QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 210)
Executive Order No. 210 cites Section 7, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that for purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.
English shall be taught as a second language starting with the First Grade.
Per EO No. 210 and the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum, English shall be used as the medium of instruction for English, Mathematics, and Science from at least the Third Grade level.
As the primary medium of instruction in secondary level, the percentage of time allotment for learning areas conducted in English is expected to be not less than seventy percent (70%) of the total time allotment for all learning areas in the secondary level.
All public and private institutions of learning at the secondary level, including laboratory and/or experimental schools, and non-formal and vocational or technical educational institutions.
To develop students’ aptitude, competence, and proficiency in English so they are better prepared for job opportunities emerging in new, technology-driven sectors of the economy.
Institutions of higher education, including State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), are encouraged to adopt English as the primary medium of instruction in the tertiary level.
CHED shall adopt measures to promote and encourage the use of English as the primary medium of instruction in tertiary or higher education.
DepEd (through NEAP), EDPITAF, CHED, TESDA, and also educational institutions in the private sector are directed to evaluate educators’ English proficiency and conduct nationwide training programs.
The implementing authorities must secure necessary funding for adequate learning materials and resources to develop students’ English proficiency, collaborate in developing an evaluation instrument to monitor progress of both educators and students, and generally support achievement of policy objectives.
The DepEd and TESDA are directed to take active steps to ensure implementation and monitor compliance in all public and private institutions of learning in the elementary and secondary levels, including laboratory/experimental schools and non-formal/vocational/technical institutions.
Within thirty (30) days from the issuance of the EO, DepEd, CHED, and TESDA must submit to the President a plan of action to effectively implement the EO.
Under Section 8, Filipino language (Filipino/Araling Panlipunan) shall continue to be the medium of instruction in the learning areas of Filipino and Araling Panlipunan, pursuant to the Constitutionally-mandated policy to develop and enrich Filipino.
No. Section 9 guarantees academic freedom by stating that nothing in the EO shall be construed as limiting the academic freedom of institutions of higher education.
It takes effect immediately upon approval.
All executive issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with EO No. 210 are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
It was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Executive Secretary Alberto G. Romulo signed “By the President,” indicating his role in the official issuance as Executive Secretary.