Historical Context:
* Colonial Era: English was introduced during the American colonial period (1898-1946) and became the language of administration, education, and commerce.
* Post-Independence: While the Philippines gained independence, English retained its importance due to its global reach and economic relevance.
Constitutional Provisions:
* Article XIV, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution: This section states that "the State shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society." This allows for the inclusion of English as a critical component in the educational system.
Educational Policies and Laws:
* Education Act of 1982 (Batas Pambansa Blg. 232): This law emphasizes the importance of English as a medium of instruction in higher education.
* The Philippine Basic Education Curriculum (K to 12): This curriculum, implemented in 2013, integrates English as a subject across all levels of basic education.
* Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 4, series of 2009: This order mandates the use of English as the language of instruction in all public schools nationwide.
Practical Rationale:
* Global Communication: English is considered a global language, essential for international communication, trade, and research.
* Economic Opportunities: Proficiency in English enhances job opportunities both locally and internationally.
* Educational Access: English serves as a bridge language, providing access to a wider range of educational resources.
However, there are ongoing debates about the role of English in Philippine education, particularly regarding:
* Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE): This approach prioritizes the use of local languages in early education, with English introduced gradually.
* The need for balance between English and Filipino: Critics argue that an overemphasis on English can marginalize Filipino and other local languages.
Therefore, while no single law explicitly mandates the teaching of English as a second language, its widespread use in education stems from a combination of historical factors, constitutional provisions, and national policy decisions. The debate regarding its role and the implementation of MTB-MLE continues to shape the Philippine education landscape.