Mother tongue is one's native language.

Language is a form of expression, it can be L1 (first

language), L2 (second language), bilingual (using two languages), multilingual (includes different types),
and literacy (reads and writes). There are UNESCO'S 3 principles, first UNESCO endorses mother tongue
instruction as a method to enhance educational quality by enhancing the knowledge and experience of
both learners and teachers. Second UNESCO supports bilingual and/or multilingual education at all levels
of education. And last UNESCO supports language as an essential component of intercultural education.
MLE is a first language-first education approach that starts with the mother tongue and transitions to
additional languages for literacy and instruction. It involves learning to read and write in the first
language, and teaching subjects like mathematics, science, health, and social studies in the first
language. The Purpose of MTB-MLE is to develop appropriate cognitive and reasoning skills enabling
children to operate equally in different languages. The languages considered by DepEd in its MTB-MLE
are Ilokano, Pangasinan, Tagalog, Tausug, etc. MTBMLE offers numerous benefits, including reduced
dropout rates, reduced repetition, increased attendance, learning, and increased involvement from
parents and the community.

Law under MTB-MLE is The RA 10157 Kindergarten Education Act aims to integrate kindergarten
education into the basic education system, recognizing its crucial role in the academic and technical
development of Filipino children. SEC. 5 Medium of instruction about The State will adopt the mother
tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE) method for kindergarten teaching and learning. The
learner's mother tongue will be the primary medium of instruction. However, exceptions may be made
for students with different mother tongues, teachers who do not speak the learner's mother tongue,
resources not yet available, and teachers who have not been trained to use the MTB-MLE program.
Section 7 outlines the duties, powers, and functions of learning development materials, including
listening stories, small and big books, experience stories, primer lessons, and lessons exemplars. The RA
10533 Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 aims to improve the Philippine's basic education system by
strengthening its curriculum, increasing the number of years for basic education, and appropriating
funds accordingly. In SEC 2 Declaration of policy RA 10533 The State is required to establish and maintain
a comprehensive, integrated education system that caters to the needs of the people, country, and
society. This system should be learner-oriented, responsive to cognitive and cultural capacity, and use
appropriate languages, including the mother tongue, as a learning resource. Section 4 Enhanced Basic
Education Program state that The Department of Education plans to introduce Filipino and English as
primary languages of instruction from Grade 4 to Grade 6, gradually transitioning from regional or native
languages to the new language. Curriculum Development RA 10533 mandates the use of Mother
Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) principles, ensuring accessible instructional materials
and capable teachers for effective implementation. The 2012 DO 13 Series of DepEd mandates the
development of learning activity packages, including kindergarten workbooks, learning modules,
teaching guides, and manipulative materials. These materials will be developed by a team of subject
area specialists from the public and private sectors. Additionally, modules and reading materials written
in the mother tongue will be provided. D.O. 31, s. 2013 mandates that Mother Tongue is utilized as a
medium of instruction in Grades 1 and 2 for teaching Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, Music, Arts,
Physical Education and Health, and ESP. And last DO No. 74, series 2009 promotes mother tongue-based
multilingual education through an MLE support system, including orthography development, locally
developed materials, community participation, and teacher training.