Korean language class an elective, not replacement for Filipino subject — DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday clarified that the Korean language classes to be offered in some Metro Manila schools will not replace the Filipino subject in the basic education curriculum.

"The study of the Korean language is elective and not part of the core subjects of around 700 learners in 10 selected junior high schools (JHS) in the National Capital Region," DepEd said in a statement.

"Aside from offering Korean language class, DepEd currently implements five Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL) classes in Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese in all public schools," it added.

Secretary Leonor Briones underscored that amid DepEd's goal of developing the foreign language skills of its learners, Filipino remains part of the core subjects in the basic education.

Panitikan, she said, shall also continue to serve as a springboard for discussion of grammar lessons and a way of strengthening the Filipino identity and culture.

The medium of instruction for Araling Panlipunan and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao is also Filipino.

Furthermore, the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) is being implemented in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3 in all public schools.

The department also clarified that the inclusion of the Korean language in DepEd’s SPFL was formalized back in June 2017 through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Philippines and South Korea.

Only those students who have mastery in Filipino and English shall be qualified to take the Korean language class elective.

"SPFL is open to Grades 7 to 10 learners who have demonstrated competence in Filipino and English, and are interested in and capable of learning another foreign language," it said.

Just this month, the Supreme Court lifted a temporary restraining order on the exclusion of Filipino and Panitikan as core college courses.

Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (SWF) director Rommel Rodriguez said they will appeal the decision.

“Patuloy ang paglaban para isulong at ipagtanggol ang Wikang Filipino at Panitika ng Pilipinas para hindi tuluyang mawala sa curriculum ng estudyante sa kolehiyo,” Rodriguez said. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News