ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATION SYSTEM

MARIVIC DE VEGA REGALA

In the Philippines, English is highly valued not only because it is functional and practical, but more importantly, the better one’s ability to understand and use it, the better one’s chances of career development. English is always been one of the official languages of the Philippines. It is the language of commerce and law, as well as the primary medium of instruction in education. The English language is well entrenched in Philippine formal education. It was introduced into the formal educational system when the United States of America colonized the Philippines.

The most overt and persistent arguments for maintaining English as the medium of instruction involve the supposed advantage of English as a medium for intellectual pursuits, for international communication, for economic advancement, especially in the current globalizing world environment. From the earliest implementation of English as the medium of instruction policy during the American colonial period, it was already argued that English would be the better medium to give Filipinos access to the knowledge of other civilizations. These arguments are still valid as most of the knowledge in the various domains of learning is documented in the English language.

Therefore, schools should try to develop the English language proficiency of Filipino students. The usefulness of English in such settings have been intensified by globalization in its various manifestations. As a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena is not likely to yield straightforward prescriptions, Filipino educators will have to be exceptionally creative in finding ways to ensure that English becomes a positive resource in the education of Filipinos. On the other hand, teachers are to be given the chance to enhance their knowledge and literacy in the English language in order to contribute to the much deserved change in the Philippine Educational System.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III (Senior High School) at Natividad High School