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Importance Of English As The Medium Of Instruction In The Philippines

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English serves as the medium of instruction in our country. It is the language of the academe and therefore it has the ability to reach a great number of people. As it is used in school, English is helping mold the minds of the children who are to become the future of the Philippines. English can be used in the transition of our country to a Filipinized education by enlightening the minds of both the educated and those who are still in school. English can be used to promote and teach the Filipino ideals, culture, and traditions which can imbed a love for one’s country in the young. It must become a tool used in the schooling of young minds to see the potential and importance of the national language.
The first thing that comes to mind when hearing the phrase “Filipinized education,” is changing the medium of instruction from English to Filipino. However, Renato Constantino said in his 1970 essay, “The Mis-Education of the Filipino” that Philippine education must form Filipinos “who are aware of their country’s problems, who understand the basic solution to these problems, and who care enough to have courage enough to work and sacrifice for their country’s salvation.” Filipino education, therefore, does not immediately mean that the medium of instruction be changed to Filipino. It must be able to promote and instill Filipino ideals and way of thinking.
Most Filipino primary and secondary schools usually has two subjects focusing on English: Reading (where literature is
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