Constitutional basis and declared intent
- The Executive Order enjoins government offices to implement measures to use Filipino language in official communications, transactions and correspondence.
- It is premised on the 1987 Constitution provisions that the national language is Filipino, and that for communication and instruction the official languages are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.
- It states that intensified use of Filipino in government offices will hasten greater understanding and appreciation of government programs, projects, and activities among the people.
- It identifies Filipino as an instrument of unity and peace for national progress.
Scope: covered government offices and communications
- All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government must undertake the required steps.
- The coverage applies to official communications, transactions, and correspondence in both national and local government offices.
- The obligations extend to personnel assignments for Filipino communications and to the treatment of names of offices, buildings, public offices, and signboards.
Mandatory actions for government entities
- Each office must enhance the use of Filipino in all official communications, transactions and correspondence in its respective office, whether national or local.
- Each office must assign one or more personnel, as may be necessary, to take charge of all communications and correspondence written in Filipino.
- Offices must translate into Filipino the names of offices, buildings, public offices, and signboards of all offices, divisions, or its instrumentalities.
- Offices must imprint below the Filipino translation the English text in smaller letters if so desired.
- Government offices must Filipinize the “Oath of Office” for government officials and personnel.
- Each office must incorporate into its training programs for personnel development the proficiency in the use of Filipino in official communications and correspondence.
Implementation role of Institute of Philippine Languages
- The Institute of Philippine Languages is ordered to formulate and implement programs and projects to implement the objective of the Executive Order.
- The Institute must develop an information campaign on the importance and necessity of Filipino as an effective instrument for national unity and progress.
- The Institute must ensure translation into Filipino of the Executive Order, and translate government terms to be utilized as reference materials for all offices.
- The Institute must implement training of all government officials and personnel in the use of Filipino.
- The Institute must monitor implementation and submit periodic progress reports of implementation to the Office of the President of the Philippines thru the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.
- The Institute must develop and consider other strategies for the full implementation of the Executive Order’s objectives.
- The Institute is authorized to coordinate with and request support from all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, both national and local.
Supersession
- Executive Order No. 335 supersedes Executive Order No. 187 dated August 6, 1969.