Law Summary
Duties of the Institute of National Language
- Mandated by law to prepare a dictionary and grammar of the national language.
- On completion, the Institute submitted a Tagalog-English Vocabulary and the grammar titled "Ang Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa" to the President.
Constitutional Mandate
- Section 3 of Article XIII of the Philippine Constitution requires adoption of a common national language based on an existing native language.
- The law and this constitutional mandate emphasize the imperative nature of adopting and institutionalizing a national language.
Presidential Authorization and Directives
- President Manuel L. Quezon authorized the printing and publication of the Tagalog-English Vocabulary and "Ang Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa".
- The national language is mandated to be taught in all public and private schools starting June 19, 1940.
- The Secretary of Public Instruction, with presidential approval, is responsible for preparing the rules and regulations necessary to implement this mandate.
Operational Effect on the Institute of National Language
- With the submission of the vocabulary and grammar, the main duties of the Institute are considered fulfilled.
- Further sessions of the Institute’s members are not required unless directed by the President.
Scope and Educational Impact
- The Order applies to all public and private schools across the Philippines.
- It institutionalizes the teaching and use of the national language in the educational system starting on a fixed date.
Implementation Instructions
- The Secretary of Public Instruction shall prepare the implementing rules and regulations.
- These rules will ensure the effective use and teaching of the national language based on the approved dictionary and grammar.