Policy Rationale and Legal Basis
- The development and propagation of a national language is a key objective of the government, as mandated by the Constitution and Commonwealth Act No. 570.
- Filipino has been accepted and recognized by the populace as the national language of the Philippines.
- The promotion of Filipino language serves as an essential element of nationalism, fostering progress, security, and unity among Filipinos.
Executive Authority and Implementation
- The directive was issued by the President of the Philippines, exercising executive powers vested by law.
- This order reinforces the constitutional and legal mandate to promote the national language.
- It commands all government entities to comply with the prescribed use of Filipino in official functions.
Formal Enactment
- The order was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on August 6, 1969, in Manila.
- The signing was attested by the Secretary of the Executive Office, Ernesto M. Maceda.
Scope and Application
- The order covers all government departments, bureaus, offices, and other branches within the government.
- The mandate includes all official communications and transactions, not limited to verbal or written communication during the Linggo ng Wikang Pambansa but extending beyond that period.
Importance of the Filipino Language
- Filipino is regarded as a unifying medium that can lead to national development and social cohesion.
- Emphasizes Filipino’s role in advancing nationalism and hence the overall welfare of the nation.
Summary of the Directive’s Core Mandate
- Use Filipino as much as possible in official government functions.
- Observe Linggo ng Wikang Pambansa by promoting the use of Filipino.
- Continue using Filipino in government communication and transactions beyond the observance week.
- Fulfill constitutional and legislative mandates to propagate and develop the national language.