Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6) — The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure suspending the use of the mother tongue or first language as the medium of instruction for kindergarten to Grade 3 students.
House Bill 6717 received 240 affirmative votes in support of suspending the implementation Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10533, otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, until the Department of Education (DepEd) certifies to Congress that it has completed its books, teaching materials, and supplies to effectively implement mother tongue-based teaching to young learners. The bill, however, specifies that students with disabilities must continue to receive their education in Filipino Sign Language (FSL). It also allows the continued implementation of the mother tongue in schools where it is assessed to be effective. The three Makabayan bloc lawmakers from ACT Teachers, Kabataan, and Gabriela party-lists voted against HB 6717.Section 4 of RA 10533 defines the mother tongue or first language as the language or languages first learned by a child, which he/she identifies with, or uses most. This includes FSL, which is used by individuals with pertinent disabilities.Under HB 6717, DepEd is mandated to coordinate with the Komisyon sa Wikang Pilipino (KWF) in developing books, teaching materials, and other supplies necessary for the implementation of the use of the mother tongue language.
