Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Serrano: On DepEd's English policy By Fhey P. Serrano
DEPED Order 60 s.2008, Addendum to DepEd Order 36 s.2006 Implementing Rules and Regulations on Executive Order (EO) 210, establishing the policy to strengthen the use of English as the medium of instruction in majority of subjects in public schools should be applauded.
To give greater and sustained stress on the use of English language in school is imperative and timely to save the deterioration of the once-vaunted proficiency in English among us.
We should be aware that the English language is an international language and it is our government's goal to make Philippine education develop Filipino learners' competence in English and to prepare the young in aligning their energy to get themselves involved in efforts toward economic and social progress. This is a preparation so our country could compete in the global society as a result of our high quality of education.
It is understandable then why our Chief in Education explicitly stated that English is to be taught as a second language starting in first grade and should be used as a medium of instruction in teaching English, Mathematics, Science and Health starting third grade.
Aside from increasing the time allotment in the use of English classroom instruction, DepEd is coming up with a new project to cure the poor use of English being viewed as one of the factors why until now we are on process of defeating unwanted result.
DepEd has launched a project "Lingua Franca" and the Division of Pampanga is a pilot division to the said program. Three districts were chosen as pilot districts in "Lingua Franca" namely Mabalacat East, Minalin and Bacolor districts. They use Pampango in teaching grade one pupils.
The use of the mother tongue as the language of instruction beginning in grade one is now recognized as the most effective way to improve student learning and shall also serve as a strong bridge to learn a second language faster and better.
For learners in the alternative learning system, the mother tongue is likewise recommended as the language of instruction for basic literacy.
Since the central office is doing its part in upgrading and finding solutions to address ailing proficiency in English, each one of us in the field of school system should be strict and firm enough in implementing EO 210.
