‘MOTHER TONGUE’ TO ADD COLOR IN EDUCATION

FELICISIMA M. SANTOS

Having 7,107 islands mainly Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Philippines, known as pearl of the orient produces its generation from time to time. The population of our country is a vast even if the Philippines is just a dot in the whole wide world. Like English, Tagalog is use by every Filipinos in order to communicate to other Filipinos since we all have what we called “native Language” or “native tongue”.

From the northern part of the country up to the southern part, Tagalog is very useful. In schools, colleges and universities, English and Tagalog are the main tools use by the teacher in teaching. But is it really effective if every school will use its native language in communicating with students.

Pampango, our native language in Pampanga is widely spoken not just in our province but also in other parts of Central Luzon. The Department of Education order schools, especially those who are in elementary to use Pampango in teaching. It was majority believe that if they use our native tongue, students can learn more and have this interest in learning. We have now in our country the

Republic Act 10533, or the enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. Also known as K to 12, this program adds another 2 years in four- year high school curriculum. The added year will serve as a specialize period for senior high school students, whether in vocational skill, music, arts, or sports. They will have preparedness in middle- level skills development, entrepreneurship, employment and tertiary education. Also, this law advances added to its nature adding “Mother Tongue” to be use as a medium of instruction from kindergarten until the third year of primary school.

It will be easier in the part of the student to understand every concept of learning if their native language will use for giving instructions and teaching. The teachers also need to amend to the students’needs and make use the language they are familiar with to teach the necessary ideas. The learning will be much lighter and knowledge will be disseminated in a very simple manner.

Education marks a great impact to every one’s lives. It is very important since we use it until we get old. Being literate is an advantage in gaining a productive future. We should always find ways and explore things when it comes to learning. — oOo— The author is Teacher III at San Juan Elementary School, Guagua West District