Ilocano writers seek Congress to reconsider use of mother tongue-based multi-lingual learning

BAGUIO CITY (November 2, 2024)— Members of the Ilocano writers group “Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano iti Filipinas” (GUMIL–Filipinas), an organized group of Ilokano writers in the Philipines and abroad, are asking Congres to reconsider the ruling against the use of the mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE) following the enactment of Republic Act 12027.



The RA 12027, otherwise known as the “Act for discontinuing the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction,” was passed recently, stopping the implementation of the RA 10533, otherwise known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” which institutionalized the MTB-MLE program in the Department of Education (DepEd).

GUMIL Filipinas members, led by its President Ariel S. Tabag via a manifesto expressed their strong opposition to RA 12027, which discontinues the use of regional languages as a medium of instruction for Kindergarten to Grade 3, thus making them only optional in monolingual classes. 

“We acknowledge the results of various studies here and abroad which have proven the efficacy of developing early literacy with the use of a language all too familiar with learners—and that is their mother tongue. The same line of research points to the fact that first language learning does not hinder the learning of English and academic subjects in English, for it enhances such an end,” GUMIL members said.

“We commit to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Articles 28 and 30 that require state parties to guarantee linguistic freedom to the child to preserve his culture and identity,” the group’s members added.

The GUMIL members said that they recognize that RA 10533 was a landmark law in the history of Philippine education. It finally acknowledged the use of a child’s own language in education, which is their right. 

“We believe that the discontinuance of the said law violates the basic universal right,” they added.

They further urged Congress and the Department of Education to consider a late exit plan for Mother Tongue up to Grade 6 instead of up to Grade 3. This provision is enshrined in RA 10533 “which provides Mother Tongue as a medium of instruction and as a subject up to Grade 6”.

RA 12027 shortchanged the use of Mother Tongue to only four years the already inadequate seven years (based on research, the period needed to develop Cognitive-Academic Language Proficiency is 12 years), GUMIL members further cited.

“We express our commitment to the Philippine Government that GUMIL Filipinas shall serve as an active partner in improving Mother Tongue education in Ilokano-speaking areas as we remain devoted to the continuous development of education in the country,” they concluded.