Teach Filipino students in their mother tongue

National identity is vital for a country aspiring to chart its own future independently amid global pressures.

- ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO

For the Philippines, a country rich in diverse cultures and languages, fostering national identity begins fundamentally in the classroom, with the choice of language as the medium of instruction. While the widespread use of English is often highlighted for its global economic advantages, insisting on English as the official language of education inadvertently weakens student comprehension and undermines the nation's ability to fully realize its potential.

Language, at its core, is more than a mere tool for communication; it shapes understanding, cognitive development, and cultural identity. Filipino students naturally comprehend concepts best in their native language—the language they speak at home, the language of their everyday lives. When education aligns with this linguistic reality, students experience enhanced cognitive growth, stronger foundational learning, and improved overall academic performance.