Policy on the Use of English as a Medium of Instruction
- English is to be taught as a second language starting from the First Grade.
- From the Third Grade onward, English shall be the medium of instruction for English, Mathematics, and Science as per the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum.
- English shall be the primary language of instruction in all public and private secondary schools, including laboratory, experimental, non-formal, vocational, and technical schools.
- At the secondary level, subjects taught in English must constitute at least 70% of instructional time.
- The objective is to develop students' proficiency in English to prepare them for technology-driven job sectors.
Higher Education Language Policy
- Higher education institutions, especially State Colleges and Universities, are encouraged to use English as the primary medium of instruction.
- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is mandated to promote and encourage the use of English in tertiary education.
Teacher English Proficiency
- Educational agencies including DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and private educational institutions shall evaluate English proficiency among educators.
- Nationwide training programs will be conducted to improve English teaching capabilities.
Support and Resource Allocation
- Agencies tasked with implementation must secure funds to provide learning materials and resources for English language development.
- They are also to collaborate on creating evaluation tools to monitor both educators’ and students’ progress.
Implementing Authorities and Monitoring
- The Department of Education (DepEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will actively implement and monitor compliance with this policy in elementary and secondary schools and other learning institutions.
Rule-making Powers
- DepEd, CHED, and TESDA are authorized to issue rules and regulations for effective policy enforcement.
Reporting Requirement
- Within 30 days from this order’s issuance, DepEd, CHED, and TESDA must submit a detailed action plan to the President outlining implementation strategies.
Use of Filipino Language
- Filipino remains the medium of instruction for subjects Filipino and Araling Panlipunan to support its development as the national language.
Academic Freedom Guarantee
- The policy shall not restrict the academic freedom of higher education institutions.
Repealing Clause
- Any prior executive issuances, rules, or regulations contrary to this order are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The order took effect immediately upon approval, mandating immediate compliance by all concerned.