Advocates push for mother tongue-based teaching in schools

Published February 18, 2012 3:08pm

In celebrating the International Mother Language Day, a group of advocates pushing for the implementation of the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE) is facing the media in a press conference that aims to present the advantages of using a child’s mother tongue and the demerits of using English as the medium of instruction in schools. The International Mother Language Day has been celebrated every 21^st of February since 2000 to promote the linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. In the Philippines, where more than 170 languages are spoken across the country, the mother tongue or a child’s first language is used only as auxiliary for initial instruction in primary grades. The bilingual policy in the Philippine educational system is partly anchored on the belief that English is the language of development and global competitiveness. However, results of various studies have shown otherwise. Speakers in this press conference will discuss why the English-dominated education system in the Philippines has condemned many of our children to failure, and as a consequence, to a life of poverty. They will also present an alternative system that will help improve the performance of Filipino children in schools, and eventually in their life-learning skills. WHAT: “Speaking in Tongues: Learning is more Fun in the Philippines” A Press Conference on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education WHEN: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday, 21 February 2012 (International Mother Language Day) WHERE: Director’s Lounge, Department of Education DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue Pasig City WHO: Mr. Hussein Macarambon of UNESCO will talk on the topic “The International Mother Language Celebration.” Dr. Ricardo Ma. Nolasco of the Department of Linguistics, UP will discuss, “The English-dominated Education System: How it condemned many of the Filipino Children.” Dr. Rosalina J. Villaneza of the Department of Education will discuss “DepEd Order 74: The Government’s Effort in Addressing the Gaps. Are the Gaps Filled?” Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo, Representative 2^nd District of Valenzuela, Deputy Majority Leader and author of HB 162 will talk about “The Multilingual Education and Literary Act: A Legislative Response.” Mr. Ernesto Almocera, Jr. of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) will present the overview of the activity. DepEd Usec. Yolanda Quijano is invited to talk about, “The Instruction and Education in Mother Tongue as a Tool in Fulfilling the Right to Education.” MEDIA COVERAGE IS REQUESTED. INTERVIEWS CAN BE ARRANGED. For clarifications, please contact Vigie Mobile No. 0918-2936786.