problem-
solving skills among students, as they are exposed to different languages and
perspectives. This, in turn, helps to create a more informed and engaged citizenry that
can contribute to the country’s social, economic, and political development.

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the

Bilingual Policy
Despite the numerous benefits of the bilingual policy, it has also faced several
challenges and controversies. One of the main concerns is the lack of resources and
infrastructure to effectively implement the policy in all educational institutions,
particularly in remote and underprivileged areas.

Another issue is the debate over the balance between the use of Filipino and English
languages in education. Critics argue that the policy has led to the marginalization of
other regional languages and dialects, which are an essential part of the country’s
linguistic and cultural diversity.

Additionally, there are concerns about the quality of teaching and learning in the
context of the bilingual policy, as many teachers may not be proficient in both Filipino
and English. This can lead to a negative impact on students’ language skills and overall
education.

 BILINGUAL POLICIES

1. Department of Education Order No. 23, s. 2012: Enhancing Basic

Education through the K-12 Program - This document outlines the
implementation guidelines for the K-12 Basic Education Program, which
includes the bilingual policy as a key component.
2. Executive Order No. 142: Bilingual Policy in the Philippines - Issued in
1973, this executive order reintroduced the bilingual policy in the country’s
education system, emphasizing the importance of both Filipino and English
languages.
3. Republic Act No. 7136: Maintenance of Historic and Cultural Relics and
Landmarks - This law recognizes the importance of preserving the country’s
 linguistic and cultural heritage, which is closely tied to the bilingual policy in
the Philippines.

 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the bilingual policy in the Philippines is an essential aspect of the country’s
linguistic landscape, promoting national unity and facilitating communication and economic
growth. While the policy faces challenges, such as the lack of proficiency in both languages and
regional disparities, it remains an important aspect of the nation’s identity and development.

Multilingual Policy In The Philippines

Reporter: Dulfo, Danna May D.
In the Philippines, the multilingual policy is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes
both Filipino and English as official languages. Additionally, the country has several regional
languages that are also recognized as official languages in their respective regions. The
government promotes the use of these languages in education and official communication to
preserve and promote linguistic diversity.

Historical Background
The multilingual policy in the Philippines can be traced back to the pre-colonial era
when various ethnic groups spoke different languages and dialects. Spanish colonization
in the 16th century introduced the Spanish language, which became the official
language of the country. In 1898, the United States took control of the Philippines, and
English was introduced as an additional official language.

The multilingual policy was further solidified with the ratification of the 1935
Constitution, which declared both Spanish and English as official languages. The 1973
Constitution, however, declared Filipino as the national language and English as the
second official language.

Goals of the Multilingual Policy

The primary goals of the multilingual policy in the Philippines are to promote national
unity, preserve linguistic diversity, and facilitate communication among the country’s
diverse population. The policy aims to ensure that citizens can effectively communicate
with each other, despite their linguistic backgrounds. It also seeks to create a sense of
national identity and foster understanding among the different ethnic groups.

Moreover, the policy encourages the development of the Filipino language as a medium
of instruction in schools and the government’s official communication. This goal is
essential for promoting education and social mobility among the population, as the
Filipino language is more accessible to a wider range of individuals than English.
Implementation of the Multilingual Policy
The implementation of the multilingual policy in the Philippines is primarily carried out
through the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED). Both agencies are responsible for ensuring that the Filipino language
is taught in schools, from kindergarten to higher education.

In addition to these agencies, the National Language Institute (NLI) plays a crucial role in
promoting the Filipino language and preserving linguistic diversity. The NLI is
responsible for researching, developing, and promoting the use of the Filipino language
in various sectors, including government, education, and the private sector.

Impact on Society, Education, and Politics

The multilingual policy in the Philippines has had several impacts on society, education, and
politics.

1. Society: The policy has helped to promote national unity and understanding
among the diverse population. By encouraging the use of Filipino as a national
language, it has facilitated communication and cooperation among people from
different ethnic backgrounds.

2. Education: The introduction of the Filipino language as a medium of instruction

has helped to promote education equity and accessibility. Students from various
backgrounds can now learn and communicate in a language that is more
accessible to them, which has led to improved educational outcomes.
3. Politics: The multilingual policy has also impacted the political landscape in the
Philippines. By promoting the use of Filipino as a national language, it has
allowed for greater political participation and representation of various ethnic
groups in the government.

Conclusion
The multilingual policy in the Philippines has been an essential aspect of the
nation’s culture, education, and communication. It has helped to promote
national unity, preserve linguistic diversity, and facilitate communication among
the country’s diverse population. The implementation of the policy through
various government agencies, such as the Department of Education and the
Commission on Higher Education, has led to significant impacts on society,
education, and politics. As the nation continues to evolve, it is essential to
maintain and strengthen the multilingual policy to ensure the continued growth
and development of the Philippines.