RESPECT FOR LANGUAGE DIVERSITY

ELEINE A. YABUT

7he Department of (ducation has enumerated various plans for achieving inclusion and respect for language diversity in basic education programs. :orNing towards the goal of (nglish language profi ciency within the conte[t of a multilingual nation, 9ice 3resident and 6ecretary of (ducation 6ara =. Duterte has reaffirmed Dep(d s 0$7$7$* commitments dedicated to language and inclusion to improve (nglish proficiency while recogni]ing linguistic diversity. 6he said the agency will review the implemen tation of the 0other 7ongue based 0ultilingual (ducation policy guided by the principle that, among others, learners learn when taught in a language they understand. 93 6ec. Duterte also mentioned that Dep(d would continue establishing inclusive learning resource centers to provide assisted mechanisms such as audio assisted technology liNe braille and large print test materials for disabled students. 0oreover, she committed to introducing digital te[tbooNs for certain core subMects in 6enior +igh 6chools and coordinating with 5egional 2ffices and partners to facilitate the development of learning resources for learners with 6pecial 1eeds, specifically the visually and hearing impaired. 6he also appealed for the continuous support of partners and staNeholders in supporting teachers and learners in fostering a positive and non threatening learning environment. Dep(d also gathered commitments from policymaNers and staNeholders to support its implementation of language and inclusion programs.

o2o

7he author is 7eacher , at %ebe $nac (lementary 6chool